Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay plans a brief pause, stepping away from the daily grind to determine whether he needs an extended break from the NFL.
McVay has not committed to being back with the Rams for the 2023 season, confirming on Monday reports that he was contemplating stepping away before his 37th birthday later this month.
“Take the next couple of days, really be able to reflect and a lot of conversations that will dictate and determine the decision that’s best for me and my family,” McVay said Monday of when he would know his plans for next year.
McVay was hired as head coach of the Rams in 2017 as a 30-year-old offensive wunderkind with NFL bloodlines. The youngest Super Bowl-winning coach at age 36 last February, McVay acknowledged he considered not coaching in 2022 and reportedly was offered as much as $100 million over five years to join the Amazon Prime NFL broadcast team.
That, along with getting married and the death of his grandfather — John McVay — have all worn down the Rams’ coach, according to reports.
Los Angeles went 5-12 in 2022, a season marred by injuries to quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
Stafford started just nine games in 2022 due to elbow, thumb and head injuries. He said Monday he isn’t certain McVay will return next season.
Either way, Stafford said he plans to play for the Rams.
“I feel really good about where I’m at,” Stafford said.
Donald might not be a guarantee to play next season. He openly weighed retirement, and the Pittsburgh native touched on doubts he wrestled with before signing a new contract for the 2022 season.
–Field Level Media