The Los Angeles Rams have solidified their leadership structure by announcing multiyear contract extensions for head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead. This move ensures the continuation of their highly successful partnership that has transformed the franchise since 2017.
Nine Years of Remarkable Success
Since owner Stan Kroenke and Snead hired the then-30-year-old McVay in 2017, the Rams have compiled an impressive record of 92-57 in regular season games and 10-6 in playoff appearances. This partnership began just one year after the franchise returned to Los Angeles from St. Louis, marking a new era for the organization.
Under McVay's leadership, the Rams immediately ended a 12-year playoff drought with a remarkable seven-game improvement during his debut season. The team reached the Super Bowl the following year and ultimately secured the franchise's second Super Bowl championship in February 2022.
A Legacy of Achievement
During their nine-year collaboration, McVay and Snead have guided the Rams to eight winning seasons, seven playoff berths, and four NFC West division titles. McVay holds the distinction of being the youngest coach in NFL history to both reach and win a Super Bowl.
The current extensions come four years after their previous contract agreements following the Super Bowl victory. The seamless nature of their working relationship made these latest extensions an expected development within the organization.
McVay's Emotional Connection
"It means a lot," McVay expressed regarding the extensions. "As you continue to accumulate experience, you just realize how fortunate I feel to work for such great ownership... and our organization is special. Everything goes back to people. They make this special, and then to be able to do it in a city that you love, with a fan base that you're watching continue to grow, I just love it."
Despite turning 40 just last month, McVay has become the second-longest-tenured coach in the NFL following recent coaching changes across the league. He assumed his position with the Rams one month before San Francisco's Kyle Shanahan, who happens to be McVay's good friend and former boss.
Snead's Foundation Building
Snead has served as the Rams' general manager since 2012, initially in St. Louis. While his teams didn't reach the playoffs until McVay's arrival, he laid crucial groundwork through strategic drafts that brought talents like Aaron Donald and Todd Gurley to the organization. Snead also orchestrated the trade that secured Jared Goff as the number one overall pick in 2016.
Quarterback Situation and Future Outlook
With his own future secured, McVay expressed optimism about quarterback Matthew Stafford returning for another season. The Rams won their championship in the first season after trading Goff for Stafford, and the organization hopes to continue their five-year partnership with the veteran quarterback.
"If that's something that he wants to do, the answer is absolutely yes," McVay stated regarding Stafford's potential return. "He's going to take his time, talk with (his wife) Kelly and the girls and see what's best. But man, is he still playing at an incredible level. Our hope is that he does (return), but with respect to his timetable... whenever he feels ready to make that announcement, we'll let him be able to do that."
Stafford, who turns 38 this Saturday, could receive additional recognition this week when the NFL MVP winner is announced. He and New England's Drake Maye are considered top candidates for the award after Stafford's remarkable season where he led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns against just eight interceptions.
Stafford's Impact and Character
"I'm keeping my fingers crossed, like you guys, that he still wants to go play," McVay shared. "He is the epitome of an igniter, but he's just this incredibly humble superstar that has the ability to make everybody feel better when you're around him."
McVay doesn't believe Stafford will prolong his decision about returning, though he didn't address the possibility that Stafford might seek a contract upgrade similar to what he received in the past two offseasons.
Recent Challenges and Staff Changes
After briefly considering an early departure from coaching several years ago, McVay is now firmly committed to the Rams during a period of significant coaching changes across the NFL. However, he expressed disappointment about announcing his extension while on vacation rather than preparing for the Super Bowl.
The Rams finished the recent season with a 12-5 record and won two road playoff games to reach the NFC championship game, only to suffer a heartbreaking 31-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
"That game the other day probably hurt more than any loss I've ever been a part of," McVay admitted. "And it's because of the love for the team."
McVay typically watches the Super Bowl when the Rams aren't participating, but he's uncertain about watching this year's game: "I might punish myself. I don't know that I'll be tuning in for this one."
Coaching Staff Updates
The Rams have made several coaching staff adjustments, including hiring Bubba Ventrone as special teams coordinator following the late-season dismissal of Chase Blackburn. Kyle Hoke will join Ventrone from the Cleveland Browns as an assistant.
McVay hasn't yet determined who will become his fifth offensive coordinator in Los Angeles after Mike LaFleur departed to become head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, but he acknowledged the Rams have "internal candidates" for the position.
Los Angeles pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase has emerged as a rising star who interviewed for several head coaching opportunities over the past month. Notably, all four of McVay's former offensive coordinators currently serve as NFL head coaches, as does former Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor.
