placeholder image

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports


49ers vs. Rams: Sean McVay says he is ‘forever indebted’ to Kyle Shanahan

Oct 17, 2018 at 2:48 PM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay jumped on a conference call with Bay Area media on Wednesday afternoon to discuss his team's upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. He spent three seasons with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan during their time in Washington.

Shanahan was the offensive coordinator in Washington when McVay served as his tight ends coach. McVay took over as the offensive coordinator when Shanahan, along with his father Mike Shanahan, was fired after the 2013 season.

The two head coaches remain close. They were each hired to their current roles last offseason, which created an opportunity to revive the rivalry between the 49ers and Rams. Both are considered to be among the best play callers in the game, and the two teams split their series against each other last year.

The two head coaches share similar philosophies when it comes to running an NFL offense. Shanahan shared on Wednesday how that philosophy developed in Washington.

"Really enjoyed working with him," Shanahan said of McVay. "He's a good coach and a real good friend. We got to put a lot of that stuff in together. Just like you do everywhere and everyone you work with, you're always a product of your environment. You carry things over, you change a few things. We've both gone some different directions over the last few years, but when you do turn on the tape, it's very similar."

McVay had the following to say about his experience learning from Shanahan.

"I wouldn't really say it was give and take," McVay said on the conference call. "I would say it was more me taking information from him and him a lot of giving. I think, more than anything, just being committed to an identity. The way he prepared was so impressive, the way that he saw the game.

"I think his ability to make things look the same, to attack defensive structures and rules, and manipulate some of their things, he's a great coach. I've learned so much from him in terms of just being committed to an identity, so your players know what they stand for but then also having enough variation that you've got some unpredictability to what you're trying to get done. How to create some explosive plays through the pass game that doesn't totally put a lot of stress on your guys up front with regards to the play actions, the movements with the change at launch points.

"I think just watching the way that he approached and attacked his role as a coordinator and the meticulous preparation. You just kind of observe that and I learned so much football both offensively and defensively from him, and I'm forever indebted for that."

McVay probably doesn't feel indebted enough to ease on the gas when the 49ers and Rams play each other on Sunday afternoon. Undefeated Los Angeles currently owns the top-ranked offense in total yards, the league's best rushing attack, and ranks No. 3 in points scored.

Meanwhile, the 49ers seek their second win of the season. The Rams are currently listed as 10.5-point favorites.



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

Andy Reid praises 49ers' Brock Purdy, has advice for Kyle Shanahan

By David Bonilla
Mar 25

Super Bowl-winning head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs witnessed all he needed from Brock Purdy last season to assure him that the San Francisco 49ers are in capable hands at the quarterback position. Purdy was an MVP nominee in 2023 and had his 49ers just a play or two away from clinching a Super Bowl victory away from the Chiefs. Unfortunately, for Purdy and the 49ers, Reid and his own quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as the best in the game today, dashed their Super Bowl dreams in overtime last month. According to NBC Sports Bay Area, speaking at the NFL owners meetings on Monday, Reid stated, "Yeah, I


placeholder image

Kyle Shanahan: 49ers hope to keep Brandon Aiyuk, Brock Purdy together

By David Bonilla
Mar 26

Last week, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan ran into his wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas. "He was randomly at our hotel. I don't think he wanted to be," the coach shared on Tuesday while speaking to reporters at the NFL owners meetings. The 49ers are currently negotiating a long-term extension with Aiyuk to ensure he remains with the team for the foreseeable future. However, with it only being March, it's challenging to predict how everything will unfold. Typically, under the leadership of Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, the 49ers have reached agreements with their star players closer to training camp in July. Lynch stated yesterday that the


placeholder image

Kyle Shanahan explains why 49ers promoted Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator

By David Bonilla
Mar 26

After Steve Wilks's dismissal, the San Francisco 49ers had several options for their vacant defensive coordinator position. Although former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley was considered for the role, he ultimately joined the coaching staff as the assistant head coach under head coach Kyle Shanahan. He will focus on game plan preparations while offering his experience to the team. Nick Sorensen, the team's defensive pass game specialist, was awarded the defensive coordinator position. Shanahan opted for an internal candidate, valuing Sorensen's familiarity with the staff and the defensive system. When asked what qualities Sorensen demonstrated to prove he's ready to call plays for the defense, Shanahan explained, "He's worked with a lot of people


placeholder image

Kyle Shanahan's insights on 49ers QB Brock Purdy's rise

By David Bonilla
Mar 27

In addition to discussing his quarterback, Brock Purdy, with reporters on Tuesday, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan also sat down with NFL Network's Steve Wyche during the NFL owners meetings. Purdy's NFL journey has been captivating. The quarterback embarked on his professional career buried on the 49ers' depth chart after being selected with the final overall draft pick in 2022. His opportunity to showcase his ability to play in the NFL came only after the team suffered injuries to two quarterbacks. Purdy flourished, leading the team to the NFC Championship Game during his rookie season and to the Super Bowl last season. His rise underscores the


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone