The Rams are now officially on the list of teams trying to find a new coach.
But not a new head coach.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has taken a position at the University of Georgia as their new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He is replacing Mike Bobo, who was the previous OC at Georgia, and is now the head coach at Colorado State.
In a statement released by the school, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt stated the following:
“I’m excited to have Brian join our coaching staff…his NFL experience will be a perfect fit for how we like to play offensive football here at Georgia.”
It was on January 12th, 2012, that Schottenheimer announced he would not return to be the offensive coordinator with the New York Jets, and instead signed with St. Louis. Before his tenure with the Rams, Schottenheimer was quarterbacks coach with the Washington Redskins (2001), San Diego Chargers (2002-05), and then later became the offensive coordinator for the Jets (2006-11).
Despite his veteran experience at being a coach/assistant on the offensive side of the ball, during the past three seasons, he has been met with much criticism over his decisions and lack of offensive production since he became the new OC.
Over his three year tenure with the Rams, Schottenheimer’s offenses averaged 20.2 points per game, placing them at the bottom 10 in the NFL. Injuries to players such as quarterback Sam Bradford and constant changes at the offensive line have also played a big role in the offensive struggles over the past few years.
Schottenheimer, 41, released a statement as well regarding his decision:
“This is a great opportunity to become a Georgia Bulldog for both my career and my family. I’m thrilled to be part of an elite program with such national tradition and a great staff already in place. I look forward to working with young men and being a positive and significant influence on their lives as we develop them athletically, academically and socially.”
Putting aside the mixed reception he received in St. Louis, the offense will now most likely go through another change as the search for a new OC begins.
Safe to say it’s been a hectic week for the Rams organization…
(Photo credit: 101.1 Sports)
