Sean McVay's Coaching Culture

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leoram

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Much has been noted about how acquiring an NFL head coaching gig simply requires a cup of coffee with Sean McVay. The promise of instant success by replicating the Rams turnaround since 2017 is just too much "hope for gain" for general managers to ignore. As of 2021, the movement continues to grow. Brandon Staley's ascension from relatively unknown defensive assistant under Vic Fangio to Charger's HC is the latest example from a list that also includes Matt LaFluer and Zac Taylor. Even Greg Olsen and Shane Waldron have been elevated to OC's from the titles of passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach respectively.

While other veteran head coaches like Bill Belichick and Andy Reid have coaching trees with deeper roots and more plentiful branches, the suddenness of how quickly McVay's assistants have been poached is telling. But what does it tell? Isn't there value in continuity within a staff? Won't the team miss the contributions of Joe Barry, Ejiro Evero, Greg Olsen, Aubrey Pleasant, Brad Holmes, and Ray Agnew? And what are we to make of the departures that weren't opportunities for advancement like Wade Phillips, Aaron Kromer, and "Bones" Fassel?

Sean regularly praises the contributions of his assistants by name in his press conferences. This is intentional. If asked about it, he would point to his experience of being given opportunities to grow by Jon Gruden and Mike Shanahan. If the WHY behind how one does his job within the organization is a love for the game combined with the opportunity to climb the ladder of success, chances are one will do an excellent job. The standards of excellence, the culture of a winning attitude, the selfless nature of teaching to help others grow, and the ability to authentically communicate effectively are prized values that Sean consistently repeats in mantra like fashion. By developing this with new blood, the values are retained while the message is refreshed by unique voices. As for the lateral or retiring departures, I contend that the NFL is a game of change that requires a unified direction in the mold of a singular vision that, while it's a collaborative effort, must be the responsibility of one man at the top. McVay has too much respect for his co workers to allow a negative narrative be leaked to the press about coaches and players alike. While it's natural to speculate disappointment or conflict (both of which are inevitable), there is little to be gained from it being vocalized by a leader. Yet how many coaches have been criticized for not being able to separate loyalty from advancing performance? If the injuries or limitations of players like Gurley and Goff can be jettisoned for the good of the team at great financial cost, why would the standards be any different for the coaches? What if John Bonamego was still the special teams coach after last year's *ahem* performance?

Raheem Morris will be an interesting case study in this regard. Sean knows him well after working with him in Tampa and Washington. While many believe McVay's "better mood" has to do with an upgraded QB, I doubt he would feel that way if there was an inclination that the defense would not move forward under Morris. For those who believe McVay isn't intensely involved in the concepts that make the defense operate efficiently, they haven't been paying attention to the Flying Coach Podcast. While Sean entrusts and empowers his assistants to do their jobs, it doesn't mean he doesn't evaluate their results. Rest assured the two will have many hours together behind closed doors as they collaborate and develop the defense on a weekly basis.

In summary, Sean McVay is much more than a terrific offensive coordinator. He is a leader with a clear vision of what he wants in every phase of the team, including his relationship with Les Snead. The addition of Matthew Stafford allows him the ability to devote a bit more time to his other responsibilities (although he will be tempted to spend most of his time with Stafford in the first half of the season). I personally believe this is the best team McVay has had in his career from top to bottom--even as he has empowered others to find success elsewhere. Maybe, in part, because he has.
 
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dieterbrock

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Interesting that while McVay hasnt gotten in the way of any of his assistants pursuing promotions, the 1 guy he did block is the current OC O'Connell
Pretty much looks like there's only 2 reasons why he'd do it
1) Sees the value of O'Connell and couldnt sacrifice the good of the team to benefit 1 guy
OR
2) He DNA rifle blocked the move to spite either O'C or Staley, or even both
 

dang

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I get the “When opportunity knocks” approach to taking head coaching jobs but feel too many prematurely answer the door. Staley comes to mind. 2 years ago he was Denver’s Outside Linebacker Coach. Now he’s an NFL head coach.
 

ScotsRam

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I get the “When opportunity knocks” approach to taking head coaching jobs but feel too many prematurely answer the door. Staley comes to mind. 2 years ago he was Denver’s Outside Linebacker Coach. Now he’s an NFL head coach.

Lack of experience worked for McVay. Often lack of experience just means lack of bad habits.
 

ramsince62

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Interesting that while McVay hasnt gotten in the way of any of his assistants pursuing promotions, the 1 guy he did block is the current OC O'Connell
Pretty much looks like there's only 2 reasons why he'd do it
1) Sees the value of O'Connell and couldnt sacrifice the good of the team to benefit 1 guy
OR
2) He DNA rifle blocked the move to spite either O'C or Staley, or even both
I think it had to do more with the fact that he had also lost his DC the same year. Two coordinators the same year is a bit much...
 

Angry Ram

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In summary, Sean McVay is much more than a terrific offensive coordinator. He is a leader with a clear vision of what he wants in every phase of the team, including his relationship with Les Snead. The addition of Matthew Stafford allows him the ability to devote a bit more time to his other responsibilities (although he will be tempted to spend most of his time with Stafford in the first half of the season). I personally believe this is the best team McVay has had in his career from top to bottom--even as he has empowered others to find success elsewhere. Maybe, in part, because he has.

I can't wait for this. Let him be the leader and evolve the team more instead of having to worry about the QB throwing a pick.
 

dang

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Lack of experience worked for McVay. Often lack of experience just means lack of bad habits.
Staley certainly deserves his opportunity but my guess is he is no McVay and would have been better served to prove he was a sustainable ready HC.
 

Faceplant

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Much has been noted about how acquiring an NFL head coaching gig simply requires a cup of coffee with Sean McVay. The promise of instant success by replicating the Rams turnaround since 2017 is just too much "hope for gain" for general managers to ignore. As of 2021, the movement continues to grow. Brandon Staley's ascension from relatively unknown defensive assistant under Vic Fangio to Charger's HC is the latest example from a list that also includes Matt LaFluer and Zac Taylor. Even Greg Olsen and Shane Waldron have been elevated to OC's from the titles of passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach respectively.

While other veteran head coaches like Bill Belichick and Andy Reid have coaching trees with deeper roots and more plentiful branches, the suddenness of how quickly McVay's assistants have been poached is telling. But what does it tell? Isn't there value in continuity within a staff? Won't the team miss the contributions of Joe Barry, Ejiro Evero, Greg Olsen, Aubrey Pleasant, Brad Holmes, and Ray Agnew? And what are we to make of the departures that weren't opportunities for advancement like Wade Phillips, Aaron Kromer, and "Bones" Fassel?

Sean regularly praises the contributions of his assistants by name in his press conferences. This is intentional. If asked about it, he would point to his experience of being given opportunities to grow by Jon Gruden and Mike Shanahan. If the WHY behind how one does his job within the organization is a love for the game combined with the opportunity to climb the ladder of success, chances are one will do an excellent job. The standards of excellence, the culture of a winning attitude, the selfless nature of teaching to help others grow, and the ability to authentically communicate effectively are prized values that Sean consistently repeats in mantra like fashion. By developing this with new blood, the values are retained while the message is refreshed by unique voices. As for the lateral or retiring departures, I contend that the NFL is a game of change that requires a unified direction in the mold of a singular vision that, while it's a collaborative effort, must be the responsibility of one man at the top. McVay has too much respect for his co workers to allow a negative narrative be leaked to the press about coaches and players alike. While it's natural to speculate disappointment or conflict (both of which are inevitable), there is little to be gained from it being vocalized by a leader. Yet how many coaches have been criticized for not being able to separate loyalty from advancing performance? If the injuries or limitations of players like Gurley and Goff can be jettisoned for the good of the team at great financial cost, why would the standards be any different for the coaches? What if John Bonamego was still the special teams coach after last year's *ahem* performance?

Raheem Morris will be an interesting case study in this regard. Sean knows him well after working with him in Tampa and Washington. While many believe McVay's "better mood" has to do with an upgraded QB, I doubt he would feel that way if there was an inclination that the defense would not move forward under Morris. For those who believe McVay isn't intensely involved in the concepts that make the defense operate efficiently, they haven't been paying attention to the Flying Coach Podcast. While Sean entrusts and empowers his assistants to do their jobs, it doesn't mean he doesn't evaluate their results. Rest assured the two will have many hours together behind closed doors as they collaborate and develop the defense on a weekly basis.

In summary, Sean McVay is much more than a terrific offensive coordinator. He is a leader with a clear vision of what he wants in every phase of the team, including his relationship with Les Snead. The addition of Matthew Stafford allows him the ability to devote a bit more time to his other responsibilities (although he will be tempted to spend most of his time with Stafford in the first half of the season). I personally believe this is the best team McVay has had in his career from top to bottom--even as he has empowered others to find success elsewhere. Maybe, in part, because he has.
Sir, you should get paid for this. Well. Fucking. Done.
 

So Ram

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Ejiro Evero is still a big part of The Rams Defense.Pleasant has a passion & family in Detroit,Michigan.

The Rams have 3 coaches named Zac,Zak,Zach.Sort of funny ?
Zak Kromer will find his way up the later.
Zak Robinson I believe will be the next OC.He has H/C potential.I liked the way he worked with The Rams QB’s.That coach (qB) (Cohein)that out Waldron for a college OC saw the righting on the wall.He was no dummy,just not a good fit. He was a Maynard & Pat type guy.
 

dieterbrock

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I think it had to do more with the fact that he had also lost his DC the same year. Two coordinators the same year is a bit much...
Well, he did have a new OC & DC last year being he is the defacto OC himself. Still though it's a good point which also kind of goes with the idea that McVay actually values O'C
 

So Ram

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Lack of experience worked for McVay. Often lack of experience just means lack of bad habits.
Well 3 young H/C’s from McVays coaching tree don’t have to many bad habits. Cinncy was a no win situation right away for Taylor.Matt in Green Bay has a better winning percentage than Mcvay.Staley comes into a win now set up.
Time will tell,but Sean Mcvay is off to an excellent start.
 

Elmgrovegnome

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Much has been noted about how acquiring an NFL head coaching gig simply requires a cup of coffee with Sean McVay. The promise of instant success by replicating the Rams turnaround since 2017 is just too much "hope for gain" for general managers to ignore. As of 2021, the movement continues to grow. Brandon Staley's ascension from relatively unknown defensive assistant under Vic Fangio to Charger's HC is the latest example from a list that also includes Matt LaFluer and Zac Taylor. Even Greg Olsen and Shane Waldron have been elevated to OC's from the titles of passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach respectively.

While other veteran head coaches like Bill Belichick and Andy Reid have coaching trees with deeper roots and more plentiful branches, the suddenness of how quickly McVay's assistants have been poached is telling. But what does it tell? Isn't there value in continuity within a staff? Won't the team miss the contributions of Joe Barry, Ejiro Evero, Greg Olsen, Aubrey Pleasant, Brad Holmes, and Ray Agnew? And what are we to make of the departures that weren't opportunities for advancement like Wade Phillips, Aaron Kromer, and "Bones" Fassel?

Sean regularly praises the contributions of his assistants by name in his press conferences. This is intentional. If asked about it, he would point to his experience of being given opportunities to grow by Jon Gruden and Mike Shanahan. If the WHY behind how one does his job within the organization is a love for the game combined with the opportunity to climb the ladder of success, chances are one will do an excellent job. The standards of excellence, the culture of a winning attitude, the selfless nature of teaching to help others grow, and the ability to authentically communicate effectively are prized values that Sean consistently repeats in mantra like fashion. By developing this with new blood, the values are retained while the message is refreshed by unique voices. As for the lateral or retiring departures, I contend that the NFL is a game of change that requires a unified direction in the mold of a singular vision that, while it's a collaborative effort, must be the responsibility of one man at the top. McVay has too much respect for his co workers to allow a negative narrative be leaked to the press about coaches and players alike. While it's natural to speculate disappointment or conflict (both of which are inevitable), there is little to be gained from it being vocalized by a leader. Yet how many coaches have been criticized for not being able to separate loyalty from advancing performance? If the injuries or limitations of players like Gurley and Goff can be jettisoned for the good of the team at great financial cost, why would the standards be any different for the coaches? What if John Bonamego was still the special teams coach after last year's *ahem* performance?

Raheem Morris will be an interesting case study in this regard. Sean knows him well after working with him in Tampa and Washington. While many believe McVay's "better mood" has to do with an upgraded QB, I doubt he would feel that way if there was an inclination that the defense would not move forward under Morris. For those who believe McVay isn't intensely involved in the concepts that make the defense operate efficiently, they haven't been paying attention to the Flying Coach Podcast. While Sean entrusts and empowers his assistants to do their jobs, it doesn't mean he doesn't evaluate their results. Rest assured the two will have many hours together behind closed doors as they collaborate and develop the defense on a weekly basis.

In summary, Sean McVay is much more than a terrific offensive coordinator. He is a leader with a clear vision of what he wants in every phase of the team, including his relationship with Les Snead. The addition of Matthew Stafford allows him the ability to devote a bit more time to his other responsibilities (although he will be tempted to spend most of his time with Stafford in the first half of the season). I personally believe this is the best team McVay has had in his career from top to bottom--even as he has empowered others to find success elsewhere. Maybe, in part, because he has.
McVay has become the guy he idolized growing up. In the end he may become an even better version.
 

leoram

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Sir, you should get paid for this. Well. Fucking. Done.
That'a an awesome compliment. Thank you.

Today I got an even bigger compliment though. The Flying Coach Podcast used my question about the contrast between Wade, Brandon, and Raheem. Sean didn't really answer the intent of the question except to say his approach is the same with all his coaches. His answer did reflect what I posted here though.
 

So Ram

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Gotta check out the podcast.That Shanahan podcast was a good listen.Solid content,he likes his drinks is the let his guard down a little.All while being responsible,but talk crap.
When Mcvay gets interviewed he also is respectful of his coaches & players.He tries to give as much info as he is able to without compromise.
—I’ll try to answer from pieces of the puzzle.Starting from Demoff & the hiring Mcvay.

Wade - was a veteran coach that Mcvay had to have in order to have got the HC position.Mcvay was(is)the youngest coach in NFL history.Wes was a friend of McVays that helped him with the connection.
Wade is a guy Mcvay loved working with & respected.If you ever saw the game when Mcvay sat on the water bucket trying to figure his next O’ series it shows the trust in Phillips.
Wade’s contract came up & it was obvious that Sean Mcvay needed to take off the training wheels.Wade last season Mcvay became a lot more involved with the defense as well.

Staley was a coach Mcvay interviewed & came away really impressed with his concepts.It was a great experience for him to learn a new defense & be apart of the foundation of it.I’m sure he put a stamp on it & had good input.I’m sure the working relationship was different than Wade,but Mcvay always likes his coaches input.Joe Barry had a say in it as well.Was not able to see training camp,so it was hard to see the difference of coaching.

Raheem was draw the trigger before taking 10 steps back.That overrated HC in Jacksonville had just about hired Morris.The timing was perfect & there relationship is different than the other 2 DC’s.It should workout well.IMO having Morris as the DC only benefits The Rams,especially with the new rule of Comp Picks if the is poached away.
 

Rambitious1

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Interesting that while McVay hasnt gotten in the way of any of his assistants pursuing promotions, the 1 guy he did block is the current OC O'Connell
Pretty much looks like there's only 2 reasons why he'd do it
1) Sees the value of O'Connell and couldnt sacrifice the good of the team to benefit 1 guy
OR
2) He DNA rifle blocked the move to spite either O'C or Staley, or even both
Or….

3) He had so much movement and turnover in his coaching staff (in one year) he wanted to stop the bleeding at some point.
 

CGI_Ram

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I personally believe this is the best team McVay has had in his career from top to bottom--even as he has empowered others to find success elsewhere. Maybe, in part, because he has.

He has his pilars in place;

OC - O’Connell
DC - Morris
QB - Stafford
 

So Ram

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He has his pilars in place;

OC - O’Connell
DC - Morris
QB - Stafford
He has AD99 one of the best DLman of all time at this point of his career.
New #5 who is set to lead The DB group.
Andrew Whitworth is like having a coach on the field who is Mcvay’s Elder Bro’ & a HOF player on & off The Field.He will be in the running again for The BEST NFL Player award for his dedication to others.

—Wesley Phillips helped him Mcvay get the GIg where it all started with Wade as a Classic Piller who should get into the HOF from being The Son of Bum.
I’d say having a legendary grandson in The passing of The only undefeated coach in NFL HISTORY with a guy called SHULA taking over as the LBers coach.
—Evero has been pretty solid being the main guy now for awhile who he poached from SF in away.
—Eric Yarber has been awesome in adding classic Pillers duo in Robert Woods & Copper Kupp who both took Paycuts for The Rams Team 1st attitudes who have been there from the beginning of Sean Mcvay’s HEAD Coaching career.

Sean Mcvay will always praise the guys above first before even taking about himself,because of his John Wooden Pyramid Scheme he has in place.Without them he wouldn’t be in the position he is today.He thanks his Grandfather for being able to have been able to get into this thing at such an early age.That’s basically why Rams Fans should be so stoked.

Demoff has the foresight & his passion being is Great(lmao)
Les Snead- gets him whatever he wants & great working teammate.
Stan Kronke is a Great Builder of Sky Scrapers.Which helps make The Sky The Limit for The Rams.

Can’t wait for The DREAM!!! The Ram Fans getting All Jacked Up inside SOFI!! It’s like The Olden Days!!
 

So Ram

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Tampa makes it sort of fitting with Brady winning all for The Rams in 2021.

SOFI-‘s basically starting up NEW.Lossing to the Old SC QB who’s in Carolina now & beat The Rams at SOFI playing for the 0-13 Jets.
(Goff is gone as well)

In comes Matthew Stafford
 

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So Ram

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Mcvay showing LOVE to Stan in his HOUSE!! Whose House? The Rams House!!
1627040244207.png
 

dieterbrock

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Or….

3) He had so much movement and turnover in his coaching staff (in one year) he wanted to stop the bleeding at some point.
Except the majority of the bleeding you are referring to happened AFTER they blocked San Diego from interviewing O'Connell, which is what made it so unlike McVay.