Sean McVay has been the offensive play caller for the Los Angeles Rams since he became their head coach in 2017, and in that time he’s helped lead some of the best offenses in the league (including in 2025), however the head coach earlier this week indicated that calling plays, is “not necessarily” a requirement for him leading the Rams.
McVay was asked about his new coaching staff in a press conference earlier this week, and he spoke about some of the changes, including appointments of new offensive coordinator with Mike LaFluer taking his talents to the Arizona Cardinals after being in L.A. the last couple seasons.
ESPN’s Sarah Barshop asked McVay about those changes, and any potential play calling opportunities for new coaches this year.
Said McVay,
“No, I’m gonna call defense next year…nah, I’m kidding, yes, I’ll call (offensive) plays next year. But…here’s what I will say, Sarah, you know, I think one of the best parts is is that I think they’ll be opportunities in the preseason for guys to be able to do that, Dave (Ragone) and Nate (Scheelhaase); obviously Chris (Shula) continues to grow as a great coach on the defensive side of the ball…I’ve really just enjoyed being a coach and having some freedom. I’ve always loved calling plays, I’m not necessarily married to always doing it, but that is the plan. To continue to do that, until you guys say I should pass if off to someone else. What do you think about that Gary (Klein)?”
It’s a bit of a tongue and cheek interaction with McVay laughing at his own answer, and some others on the call chuckling as well, but the actual response is serious, if true.
McVay is saying that if those around him such as Les Snead and others within the Rams’ organization feel that his team could be better with someone else calling the plays, then McVay is open to it.
Now would McVay actually coach the Rams while giving up play calling duties? According to McVay, he would, but will that ever happen?
We may never know, but based on McVay’s response, it’s pretty clear the outstanding head coach has given the scenario some thought.
That being said, if one of McVay’s best strengths is his play calling, it wouldn’t make sense to strip him of that, then again, sometimes change is needed, and it’s ideal for the Rams that McVay isn’t naive enough to think that he’ll be calling plays for the Rams forever.
In fact, McVay just opened the door on the possibility that there could be a time where he gives up offensive play calling, but keeps his role as head coach. That may not mean anything now, but it could be substantial in the years to come.
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