Never underestimate the brilliance of Sean McVay.
This weekend, Sean McVay will step onto the field for his third NFC Championship game as the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. Since taking the reins in 2017, he has remarkably led the team to two Super Bowl appearances, including a triumphant victory in 2021.
Looking back from the year 2000 to 2016, the Rams were almost entirely absent from the Super Bowl spotlight, having made just one appearance in 2001. During this lengthy period, fans endured numerous disappointing seasons, sporadic playoff runs, and an overall lack of significant postseason success for over 15 years. The Rams had become an afterthought in the NFL landscape.
For those loyal fans who persevered through those tough times, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate all that McVay has achieved in his nine years with the team. This young coach is not only solidifying his legacy as one of the finest leaders in Rams history but perhaps even emerging as one of the greatest coaches in the entire history of professional football. His innovative approach has prompted many teams across the league to attempt to capture a piece of the magic that McVay has created with the Rams. It’s often said that imitation is the highest form of flattery, and in McVay's case, that couldn’t be truer.
It’s quite extraordinary to witness someone under the age of 40, with less than ten years of head coaching experience, developing one of the most impressive coaching trees in the sport. This impressive tree consists of several prominent figures:
- Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers
- Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
- Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
- Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Zac Robinson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (OC)
- Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers (DC)
- Wes Phillips, Minnesota Vikings (OC)
- Matt Daniels, Minnesota Vikings (STC)
- Jedd Fisch, Washington Huskies
- Raheem Morris, who is likely to secure a DC role
- Brandon Staley, New Orleans Saints (DC)
- Nick Caley, Houston Texans (OC)
And it seems that this coaching tree is poised to expand even further this offseason. The LA Chargers may be looking to interview Aubrey Pleasant for their recently vacated defensive coordinator position. Additionally, current Rams coordinators Chris Shula (DC) and Mike LaFleur (OC) might also be in the running for head coaching opportunities, alongside passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
While various teams are trying to mirror the Rams’ success and McVay’s strategies, it’s important to remember that there’s simply no way to replicate the original genius. Over the past nine years, McVay has continually adapted his offensive schemes and overall approach. He transitioned from heavily relying on play-action plays with Jared Goff to developing a sophisticated drop-back passing game with Matthew Stafford, before circling back to foundational concepts in 2025. His latest innovation involves frequently utilizing multiple tight ends to exploit defensive weaknesses and reveal opposing personnel strategies. In essence, the Rams have combined elements from 15 years ago with a fresh and revitalized under-center passing attack.
McVay consistently remains ahead of the curve in the competitive landscape of the NFL. Those who seek to emulate him can only analyze his past successes.
The longevity of the McVay era in Los Angeles remains uncertain. However, it’s evident that major NFL broadcasters have a keen interest in his skills, and these opportunities may become even more enticing now that he is a father of two. Given his age, McVay certainly has ample time to potentially become the greatest head coach in NFL history, but he also appears to be a driven individual, often working tirelessly. We cannot dismiss the possibility of an unforeseen break in his career.
It would be fascinating to see how McVay manages the transition from veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford to the next franchise quarterback for the Rams. This transition could usher in yet another evolution of his pioneering offensive style. Should the Rams secure another championship or two, it’s conceivable that both Stafford and McVay could decide to retire in the near future.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. Longtime Rams supporters understand how drastically fortunes have shifted with McVay at the helm. The dark days of the past are now behind us, and brighter horizons await.
For the moment, all we can do is relish the present. The Rams are on the brink of another Super Bowl appearance. These moments are fleeting not just for our team but for many others in the league. Regardless of the outcome, we should cherish this journey and the high-quality football we’ve witnessed over the past decade.
We must never take Sean McVay for granted; he is truly one of a kind.
