Digest

This podcast episode features an in-depth interview with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. The hosts discuss a variety of topics, including McVay's definition of grit, his experience navigating cap hell, and his thoughts on the importance of clock management and timeout usage. McVay also reflects on his Super Bowl experiences, both the highs and the lows, and discusses the impact of fatherhood on his perspective. The hosts also engage in a Mount Rushmore debate, this time focusing on yellow things.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction, Sponsors, and Grit Week Finale

The podcast begins with a brief introduction and mentions sponsors, including Amazon Music and ADT. The hosts discuss the finale of Grit Week, featuring an interview with coach Sean McVay. They highlight their long-standing relationship with McVay and his candid personality.

00:01:11

USA Basketball Victory and Mount Rushmore Debate

The hosts discuss the USA's victory over Serbia in the Olympics, praising the team's performance and highlighting key players. They also revisit the contentious Mount Rushmore debate from earlier in the week.

00:01:59

Rough and Rowdy and Olympic Highlights

The hosts discuss their upcoming Rough and Rowdy event and recap highlights from the Olympics, including the 100-meter race, a proposal during a race, and the USA's basketball victory.

00:04:49

Sean McVay Interview: Grit, Cap Hell, and the Draft

The hosts interview Sean McVay, discussing his definition of grit, navigating cap hell, and the experience of having a first-round draft pick after several years without one.

00:06:26

Sean McVay Interview: In-Game Coordinator and Timeouts

McVay discusses the role of his new in-game coordinator, John Stryker, and the importance of clock management and timeout usage. He acknowledges his own mistakes in this area and the need for improvement.

01:14:52

Sean McVay Interview: Hypothetical Play Call and Accountability

The hosts present McVay with a hypothetical play call scenario in the NFC Championship game, prompting a discussion about decision-making under pressure and the importance of accountability.

01:17:43

Sean McVay Interview: Adrenaline and Super Bowl Memories

McVay reflects on the adrenaline rush of the Super Bowl and how it can affect decision-making. He compares his experiences in different Super Bowls and emphasizes the importance of staying present and learning from mistakes.

01:22:05

Sean McVay Interview: Super Bowl Loss and 2021 Championship

McVay discusses the impact of winning the Super Bowl in 2021 on his feelings about the loss in 2018. He emphasizes the importance of the team's unity and the adversity they faced in 2021, which made the victory even more meaningful.

01:22:52

Sean McVay Interview: Contemplating Retirement and Fatherhood

McVay shares his thoughts on the possibility of retiring after winning the Super Bowl in 2021. He reveals that he initially thought winning would bring him happiness and fulfillment, but he ultimately decided to stay in coaching due to his love for the game and his desire to continue working with his players. He also discusses the impact of fatherhood on his perspective and how it has given him a new sense of purpose.

01:24:43

Sean McVay Interview: Coaching Strategies and Aaron Donald's Future

McVay talks about his approach to play calling, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and setting up plays for later success. He acknowledges that sometimes he calls plays that may not have a high chance of success but can create opportunities for bigger plays later in the game. He also discusses Aaron Donald's potential return to football and expresses his respect for Donald's decision to prioritize his family and other interests.

01:26:50

Sean McVay Interview: Coaching Relationships and Turnover

McVay talks about his close friendship with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and how their relationship has evolved from college to the NFL. He emphasizes the trust and respect they have for each other and how their shared football background makes their collaboration special. He also discusses the high turnover rate among his coaching staff as many of his assistants get promoted to head coaching positions. While he acknowledges that it's not ideal, he believes it keeps the team fresh and attracts high-level talent.

01:29:22

Sean McVay Interview: Motivational T-Shirts and Johnson Family of Players

McVay addresses the criticism he received for the motivational shirts he created for the team, which featured a lot of text. He acknowledges that the shirts were too wordy and that he has learned to keep things simple and to the point. He also engages in a fun game with the podcast hosts, trying to remember all the players named Johnson he has coached during his time with the Rams. He correctly identifies several players, showcasing his knowledge of the team's history.

01:32:11

Sean McVay Interview: Super Bowl Suite and Fake Punt Play

McVay discusses the Super Bowl suite and proposes a deal with the podcast hosts: he will call one play if they get to the Super Bowl again. The play is a fake punt punt, which he believes would be a chaotic and unpredictable move.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is Sean McVay's definition of grit?

  McVay defines grit as persevering and being at your best when times are toughest. He believes that true grit is demonstrated by leading during challenging times and overcoming adversity.

• How did Sean McVay handle the challenges of cap hell with the Rams?

  McVay acknowledges that cap hell is challenging, requiring difficult decisions and understanding potential ramifications. He emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and creating opportunities for younger players.

• What was Sean McVay's experience like having a first-round draft pick after several years without one?

  McVay describes the experience as \"weird\" after being accustomed to trading away first-round picks. He highlights the excitement of having a pick and the unusual feeling of working on a Thursday night during the draft.

• What is the role of Sean McVay's new in-game coordinator, John Stryker?

  Stryker's role is to assist McVay with clock management, timeout usage, and understanding the nuances of the rules. McVay acknowledges his own need for improvement in these areas and sees Stryker as a valuable asset.

• How does Sean McVay approach accountability for his decisions as a coach?

  McVay emphasizes the importance of accountability and being willing to admit mistakes. He believes that learning from mistakes is crucial for growth and that coaches should set an example for their players.

• How does Sean McVay handle the adrenaline rush of the Super Bowl?

  McVay acknowledges that the Super Bowl can be a blur of excitement and that staying present and focused is crucial. He emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences and avoiding repeating mistakes.

• How did winning the Super Bowl in 2021 affect Sean McVay's feelings about the loss in 2018?

  McVay acknowledges that winning the Super Bowl in 2021 provided some closure and helped him move on from the 2018 loss, but he still feels a sense of responsibility for letting down the players who were on that team.

• What were some of the factors that influenced Sean McVay's decision to stay in coaching after the Super Bowl win?

  McVay initially thought winning the Super Bowl would bring him happiness and fulfillment, but he realized that he still loved coaching and wanted to continue working with his players. He also felt a sense of responsibility to the team and the organization.

• How has fatherhood changed Sean McVay's perspective on life and coaching?

  McVay says that fatherhood has given him a new sense of purpose and perspective. He values family time more than ever, but he still loves coaching and is committed to doing it for a long time.

• What is Sean McVay's perspective on Aaron Donald's potential return to football, and how does he respect Donald's decision to prioritize his family and other interests?

  McVay expresses his respect for Donald's decision to prioritize his family and other interests. He believes that Donald has earned the right to walk away from the game with no regrets, even though he could still play at a high level.

Show Notes