Update: Los Angeles Rams Shaped Before Hiring coach

Before this year, the name Giff Smith didn’t resonate much with most Los Angeles Rams fans. However, following Aaron Donald’s retirement and Smith’s hiring as the team’s new defensive line coach, he has quickly become one of the most important figures on the coaching staff due to the significant challenges he faces. Smith is now responsible for rebuilding the interior defensive line, focusing on second-year player Kobie Turner, rookie Braden Fiske, contract-year Bobby Brown, and a mix of other young or inexperienced linemen.

Rams head coach Sean McVay even joked about the tough job Smith has ahead of him without Donald;

“Yeah, I didn’t tell him that Aaron was retiring until he accepted the job. He was like, ‘What the hell is this?'”

Giff Smith Recommended His Predecessor To Sean McVay

McVay has been impressed with Smith’s work so far, noting:

“He has such a great feel for empowering guys, and I can’t say enough good things about what I’ve seen and how grateful I am that he’s here.”

However, Smith’s influence on the Rams began long before his official tenure started just a few months ago.

Smith and McVay first crossed paths when Smith was recruiting McVay out of high school while coaching for the Tulane Green Wave. Although McVay chose to play for the Miami RedHawks, their relationship continued well into McVay’s coaching career. Smith remained a trusted advisor to McVay as he rose through the coaching ranks. In 2019, when the Rams needed to replace DL coach Bill Johnson, it was Smith who recommended Eric Henderson. Henderson became a close friend of Aaron Donald and embodied the “DAWGWORK” mentality, helping to build and develop the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning defensive line. Henderson had previously worked under Smith with the Chargers before joining the Rams.

Smith is known for being a tough coach, but McVay views him as a “player’s coach,” a sentiment echoed by former Smith pupil Joey Bosa as the Rams prepared to face Smith’s former team, the Los Angeles Chargers.

“When you hear the term ‘player’s coach,’ it can sometimes imply they’re not hard on guys. But that’s the exact opposite with Giff. He genuinely cares about these players and is exceptional at building relationships. This allows them to be receptive when he’s being challenging and demanding.”