Key Takeaways from Sean McVay's Post-2026 NFL Combine Press Conference: Coaching Changes, Free Agency, and Quarterbacks
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – The NFL Combine has concluded, and the free agency period is just around the corner, with negotiations set to begin on March 9th and the new league year starting on March 11th. Amidst these developments, head coach Sean McVay had a lot to discuss during his video conference with local media on Tuesday morning.
Here are the top takeaways from the press conference:
- McVay's Play-Calling Role
Despite the additions and new roles within the offensive staff, McVay confirmed he will continue calling plays in 2026. He expressed his passion for play-calling, stating, 'I've always loved calling plays. I'm not necessarily married to always doing it, but that is the plan.'
- Aubrey Pleasant's Departure
McVay addressed the departure of Aubrey Pleasant, who worked with him for seven of the last nine seasons. He explained the decision as a mutual agreement, stating, 'We had a bunch of conversations... At the end of the day, it was in the best interest of both parties to move on.'
- Cornerbacks Group Oversight
The cornerbacks group will be led by Jimmy Lake, a senior defensive assistant last season, and Michael Hunter, an assistant defensive backs coach. McVay praised Lake's experience as a head coach and coordinator, highlighting his ability to provide valuable insights to the defensive staff.
- Pending Free Agents in the Secondary
McVay acknowledged the ongoing process of addressing the statuses of free agents in the secondary, including safety Kam Curl and cornerbacks Cobie Durant, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Roger McCreary. He emphasized the importance of re-signing or finding suitable replacements through draft, trade, or free agency.
- Jimmy Garoppolo's Return
The Rams are eager to have backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo back, who is a pending unrestricted free agent. McVay expressed his admiration for Garoppolo, stating, 'Absolutely, I love Jimmy. Would absolutely want him back.' However, he also acknowledged the possibility of Garoppolo pursuing other opportunities.
- Evaluating Quarterbacks
When asked about evaluating quarterbacks, McVay highlighted the importance of assessing their performance in various situations, such as crunch time production, two-minute drills, and fourth-down scenarios. He stressed the need to evaluate their ability to execute all phases of the offense.
- Coaching Staff Additions
The additions of Brian Allen and Robert Woods to the coaching staff were not seen as favors but rather as recognition of their coaching potential. McVay expressed his appreciation for their contributions, stating, 'I love those guys. We're not doing favors. It's because I believe they're going to be really good coaches.'
In summary, Sean McVay's press conference provided insights into the Rams' coaching changes, free agency plans, and quarterback evaluation process, offering a comprehensive overview of the team's current situation and future prospects.
