If you’re wondering who is the LA Rams coach, you’re looking for Sean McVay. But honestly, just saying his name doesn't really cover it. As of January 2026, McVay isn't just "the coach"—he’s basically the architect of everything that happens at SoFi Stadium. He’s been at the helm since 2017, and if you follow the NFL even casually, you know he’s the guy who changed the rules for how teams hire coaches.
He's currently 39. Still young. In fact, he’s still the fourth-youngest head coach in the league despite being one of the longest-tenured. Think about that for a second. Most guys his age are just getting their first coordinator gig, and he’s already entering his tenth season with a Super Bowl ring in his pocket.
Why the Sean McVay Era is Different
When McVay took over, the Rams were a mess. They had the worst offense in the league and a 4-12 record. Fast forward to now, and they just finished a 12-5 regular season in 2025. It’s been a wild ride. People forget that before he arrived, the "Greatest Show on Turf" felt like ancient history.
Now? The Rams are perennial contenders.
It’s not just about the wins, though. It’s the "McVay Effect." Every time a team needs a new coach, they look for "the next Sean McVay." Five of his former assistants are already head coaches elsewhere. It’s kinda like he’s running a coaching factory in Woodland Hills. Names like Zac Taylor and Matt LaFleur wouldn’t be where they are without him.
The Financials: Is He Leaving?
Every offseason, there’s this weird rumor that he’s going to retire and go into broadcasting. You’ve probably heard it. Amazon reportedly offered him $100 million a few years back. He turned it down.
Right now, he’s making about $15 million a year. That puts him in the top five highest-paid coaches. With John Harbaugh recently getting a massive $20 million deal with the Giants, expect the Rams to open the checkbook again soon. Stan Kroenke knows what he has. You don’t let a guy like McVay walk when he’s currently leading you into the 2026 NFC Championship game against the Seahawks.
The Stats Nobody Talks About
Most people point to the Super Bowl LVI win. Sure, that’s the big one. But look at his consistency.
- 80 regular-season wins before turning 40.
- Only legends like Curly Lambeau and George Halas did that.
- Seven winning seasons out of nine.
- Eight career playoff wins (and counting).
Basically, he doesn't have "rebuilding" years. Even when people thought the Rams were "all in" and would crash after the Super Bowl, he just found guys like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams to keep the engine running. Speaking of Nacua, McVay’s scheme helped him shatter rookie records. That’s the nuance people miss—he’s not just a "leader," he’s a tactical genius who puts players in positions they can actually succeed in.
The Current 2026 Staff
While McVay is the face, he doesn't do it alone. The current staff is a mix of guys who have been with him for years and new blood.
- Offensive Coordinator: Mike LaFleur (doing a killer job with Stafford).
- Defensive Coordinator: Chris Shula (grandson of the legendary Don Shula).
- Pass Game Coordinator: Nate Scheelhaase (a rising star).
There’s a real chance he loses some of these guys this month. Teams are circling Mike LaFleur like hawks. But McVay has this weird ability to just reload. He’s done it with Kevin O’Connell, Raheem Morris, and Brandon Staley. He just finds the next guy.
The Matthew Stafford Connection
You can't talk about who is the LA Rams coach without talking about his relationship with Matthew Stafford. It’s a bromance, honestly. Stafford is 37 now, but under McVay, he’s still putting up elite numbers. They speak the same language. If you watch them on the sidelines, they’re basically finishing each other's sentences about coverage shells and blitz pickups.
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Stafford recently moved to 11th on the all-time passing list. That doesn't happen without a coach who knows how to protect a veteran QB while still being aggressive.
What’s Next for the Rams?
The immediate future is the playoffs. The Rams just beat the Panthers and the Bears to set up a massive clash in Seattle. If they win, McVay goes to his third Super Bowl.
If you're looking for actionable ways to follow the team or understand the strategy better this season, keep an eye on these three things:
- The Red Zone Efficiency: The Rams finished 4th in the league here in 2025. If they dip, they lose.
- The Chris Shula Factor: Watch how the defense handles mobile QBs. It’s been their one "kinda" weak spot.
- Contract News: Expect a massive extension for McVay this spring. If it doesn't happen by March, then you can start worrying about those TV rumors again.
The reality is that as long as Sean McVay is the coach, the Rams are going to be a problem for the rest of the NFC. He’s transformed the franchise from a St. Louis afterthought into a Los Angeles powerhouse. Whether you love his energy or find his "genius" label annoying, the results are pretty hard to argue with.
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To stay updated on the latest roster moves or coaching changes during the 2026 playoff run, check the official team transactions or follow beat writers like Jourdan Rodrigue, who usually has the inside track on what McVay is thinking before he even says it.