Baltimore meets with Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase as head coaching search continues
The Baltimore Ravens conducted their 13th head coaching interview on Saturday, bringing in a relatively unknown candidate who represents one of the more unconventional choices in their expansive search. Nate Scheelhaase, the Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator, met with Ravens officials despite having just two seasons of NFL experience and no previous head coaching background at any level of football.
The interview marks a notable shift in Baltimore’s approach to filling their vacant head coaching position. While the organization has spoken with numerous established coordinators and experienced assistants throughout the process, Scheelhaase’s candidacy stands out due to his limited time in professional football and rapid ascension through coaching ranks that began in the college game less than a decade ago.
Rising through college ranks
Scheelhaase’s coaching journey started in January 2018 when Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell hired him as the running backs coach. The former University of Illinois quarterback had no previous coaching experience at the collegiate level, making his initial hire a leap of faith by Campbell’s staff. However, Scheelhaase quickly demonstrated an aptitude for instruction and player development that accelerated his career trajectory.
After just one season coaching running backs, Scheelhaase transitioned to wide receivers coach in 2019. The move showcased his versatility and willingness to master different position groups. Iowa State also assigned him running game coordinator responsibilities while he retained his running backs coaching duties, giving him increased influence over offensive strategy and play design.
The Cyclones promoted Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator before the 2023 season, placing him in charge of the entire offensive operation. His time as offensive coordinator at Iowa State lasted just one season before the NFL came calling.
We have completed an interview with Nathan Scheelhaase for our head coach position. pic.twitter.com/cku7NVly7O
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 17, 2026
Transition to professional football
The Rams hired Scheelhaase as a pass game specialist in February 2024, bringing him into the NFL under head coach Sean McVay. The move placed Scheelhaase in one of the league’s most respected offensive systems, where he could learn from a coach widely regarded as one of football’s brightest offensive minds. McVay’s track record of developing young coaches made the Rams an ideal landing spot for someone with Scheelhaase’s limited professional experience.
This season marked Scheelhaase’s second year with Los Angeles, during which he was promoted to passing game coordinator. The role gave him increased responsibility for designing and implementing the aerial attack for a Rams offense that features talented skill position players and a complex scheme requiring constant adjustment based on opponent tendencies.
Working under McVay has become something of a pipeline to head coaching opportunities across the NFL. Multiple assistants who spent time on McVay’s staff have received interviews and landed prominent positions with other organizations. The Ravens appear to be following that trend by bringing in Scheelhaase, though his candidacy represents a more speculative investment than some of McVay’s other proteges who had more extensive NFL experience.
Ravens’ extensive search process
Baltimore has cast a wide net in their pursuit of a new head coach, conducting 13 interviews with candidates representing various backgrounds and coaching philosophies. The organization brought in two assistants from McVay’s staff on Saturday, indicating they believe the Rams’ system and coaching development approach aligns with their vision for the franchise moving forward.
The Ravens announced Scheelhaase’s interview on social media, posting a photo and brief statement confirming the meeting had taken place. The organization has maintained a similar approach throughout the search process, publicly acknowledging each interview without providing extensive commentary about specific candidates or timeline expectations.
Evaluating the unconventional candidate
Scheelhaase’s offensive background could appeal to a Ravens organization seeking to modernize their approach after years of relying heavily on running-game-dominant strategies. His experience coaching running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks at the college level demonstrates versatility that might translate well to managing an entire coaching staff.
However, significant questions remain about whether someone with such limited experience can successfully navigate the complexities of leading an NFL franchise. Head coaching responsibilities extend far beyond offensive play-calling and include personnel decisions, staff management, media relations and organizational leadership that typically require years of seasoning in coordinator roles. The Ravens’ willingness to interview Scheelhaase suggests they value potential and innovative thinking alongside traditional credentials.
SOURCE: yahoo
