Los Angeles Rams' Sean McVay 'Loving' Coaching; Most Fun He's Ever Had?
Sean McVay was once the kid-wonder on the Los Angeles Rams' sideline, holding the title of youngest NFL coach while establishing himself as one of the best at his job league-wide.
In his fifth professional season, McVay made the Super Bowl for the second time - and won it for the first. He took Los Angeles to the pinnacle of the sport.
And still, the Rams' 6-6 campaign thus far has been some of the most fun McVay's had coaching.
“I think it is,” McVay said Monday. “A lot of the perspective is never forgetting how important it is to try to be the person you want to be for the people that you love and care about. And also, be reminded, man, you love this game.
“You love the opportunity to work with people you care about and the competition of it.”
The 37-year-old McVay contemplated retirement this spring with an eye towards broadcasting but proved too competitive to end his coaching career with a 5-12 campaign.
Los Angeles has battled adversity this season, be it injured reserve stints for star playmakers such as receiver Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams or a slow start that saw it hold a 3-6 record at the bye week.
Given a chance to fold and follow a similar trajectory as last year, the Rams chose the opposite route, snatching three consecutive wins to reach .500 and put themselves as the first team outside the playoffs with five weeks to play.
Dec 3, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay reacts against the Cleveland Browns in the second half at SoFi Stadium.
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
This winning streak has been fun for McVay, but the growth and resiliency his team has shown along the way is the biggest reason for his joy.
“It's not exclusive to just loving the wins, it's loving everything that comes with it, responding to the challenges,” McVay said. “I know this - I'm loving it because of the people I'm around and the perspective that the experience you're accumulating as a young guy has benefited both good and bad to keep learning and keep growing.”
It's not just McVay who's enjoying this streak.
Look no further than Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, a nine-time Pro Bowler in his age 32 season, skipping with rookie defensive tackle Kobie Turner during Sunday's 36-19 victory over te Cleveland Browns.
Player or coach, young or old, the Rams are having fun ... and it's no coincidence the results are following suit.
“This game is meant to be enjoyed,” McVay said. “Yes, we want to have the production and results but let's enjoy everything. I think that's when you get the best out of people and we're enjoying playing meaningful football in December.”
The Rams' resurgence came when few expected anything, and perhaps that's why it tastes so sweet for McVay and company.
But really, McVay referenced external expectations not being something he looked at, instead focusing on how to maximize this year's iteration.
Los Angeles has made considerable strides, shining a light on the prowess of McVay and his coaching staff - a light beaming so much it's helped brighten his outlook on the sport he reigned supreme of just 22 months ago.
Riding a wave of momentum, McVay is ready to keep the train rolling this Sunday, when the Rams travel to take on the Baltimore Ravens (9-3) at 10 a.m. PST inside M&T Bank Stadium.
“I'm having a lot of fun going through these challenges with them,” McVay said, “and what a great damn challenge we got this week against the Ravens.”
