Sean McVay’s grandfather and former 49ers general manager John McVay has died at the age of 91. The Rams announced the news of his passing, sharing a message on Twitter recognizing his legacy and impact on the NFL.
McVay got his start in the NFL in 1976 as the Giants’ coach, spending three years in New York and finishing with a 14-23 record. He moved into a front office role with the 49ers in 1980, working with Bill Walsh to build one of the strongest dynasties in NFL history.
He won five Super Bowls with the 49ers in various roles, from director of football operations to general manager, the first being Super Bowl XVI following the 1981 season. His final championship came in Super Bowl XXIX 13 years later when the 49ers beat the Chargers.
McVay is a member of the 49ers Hall of Fame and was named NFL Executive of the Year in 1989. The 49ers dedicated their draft war room to him, naming it the John McVay Draft Room at their headquarters in 2016.
The Rams are saddened by the passing of John E. McVay. His legacy will never be forgotten. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/s3vWqmMSCX
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 1, 2022
Sean McVay often mentioned his grandfather when talking about his path as a coach, whether it was learning from all that he accomplished in San Francisco or how he worked with some of the greatest players of all time.
“I think the most important thing that I learned a long time ago from my grandpa is when you’ve got the guys at those veterans spots that set the tone and show what it looks like, that becomes the standard. You are either up to the standard day-in and day-out or you’re not,” McVay said back in 2020.