Rams' Sean McVay gets to deal with 2023-- and beyond

Sean McVay talked about his future Friday, intending to put that topic in the past.

" I'm actually committed to not having this become a story every year," the Rams coach said.

Consulting With Los Angeles reporters for the very first time since January, when he ended days of doubt by informing the team he'll stay coach for a seventh season, McVay said his decision benefits more than 2023.

" When you're making a commitment, you're saying I'm committed to being the very best coach I can perhaps be not simply for this next year but for a handful," he said. "You don't ever want to sit here and act like you can forecast the future, but it's not something that I'm taking a look at as a short-term kind of decision."

McVay and Rams general supervisor Les Snead signed contract extensions through 2026 following the Rams' Super Bowl success in February 2022.

Snead talked with press reporters Thursday and sounded positive that McVay, who at 37 is still the youngest head coach in the NFL, has actually put ideas of a television commentary profession on hold.

" I absolutely think Sean's taken the best steps, took an action back and certainly has an action plan," Snead said. "I think when he sat down to identify whether, right, he wished to coach or not in 2023, it was more than just 2023. It was for, let's call it, a longer-term range.

" I do not think you're visiting Sean, each year, determine whether he wants to coach. I do think there's a possibility where every year you may hear his name in tv (job reports) based upon if there's a job opening there."

" But," Snead said, "I don't think you're visiting Sean attempting to figure out whether he actually wants to coach or not. He spent a long time this year and figured that out."

Snead and McVay spoke prior to the start of NFL complimentary company next week-- settlements with other groups' free agents can start Monday, finalizings and trades can be announced Wednesday-- as the Rams face unknown obstacles in trying to recover from a 5-12 season while needing to trim $16 million in incomes to get under the income cap.

McVay called the Rams futures of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, edge rush Leonard Floyd and pass receiver Allen Robinson-- all things of speculation-- "fluid situations."

He acknowledged "interest" in wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr., who hasn't played given that injuring a knee in the Rams' Super Bowl win, and Robert Woods, a free agent a year after the Rams traded him to the Buffalo Bills.

He echoed Snead in saying the Rams would try to improve mostly by developing young players around "core pieces" quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive lineman Aaron Donald.

" While there are going to be a great deal of hard choices, I don't anticipate to not attempt to create the most competitive roster that we (can) develop and establish," McVay said.

Speaking by means of Zoom, McVay discussed his commitment to the Rams by speaking about the "blessing" of having the ability to coach, "re-establishing a purpose," showing "obligation" to gamers and personnel, and having "appreciation" to owner Stan Kroenke for providing him time in January to consider his future.

McVay's coaching personnel has undergone its yearly turnover. In addition to previously revealed hirings of Mike LaFleur as offensive coordinator and Chase Blackburn as unique teams planner-- Raheem Morris remains defensive organizer-- McVay today added former University of Washington coach Jimmy Lake with the title of assistant head coach, brought back Aubrey Pleasant as defensive-backs coach and pass-defense coordinator, and invited six other newbies. Lake, who will not have position coaching obligation, replaces Thomas Brown, the assistant coach and tight ends coach who left to be offensive planner for the Carolina Panthers.

Entering into the first season of the rest of his life, McVay compared the vibe to his very first season as Rams coach, when he took control of a team coming off a 4-12 year and end up going 11-5.

" We understand we've got a great deal of work ahead of us," McVay stated. "But I believe it's similar to, actually, when we first got here in '17. We're delighted about rolling our sleeves up, getting to work and figuring out how we can be as competitive as possible. Let's go!"