On February 24, 2025, the Los Angeles Rams made waves in the NFL offseason by announcing the addition of Alex Van Pelt to their coaching staff as a senior offensive assistant. This hiring, confirmed by multiple outlets including NBC Sports and The Rams Wire, has sparked intrigue and speculation across the football world. Van Pelt, a seasoned coach with a notable history as the Green Bay Packers’ quarterbacks coach from 2014 to 2017, brings a wealth of experience—and a fascinating connection to Aaron Rodgers—that could hint at the Rams’ plans for the 2025 season.
Who Is Alex Van Pelt?
Alex Van Pelt is no stranger to the NFL. A former quarterback who played nine seasons as a backup for the Buffalo Bills, Van Pelt transitioned into coaching in 2005, starting with NFL Europe’s Frankfurt Galaxy. His NFL coaching career began in earnest with the Bills in 2006, where he held various roles, including offensive coordinator in 2009. After stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals, Van Pelt landed in Green Bay in 2012, initially as a running backs coach before being promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2014 under head coach Mike McCarthy.
During his four-year tenure with the Packers, Van Pelt worked closely with Aaron Rodgers, who was already a superstar quarterback by that point. The 2014 season, Van Pelt’s first as Rodgers’ position coach, saw Rodgers win his second NFL MVP award, throwing for 4,381 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions. Their partnership was evidently successful, and Rodgers has spoken highly of Van Pelt over the years. When the Packers let Van Pelt’s contract expire in 2018, Rodgers publicly expressed his frustration, calling the decision “interesting” and noting it was made “without consulting me,” as reported by ESPN.
Since leaving Green Bay, Van Pelt has built an impressive resume. He served as the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterbacks coach in 2018-2019, then as the Cleveland Browns’ offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2023, and most recently as the New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator in 2024. Though he didn’t call plays in Cleveland (head coach Kevin Stefanski handled that duty), Van Pelt demonstrated adaptability, guiding the Browns to a playoff win in 2020 and managing a revolving door of quarterbacks in 2023, including a resurgent Joe Flacco. His lone season in New England saw him oversee rookie Drake Maye’s development, though the Patriots struggled to a 4-13 record, leading to his departure under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
Why the Rams Hired Van Pelt
The Rams’ decision to bring Van Pelt on board as a senior offensive assistant under head coach Sean McVay is a notable addition to an already talented staff. McVay, known for his offensive brilliance, has a history of surrounding himself with experienced coaches who can enhance his system. Van Pelt joins offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone, suggesting a collaborative approach to refining the Rams’ offense for 2025.
Van Pelt’s hiring comes at a pivotal moment for the Rams. Matthew Stafford, their starting quarterback since 2021, is entering the final year of his contract in 2025 at age 37. While Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2021 and remains a high-level performer when healthy, his injury history—including a significant elbow issue in 2022—has raised questions about his long-term future. The Rams have expressed a desire to work out an extension with Stafford, as noted in The Rams Wire, but they’re also preparing for all possibilities.
Van Pelt’s expertise as a quarterbacks coach makes him an ideal fit to work with Stafford, whose precision and football IQ align well with Van Pelt’s West Coast-influenced coaching style. During his time in Green Bay, Van Pelt helped refine Rodgers’ mechanics and decision-making, skills that could benefit Stafford as he navigates the twilight of his career. Additionally, Van Pelt’s experience with multiple quarterback styles—from Rodgers’ improvisational brilliance to Flacco’s pocket presence—offers flexibility if the Rams turn to a younger signal-caller like Jake Haener or Stetson Bennett in the future.
The Aaron Rodgers Connection: Coincidence or Conspiracy?
The most tantalizing aspect of Van Pelt’s hiring is his connection to Aaron Rodgers, who is currently facing an uncertain future after being cut loose by the New York Jets. After two disappointing seasons in New York, including a 2024 campaign marred by injury and poor team performance, reports indicate the Jets have moved on from the 41-year-old four-time MVP, per WI Sports Heroics. Rodgers, however, has not announced plans to retire and is known for his desire to control his career narrative.
Speculation has swirled that the Rams could be a landing spot for Rodgers if they part ways with Stafford. The hiring of Van Pelt, whom Rodgers “loved” during their time together in Green Bay (as noted by Aaron Nagler of CheeseheadTV, cited in The Rams Wire), fuels this theory. Rodgers has a history of influencing personnel decisions, as evidenced by the Jets’ acquisitions of his former Packers teammates like Davante Adams and Randall Cobb, along with hiring ex-Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in 2023. Could Van Pelt’s presence be a signal that the Rams are laying the groundwork to lure Rodgers to Los Angeles?
Analysts are divided. Some see it as a practical hire—Van Pelt’s credentials stand on their own, and he could simply be a valuable addition to McVay’s staff regardless of the quarterback situation. Others view it as a strategic chess move, positioning the Rams to make a splash if Stafford departs. The timing—announced on February 24, 2025, just as the offseason rumor mill heats up—only adds to the intrigue.
What’s Next for the Rams?
The Rams’ full 2025 coaching staff, announced alongside Van Pelt’s hiring, includes other notable additions like senior defensive assistant Jimmy Lake and tight ends coach Scott Huff, per Big News Network. This suggests a comprehensive effort to bolster the team after a 2024 season that fell short of expectations (their record isn’t specified here, but context implies it was underwhelming).
Whether Van Pelt’s role will extend beyond assisting Stafford—or grooming a successor—remains to be seen. The Rams hold a mid-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and could target a quarterback if they opt for a youth movement. Alternatively, a blockbuster trade for Rodgers could reshape the NFC West, pitting him against familiar foes like the San Francisco 49ers.
For now, the Rams are keeping their cards close to the vest. McVay, a master of adaptability, has a track record of maximizing his roster’s potential, and Van Pelt’s hiring aligns with that philosophy. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if this move is merely a coaching upgrade—or the first domino in a larger quarterback shakeup.
References
- NBC Sports: “Rams hire Alex Van Pelt, announce full 2025 coaching staff”
- The Rams Wire: “The Rams hired Aaron Rodgers’ former QB coach, who he loved in Green Bay. Coincidence?”
- ESPN: “Aaron Rodgers miffed Green Bay Packers didn’t bring back QB coach Alex Van Pelt”
- WI Sports Heroics: “Former Green Bay Packers Coach (and Aaron Rodgers Favorite) Hired By Rams Amid QB Rumors”
- Big News Network: “Rams add Alex Van Pelt to coaching staff”
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