Word of mouth helped sell McVay on Staley

Staley wasn’t a very recognizable name when the Rams announced him as their new defensive coordinator, being an outside linebackers coach for the last three years under Vic Fangio. While he may not have the experience of Wade Phillips or the allure of someone like Kris Richard, the recommendations McVay got about Staley helped sell him on the decision.

Fangio spoke highly of Staley, as did others in the coaching circle that McVay talked to.

“It’s a small network of coaches and when you talk to people that you really value their input and they’re not going to say things about people unless they genuinely believe it. You hear the word of mouth references, there’s some similar people that I hold in high regard when they give an opinion on somebody,” McVay said. “And then you meet him. Did a great job there, but I think when you look at the system, especially with the success that a Vic Fangio-led defense has had over the course of an elongated period of time and Vic is a coach that I really respect, hold in high regard. And when you listen to the things he says about Brandon Staley, when you listen to the people that I’ve come in close contact with that have been around him. When you look at the background, it’s impressive.”