Sean McVay has enlisted the help of some recognizable names in sports this offseason during the Rams’ videoconferences, specifically Clippers coach Doc Rivers and future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.
Rivers was the first to speak to the team during the virtual offseason program, talking to players about staying prepared during this trying time and continuing to work despite the inability to go into the facilities.
Players relished the chance to hear Rivers talk, but Rivers took plenty away from the chance to speak to the Rams, too. He came away impressed with McVay as a coach, raving about him in an interview with Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times.
“I’m telling you, he’s a gift,” Rivers said. “His ability to say the right thing at the right time, for someone as young as him, to see the big picture, to be selfless, is absolutely amazing. Very few young coaches are as secure as him. Meaning, they lose in the Super Bowl and he took it on himself. ‘Guys, that was my fault, I have to do better.’”
McVay’s ability and willingness to hold himself accountable in times of adversity is one of his best traits. He’s an excellent coach and a bright offensive mind, but coaches love his attitude and relatability on and off the field.
It helps that McVay has the look and voice of a leader, commanding whatever room he’s in at a given time. Rivers mentioned that McVay is one of the coaches who gets him to stop at the TV whenever he’s talking.
“I love him. I love listening to him. he’s one of those guys — there’s a lot of coaches, but he’s one for me — you’re walking by the TV and you see him talk and you stop and turn the sound up. Because he’s going to say something that you can use later,” Rivers said.
McVay is entering one of the most important seasons of his career, needing to help the Rams bounce back after a disappointing 2019 campaign. It was the first time the Rams have missed the playoffs since 2016, even though their 9-7 record was respectable by most standards.
McVay is under contract through the 2023 season and is in no danger of losing his job, but he and the Rams’ fans would love to get back to the playoffs next season.