TALKING POINTS
Rams add former Eagles, Bears defensive coordinator Sean Desai to Sean McVay’s coaching staff
THOUSAND OAKS — Former NFL defensive coordinator Sean Desai joined the Los Angeles Rams’ coaching staff as a senior assistant on Friday.
The 40-year-old Desai was the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator last season, replacing Jonathan Gannon. Desai lost play-calling responsibilities to Matt Patricia last December during the Eagles’ late-season freefall, and he was fired by Nick Sirianni after their opening-round playoff loss to Tampa Bay.
Desai was the Seattle Seahawks’ associate head coach in 2022. He spent the previous nine years on the Chicago Bears’ staff, serving as their defensive coordinator in 2021.
The Rams also hired veteran coach Jerry Schluplinski as a senior assistant. Schluplinski was the Raiders’ tight ends coach last season, and he won three Super Bowl rings during a six-year stint on the New England Patriots’ coaching staff.
Desai and Schluplinski are the eighth and ninth new coaches added by the Rams, who have had extensive staff turnover in nearly every season of Sean McVay’s seven-year tenure.
Desai will be an asset to Chris Shula, the longtime linebackers coach promoted to replace new Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris as the Rams’ defensive coordinator.
LAFC signs prolific goal-scorer Denis Bouanga to a 2-year contract extension through 2027
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles FC has signed prolific goal-scorer Denis Bouanga to a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season.
The deal announced Friday, which includes a team option for 2028, allows LAFC to move forward with the centerpiece of its attack secured for at least four seasons.
The 29-year-old Bouanga won the Golden Boot as Major League Soccer’s top scorer in 2023, getting 20 goals in the regular season while earning an MLS AllStar berth and being named an MVP finalist. The speedy, accurate striker was also the top goal-scorer in the CONCACAF Champions League, and he led all MLS players with 38 goals across all competitions while LAFC reached its second straight MLS Cup Final.
“Denis has made an incredible impact on LAFC and our league over the last two seasons and has been
critical to our success,” LAFC general manager John Thorrington said. “We are excited to see one of the best players in the league make this long-term commitment to LAFC and continue our commitment to winning championships in Los Angeles.”
The French-born Bouanga plays internationally for Gabon. LAFC acquired him from Saint-Étienne in August 2022.
He scored just one goal in seven games late in that season, but that goal was a game-winner in stoppage time at Portland to clinch the Supporters’ Shield for his new club.
Bouanga than emerged as one of best offensive players in the MLS last season while leading LAFC to its first league championship. He has also taken over as LAFC’s offensive talisman from Carlos Vela, the Mexican star and former MLS MVP.
The 35-year-old Vela remains unsigned this season, but LAFC has said it still hopes to bring back the first player in franchise history.
The 49ers sign right tackle Colton McKivitz to a 1-year extension
SANTA CLARA — The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a one-year extension with right tackle Colton McKivitz to keep him under contract through the 2025 season.
McKivitz’s agents at AMDG Sports said Friday the deal for 2025 is worth $7 million with about $4.5 million in guarantees. McKivitz is entering the final season of a two-year, $4.56 million contract signed last offseason.
McKivitz originally joined the Niners as a fifth-round pick in 2020 and started five games his first three seasons before taking over the starting spot last season after Mike McGlinchey left in free agency.
The 27-year-old McKivitz started all 17 games last season and played 98% of San Francisco’s offensive snaps. He also played every snap in three postseason games.
McKivitz was voted by his teammates on the line as the winner of the Bobb McKittrick Award given annually to the Niners offensive lineman who best represents the courage, intensity and sacrifice displayed by the longtime offensive line coach.
McKivitz allowed 47 pressures last season, ranking tied for eighth most in the NFL among all tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. He also allowed 12 pressures in three playoff games as the Niners struggled at times to protect quarterback Brock Purdy.
The Niners are seeking to upgrade their pass protection on the line this offseason. Jon Feliciano, who split time at right guard with Spencer Burford, is set to become an unrestricted free agent next week.