Key Takeaways from Sean McVay's Post-2026 NFL Combine Press Conference: Coaching Changes, Free Agency, and Quarterbacks
WOODLAND HILLS, CALIFORNIA – The annual NFL Scouting Combine has concluded, and the free agency period is just around the corner, set to begin on March 9th at 9 a.m. Pacific Time. With the new league year starting on March 11th at 1 p.m. Pacific Time, there's a lot on the agenda for head coach Sean McVay, who discussed several important topics in his video conference with local media on Tuesday morning.
Here are the top takeaways from the press conference:
McVay's Continued Play-Calling Role
Despite recent staff additions and role changes, McVay emphasized that he will continue to call 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, to continue to do that, until you guys (media) say I should pass it off to someone else.'
Addressing Aubrey Pleasant's Departure
McVay confirmed the departure of Aubrey Pleasant, who worked with him for seven of the last nine seasons in various roles, including assistant head coach and defensive backs coach. He explained the decision, saying, 'We had a bunch of conversations. At the end of the day, he made tremendous contributions to us, but we mutually decided it was best to move on. It wasn't an easy decision, but I believe it's the right one for our team.'
Cornerbacks Group Oversight
The cornerbacks group will be led by Jimmy Lake, a senior defensive assistant last season, who has been promoted to pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach. Michael Hunter, an assistant defensive backs coach, is another new hire. McVay praised Lake's experience as a head coach and coordinator, highlighting his ability to work closely with McVay and provide valuable insights to the defensive staff.
Pending Free Agents in the Secondary
McVay acknowledged the ongoing process of addressing the status of several pending unrestricted 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 their own players or exploring various avenues, such as the draft, trade, or free agency, to build a competitive roster.
Quarterback Evaluation and Successor Search
When asked about the Rams' approach to evaluating quarterbacks, McVay highlighted the importance of assessing players' ability to elevate their surroundings and perform in challenging moments. He stressed the need to evaluate their body of work, including execution in different phases of the offense, such as crunch time production, two-minute drills, third down, red zone, and fourth downs.
Coaching Staff Additions
McVay addressed the additions of Brian Allen and Robert Woods to the coaching staff, clarifying that their hires were based on their coaching capabilities, not personal favors. He expressed his appreciation for their contributions and the value they will bring to the team, stating, 'We're not doing favors. It's because I believe that they're going to be really good coaches too. So it means a lot, and I don't take it for granted.'
