I see many of you are in denial about McVay’s future with the team. Soon, when the news is announced that he is in fact stepping away, that denial will turn into anger. Those of you in denial right now will lash out at McVay for “running away” from the team when it is getting hard or for “throwing away our future” to get his and get out.
These comments will be rooted in anger and couldn’t be further from the truth.
McVay is a 110%, all-in type of individual. Especially when it comes to his life’s passion - football. He has burned both ends of the candle for 6 years straight and is simply all burned out. It is written all over his face.
In his tenure, not only has he had to manage superstars (who come with superstar egos) but he has also consistently had his coaching staff poached year after year. The guy is only 36 years old. After 6 straight years your rolodex of people you trust to coach alongside you starts to dwindle. He needs time away to make new connections, redesign his theories/concepts, and take a step back to gain new perspective on evaluating himself and the future of the league. He has earned this time off and I trust he will use it wisely.
With that being said, I am also in the camp that he will be back. Coaching in the NFL becomes an addiction. Why else would 70+ year old men still clock 14-16 hour days 6-7 days a week? Winning as a coach in the NFL is a drug and, like any true addict, McVay will be back chasing the dragon. But next time he will be refreshed, revamped and reenergized.
So, before you start accusing McVay of the worst, put yourself in his shoes. He is not abandoning the team. He simply knows he needs time away before he can pour 110% of himself into his team once again. That is just who he is.
While we wait, let’s reflect on the success McVay has brought to our beloved Rams. In just 6 years he has accomplished the following:
Back to Back NFC West Champs in his first 2 years
3x NFC West Champs
2x NFC Conference Champs
2x SuperBowl Appearances
1x NFL Coach of the Year
1x SuperBowl Champion
Youngest EVER to lead his team to SuperBowl victory
Four coaching assistants named as NFL head coaches (LaFleur, Taylor, Staley, O’Connell)
60-38 Regular Season Record
7-3 Post Season Record
The 1st McVay Era has been a thrilling ride. I eagerly await the 2nd one. Good luck to you coach, you have earned any time off that you need. You will always have a fan in me.