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Philadelphia Today
By the People, for the People
Rams Hire Offensive Coordinator to Bolster Defense
Brian Johnson joins the Rams' coaching staff to help the defense prepare for modern offenses.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The Los Angeles Rams have hired Brian Johnson as a senior offensive assistant, but he will be embedded within the defensive coaching staff. This move mirrors a similar hire the Rams made in 2024 when they brought in Sean Desai to challenge assumptions and refine the defensive structure. Johnson's expertise in designing offenses that utilize run-pass options, play-action, and a balanced attack is expected to help the Rams' defense better prepare for and anticipate these modern offensive schemes.
Why it matters
The Rams' defense struggled against play-action and run-pass option plays last season, allowing a high completion rate and yards after contact. Bringing in Johnson, who previously coordinated an offense that excelled in these areas, is intended to help the Rams' defenders recognize indicators faster and improve their anticipation of these offensive concepts.
The details
Brian Johnson spent one season as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, where his offense ranked in the top 10 in several key metrics despite not having elite talent. He then went on to help develop the young offense of the Washington Commanders. Johnson's offenses emphasized run-pass options, heavy play-action integration, and a balanced run/pass structure designed to force defensive hesitation - exactly the kind of offense that gave the Rams' defense trouble in 2025.
- In 2024, the Rams hired Sean Desai as a senior assistant to help stabilize the defensive coaching staff.
- The Rams hired Brian Johnson as a senior offensive assistant in 2026 to be embedded within the defensive coaching staff.
The players
Sean McVay
The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams who has a history of bringing in outside voices to challenge his team's assumptions and refine their structure.
Brian Johnson
The new senior offensive assistant for the Los Angeles Rams who will be embedded within the defensive coaching staff. Johnson previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles and helped develop the young offense of the Washington Commanders.
Sean Desai
The former defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles who joined the Rams in 2024 as a senior assistant to help stabilize the defensive coaching staff and contribute to the offensive structure.
What’s next
The Rams will look to see if Johnson's expertise in modern offensive schemes can help their defense better prepare for and anticipate these concepts during the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The Rams' hiring of Brian Johnson as a senior offensive assistant embedded within the defensive coaching staff is another example of the team's innovative approach to improving their team by bringing in outside perspectives to challenge assumptions and refine their strategy.
