By Sunday 
A Young Coach, A Heavy Burden
Sean McVay didn’t get to experience his 30s like most people. While others his age were still figuring things out, McVay was already at the helm of an NFL franchise. Hired at just 30 years old, he became the youngest head coach in modern league history, leading the Los Angeles Rams to two Super Bowl appearances and six playoff runs.
But according to Rams general manager Les Snead, McVay’s rapid rise to success may have come at a cost.
Les Snead’s Lighthearted Regret
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Snead reflected on McVay’s career path with a mix of admiration and humor.
“We hired him when he was 30 years old. That story’s been written, right?” Snead said. “You reverse engineer it and it’s like a no-brainer. (We) should’ve hired him when he was 29. I’ve often kidded with Sean, ‘There’s no doubt we’ve changed your life for the good, but, boy, did we probably ruin it, as well.’”
Snead pointed out that McVay’s 30s could have been spent balancing work and leisure, like many other professionals. Instead, he carried the immense responsibility of leading an NFL team.
“When you’re 30-39, you can kinda be a professional, but still goof around and maybe not have to be a head coach of the Los Angeles Rams,” Snead quipped.
A Unique Coach-GM Dynamic
Despite the challenges, Snead emphasized the strong relationship he shares with McVay.
“We have this neat chemistry where, you know what, we can go out and have a boxing match and then go have a beer afterwards,” he said.
Their bond has been instrumental in the Rams’ success. Since McVay took over in 2017, the team has consistently been a contender, highlighted by their Super Bowl LVI victory.
The Making of a Football Mind
McVay’s journey started long before he set foot in Los Angeles. At just 22, he was already an assistant wide receivers coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His next stop was the UFL’s Florida Tuskers, followed by a seven-year stint with Washington before the Rams made their historic hire.
While the weight of an NFL head coaching job can be overwhelming, McVay has handled it with poise. And though Snead jokingly suggests that they “ruined” his life, the results speak for themselves—McVay has built a legacy that most coaches can only dream of.
Would McVay Change a Thing?
Looking back, it’s fair to wonder if McVay ever regrets the all-consuming nature of his job. But with a Super Bowl ring and a reputation as one of the league’s brightest minds, it seems like a trade-off he’s willing to accept.
And if you ask Snead, maybe the only real mistake was not hiring him sooner.