'Close Friend': Why Rams' Sean McVay Hired QB Coach Dave Ragone

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has a strong relationship and plenty of familiarity with new quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone, who was formerly with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Los Angeles Rams filled a key vacancy on their coaching staff Monday, hiring former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone.

It's essentially a direct swap between Los Angeles and Atlanta, as the Falcons hired former Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson to be their new offensive coordinator. Now, Ragone takes over Robinson's position in Los Angeles.

Rams head coach Sean McVay was often complimentary of Robinson, who became one of the most popular coordinator candidates in the league this spring. Ragone has big shoes to fill - but McVay isn't taking a shot in the dark.

Ragone and McVay have long known each other. They were together on the then-Washington Redskins coaching staff in 2015, McVay as offensive coordinator and Ragone as a quality control coach.

They grew close and stayed in touch over the years - and McVay dished praise on Ragone's character prior to the Falcons' road trip to Los Angeles during the 2022 season.

"Really close friend, great human being," McVay said Sept. 14, 2022. "He's one of my good friends and (I) love Dave Ragone, love his kids and his wife, Marju. They mean a lot to me."

Jun 14, 2023; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone on the field during minicamp at IBM Performance Field / Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

On the field, McVay is similarly impressed by Ragone - both in terms of playing at coaching.

Ragone starred as a quarterback at the University of Louisville, earning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year three times before spending 2003 through 2007 on several NFL rosters. He was with the Rams in 2006.

McVay referred to Ragone as a baller at Louisville - and McVay believes he's carried his prowess over to the headset, dubbing the 44-year-old "outstanding."

"He's got a great capacity for the game, really knows all 22, great ability to be able to connect with his players," McVay said. "I think whether it be the quarterback - he knows every position on the field - but his ability to connect, really build and develop relationships, communicate, all the things that I think make a good coach."

Even while separated, McVay and Ragone continued to stay close - so much so that Ragone helped the Rams add former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak as a consultant this season.

Ragone was a receivers coach for two years and quarterbacks coach for one on Munchak's staff from 2011-2013. McVay had no prior experience with Munchak.

Last offseason, McVay wanted to add a consulting role - so Ragone put the two in touch, and Munchak spent the 2023 season assisting the Rams in a variety of facets, particularly offering insight on the offensive line.

McVay dubbed Munchak a stud and a great sounding board - one that wouldn't have been around had it not been for Ragone.

"(Ragone) and Coach Munchak have a great relationship and he actually was the first one to connect us," McVay said Jan. 5, 2024. "I'm grateful that he did, and he's been a tremendous asset to us this year."

During his three seasons in Atlanta, Ragone didn't call plays for the offense, which never finished better than No. 17 in points or No. 15 in yards throughout his tenure. He called plays at times in the preseason this past year.

Then-head coach Arthur Smith was the primary play caller, but Ragone had an impact in play design and building the script.

Ragone was also tasked with coaching quarterbacks this past season and oversaw a struggle-filled unit spearheaded by Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke, who combined to throw for 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Heinicke credited Ragone for helping take a significant stride with his footwork.

"There's a lot of things I needed to work on, and Coach Rags has homed in on it and I've gotten better at it," Heinicke said Nov. 8, 2023.

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Now, Ragone gets to work with Matthew Stafford in the Rams' quarterbacks room - and he'll do so alongside a close friend in McVay who's publicly gone to bat for him for several years.