In his first year as Rams offensive coordinator, Olson helped guide a high-powered offense that ranked fourth in the NFL (360.4 yards per game), a rushing offense that ranked 10th (112.8) and a passing offense that ranked third (247.6). The Rams ranked second in the NFC (third in the NFL) in first downs (332), and scored 273 points in the red zone, second most in the NFC and the most red zone points they have scored since they posted 318 points in 2003. The Rams converted 12 of 18 fourth-down attempts for the second highest percentage in the NFC (third in the NFL), 66.7%.

Olson was appointed offensive coordinator after spending two seasons as quarterbacks coach for the Detroit Lions. Olson came to the Lions after one season each as quarterbacks coach of the Chicago Bears (2003), tight ends/recruiting coordinator at Purdue University (2002), and quarterbacks coach of the San Francisco 49ers (2001). QB Jeff Garcia posted a career-high 32 touchdown passes and his second-best career numbers in passer rating (94.8), passing yardage (3,538), and completion percentage (62.7) under Olson in 2001.

Olson was quarterbacks coach at Purdue from 1997-2000, playing a critical role in the development of Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees. In Olson’s last three seasons, the Boilermakers’ passing offense was ranked in the top 10 nationally.

From 1994-96, Olson was quarterback coach at Idaho, following Rams’ head coach Scott Linehan, who had moved on to become receivers coach at the University of Washington. The team’s passing attack in 1996 ranked fourth in the country, fifth in total offense, and 15th in scoring. The Vandals were second in the nation in total offense and scoring and seventh in passing in 1994.

Before his time at Idaho, Olson was the offensive coordinator at his alma mater, Central Washington, from 1990-93. The school was the top-ranked National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics school in total offense in 1991 and 1993. Olson helped develop Jon Kitna from NAIA starter to 1997 World Bowl MVP to NFL starter in Seattle, Cincinnati and Detroit. Also during Olson’s stint at Central Washington, he served as a wrestling coach for four seasons, including the last two as head coach, helping lead the program to a sixth place finish at his final NAIA National Tournament.

Olson got his coaching start as a graduate assistant in 1987 at Washington State, where he earned his master’s degree in athletic administration.

Olson attended Spokane Falls Junior College from 1981-82, and played quarterback at Central Washington from 1983-84, earning his bachelor’s degree in education in 1986. The Richland, Wash., native is married to Lissa with twins, Kenneth and Grayce, and they live in St. Charles, Mo. Lissa was the head coach for the track and field program (men and women) at Purdue from 2001-04.