“We Are L.A. Strong!”

(East Los Angeles, CA) [From The Editor’s Desk]: The long-awaited countdown to the NFC Title game is now on, and with a win comes a very well-earned trip to Super Bowl LX. Bottom line, that’s exactly what’s at stake for the big battle between the #1 seed, Seattle Seahawks, and the #5 seed, our Los Angeles Rams.

For more information on the Conference Championship Watch Party at SoFi Stadium, fans can check the SoFi Stadium event page or the Rams official website. 

Now it’s time to read up on what Head Coach McVay had to say in his Friday’s customary media availability at the team’s Training Facility in Woodland Hills. Also on hand for his media availability in tandem with Coach McVay was QB Matthew Stafford.

Rams Transcripts: Head Coach Sean McVay & QB Matthew Stafford, 1/23/26, Friday

[Head Coach Sean McVay]

(Injury update)…
“As far as injuries are concerned, we’ll rule [Offensive Lineman] Rob Havenstein out. [Outside Linebacker] ‘BY’ [Byron Young] will be listed as questionable, but our full expectation is that he’s playing. We’re just being smart with him based on working through how his knee is feeling. For that, we’re excited and have to finish up the today the right way.”

(On whether OLB Byron Young will practice today)
“We will be limited with him, but there are so few reps and so we’ll take a cautious approach. He’ll take a couple reps, but limited we’ll be what it’s officially at. We’ve just erred on the side of caution. We’ve been able to get a lot of mental reps this week, which he’s been able to partake in some of that stuff. He’s going to be ready to go and we’re expecting him to feel good.”

(On OL Rob Havenstein’s progress)
“He’s made great progress. In a lot of instances, it’s really to be able to say, ‘Let’s get out on the field with your guys in a limited capacity.’ We didn’t ever have any expectations of him playing this week, but his presence in the meeting room and on the grass, but then being able to put some cleats on and go through individual and do some of those things, I just can’t say enough about the way that he’s impacted the team even while he’s not able to play. The mentorship that he provides for the group, the wisdom that he has and [Offensive Line Coach] Ryan Wendell does such a great job of being able to give him that platform that he’s earned to pour into these guys. I think in a lot of instances, coming from your teammates or peers is so valuable and he’s got so much wisdom like a coach. He’s been awesome. That was the thought process this week.”

(On what he’s learned about himself this season from the players)
“That’s a great question. I’ve learned that I’m at my best when you’re around people that you love enough to not want to let them down. I think that when you’re around people that make you want to take action, even if you have your fears or your insecurities, the love is what outweighs that. I’ve learned that when you’re around people that inspire you, you become the company you keep. This group of players, this group of coaches, and we’ve had some really special groups, but top to bottom, it’s hard to top how I feel about this team and the experience. I was just talking the other day with some of our coaches about how I can’t believe how fast this season has gone by. It’s not because it’s been easy. It’s been hard. There have been challenging moments, but when you’re totally present, you’re enjoying that, I think that’s when you’re at your best and you’re creating meaningful relationships and memories. What I’ve learned from this team is that we’re at our best when we’re working the right way. We have genuine enjoyment for each other for the success and for the challenging moments. We have the mental toughness and the mindset to be our best, regardless of the circumstances. That’s not exclusive to football, that’s just in life. Being consistent and doing that for the people that you love and care about, that’s what I would say I’ve learned.”

(On what sense he’s gotten from the team this week)
“I really like the sense. I think it’s business as usual. They understand the stakes. I think consistency is really important in these moments. You don’t need to over communicate what is at stake, but what I want is I want our guys to be able to be courageous in terms of our ability to go cut it loose. No regrets. We know what a formidable opponent [they are] and we’re very familiar with them. We have tremendous respect for them. Our expectations are to go in there and play really well, play complete and be present. I love the vibe that I’ve gotten from this team. It’s not going to be too big for this group. I’m excited for 3:30 on Sunday.”

(On how he addresses the team on gamedays)
“It’s fluid and flexible. I keep a consistent message. I don’t think you want to have so many different things that it’s like, what are we really emphasizing? I think if you emphasize everything, you emphasize nothing. There have been different themes or things that you just go with based on your feel. I think the thing that always resonates is what’s from the heart. What type of approach do you want to really be able to take? I think the guys would be better equipped to answer that than me. I’m not necessarily writing things down. It’s consistency of messaging throughout the course of the week. Maybe highlighting why I feel so good about this group. Then, you might highlight a couple things that are specific to each phase. Normally it’s flexible by, I know what I’ll say. I’ll talk to them on Sunday because of when we kick off. I try not to get too jacked up. When we’ve got about three hours until kickoff or five hours whenever I talk to them, it’s always a good challenge. I tell them, I say, I’ll try not to do it, but I can’t promise you it won’t happen.”

(On what makes the group special this year)
“I think what’s been great is the collective character of this group, collective values and the alignment that we have. There are different personalities, but these are guys that are accountable. It’s not perfect. I’m not perfect, but these guys believe in the same things. They feel that. There’s a mutual respect. There’s a love. They like the challenging moments. A lot of these guys that we onboard now, there’s a real lean in to understanding after now nine years, what are successful outcomes projection wise look like in terms of the makeup of the human being? We do some stuff with what we call a North Star. I think we have a really good idea of what kinds of people best elevate this space that we operate in, whether that’s their teammates or situations they’re a part of. That might be through free agency, that might be through the draft or that might be through guys that we continue to develop and stay in house. I love working alongside [General Manager] Les [Snead] and his group and our coaching staff, but I think we’re getting better about understanding the types of people that thrive in this atmosphere and environment and selfishly, [people] that inspire me. It is so much easier to work with a team when your motivation is, I don’t want to let them down. We all are innately selfish, right? We all have things. That’s being human being. When you’re working with people that you’re saying, ‘I don’t want to let you down because I love you and I want to see the light shined on you,’ I think that takes the pressure off you. That’s how I felt when we’ve been at our best. I think that’s how I felt in the moments when we made a ‘21 run. That’s how I felt with this team each of the last three years in 2023 and 2024. I especially feel that right now. I think that does take the weight off. I think that’s why the top to bottom collective is as special as I’ve been around. I think it’s all about people, always has been, always will be.”

(On his evaluation of the Seahawks and Rams special teams units heading into the game)
“Their special teams is real. They’re outstanding and they’re outstanding in every phase. They are a complete football team. You could see there’s an energy, especially when you look at the last game, [Seahawks Wide Receiver Rashid] Shaheed’s punt return is really what gave them the momentum to get back. When you look at last week, that blew the game open when his kickoff return started the game. I thought we did a good job in some instances last week. I think Chicago did a damn good job too, but I thought [Kicker Harrison] Mevis was excellent. I thought we punted way too many damn times, but I thought we did handle that fairly well. I think our coverage units have done a nice job covering with urgency and our guys are ready to lean into the challenge. It’s a real challenge and they’re as good as it gets collectively on teams.”

(On his mindset when interviewing coaches and what he looks for in coaches)
“I think the first thing is, what’s the fit? We’ve gotten a lot of reps at this too now. I think it starts with character. There are too many ebbs and flows. You better be a high character individual and I don’t really care what kind of coach you are, but I think you’re not a good coach if you don’t have high character. You better have capacity for the game. You better be a great communicator where you can connect with your coaches and with your teammates and with your players most importantly. Our job is to help elevate people around in situations that we’re a part of. I also think it’s really important, as you put together a staff, you’re putting together a team. What are the complimentary pieces that some of these guys can add to [Defensive Coordinator] Chris Shula, to [Assistant Head Coach/ Pass Game Coordinator] Aubrey Pleasant. How does it fit offensively when you lose, a [Texans Offensive Coordinator] Nick Caley and then you bring in a [Tight Ends Coach Scott] ‘Scooter’ Huff? All of that matters so much, but it always is about people. The interview process depends on what position that you’re talking about. You like to try to be able to simulate and mimic and emulate things that you would ask people to do and the ability to think on their feet. But more than anything, what I like about turning over of the staff is usually what that means is guys are getting better opportunities that we can’t offer here. That’s a great thing for them. They’ve been instrumental ain good stuff. Then when you bring in other people, I’m always curious to get to learn. I get to see the way that we’re looked at and you better evolve. There have been a lot of examples of where we haven’t done that or I haven’t done that and it’s cost us. Then because of a lot of the influx of new people coming in and new ideas, I think you have to constantly stay curious and always innovate. We’d be here for a while if I told you about the different interviews.

(On something that could be the ‘X-factor’ in this game)
“This is about our players and this is about us trying to be able to make good decisions. I think it’s about the competitive stamina snap in and snap out. These are two great teams going at it. They’re obviously excellent, but I think the most important thing is let’s be totally present. Let’s be in the moment. Let’s consistently stay the course. Like I’ve said a couple times in this press conference, just have the courage to be able to go do it. I could get real granular on the tactical stuff, but it’s about us finding a way to capitalize and play as good as we possibly can in that three-and-a-half-hour window. If things go our way, let’s stay humble and when things don’t, let’s do the next right thing on the next snap.”

On making adjustments in the middle of a game)
“I think you have to see the game one play at a time. What I meant by that is that in a lot of instances you might have the right thought and it might be a good play, but if we’re not able to execute based on the communication that’s required… we had some stuff that ended up in negative plays where I have to ask myself, ‘Okay, yeah, the thought process is right, but then you have 11 moving parts on your side of the football, 11 on the other side, there’s a play clock, there’s a noisy crowd and even though it might be a good idea and it draws up well, are we able to get it communicated to execute?’ There were some instances that didn’t go down. Then there are other ones situationally, it’s not necessarily the actual call. The one that I would refer to that definitely was not a good call was the third-and-one in the overtime period. [Bears Defensive Coordinator] Dennis Allen did a good job of changing up his short yardage structure right there where we’re trying to run kind of a perimeter play that you don’t have good angles and leverage. That’s a bad play call based on the defensive structure that they presented. You give Coach Allen credit for that. I think you have to feel the flow of the game. What I did think was good, and it’s always collaborative, it’s collective as a staff. I thought we did a good job of adjusting and adapting. You have some stuff early on and we weren’t able to get into a rhythm, but then I thought we settled in. We ran the football well. I thought [Quarterback] Matthew [Stafford] was at his best and guys made their plays in the most important moments. That’s what I was referring to. But all those things, I think the good ones adjust in real time and I wish I would’ve done that a little bit sooner, but better late than never. You can’t afford to do those things against an outfit like this this week. There are so many layers that go into it. As it relates to truly a bad play call, if you give the players a play and you don’t have it called with another play or answers that give them a chance for successful outcomes… and there are sometimes where I call a bad play and they make it right. That’s happened a lot too. You have to be honest with that. It can’t just be outcome-oriented.”

(On being tied as the second-longest tenured coach and how he processes the ‘seniority’ aspect)
“Seniority, I’m not a senior yet [laughter]. I think what you realize is how hard this league is and how volatile it is. I think perspective is everything. Fortunately, I did have a decent perspective growing up in this game realizing how difficult it is, but you love it and you know that it doesn’t always come with great things. I think you have to be able to treat everything as its own entity. My grandfather [John McVay] was the Head Coach of the Giants. He’s the head coach during the miracle of the Meadow Lands. You’re looking at, hey, this is a challenging deal. He ends up leaving that job and it led to him being an executive where he’s a part of five World Championships with the 49ers. What you realize is what a blessing it is to be in these positions and especially to do it for [Owner Stan] Mr. Kroenke and to lead alongside people that you believe in and that you’ve had some good experiences with. What I think about the most is the appreciation I have for when I haven’t been at my best, but the support and the unconditional support that I felt. That means a whole hell of a lot to me. In those moments that I’ve have been open with you guys about where I wasn’t the leader, I wasn’t the man, I wasn’t the coach that I wanted to be on a consistent basis. I’m not by any stretch saying that I have it all figured out, but I’m better than what I once was. It’s only because I’m around people and I have a family and friends and people in this building that make you feel like you want to do better. It is hard. This league is challenging but it’s always a blessing and I don’t take it for granted. Being in year nine, it’s crazy the turnover that occurs. Me and [49ers Head Coach] Kyle [Shanahan] that year and then [Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid] ‘Big Red’ in Kansas City, Coach Reid’s still doing his thing. It’s amazing.”

(On his birthday coming up on Saturday)
“I’m not a big birthday guy and if you guys say happy 40th, I’ll slap you [laughter]. I’m not a big birthday. Here’s what I will say. What is a good birthday is when I’m working on my birthday and if I’m working next week. That’d be a hell of a birthday. That’s the only present I want.”

[QB Matthew Stafford]

(On what it’s like going up against former teammate and current Seahawks LB Ernest Jones)
“He’s an unbelievable player. He’s great leader and great human being. I really enjoyed my time [with him]. Obviously, I have a ton of fond memories of playing and going to battle with him. He’s been the heart and soul of that defense when you watch them with the way he communicates and the way he runs. He’s had a great year turning the ball over this year, both finding ways to intercept it and also punching the ball out or getting on it when it’s on the ground. He’s a great player. It’s a huge challenge when we go up and play against him, but he’s a really great human being too.”

(On whether playing Jones is more difficult because of the familiarity between the two)
“Yeah, I think so, but I think when you get out there everybody’s just trying to do their job as best they can. I know that’s all I’m trying to do. I know him well enough to know that’s all he’s trying to do. He’s trying to go out there and lead his group. I’m trying to go out there and lead my group. We’re two pieces in 22 moving parts. I obviously have a ton of respect for him and the way he plays the game and the way he leads his team. That’s part of it, but once the balls snapped we go play.”

(On whether he’s had any conversations with WR Davante Adams about what it’s like to make it to the Super Bowl)
“No, we haven’t. We’ve stayed present this week. We’re going to play a great opponent. They’ve got our full attention. We’re going to their place and trying to get a win and continue playing. I think that’s the biggest thing for me is. I love going to work with this group. The inevitability in the NFL is that year to year, there is change. There’s turnover both in the player roster but also coaching staffs and all those things. Being able to stay present and appreciate the time that we have, appreciate Friday practices and really everything and all the moments. That’s what we’ve been trying to do. Will those conversations happen? Maybe, but they haven’t yet.”

On how his relationship with Head Coach Sean McVay has developed and whether it gives them an edge in the playoffs)
“That’s yet to be seen. I think as far as an edge goes, he’s calling it. He’s leading our team. He’s helping us get prepared and I’m going out there and trying to do my job. As far as experience goes, you can’t fake experience. We’ve had the ability to go and play in playoff games, win them, lose them, go to the Super Bowl and all those things together. As far as our relationship and how it’s grown, I feel like any friendship where you spend as many hours as we do together [grows]. When I first got here in 2021, he was learning me, I was learning him and how do we do that as fast as we possibly can to try to reach the goal that we want to? We were able to do that. There were some times when we learned about each other a lot in the next three or four years. It’s been really cool. It’s been fun to watch him become a father of two. I know he loves…I was Facetiming my girls in the meeting room this morning and he’s asking Tyler [his daughter] if her tooth was still loose. There’s plenty of back and forth. It’s a really cool and unique relationship. It’s one that I don’t take for granted and one that I appreciate a lot.”

(On whether he’s felt like the offense has been more detail-oriented this week)
“I think we try to be as detailed as we possibly can every single week. Obviously, it’s a big game and a big opponent. The stakes I guess are ‘higher’ than a regular season game. I try to make sure that everything we’re doing is with intent and done the right way. I think Sean [McVay] does that as well. It’s not a bad thing in my mind. That’s a good thing, right? Let’s make sure we’re all just doing everything that we possibly can to prepare to go play well and trust that preparation too, right? Just go prepare the way you always prepare. Trust that we’re in this game for a reason, right? Because we’ve prepared the way that we prepared and we’ve played the way we’ve played. Go trust that and let the results happen.”

(On Coach McVay delegating more to his assistant coaches now)
“Yeah, I would agree with him. I think that’s healthy. I think that’s great leadership on his part and I trust in the people around him. He is still heavily involved in everything that we do in all phases. The delivery of that message might come from other people rather than him all the time. I think that’s why everybody comes here to try to find coaches to go somewhere else and be a head coach or be a coordinator or whatever. They have true responsibility here and Sean allows those guys to develop and grow as coaches. I know as players, it’s empowering too. Your position coaches are giving you things that may be coming from the head coach or may not be, but just his ability to spread that knowledge and empower coaches and players is something that makes this place special.”

On what it’s like as a veteran to go 10+ years before making a Super Bowl and whether Adams can take from his experience going through something similar)
“It’s probably a little bit different. He got a lot closer than I did for a long time [laughter]. It wasn’t quite that little carrot out there, but no he’s an unbelievable player in this league. He’s made his impact on a multitude of players, teams, organizations and the history of our game, frankly. I can’t speak for him on to get that close four times and not get the opportunity to go play in that game. I don’t have that same experience, but I do know that as you get older in this game and longer in the tooth a little bit, you just you appreciate these moments. There are so many times where you finish up a season in the regular season and you go home and you watch all these games. Being able to prepare for them, be a part of them, be in the locker room, go eat meals together and all of that type of stuff. Hey, there’s only four teams playing still, that’s a special feeling. To be able to be a part of that is great. I play this game to have success or to help our team win and do that, but I want all the guys in that locker room to have the experiences that I’ve had before and was lucky enough to have in 2021. I play this game for family and for the people that’ll help me get here and all our teammates, but [really] the guys in that locker room that want that opportunity, I want that for them so bad. That’s why I prepare. That’s why I’m going to do everything I possibly can to try and bring that to life for those guys with a big challenge ahead of us, no question about it. That’s the special part about football. It’s such a great team sport and I’m just trying to do my part to bring that to life for those guys.

(On Seahawks WR Cooper Kupp saying the pregame atmosphere feels a little different because of the heightened stakes of these playoff games)
“I think so. There’s a little bit of a buzz in the air with just knowing that it’s either you win the game and keep playing or you lose the game and go home. I think people get excited about it like the people on the sidelines. He’s right in the fact that once the ball is snapped, it’s football and you just have to go play. I’ve been lucky enough to play in another NFC Championship game, played in the Super Bowl. Yeah, the atmosphere before the game, the sidelines, all that stuff definitely gets ramped up as you keep going, but it doesn’t have too much effect on the game.”

On why he was smiling in the pregame of Super Bowl LVI)
“It was The Rock at our Super Bowl doing stuff [laughter]. I’m just sitting there going like, ‘You’re not getting that on a random Sunday day game in the middle of season.’ That just came to my head, sorry.

(On how he’s visualized the change in playoff atmospheres over the course of his career)
“I think just through the experience of being able to play in these games, whether it be this late in the season or at all the venues really. How the noise affects you and how you have to go out there and operate. I think that’s why these walk-throughs and these practices are so important so that everybody’s on the same page. When I call that play in the huddle, we’re all ready to rock and roll and go play no matter if we can hear ourselves think or not.”

(On the comfort he has knowing he’ll be able to play with Adams in a difficult environment in a playoff game)
“He’s just a great player. Anytime you can add a great player and put them out there on the grass, it’s going to be a huge boost for your team. We know what he’s done for us all season. He’s been able to put the ball in the end zone, convert on third down and make big plays in the pass game. Having another guy out there that can do that is a huge plus for us. I’m excited to have him back, excited for him to be healthy and feeling good going into this game with the opportunity to go make some plays.

(On how he looks to create separation and make an impact with both teams being evenly matched)
“I think you just have to go out there and execute. The biggest part of this is, we can talk about all the other stuff, but we have to be hitting blocks correctly, we have to read our run keys and run the ball effectively. I have to put the ball in a good spot for our guys to go make plays. They have to separate, get open and make plays. I think when you go into a battle like this where you have a defense that’s playing at the level that they’re playing at, you just have to tighten the screws that much more. Go out there and when you have the opportunity to make the plays, try to make them. If they’re not there, how do we not make a bad play worse. It’s just quarterbacking 101 for me and just trying to keep us moving in the right direction.”

–RAMS–