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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Over his eight seasons managing the Los Angeles Rams, Sean McVay has cultivated a robust coaching lineage. Within this network, five of his former assistants have transitioned into head coaching roles in the NFL, while numerous others have secured significant positions in both collegiate and professional football.
A significant encounter for McVay materializes this Thursday night, as Kevin O’Connell, one of his prodigious disciples, brings the Minnesota Vikings (5-1) to SoFi Stadium. O’Connell, who previously secured a Super Bowl title as McVay’s offensive coordinator with the Rams (2-4), has utilized the knowledge gained under McVay to transform the Vikings into serious competitors. He has also helped USC alum Sam Darnold to unlock his full potential in the NFL.
O’Connell openly acknowledges the influence McVay has had on his coaching career. “He’s one of my closest friends in this league,” O’Connell remarked. “I have immense respect for how he manages the organization, his leadership style, and his football intelligence. He truly excels in every aspect. I hold nothing but appreciation for him, and that bond will always be there.”
Despite suffering their first loss of the season against Detroit last week, O’Connell’s Vikings still maintain their status as contenders for the Super Bowl. Conversely, the Rams appear far from competitiveness in their third season following a championship, although they recently celebrated an uplifting win against Las Vegas.
“I’m not surprised by their success,” McVay commented on the Vikings’ performance. “Kevin has done a remarkable job navigating various challenges. He made a significant impact as a coach here, and I genuinely feel happy for his accomplishments.”
McVay has consistently expressed support for his assistants’ career advancement. Those who serve under him typically leave with comprehensive insights into managing the many complexities of an NFL franchise. “One of the key aspects that made me feel ready for this opportunity was his openness to include me in areas other teams might not,” O’Connell said. “I absorbed a wealth of knowledge and wasn’t shy about asking questions—possibly even too many for his taste.”
Star receiver Cooper Kupp, the MVP of Super Bowl 56, is anticipated to make his return after missing four games due to an ankle injury. The Rams are in urgent need of his presence as their offensive output has suffered in his absence and that of emerging star Puka Nacua, which has left quarterback Matthew Stafford struggling. Last week, Stafford recorded just 154 passing yards against Las Vegas, marking a low in his four-year Rams career.
This week, Kupp has found himself the center of trade rumors, and while it may not come as a surprise if the pragmatic Rams management opts to part with him—a beloved figure since 2017—Kupp will at least have one more opportunity to showcase his skills in front of home fans against the Vikings, who rank 30th in the league in pass defense, allowing an average of 260.3 yards.
Justin Jefferson, the star receiver for the Vikings, recalls his first meeting with O’Connell, during which he asked, “How does Cooper Kupp get so open?” Kupp’s extraordinary performance in the 2021 championship season significantly influenced the Rams’ success, and O’Connell’s expertise in offensive strategy was a key factor in his hiring, aimed at enhancing Jefferson’s game. Their discussions frequently focus on countering the double coverage that Jefferson often encounters, but their initial conversations set a high expectation for the talented receiver.
“It was pretty straightforward: ‘You need to master the entire offense, understand every position, and fully grasp the concepts if you aim to be among the elite receivers,’” Jefferson recalled this week. “From that point onward, I was dedicated. I aspired to reach that level, to find ways to remain open even against double and triple coverage. It’s all part of the system and the learning process.”
McVay has a solid track record of performing well on short weeks, with the Rams achieving a 6-2 record in Thursday night contests during his first seven seasons. Notably, one of their losses was a significant defeat to Buffalo during the 2022 season opener, while their other loss on a short week was a narrow one-point game against Seattle in 2019.
For Darnold, returning to familiar territory shall be a pleasure; friends and family will have the chance to attend the game at SoFi Stadium. However, he maintains that nostalgia must yield to focus. Darnold, a standout at San Clemente High School and later at USC, experienced his only game in Southern California as a professional in 2020, when the winless Jets unexpectedly defeated the Rams in a game that left a bitter taste for McVay.
“We’re treating this like a business trip, especially with the condensed schedule, but it will be special to see family members who I haven’t had the chance to catch up with for a while,” Darnold stated. “It’s not common for them to come out every weekend to support me, so having a shorter journey to watch me play feels great.”
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