'Close Friend': Why Rams' McVay Hired Coach Ragone

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.

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.