By the time Sean McVay turned 37 in 2023, he had already achieved an extraordinary amount in football. Hired as the Los Angeles Rams head coach at just 31, McVay led the team to four playoff appearances, two Super Bowl berths, and a championship win in Super Bowl LVI within six years.
However, the Rams’ attempt to defend their title was derailed by a season full of injuries, prompting both McVay and star defensive tackle Aaron Donald to contemplate retirement. Donald’s consideration came as no surprise—he had fulfilled his football aspirations and never seemed likely to extend his career unnecessarily. But speculation around McVay stepping away at such a young age caught many off guard.
Ultimately, McVay chose to return, and during the Rams’ unexpected 2023 playoff push, he seemed to rekindle his passion for the game. Reflecting on that time with guidance from legendary college coach Chris Petersen, McVay now finds the notion of retiring at 37 almost absurd. As he told The Athletic‘s Jourdan Rodrigue:
“He’s helped me view this game and this profession through such a different perspective that the thought of not coaching just feels laughable,” McVay said. “I’ve found joy in aspects of this job that I never cared about before.”
The Rams are clearly glad to see McVay back in a better place emotionally after a difficult 2022 season. As one of the NFL’s top coaches, his absence would’ve been a significant loss to the sport.
With a dynamic, star-powered offense and a youthful, energetic defense, the Rams are well-positioned for the future. And with McVay still leading the way, there’s no ceiling on what Los Angeles can achieve.
Sean McVay Backs Rams Players Competing in the Olympics
A notable change in football’s landscape this offseason was the inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics, set to take place in Los Angeles. With NFL players eligible to participate, the risk of injury during the summer has led to widespread discussion among league leaders, including McVay.
Known for being strongly supportive of his players, McVay has built a reputation for keeping his stars satisfied—often even convincing them to take cap-friendly deals to help the team succeed. His player-first approach has earned him consistent respect, with few, if any, public criticisms from those he’s coached.