Sean McVay has been one of the most successful head coaches in the NFL since taking over the Los Angeles Rams in 2017. In just seven seasons, he has led the team through one of the most dominant stretches in franchise history, with only one losing season in 2022.
His offensive expertise and leadership have also influenced other teams, with former assistants like Matt LaFleur and Kevin O’Connell becoming head coaches. Despite his early success, McVay now faces new challenges as he looks to sustain his winning ways.
The Quarterback Factor in McVay’s Success
Much of McVay’s success has been tied to his quarterbacks. He initially developed Jared Goff into a capable starter, helping the Rams reach the Super Bowl in just his second season. However, McVay eventually lost faith in Goff, leading to a blockbuster trade for Matthew Stafford.
The move paid off immediately, with Stafford guiding the team to a Super Bowl victory in the 2021 season. Now, with Stafford aging, McVay must decide whether he can develop a young quarterback or if he will continue relying on experienced veterans.

McVay is widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in football, but his ability to groom a young quarterback remains an unanswered question. His frustrations with Goff suggest that he may struggle with the patience required to develop a rookie. Stafford provided him with the experience and skill set to execute his offense at a high level, freeing McVay from the limitations of a developing passer. Whether he can successfully guide another young quarterback through growing pains remains to be seen.
McVay’s Preference: Veterans or Rookies?
The Rams’ current roster situation suggests they may not be in a position to draft a high-profile quarterback soon. However, at some point, they will need to find a long-term successor to Stafford. McVay’s history suggests that he prefers working with proven quarterbacks rather than taking the risk of developing a rookie. If the team does draft a young quarterback, how McVay approaches that transition will be one of the most intriguing storylines in the years ahead.
As McVay continues his career, his ability to adapt will be crucial to his long-term success. While he has proven he can win with veteran quarterbacks, he has yet to demonstrate the patience and willingness to develop a young signal-caller into a franchise cornerstone. With years of coaching experience now behind him, he may have learned from past challenges and become more open to the idea. The true test of McVay’s growth as a coach will come when he faces the decision of mentoring the next face of the Rams franchise.