Sean McVay Earns A+ From NFL Players Despite NFC Championship Loss

The 2025-26 season ended in heartbreak for the Los Angeles Rams, as they fell 31-27 to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship, a defeat that left fans questioning some of Sean McVay’s in-game decisions. Yet, in the eyes of his peers on the field, the Rams’ head coach remains highly respected.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, McVay earned an A+ in the annual NFL Players Association report card, placing him alongside Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders as the only head coaches to receive perfect grades. Other coaches, including Aaron Glenn and Jim Harbaugh, received more mixed reviews, showing that these evaluations often reflect perception as much as results.

The rating highlights how McVay’s offensive creativity and leadership resonate across the league. While individual plays in high-stakes games can swing outcomes, many players recognize that the 40-year-old coach’s system and decision-making have consistently produced winners.

Even without repeating as Super Bowl champions last season, McVay’s accomplishments — including multiple playoff appearances and developing Pro Bowl talent — have secured his reputation as one of the NFL’s premier minds.

1. Building a Championship-Caliber Team

McVay’s tenure with the Rams began in 2017, immediately reshaping a franchise that had struggled to find offensive consistency. One of his early successes was developing Jared Goff into a Pro Bowl-caliber passer, turning the Rams’ offense into one of the league’s most dynamic units. By his second season, McVay had guided Los Angeles to the Super Bowl, setting the stage for what would become a long-term run of success. The pinnacle came in the 2021-22 season with Matthew Stafford under center, when the Rams captured the franchise’s first championship in two decades. Statistically, McVay has posted a 92-57 record in nine seasons with the team, recording a losing record only once. His teams have been consistent playoff contenders, winning at least one postseason game in five of seven appearances. This consistency underscores why players across the league continue to rate him so highly. His offenses are often efficient, explosive, and adaptable, giving his team the ability to compete at a high level every season.

2. Offensive Prowess and Player Development

McVay’s reputation rests heavily on his offensive schemes. Under his guidance, the Rams have frequently led the league in points, total yards, and passing yards. The 2025-26 campaign saw Stafford post MVP-caliber numbers while the team also ranked in the top 10 in points allowed, demonstrating balanced success on both sides of the ball. Players credit McVay with not only designing high-powered offenses but also fostering individual growth. Young talents and veterans alike have flourished under his system, benefiting from clear game plans and situational clarity. Even in close defeats, his strategic ingenuity is evident. Analysts note that minor errors or turnovers, rather than systemic flaws, often determine tight playoff outcomes. McVay’s ability to adjust midgame is recognized as one of his strengths. For a franchise aiming to compete consistently, McVay’s offensive vision provides both a framework for success and a blueprint for player development that other teams envy.

3. The Path Forward

While the Rams’ special teams showed weakness last season, there is optimism that McVay can address this shortcoming and return the team to championship contention. His coaching acumen has already turned marginal squads into Super Bowl competitors, demonstrating adaptability and leadership. Under his guidance, the Rams remain a model of balance between veteran experience and emerging talent. McVay’s approach emphasizes both preparation and execution, creating a culture where players understand their roles and responsibilities. His A+ rating from active players reflects not only respect for his past successes but also trust in his vision for the future. Within the locker room and across the league, McVay is viewed as a coach who maximizes talent while fostering accountability. As the Rams prepare for another season, McVay’s influence will be critical in navigating the postseason and beyond. Even without a repeat championship last year, his track record cements him as one of the NFL’s most accomplished and respected head coaches.