Career Timeline of Sean McVay: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Sean McVay made an impact.

Sean McVay is the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, achieving the distinction of being the youngest NFL head coach in the modern era upon his hiring in 2017. He holds the record for being the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl and be named NFL Coach of the Year. Before leading the Rams, McVay gained experience as a tight ends coach and offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins. His quick rise to prominence has made him a notable figure in the NFL.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1969: Best Start to a Season Since 1969

In 1969, the Rams had their best start to a season, prior to the 2018 season where the Rams started 8-0.

1976: John McVay becomes head coach of New York Giants

In 1976, John McVay, Sean McVay's grandfather, became the head coach of the New York Giants.

1978: John McVay coaches New York Giants

In 1978, John McVay coached the New York Giants.

1980: John McVay becomes an executive for the San Francisco 49ers

In 1980, John McVay, Sean McVay's grandfather, became an executive for the San Francisco 49ers, a role he held until 1999.

1980: Rams last Super Bowl appearance in Los Angeles

In 1980, the Rams last Super Bowl appearance while based in Los Angeles was at Super Bowl XIV, before their Super Bowl LIII appearance after the 2018 season.

1983: John Robinson coaches Rams

In 1983, John Robinson began his tenure coaching the Rams, a position he held until 1991.

1991: John Robinson coaches Rams

In 1991, John Robinson ended his tenure coaching the Rams, after coaching the team from 1983.

1999: John McVay leaves the San Francisco 49ers

In 1999, John McVay, Sean McVay's grandfather, left his position as an executive for the San Francisco 49ers, a role he had held since 1980.

2001: Rams Best Record

In 2001, prior to the 2017 season, was the last time the Rams had the best record. That streak ended with McVay coaching the Rams to a 7-2 record.

2002: Rams last NFL Championship Appearance

In 2002, the Rams had their last NFL championship appearance at Super Bowl XXXVI, before their Super Bowl LIII appearance after the 2018 season.

2003: First Winning Season Since 2003

In 2003, prior to the 2017 season, was the last time the Rams had a winning season. Under McVay, the Rams achieved their first winning season and division title since 2003.

2003: Rams Winning Record and Division Title

In 2003, the Los Angeles Rams secured their first winning record and division title since this year, a feat that would be repeated in 2017 under Sean McVay.

2004: First Playoff Berth since 2004

In 2004, prior to the 2017 season, was the last time the Rams made the playoffs. In McVay's first season the Rams dramatically improved their record, finishing with their first playoff berth since 2004.

2004: Rams Last Playoff Appearance

In 2004, prior to the 2017 season, was the last time the Rams made the playoffs. That streak ended with McVay coaching the Rams to a 5-2 record and a first place lead in the NFC West.

2005: College Football at Miami University

In 2005, Sean McVay began playing college football as a wide receiver for Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

2008: Assistant Wide Receivers Coach

In 2008, Sean McVay began his coaching career as an assistant wide receivers coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2009: Quality Control/Wide Receivers Coach

In 2009, Sean McVay served as the quality control/wide receivers coach for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League (UFL).

2010: Assistant Tight Ends Coach for Washington Redskins

In 2010, Sean McVay was hired as the assistant tight ends coach for the Washington Redskins under head coach Mike Shanahan.

2011: McVay on Washington Redskins coaching staff

From 2011 to 2013, Mike McDaniel worked alongside McVay on the Washington Redskins coaching staff. This connection is part of the 'Sean McVay effect,' where NFL teams started hiring younger, offensive-minded coaches.

2013: McVay on Washington Redskins coaching staff

2013: End of Tenure as Tight Ends Coach

In 2013, Sean McVay concluded his time as the tight ends coach for the Washington Redskins.

January 14, 2014: Promotion to Offensive Coordinator

On January 14, 2014, Sean McVay was promoted to offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins.

2014: Rams First Shutout Win

In 2014, prior to the 2017 season, was the last time the Rams had a shutout win. That streak ended with McVay coaching the Rams to a 33-0 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

2015: Kirk Cousins becomes full-time starter

In 2015, Kirk Cousins became the full-time starter for the Washington Redskins, leading the team to back-to-back winning seasons.

2016: Cousins Named to Pro Bowl

In 2016, Kirk Cousins was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time, contributing to McVay's reputation as an attractive head coaching candidate.

2016: Rams Improve Record

In 2016, the Rams had a bad season. In McVay's first season the Rams dramatically improved their record, finishing with their first winning season and division title since 2003.

January 12, 2017: Hired as Rams Head Coach

On January 12, 2017, Sean McVay was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, becoming the youngest head coach in the NFL's modern era.

January 19, 2017: Wade Phillips Hired as Defensive Coordinator

On January 19, 2017, Wade Phillips was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams under new head coach Sean McVay.

February 8, 2017: Matt LaFleur Hired as Offensive Coordinator

On February 8, 2017, Matt LaFleur was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. He had previously worked with McVay in Washington.

September 10, 2017: Regular-Season Coaching Debut

On September 10, 2017, Sean McVay made his regular-season head coaching debut against the Indianapolis Colts, leading the Rams to a 46–9 victory.

2017: Hired as Rams Head Coach

In 2017, Sean McVay was hired by the Los Angeles Rams, becoming the youngest NFL head coach in the modern era at the age of 30 years and 353 days.

2017: Rams become Top-Scoring Team

In 2017, Sean McVay's first year as head coach, he transformed the Rams into the league's top-scoring team. This marked the Rams' first winning record and division title since 2003 and their first playoff appearance since 2004.

January 19, 2018: Named NFL Coach of the Year

On January 19, 2018, Sean McVay was named NFL Coach of the Year by the Associated Press.

January 30, 2018: Matt LaFleur Leaves Rams

On January 30, 2018, Matt LaFleur left his position as offensive coordinator with the Rams to become the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans.

2018: Super Bowl LIII Appearance

In 2018, Sean McVay led the Rams to an appearance in Super Bowl LIII.

2020: 2020 Season

During the 2020 season, the Rams finished with a 10-6 record after wins against teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks, but lost to the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins.

2021: Super Bowl LVI Victory

In 2021, Sean McVay coached the Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI, securing the franchise's first world championship since 1999.

January 12, 2024: Jerod Mayo Hired by New England Patriots

On January 12, 2024, Jerod Mayo was hired by the New England Patriots, ending Sean McVay's reign as the youngest head coach in the NFL.

2024: McVay no longer youngest NFL head coach

In 2024, Jerod Mayo was hired as the head coach for the New England Patriots, ending Sean McVay's seven-year distinction as the NFL's youngest head coach.

2024: McVay leads Rams, becomes franchise leader

In 2024, Sean McVay led the Los Angeles Rams to their 80th overall coaching victory, surpassing John Robinson, making him the franchise's all-time leader. In Week 13, McVay also surpassed Robinson for most regular season victories in team history, with his 76th win. The Rams clinched the NFC West division title for the fourth time under McVay and advanced to the playoffs for the sixth time.

2024: McVay Declares Return for 2024 Season

In 2024, after the Los Angeles Rams clinched a playoff berth, Sean McVay publicly announced his intention to return as the team's head coach for the 2024 season.

2026: Contract Extension

Prior to the 2022 season, it was announced that McVay and General Manager Les Snead signed extensions with the team, keeping them with the franchise until the 2026 season.