Playing for the Rams is a privilege that comes with a great sense of pride and responsibility. 

For many Rams coaches, this is something they were taught during their own playing careers.

In fact, half of the Rams coaching staff have worn the horns, and the staff hold multiple records and awards. Combined, they have played 290 games for the Rams over a span of almost 25 years.

Bruce Anderson, the Rams recruiting coordinator and assistant coach, remembers his playing days fondly.

"There is a unique bond that comes with going to battle with someone that you cannot replicate in other areas of your life," said Anderson. "Some of the guys you play with end up being lifelong friends."

Anderson played linebacker for the Rams from 2008 to 2010, finishing his career with 66 tackles and 7 fumble recoveries, which is tied for the Rams career record. Anderson was named a Canada West all-star in his final year of eligibility. After 10 years away from the program, Anderson began coaching in 2020. For him, the opportunity was a no-brainer.

"I am forever in debt to the Rams organization for the support I received as a player and as a person," said Anderson. "The least I can do is give back to this program after everything it has done for me."

A coach's ability to relate to their players is integral to building a strong relationship. Anderson believes that having played for the team gives him an advantage.

"It allows me the opportunity to offer insight and advice based on what was useful and successful when I was in those situations," said Anderson.

Offensive coordinator Josh Donnelly prides himself on his ability to relate to players.

Donnelly is one of the newest additions to the coaching staff, having played for the Rams from 2018 to 2022. He finished his career with 2946 passing yards and 20 passing touchdowns in 11 games played. He worked with the offense while injured in 2022, was named the pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2023, and became offensive coordinator only a year later. The quick transition from player to coach is fairly unique and is something that Donnelly believes has helped him succeed in his new role.

"I understand the grind and the work it takes," said Donnelly. "I am able to relate to what [the players] are going through on a daily basis."

However, relationship-building is a two-way street. Donnelly gives credit to the players for the energy and positive attitude they bring daily.

"We have a great group of guys that genuinely care about the team and have a deep desire to get better," said Donnelly. "I am grateful that I can be a small piece in their development and help them reach their potential."

The Rams have seven other coaches who are also alumni.

Head coach Mark McConkey played receiver for the Rams from 2007 to 2013. His 180 career receptions puts him third in Rams history and he was named a Canada West all-star and an Academic All-Canadian in 2011. McConkey joined the staff in 2015 as offensive coordinator and was interim head coach during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before being named the program's full-time head coach in 2022. 

Offensive line coach Roe Borgmann played with the Rams from 2014 to 2018, starting 18 games as an interior offensive lineman. Borgmann missed the 2019 season due to injury but, much like Donnelly, stepped immediately into a graduate assistant role and has been coaching with the program ever since. 

One of the Rams' other offensive line coaches, Brett Jones, is also an alumni who played from 2009 to 2012. Jones was a two-time first-team All-Canadian before being drafted in the second round by the Calgary Stampeders in the 2013 CFL Draft. After being named the CFL's Most Outstanding Lineman and winning a Grey Cup in 2014, Jones began his NFL career by signing with the New York Giants. He would go on to play 62 games in the NFL for the Giants and Vikings between 2016 and 2020. Jones began coaching with the Rams in 2023.

Quarterbacks coach Frankie Gray played quarterback, receiver, and defensive back for the Rams from 2011 to 2017. Gray had a 48-yard rush during a game in his second year against UBC, which at the time was a record-long scramble by a U of R quarterback. He joined the program as a quarterbacks coach in 2021. 

Defensive coordinator Sheldon Gray played for the Rams during their first five seasons in U SPORTS, from 1999 to 2003. As a defensive back, Gray helped the Rams to their first ever Vanier Cup appearance in 2000. Gray began coaching for the Rams in 2015 and has been the defensive coordinator since 2016.

Assistant defensive backs coach Robbie Avram played for the Rams from 2012 to 2018, suiting up for a total of 27 games. Avram was named an Academic All-Canadian in 2017 and has both engineering and history degrees from the U of R. Avram joined the staff in 2019.

Finally, Aldo Galvan was the Rams' kicker and punter from 2018 to 2023. He is second in Rams history in points scored (243) and field goals made (53) and holds the single season record for yards per punt with 46.0 in 2022. Galvan was named a first-team All-Canadian in 2023 and joined the staff as a kicking coach prior to the 2024 season.