Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Dave Ragone

David Patrick Ragone (born October 3, 1979) is an American football coach and former quarterback who currently serves as the quarterbacks coach for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Ragone played college football at the University of Louisville, where he threw for 8,564 yards and 74 touchdowns over three seasons as a starter, earning induction into the school's Ring of Honor. Selected by the Houston Texans in the third round (88th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft, he appeared in two games as a rookie, completing 20 of 40 passes for 135 yards, one interception, and no touchdowns. His professional playing career also included a stint as the Offensive MVP in NFL Europe with the Berlin Thunder in 2005, where he passed for 1,746 yards and 13 touchdowns, and a brief time with the St. Louis Rams in 2006 before transitioning to coaching. Ragone began his coaching career in 2010 as the quarterbacks coach for the Colonials of the United Football League (UFL). He entered the the following year with the , serving as wide receivers coach from 2011 to 2012—during which leading receiver exceeded 700 receiving yards each season—and then as quarterbacks coach in 2013. In 2015, he worked as an offensive quality control coach for the Washington Redskins. Ragone joined the in 2016 as quarterbacks coach, holding the role through 2019—a period that included the team's 12-4 record and title in 2018—before his promotion to pass game coordinator in 2020. From 2021 to 2023, he was the for the , overseeing units that ranked variably in passing yards per game during his tenure. Hired by the in 2024, Ragone has coached to top-15 rankings in passing yards and touchdowns that season, while the team's passing offense placed 10th in yards per game (227.5). In January 2025, he interviewed for the position with the but remained with the .

Early life

Family background

Dave Ragone was born on October 3, 1979, in . He is the son of immigrants who arrived by boat and settled in , establishing the family's roots in the region. Ragone's father spoke limited English and showed greater familiarity with soccer than , reflecting the family's European influences.

High school career

Dave Ragone attended St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was a letterman in football and basketball. As a senior in 1997, Ragone served as the starting quarterback for the Wildcats under head coach Chuck Kyle, leading the team to an 11-2 record and a berth in the Ohio Division I state semifinals. In that season, he threw for 2,827 yards and 25 touchdowns, including a standout performance of 298 passing yards and three touchdowns in a 37-6 win over nationally ranked Berwick (Pennsylvania) in the season opener. Despite a loss to Canton McKinley in the semifinals, his leadership and arm strength were pivotal in the team's playoff run. Ragone's performance earned him first-team All-Ohio honors from the as a in 1997. His senior season stats drew interest from multiple Division I colleges, ultimately leading to his recruitment by the .

Playing career

College career

Dave Ragone enrolled at the in 1998 and redshirted his first year, preserving his eligibility while learning behind starting Chris Redman. He saw limited action in 1999, completing 1 of 2 passes for 7 yards across five games, before emerging as the full-time starter from 2000 to 2002, where he compiled a 27-11 record as the Cardinals' signal-caller. Over his college career, Ragone amassed 8,564 passing yards and 74 , establishing school records in both categories at the time of his graduation and establishing him as one of the program's most prolific quarterbacks. His standout 2001 season included 3,056 passing yards and 23 , helping the Cardinals achieve an 11-2 record and secure their second straight title. In 2002, he threw for 2,880 yards and 24 , setting a school record with 18 consecutive completions in a single game and tying his career high with five passes in one outing against East Carolina. Ragone's leadership was pivotal in key team milestones, including guiding Louisville to its first bowl victory in the 2001 , a 28-10 win over BYU where he passed for 228 yards and three touchdowns. He also directed the 2002 Cardinals to another championship and a berth in the GMAC Bowl, highlighted by an upset victory over fourth-ranked Florida State. For his efforts, Ragone earned Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2000, 2001, and 2002—the first player in league history to win the award three times—and was named a candidate as a senior.

Professional career

Ragone was selected by the Texans in the third round (88th overall) of the , following a standout college career at Louisville that included setting school records for passing yards and touchdowns. During his rookie season with the Texans, Ragone appeared in two games, starting both, and completed 20 of 40 passes for 135 yards with no touchdowns and one , resulting in a 47.4 ; he also rushed for 51 yards on six carries but fumbled four times. He spent the next two seasons (2004–2005) primarily on the Texans' without seeing additional game action. In 2005, Ragone played for the Berlin Thunder in , where he earned Offensive MVP honors after completing 158 of 251 passes for 1,746 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just two interceptions, leading the Thunder to a 7-3 regular-season record before their loss in . Ragone was waived by the Texans in 2006 and claimed off waivers by the , before being traded to the later that year in exchange for a 2007 fifth-round draft pick; he spent time on the Rams' practice squad but did not play in any further NFL games. He signed with the in 2007 but was released before the season, effectively ending his professional playing career at age 27 after limited opportunities and roster battles.

Coaching career

Hartford Colonials

Ragone entered professional coaching in 2010, joining the of the United Football League (UFL) as the quarterbacks and wide receivers coach. This marked his transition from a playing career that concluded with the Florida Tuskers in 2009. In his role, Ragone focused on developing the team's passing game, particularly working with veteran , who started all eight games and threw for 1,463 yards, 10 , and eight interceptions. Under Ragone's guidance, McCown led the UFL in and passes, helping establish a potent aerial attack despite the team's overall struggles. The Colonials, in their inaugural and only season in , finished with a 3-5 record, placing fourth in the five-team league and missing the . Ragone's one-year stint provided essential early experience in professional coaching amid the UFL's brief existence, which spanned 2009 to 2012 before folding due to financial issues.

Tennessee Titans

Dave Ragone joined the in 2011 as their wide receivers coach, marking his entry into coaching following a stint as quarterbacks coach for the Hartford Colonials in the United Football League the previous year. Under offensive coordinator Chris Palmer, Ragone contributed to an offense that featured key wideouts like and , helping the team achieve a 9-7 record in 2011 and narrowly missing the on tiebreakers. His work emphasized player development and integration into the passing game, building on his background as a former . In 2012, Ragone continued as wide receivers coach amid a midseason transition when Palmer was fired and replaced by interim , adapting to scheme adjustments during a 6-10 season marked by injuries. The following year, he was promoted to , a role that allowed him to directly mentor starting , who appeared in 10 games that season despite ongoing injuries, throwing for 2,505 yards and contributing to a 7-9 finish. Ragone's progression within the organization highlighted his rising profile in coaching circles, focusing on quarterback fundamentals and offensive coordination under Loggains as the full-time coordinator.

Washington Redskins

In 2015, Dave Ragone joined the Washington Redskins as an offensive quality control coach under head coach . His hiring came after three years with the , where he had served as quarterbacks coach, and taking 2014 off from coaching, bringing experience in quarterback development to the staff. In this entry-level role, Ragone's primary responsibilities included breaking down opponent film, compiling scouting reports, and assisting the offensive staff with game preparation and play installation, particularly supporting the passing game led by quarterback . During the 2015 season, Ragone contributed to an offensive unit that showed marked improvement in the aerial attack, with Cousins emerging as a selection after throwing for 4,166 yards. The Redskins ranked 10th in the in total passing yards that year, reflecting a balanced passing strategy that helped the team achieve a 9-7 record and secure the division title. His work focused on enhancing decision-making and route concepts, aiding the offense's efficiency despite a playoff loss to the . Ragone's tenure with the Redskins lasted one season, concluding when he departed in early 2016 to become the quarterbacks coach for the under head coach John Fox. This move marked a step up in direct involvement with coaching, building on his prior experiences.

Chicago Bears

Ragone joined the in 2016 as quarterbacks coach under head coach John Fox, a position he held through the 2019 season before transitioning to passing game coordinator in 2020 under head coach . His tenure spanned five years, during which he focused on developing the team's room amid transitions from veteran in 2016 to rookie starting in 2017. During his time with the Bears, Ragone primarily coached Trubisky, guiding the young to his first selection in 2018 after a breakout season in which Trubisky threw for 3,223 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also worked with backup quarterbacks , who served as the primary reserve from 2018 to 2019, and , who joined the team in 2020 and started the final game of that season. Ragone's prior experience in offensive quality control with the Washington informed his approach to quarterback fundamentals in . Ragone emphasized improvements in Trubisky's mechanics and , particularly through better eye and progression reads, which contributed to the 's enhanced performance and the Bears' 12-4 record that led to an division title and playoff berth in . His detailed, hands-on coaching style fostered trust within the quarterback group and supported overall offensive growth, as noted by teammates and staff.

Atlanta Falcons

Dave Ragone was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons on January 21, 2021, under head coach Arthur Smith, with whom he had previously collaborated in Tennessee. In this role, Ragone oversaw the offensive unit through the 2023 season, though Smith retained responsibility for calling plays. Drawing from his prior experience as quarterbacks coach with the Chicago Bears, Ragone focused on quarterback development and scheme implementation tailored to the roster's strengths. Ragone implemented a run-heavy offensive scheme emphasizing play-action passes to complement a strong ground game, featuring quarterbacks such as Matt Ryan in 2021 and early 2022, later in 2022, and in 2022 and 2023. This approach aimed to balance the attack and keep defenses off-balance, aligning with Smith's philosophy of physical, methodical . In 2022, ' offense ranked 24th in total yards (5,417) and 15th in points scored (365), reflecting moderate efficiency amid a rebuilding phase. Over his three seasons, the unit showed incremental improvement in yardage—from 29th in 2021 (5,164 yards) to 17th in 2023 (5,683 yards)—but consistently ranked low in scoring, finishing 26th both years with 313 and 321 points, respectively. The Falcons posted identical 7-10 records each season under Ragone's coordination, struggling with consistency and failing to contend in the despite individual bright spots like emerging talents in the backfield and receiving corps. These challenges culminated in Ragone's dismissal alongside on January 8, 2024, following the 2023 campaign's disappointing finish.

Los Angeles Rams

Dave Ragone was hired by the on February 19, 2024, as their s coach under head coach . In his first season with the Rams, Ragone worked closely with veteran , who led the team to a 10-7 record and a playoff appearance as a contender, and with third-year , helping integrate him into the offense following his return from a personal hiatus. Ragone was praised by McVay for his effective quarterback development during organized team activities (OTAs) in 2024, particularly for fostering consistent daily routines in the quarterback room and aiding Bennett's understanding of the scheme. Entering the 2025 season, Ragone interviewed for the offensive coordinator position with the in January but remained with the , who finalized their coaching staff with him retained in the role for his second year. As of November 2025, Ragone continues in his position, contributing to the team's preparations for the ongoing season, where the hold a 7-2 record. His prior experience as an with the has informed his tactical approach to quarterback coaching in ' high-powered system.

References

  1. [1]
    Dave Ragone Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
    Dave Patrick Ragone ; Position: QB Throws: Left ; Born: October 3, 1979 in Middleburg, OH ; College: Louisville (College Stats) ; Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 1 ...
  2. [2]
    Dave Ragone - Los Angeles Rams
    Dave Ragone enters his second season with the Los Angeles Rams as the quarterbacks coach. He joined the Rams after spending three seasons with the Atlanta ...
  3. [3]
    6 things to know about new Rams QBs coach Dave Ragone
    Feb 20, 2024 · He started his coaching career in the UFL 14 years ago​​ After his playing days, Ragone got into coaching in 2010. He was the Hartford Colonials' ...Missing: history | Show results with:history<|control11|><|separator|>
  4. [4]
    Dave Ragone College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits
    Dave Ragone. School: Louisville. Position: QB. Draft: 3rd round, 88th overall of the 2003 NFL draft by the Houston Texans.
  5. [5]
    Rams QB Coach Dave Ragone Interviews for Bucs' OC Position
    Jan 28, 2025 · Ragone most recently served as the Los Angeles Rams' quarterback coach in 2024 after three seasons (2021-23) as the offensive coordinator for ...
  6. [6]
    Five things to know about Falcons OC Dave Ragone
    Jan 22, 2021 · The first four seasons, Ragone was quarterbacks coach, and he was promoted to pass game coordinator in 2020.
  7. [7]
    [PDF] Los Angeles Rams
    ... Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Ragone and his wife,. Marju, have three children Isabella, Anderson, and Cristiano. Dave Ragone. Quarterbacks Coach. College ...
  8. [8]
    ESPN.com: NCF - A matter of fate
    Dave Ragone grew up near John Heisman's birthplace. Now he has a chance to ... Could fate work with a guy who is the son of off-the-boat Italian ...
  9. [9]
    Dave Ragone Coaching Record and Bio - Pro Football Archives
    The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for Dave Ragone pro football coaching record.Missing: history | Show results with:history
  10. [10]
    1997 McKinley football hits St. Ignatius with miracle comeback
    Nov 21, 2022 · "They had Dave Ragone at quarterback, LeCharles Bentley on the line, Joe Gonzalez at running back, and all kinds good players." McDaniels ...
  11. [11]
    [PDF] 2024 Saint ignatiuS Football Media guide - Amazon S3
    Aug 20, 2024 · winning 28-7, led by Ohio Mr. Football Lamar Sperling, who rushed for ... 1997 Dave Ragone. QB. 1st. 1997 Chris Haneline. LB. 1st. 1997 Jesse ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  12. [12]
    For A Change, Dawgs Don't Have Their Day St. Ignatius Simply ...
    Sep 7, 1997 · Making his second career start, Ragone outsmarted the fourth-ranked team in the country to the tune of 298 yards and three touchdowns as St.Missing: Mr. | Show results with:Mr.
  13. [13]
    Surprise, Surprise NFL teams always seem to find top quarterbacks ...
    Aug 12, 2002 · time Ragone led St. Ignatius to the state semifinals in November 1997, most of the big-time schools had lined up their quarterbacks. "John L ...
  14. [14]
    Dave Ragone: From unknown to The One - The Louisville Cardinal
    Aug 28, 2002 · His stats as a leader are simply amazing. In Ragone's only year as a starter in high school he led the Wildcats to an 11-2 record losing in the ...
  15. [15]
    C-USA Hall of Fame Spotlight: Dave Ragone
    Nov 6, 2020 · Ragone is in his fifth season on the Bears staff and his first as pass game coordinator in 2020 after spending the previous four as quarterbacks ...
  16. [16]
    Ragone Has Record-Breaking Day In Cardinals Win - University of ...
    LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Dave Ragone set a Louisville record with 18 straight completions and threw a career-high five touchdown passes as the Cardinals beat East ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  17. [17]
    Louisville Brings Home Liberty Bowl
    Dave Ragone threw for 228 yards and 3 touchdowns in Louisville's 28-10 win. Louisville Brings Home Liberty Bowl. December 31, 2001 | Football.
  18. [18]
    New Coach Dave Ragone Played Quarterback In Berlin
    Feb 27, 2015 · Ragone threw for 1,746 yards and 13 touchdowns with just two interceptions, winning NFL Europe's Offensive MVP Award. He led the Thunder to a 7- ...Missing: Admirals | Show results with:Admirals
  19. [19]
    Palmer names coaching staff for Hartford's UFL team - CTPost
    Ragone was one of nine assistant coaches hired by the United Football League's Hartford Colonials to serve under head coach and general manager Chris Palmer, a ...
  20. [20]
    Texans quarterbacks through the years - Chron
    Mar 9, 2016 · Dave Ragone. Drafted in the third round in 2003, Ragone started two games ... He finished his career with the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2009.
  21. [21]
    [PDF] WEEK 3 | SEPT. 24 REDSKINS at GIANTS
    ... Dave Ragone. RUH-goan. A digital edition of the 2015 Washington Redskins Media ... Hartford Colonials. Under Ragone, Hartford quarterback Josh McCown led ...
  22. [22]
    2010 UFL Season Standings - Pro Football Archives
    Jul 1, 2025 · 2010 UFL Season Standings ; Omaha Nighthawks, 3, 5, 0 .375 ; Hartford Colonials, 3, 5, 0 .375 ...Missing: record | Show results with:record
  23. [23]
    United Football League (2009-2012) - Fun While It Lasted
    History of the defunct United Football League that operated from 2009 until 2012, including a list of UFL franchises and league champions.
  24. [24]
    Titans Add To Coaching Staff
    Feb 22, 2011 · NASHVILLE, TENN. - The Tennessee Titans named Dave Ragone as wide receiver coach, Art Valero as assistant offensive line coach, ...
  25. [25]
    2011 Tennessee Titans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees ...
    8.2-7.8. SRS: -1.00 (19th of 32), SOS: -1.50. Offensive Coordinator: Chris Palmer. Defensive Coordinator: Jerry Gray. Other Notable Asst.: Frank Bush ...
  26. [26]
    Titans hire four new assistants, including Ragone for WRs - NFL.com
    Feb 22, 2011 · Ragone, a third-round draft pick out of Louisville in 2003, played with the Houston Texans from 2003-05.Missing: date | Show results with:date
  27. [27]
    2012 Tennessee Titans season - Wikipedia
    Offensive coordinator – Chris Palmer (fired Nov 26, 2012) · Quarterbacks/interim offensive coordinator – Dowell Loggains · Running backs – Jim Skipper · Wide ...2012 draft class · Staff · Final roster · Schedule
  28. [28]
    Titans Announce Changes to Coaching Staff
    Jan 17, 2013 · He moves to Quarterbacks coach, the position he coached at the Hartford Colonials in the United Football League in 2010. Ragone was raised as a ...Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  29. [29]
    2013 Tennessee Titans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees ...
    7.5-8.5. SRS: -0.77 (15th of 32), SOS: .41. Offensive Coordinator: Dowell Loggains. Defensive Coordinator: Jerry Gray. Other Notable Asst.: Sylvester Croom ...
  30. [30]
    Redskins Add Dave Ragone To Coaching Staff
    Feb 26, 2015 · Ragone joins the Redskins with six seasons of NFL experience, including three as an assistant coach for the Tennessee Titans from 2011-13. In ...Missing: roles | Show results with:roles
  31. [31]
  32. [32]
    Redskins add offensive assistant Dave Ragone - The Washington Post
    Feb 27, 2015 · Redskins add offensive assistant Dave Ragone. February 27, 2015More ... Dave Ragone, right, works with Titans wide receiver James Kirkendoll on a ...
  33. [33]
    2015 NFL Passing - Pro-Football-Reference.com
    2015 NFL Passing ; Super Bowl Champion · Denver Broncos ; AP MVP · Cam Newton ; AP Offensive Rookie of the Year · Todd Gurley ; AP Defensive Rookie of the Year · Marcus ...
  34. [34]
    Bears hire Dave Ragone as new quarterbacks coach
    Jan 22, 2016 · Prior to that, Ragone worked as the QB coach for the Hartford Colonials in the UFL (2010), the Tennessee Titans wide receivers coach (2011-12) ...Missing: assistant coaches date
  35. [35]
    Redskins add two offensive assistants to coaching staff - The ...
    Waldron will replace Dave Ragone, who took a job as the Chicago Bears' quarterbacks coach. This will be Waldron's sixth season in the NFL after serving five ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Bears Hire Dave Ragone As QB Coach - CBS Chicago - CBS News
    ... Ragone spent the 2015 season as an offensive quality control coach for the Redskins. He previously worked as the Titans' quarterbacks coach in 2013. Ragone ...
  37. [37]
    Chicago Bears hire Dave Ragone to coach Jay Cutler, quarterbacks
    Jan 22, 2016 · Ragone coached the Titans' wide receivers in 2011-12 before overseeing the quarterback position in 2013. Loggains worked in Tennessee for six ...Missing: tenure 2017-2020<|control11|><|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Nagy announces additions to coaching staff - Chicago Bears
    Jan 16, 2020 · Ragone becomes passing game coordinator after spending the past four seasons as Bears quarterbacks coach. Over the past two years, Ragone has ...
  39. [39]
    Bears Hire DeFilippo as QB Coach, Move Dave Ragone
    Jan 15, 2020 · Quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone will now be the Bears passing game coordinator while John DeFilippo has been hired to be quarterbacks coach ...Missing: tenure | Show results with:tenure
  40. [40]
    2018 Chicago Bears Roster & Players - Pro-Football-Reference.com
    Mitchell Trubisky*, 24, 1, 14, 289 for 434, 3,223 yards, 24 td, 12 int, & 68 ... Pro Football Hall of Fame, AP NFL MVP, Pro Bowl ... Frivolities · Players ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  41. [41]
    Chicago Bears hire Dave Ragone as quarterbacks coach - FOX Sports
    Mar 5, 2020 · Ragone has coached four seasons in the NFL. He was an offensive quality control coach for Washington last season after spending three years as ...
  42. [42]
    Bears midseason review: Position coaches assess key players after ...
    Nov 8, 2018 · Quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone says everything regarding Trubisky's progression begins with his eyes. Ragone: “When his eyes are right and ...
  43. [43]
    How Bears head coach Matt Nagy unlocked the real Mitchell Trubisky
    Dec 6, 2018 · Trubisky's quarterback coach Dave Ragone says the player we're seeing this season is the player he's been since high school with wide-open ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  44. [44]
    From 'Rags' to riches? How Dave Ragone mentors QB Mitch ...
    Sep 14, 2019 · Ragone's attention to detail is good for Trubisky, backup quarterback Chase Daniel said, and his work ethic has helped earn Nagy's trust. “You ...
  45. [45]
    Helfrich, Ragone helping Trubisky grow - Chicago Bears
    May 24, 2018 · Bears offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich and quarterbacks coach ... coach Dave Ragone both figure to be instrumental in Trubisky's development.
  46. [46]
    NFL coaching, GM tracker: Latest news, interviews, developments in ...
    Jan 4, 2021 · Atlanta Falcons hire Dean Pees as defensive coordinator, Dave Ragone as offensive coordinator. Dean Pees, a veteran DC who has coached for ...
  47. [47]
    New York Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons Scouting Report - Week 3
    Sep 23, 2021 · The Falcons run a very heavy "Cover 2" scheme (49% of ... coordinator Dave Ragone brings a run and play-action based attack to Atlanta.
  48. [48]
  49. [49]
  50. [50]
  51. [51]
    NFL coaching changes 2023: Latest firings, hirings and rumors - ESPN
    Feb 9, 2024 · Atlanta Falcons. Former offensive coordinator: Dave Ragone New OC: Zac Robinson (Jan. 28). The Falcons are bringing over more than just their ...
  52. [52]
    Rams' Dave Ragone Will Determine Success of Matthew Stafford's ...
    Jul 13, 2025 · Sean McVay detailed during OTAs the tremendous job Ragone has done as quarterbacks coach, especially his work with Stetson Bennett. Bennett ...
  53. [53]
    Stetson Bennett drawing significant praise from Rams head coach ...
    Apr 29, 2024 · Stetson Bennett draws notable praise from Rams head coach Sean McVay during OTAs ... I know (Quarterbacks Coach) Dave Ragone has really enjoyed ...
  54. [54]
    Rams to open camp minus new Matthew Stafford deal and ...
    Jul 24, 2024 · McVay, new quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone and Stafford have aided the transition. Ragone runs "a very consistent room every day," and Stafford ...
  55. [55]
    [PDF] LOS ANGELES RAMS FINALIZE 2025 COACHING STAFF
    Feb 24, 2025 · Dave Ragone. Quarterbacks. 2nd year. 14th year. Nate Scheelhaase^. Pass Game Coordinator. 2nd year. 2nd year. Dan Shamash*. Game Management ...
  56. [56]
    Dave Ragone | Pro Football History.com
    Dave Ragone is a football coach in the National Football League (NFL) and has been the quarterbacks coach for the Los Angeles Rams since 2024. During this time ...
  57. [57]
    Rams' under-the-radar coaching move may prove to be their biggest ...
    Aug 18, 2025 · Ragone was brought aboard after serving as the Atlanta Falcons Offensive Coordinator. Ragone is ideally suited for developing young quarterbacks ...