Sean McVay - Head Coach, rams Event: Press Conference | Date: 2026-09-08 | Full transcript (primary source).
Sean McVay, Head Coach of the Rams, addressed the media during a press conference on September 8, 2026, to discuss the team's preparations and player status ahead of their upcoming game. The focus of the conference included updates on key player Aaron's health and readiness for the season.
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Transcript
McVay: I guess first off, have you guys made a decision on if Aaron will play again?
McVay: Yep, he won't play in this game. So he's doing a great job. I think he'll be ready to go sooner rather than later. But we're making a decision that we think is best for him and for our team. And I think what's cool is you have such confidence in the group that we do have. With Kobe, with Fisk, with Puna Ford, with Tyler Davis, Ty Hamilton has done a really good job. And so he's going to be a big part. Aaron will add value when he's ready to go. But being two years off retirement, he's attacked this the right way. But it would have been a really quick turnaround. And so we feel like he can manage being able to get himself ready to go. And he won't make the trip. And he'll be able to take good care of himself in terms of getting himself ready to go whenever that time comes.
Unknown: Aaron said yesterday that he felt a little rusty in the 11 on 11, but still felt pretty damn good.
McVay: Yeah, a little rusty. He said yeah. Yeah, you know what? He's got great standards for himself. I think there's an intrinsic motivation. And just the way that he's wired, that is what makes him so special. And so you guys know how I feel about him. And I'll be excited when that time comes that he's ready to go and add value to this group. But in the meantime, I think what's really cool is there's a ton of confidence that I have. And the guys that I've watched do their thing from the offseason program into the throughout training camp. And we're chomping at the bit against a great opponent. It's going to be fun.
Reporter: When it comes to Miles, what have you seen from him since he's returned to this practice fold? And are you planning on having him available?
McVay: Oh, yeah, yeah. He's going to be ready to go. He's looked great. We've been smart with Miles, like I've kind of told you guys. But his impact has been tremendous, his overall vibe, what kind of teammate he's been. And so looking forward to getting him out there with the guys and being a great factor for us.
Reporter: Sean, with Aaron, you've been around players that are competitive. Is it a conversation that you have to have with him just to say, hey, let's take this slow?
McVay: Oh, yeah, that's the good thing, Vinny. He's as great a competitor as there is, wants to be out there, wants to influence and affect positive change for us. But I think he also understands there's a necessary ramp up. And really, there's been some similar circumstances now. He's two years removed from playing. But even in some of those holdout years, there was a little bit different approach. And there was a couple weeks that he needed to really be able to hit the ground running. My first year as head coach, he didn't play in that opening game against the Colts. But then he ended up playing really well after that. So we'll look forward to whenever that time is, whether that's week two. I don't want to put any sort of expectations other than I know he's doing a great job attacking it a day at a time. And we're excited to have him.
McVay: The organization would love Aaron to play. But at the NFL, not everybody can just jump back in it.
Unknown: That's right.
McVay: Yeah, and he's kind of one of those guys that is very unique in the way that he's taking care of himself. What's unique is the way that he went out, the way that he took care of himself through those 10 years, and then the way that he's taken care of himself these last couple years. Now, there are some nuances that he would be able to really articulate at an amazing level. Some of the things that he's looking to be able to sharpen up and just get a comfort with as far as playing 11 on 11, eye progression, hand fits, taking on double teams, rush transition, being able to rush 4 as 1, where do I fit in some of the things schematically that he's gotten up to speed pretty quickly on. But I think you see that term one of one thrown around pretty loosely, but he's one of those guys that fits that bill. And we'll be excited to get him back, but it's a good thing to have to pull him back. And when he does come back, it's a long season. You don't minimize. Every single game is so important. We want him out there, but I do. I think what's great for our group is feel great about the guys that are going to be playing in Australia.
Reporter: What have those conversations been like with a guy like Braden Fisk, for example, who is probably set for a lot of reps this season, and then you add an Aaron Donald to the group?
McVay: I think any time you look at the group, any good defensive line I've been a part of, there's a rotation where you've got to have five, six guys that play and play meaningful snaps. So Giff does such a good job with that group. And what we've talked about is, hey, guys create value for themselves. And Fisk has done an amazing job. Kobe Turner's obviously been a captain leading the way in a big way. Puna Ford has been outstanding going into his second year with us. And I've loved everything I've seen from Tyler Davis. And Ty Hamilton going into his second year has really emerged. So feel good about that group and their emergence and ascension and the improvement that I've seen from them. And so that's been a real positive.
Reporter: John, you talk a lot about trust when it comes to some of the depth players like Ronnie Rivers or Jordan Wittington, I guess. How does someone gain that trust for you? And then what does it mean to have that trust?
McVay: Yeah, it's big. Consistency. And that's not exclusive to games, because sometimes you don't want to punish guys for not getting opportunities. But consistency of how they show up. What is their demeanor like in the meetings? And they're able to translate that to walk-throughs or in the practice settings. And then when they get an opportunity to really be able to say, hey, the enemy has a say. But I'm talking about accountable to be able to do what they're supposed to do, know how to be able to do it, and try to do it as consistently well as possible. And that's the kind of stuff that we're looking for. And what's great about this group is we've got so many of the right kinds of guys that positively push one another. And I think you're seeing a player-led team, and that's the best kind of team.
Reporter: And for a safety room that's bringing back the four guys throughout the third straight season, what does that do, just for the consistency of your defense and introducing you guys?
McVay: It's huge. It's a big deal. And they're such a vital part of our communication. When you look at it, that spot, really, when you go up the defense, it's vital to be able to communicate to your corners, to your second level. And all those guys have great acumen. They really understand the game holistically. And all of them have position flexibility. You're looking at, Q Lake's done a great job, Cam Curl. Both of those guys have been outstanding at safeties. They can play on the second level of the defense. You've seen Cam Kitchens continue to grow, and he's got great range, great understanding, and then tank it. Jalen McCullough does a great job for us in a variety of roles. I love those four guys. Coach Beak and Coach Lake and Coach Hunter, they do an amazing job. But those four are fun to work with, for sure.
Reporter: Is there an anciness at all today, knowing that you're about to get on a plane to Australia and it's going to be a long flight?
McVay: I'm just so excited about this 16-hour flight. I think we're excited to play. The fact that we're still over 48 hours away from kickoff, it feels like we're just excited to play. And this is a part of it. We're not going to let it bother us anymore. And I do feel good about our plan. I think our players trust the plan that we've put in place for them and how we're going to travel, make it as seamless as possible, not minimizing the length of it, and then try to go be at our best when we kick off at 10.35 or whatever time it is that we're kicking off in Australia, 5.35 on Thursday in our head.
Reporter: Sean, these openers inherently have the most unknowns about the game in a season. Sure. Skiing, personnel, what have you. Do you have to approach the opening game different than you would week 11?
McVay: Absolutely, yeah, because you don't have quite the, you just mentioned it. I mean, there's an absence of, you don't have a bunch of film. Now there's continuity in terms of the familiarity that we have, but they got a new defensive coordinator. They have continuity with Kyle running the offense and then continuity at special teams coordinator, but absolutely, that's where you're relying on a lot of the rules ball. And then you get a feel for, as you kind of settle into the game, what does that really look like? But it is unique because the film is one of the best guys and as you get into the early parts of the season, you're kind of figuring out what is your own identity as a team and then what is the opponent's identity and how can you ultimately set your players up for successful outcomes, both tactically and personnel wise and it does affect the opening game as a little bit different approach to your point.
Reporter: Sean, you are in a little bit of uncharted territories with this travel plan. I mean, is there a plan once you land to get on a field and go practice or how do you do this?
McVay: Yeah, oh yeah, we'll treat it like a Saturday. So we're in essence skipping, we'll be traveling all throughout what would be Wednesday and then we'll end up, we'll have a similar rhythm and routine to what a normal Saturday for us would be. And there's a specific approach in terms of keeping guys up and then knowing when you wanna put them to bed or when they wanna go to bed and then when you wanna be able to have an idea of when they'll get up with us kicking off at 10.35 a.m. And so yeah, every minute is accounted for and we've got a very specific strategic plan that's been thought out and like I've said from the jump, everything is geared towards one thing and one thing only, what's gonna be best for our players to be able to go play their best and minimize the distractions and focus on the game as much as possible.
Reporter: Coach, you're playing an opponent that you know, they know you, like you said, when you get off the plane, it's only gonna be a ball ball. We've made too much of a travel after.
McVay: Well, I hope so. I mean, I get that it's a big deal because it's the longest trip that teams have had and international games have become a big thing for the NFL to be able to broaden the reach and I think it's been great but there's been a lot of talk about it. I know I'll be glad just to talk about the football game and we're trying to minimize it and let's not waste our emotional energy on things we can't control. We gotta play in Australia, we're gonna make the most of it. I know it's gonna be a great atmosphere and hopefully we put on a show and play to the best of our ability and let the chips fall where they may.
Unknown: All right, thanks guys.
Unknown: How goes it?
Unknown: It goes well.
Unknown: Yeah?
Unknown: Yeah. It's been like being out there with Aaron. It's been special and he has his own way of doing things physically as well as mentally. Nobody, he speaks the game and being able to work off of him is truly a special thing.
Unknown: I know in an ideal world, you would have been out there for a lot of training camp and a lot of preseason. What have you learned from this experience coming to the Rams and being around these groups?
Unknown: I think they have great teammates. They've been very supportive about my presence and me being here and whether I'm on the field or off the field. They're picking my brain. We're talking strategy, talking chemistry, what I'm thinking on different rushes and just how we can help improve each other and get the best out of each other.
Unknown: You're being ready for this season opener, but how are you feeling physically and how is your name?
Unknown: Feel ready for the season opener.
Unknown: Miles, this is the first time in your career you're starting something new, a new organization in a new country, I guess. Have you kind of reflected on all the newness that's around you and what you're feeling about you?
Unknown: Yeah, it's a lot of new things and I haven't really had time to reflect. Everything's been going pretty fast and I hope to just slow it down on the field and I'll do what I do.
Unknown: You're feeling good, but not practicing as much as you normally would during the pre-season. How has that affected you at all?
Unknown: Like saying, just flip the switch when I'm ready to go? I mean, I think I can. So go out there and do what I know I can do. So I think I'll be able to play off with some great teammates. We have a strong defense all around and they'll make it easy. Even if I am a touch off of what I usually am, I don't suspect I will be, but I have plenty of support, it's all I'm saying.
Unknown: What's your relationship been like with Byron as you picked your brain development?
Unknown: Absolutely. Anytime we're in the meeting rooms or at the cafe, we're walking, we're talking about different rushes, what I'm seeing in different no conflicting situations as far as challenges we see with Sam Fran or even with our own offense I'm attacking things and vice versa.
Unknown: We haven't talked to you since Aaron announced he came back last Sunday. Is there anything just in the last, I don't know, nine, 10 days that you've been around him here officially that you've just kind of been surprised about or learned whether it's in the weight room and is there something you're also looking forward to as the season goes on?
Unknown: He smiles more than I thought. Yeah, you see him on the field. He only looks like he smiles ever, but he has a good sense of humor.
Unknown: Miles, there's a video of you working with a rugby coach from Australia. I'm not sure if it's in our good sort of way or anything like that, but I guess what went into that decision is obviously here's a lot about working on your craft and why is that something you think you can do?
Unknown: Yeah, just try to continue to improve however you can. Not relying on, just practice out here to polish your skills and being able to help improve my tackling with the force of it, while it's getting the ball out. There were some other things that we worked on that are even more applicable to my game, pass rush, and I think it'll help. It'll be beneficial.
Unknown: No AI on that video at all. I mean, you were mean. I'm sure it didn't feel like AI to him.
Unknown: Okay, so the Niners have been out in Australia for a week and they're kissing kangaroos. Cold and koalas. You guys got the plan. We're going to beat jet lag by just touching down, playing the game and going. When you think about the two strategies and who's going to come out?
Unknown: I mean, I don't think there's any right way to do it. They have a plan and I'm sure they've consulted different teams and people to find out a way to combat jet lag in such long travel. And we've done the same thing. And I think we're both riding our methodologies.
Unknown: Working with a guy like Reggie, who's been around this organization for so long, Sean, squares by him and his mindset. What have you learned about your own body?
Unknown: What have I learned about my own body? I don't think I've ever looked at it like that. I mean, I do have a lot of respect for him, just how much respect he's garnered from the staff and to all the players here. So that's the most thing I've learned. How well he works with myself, but also everyone.
Unknown: You obviously have not had, I'm sorry. Is Chloe making the trip? How is she enjoying being part of the Ramley now?
Unknown: She is not going. She has another commitment. She has to attend to here coming soon. So she'll be watching, but she's the other own thing.
Unknown: As many years you've been in the league, this has got to be by far the highest expectation for any team that you've been with, right? So how does that affect your energy level going into this thing like, I really can't wait to get this thing started? Is that part of it?
Unknown: Not particularly. You know, why? You go out here and I've played a lot of football and you got to go out and be the same person you've always been. It doesn't change, no matter what colors you put on, the shoes you wear, you've got to go out there and play to the best of your ability. And so it shouldn't be any different anymore, any less with the people who are beside you or your expectations going into the year. Now, if you give your best, you should have nothing to hang your head about and just maximize the opportunities that you have. Now we have a hell of an opportunity, but it means nothing until we put it on the field.
Unknown: All about winning, Noah.
Unknown: Exactly.
Unknown: With your peers, how do you sleep on flights?
Unknown: I usually don't. So, we'll have to figure it out. Yeah, so maybe I'll get a boring book or something and try to just conk out.
Unknown: How did it feel for your peers to recognize you? What other guys have to say about you?
Unknown: Well, it's truly a blessing and an honor to be represented or to be appreciated by my, not only my teammates, but my peers like that. So, I couldn't have done it without a team I had around me in Cleveland. I'm very appreciative of them and I hope to continue to be that same kind of player and I'll have plenty of opportunities to do that. So, whether I end up being number one next year, it doesn't really matter to me as long as we can achieve what we've got and set ourselves forth.
Unknown: Having gone through an entire Rams training camp, what do you feel like you've learned about just the organization as a whole or just the way that McVey sets the culture of the program just kind of all the above?
Unknown: I mean, he truly sets the culture every single day, you know, being the same person. Always having that same energy and passion for, you know, for coaching, for, you know, just his, I guess, compassion, you know, for each and every one of us, you know, checking on us and whether that's on the field or off the field, you know, he truly cares and you can sense it every single day and that kind of thing is, you know, it's contagious.
Unknown: 48 hours before the season begins, you broke the NFL single season sack record last year, you joined the NFL defensive player of the year again. What is the goal for this season?
Unknown: True goal, win it again. Win DPOY again, obviously, but I think those are the two main things in my mind and going on just being the best player I can be. I think there's a whole bunch of opportunities out there for us at the D-line to be something truly special and I just want us to be able to realize that and never go into locker room after a game, feeling like we could have achieved more and done more.
Unknown: All right. Thanks, man. Appreciate it.