si
The Los Angeles Rams are expecting an unexpected guest on Friday as they kick off their second week of training camp practices. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is sitting in on Rams sessions during his sabbatical from coaching to observe their operations.
Since Sean McVay took the helm in 2017, the Rams have earned widespread respect across the NFL. Players who have joined from struggling franchises, such as Jalen Ramsey and Myles Garrett, have highlighted the stark contrast in culture compared to their previous teams. Even Davante Adams, who spent time with the Green Bay Packers, has praised the Rams' organizational superiority.
Garrett elaborated on the differences between Los Angeles and Cleveland earlier this week: "It's a team that has a culture that's a little bit more set in stone with leaders all across the board. You see a lot of older veterans here who've had a lot of years here or a lot of years in the league and been able to learn things and develop who they are as a person, as a teammate, as a leader and they've helped instill a great culture here."
Key Analysis
McDermott's exact objectives for the visit remain unclear, but it appears to be part of his learning curve while taking a year off from coaching. He was dismissed after the Bills' AFC Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos. Given his track record, he is unlikely to stay away long and should be a top candidate for coaching vacancies at season's end.
McVay's staff has historically included former head coaches and respected figures. In 2017, he brought in Wade Phillips to run the defense. Currently, Kliff Kingsbury serves as assistant head coach after stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders. The Rams also had Sean Desai as a senior defensive assistant in 2024 and now have Brian Johnson as a senior offensive assistant, with Mike Munchak consulting.
McDermott's choice to visit the Rams speaks volumes about McVay's standing in the league—more experienced coaches are trying to replicate his success. This is evident each offseason as other teams poach Rams coaches. Last offseason, the Rams lost Mike LaFleur to the Cardinals, and in 2024, they parted ways with Raheem Morris, Zac Robinson, Jimmy Lake, Eric Henderson, Jeremy Springer, Jake Peetz, and others. The Rams continue to set the standard, a far cry from their early 2010s struggles. McDermott's visit serves as a reminder of the league's ongoing pursuit to emulate the Rams' model.