Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo confirmed to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he will not hire a quarterbacks coach for the 2011 season, meaning that role will go to new offensive coordintor Josh McDaniels.
McDaniels will work closely with quarterback Sam Bradford, who looks to build on his 2010 NFL Rookie of the Year campaign in which he took every offensive snap and passed for 3,512 yards and 18 touchdowns with 15 interceptions.
"I think that's a safe statement," Spagnuolo said when asked if McDaniels will hold both jobs. "We're going to head that way, at least this year. And I think it's a good thing. Josh has done it that way before. I think it's terrific that Sam will get the direct how-to-do-it, everything Josh is thinking."
Spagnuolo said having McDaniels serve the dual roles -- both of which he had while with the New England Patriots -- will help Bradford pick up a new offense. McDaniels was the Patriots' quarterbacks coach for two years before he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2006. He was the Denver Broncos' head coach in 2009 and 2010 before being fired.
"I feel real comfortable because Josh has done it this way," Spagnuolo said. "Josh is really efficient with his time and his work. And when they finally get together, I just think it'll be good."
Spagnuolo likely will have to wait a while before he can witness the benefits of McDaniels' tutelage. With football activities currently on hold because of an NFL-imposed lockout, McDaniels is prohibited from making contact with Bradford.