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Coaching Trees & Legacies

Dateline: NEW YORK, January 8, 2026

The New York Giants’ recent firing of Head Coach Brian Daboll mid-season, after a string of frustrating losses, sparked a debate about who should take the helm next.One suggestion-Chris Shula, the Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator-highlighted a powerful concept in leadership: the coaching tree. A strong coaching tree demonstrates a head coach’s ability to develop future leaders, positioning them for success.

The Ripple Affect of Great Leadership

Building a legacy isn’t just about wins; it’s about who you empower along the way.

A coaching tree isn’t about family ties; it’s a network of assistant coaches who go on to become head coaches themselves, carrying forward the principles and strategies of their mentor.

The idea is simple: extraordinary head coaches don’t just win games, they cultivate talent. Sean McVay, head coach of the Rams since 2017, exemplifies this. His influence extends far beyond the Rams’ sideline.

From Rams Assistants to Head Coaches

Matt LaFleur, McVay’s offensive coordinator in 2017, was hired by the Green Bay Packers in 2019. He quickly transformed the Packers into a consistent contender, achieving a 13-3 record in his debut season and maintaining sustained success. Zac Taylor, another former McVay assistant, landed the Bengals job in 2019 and later led the team to Super Bowl LVI, with multiple deep playoff runs following. Kevin O’connell, McVay’s Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator, took charge of the Vikings in 2022, earning AP Coach of the Year recognition for the 2024 season.