Matthew Stafford will be back with Rams with or without Sean McVay

Sean McVay coached the Rams to the head, successful a Tremendous Bowl title in 2021.

He coached them to the depths, this season posting a 5-12 report that qualifies because the worst season-after efficiency by a Tremendous Bowl champion in NFL historical past.

Now the query is whether or not McVay will coach in any respect in 2023.

On Monday, McVay mentioned he would take time to determine whether or not he’ll return for a seventh season.

“Don’t wish to rush into any type of determination,” McVay mentioned throughout an end-of-season information convention in Thousand Oaks. “There’s loads of emotion proper after the season, there’s loads of layers to this. There’s lots of people that it does have an effect on that I don’t take frivolously and wish to be aware of.

“And so, I’m going to take the subsequent couple days to essentially be capable of form of replicate. Clearly, loads of conversations with varied folks that may dictate and decide the choice that’s greatest for me, my household, the Rams and lots of people, and that’s form of the place we’re at with that.”

McVay, who will flip 37 in two weeks, has been the Rams’ coach since 2017, when proprietor Stan Kroenke made the then 30-year-old McVay the youngest coach in fashionable NFL historical past.

McVay led the Rams to the playoffs in his first season and to the Tremendous Bowl in 2018. The Rams missed the playoffs the subsequent season, superior to the NFC divisional spherical in 2020, after which went all in to win the title final season. McVay has a 60-38 report and is 7-3 within the playoffs.

McVay on Monday described his ardour for teaching and the best way he goes about it as “a phenomenal torment.” However the calls for of being an NFL coach have introduced him thus far of reflection.

“This has been years,” he mentioned. “This isn’t a brand new factor.”

This isn’t the primary time that McVay has contemplated stepping away.

Earlier than the Tremendous Bowl final 12 months, McVay mentioned that he didn’t see himself teaching into his 60s, citing a want to have and be concerned in elevating a household. After the season, he was wooed by broadcast networks earlier than receiving an extension from the Rams that makes him one of many highest-paid coaches within the NFL.

McVay mentioned he doesn’t have a timeline for making a choice.

“I’ve infinite quantities of vitality nonetheless,” he mentioned. “It’s only a matter of, how do you ensure that as you progress ahead, you’re in a position to do it in the best way that’s greatest for your self, your spouse, your loved ones members, after which if you find yourself in a task of this magnitude, doing it the best way that you just’re able to.

“And that’s what I would like to have the ability to reply sure to, and if you are able to do these issues, I feel loads of readability will include that.”

If McVay had been to step away, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris can be among the many candidates to interchange him. Morris has been the top coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and interim coach of the Atlanta Falcons. The Denver Broncos contacted the Rams for permission to interview Morris, an individual with data of the scenario mentioned, and he could possibly be in line for different alternatives.

Whereas McVay’s standing for subsequent season is unsure, quarterback Matthew Stafford’s shouldn’t be.

Stafford, sidelined the ultimate seven video games due to a spinal twine contusion, mentioned he would return no matter whether or not McVay is on the helm.

“He’ll take a while to determine what’s greatest for him and what’s greatest for this program, this group shifting ahead and we’ll help him no matter he desires to do,” mentioned Stafford, a 14-year veteran.

Teammates echoed Stafford.

“No matter he finally ends up deciding to go together with, or no matter is occurring, no matter he’s processing, I simply want the easiest for him,” receiver Cooper Kupp mentioned.

Edge rusher Leonard Floyd mentioned McVay was greater than a soccer coach.

“I care about McVay the particular person somewhat than the coach,” he mentioned. “If you happen to really feel like we have to take a break, man, take a break.

“He’s nonetheless younger. He can come again and coach once more. However hopefully he stays, man, so we will get this factor again heading in the right direction, so we will get again to the Tremendous Bowl. I hope he takes his time to make the correct determination.”

And so forth.

Rookie security Russ Yeast, who was hospitalized for a pulmonary contusion suffered throughout Sunday’s defeat by the Seattle Seahawks, is in “good situation” and returning to Los Angeles from Seattle, McVay mentioned. … Stafford mentioned he was feeling wholesome and was wanting ahead to being a full participant in offseason exercises. In 2022, Stafford didn’t throw passes as a result of he was attempting to get well from tendinitis in his proper elbow.. … Cornerback Jalen Ramsey mentioned he would have right-shoulder surgical procedure through the offseason. … Rams 2023 opponents: House: Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks, Browns, Saints, Eagles, Steelers, Commanders. Away: Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks, Ravens, Bengals, Cowboys, Packers, Colts, Giants.