Sean McVay was visibly disappointed, and he made it clear that the Los Angeles Rams were just “a couple plays” from planning their stay in Santa Clara for the Super Bowl.
He also offered a cold truth that the Rams must wrestle with over the coming offseason.
The Rams only briefly led in their eventual loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, and were unable to overcome their mistakes or stop the Seahawks’ offense when they needed to, leading McVay to deliver a contrite final postgame message.
Rams HC Sean McVay Sends Message After Loss to Seahawks
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Atlanta Falcons.
McVay spoke candidly during his media availability, noting that the “finality” of the Rams’ loss was sticking with him.
“Didn’t ever really expect this. We came here with the expectations to win. We had our chances. They made their plays, and it was a great back-and-forth game by two great teams. But it was a couple critical errors that ended up costing us. But love this team. It’s one of my all-time favorites. I’ll be honest with you guys right now–nothing but gratitude for these guys, nothing but respect for the Seahawks–and I’m pretty numb,” McVay told reporters on January 25.
“You don’t allow yourself to even think about anything other than just advancing. I felt like we were going to be the team on that podium, and we weren’t. And you give Seattle the credit, but I love this group. And I’m never really short on words, and I am right now. So, it’s tough. But this is sports, and you gotta be able to deal with it.”
Part of dealing with it in the immediate sense included fielding a question about how the Rams get back to this point next season. McVay did not mince words, noting the Rams were “a couple plays” from a different outcome.
He also referred to the special makeup of the 2025 team again.
“I don’t think it’s as simple as that. You start all over,” McVay said. “And that’s what’s so hard, because to get to these positions, there is so much work, there’s so much time. Things have to go your way. Have to stay healthy. It’s a special group.
“That doesn’t work like that. You gotta make these plays, and you gotta capitalize on these opportunities when you get the chances.”
McVay said Seattle’s success over the Rams “doesn’t take away my love and appreciation.”
Rams Face Significant Offseason Roster Questions
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford #9 celebrate against the Tennessee Titans.
With early reports that Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is primed to play next season, McVay and general manager Les Snead will face a significant question. It is not whether to retain Stafford, as was the case last season.
McVay made it abundantly clear postgame that he would welcome Stafford back if the veteran returns for his age-38 season.
However, the Rams will need to decide on building around Stafford or finding a replacement.
That will specifically be a question during the 2026 draft, in which the Rams own a pair of first-round picks. They could be in a position to select Stafford’s eventual successor or add another weapon to his arsenal.
McVay and the Rams finished the regular season with the NFL’s No. 1 offense, but had issues on defense, and specifically at cornerback.
Sean McVay Delivers Cold Reality Check as Rams’ Season Ends