ARIZONA CARDINALS

If Sean McVay’s 1st child arrives on a Sunday, Rams will have to play without him

Oct 13, 2023, 7:55 PM

Puka Nacua #17 head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams celebrate after Nacua scored a touchdo...

Puka Nacua #17 head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams celebrate after Nacua scored a touchdown in the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — If Sean McVay’s first child arrives on a Sunday this month, the Los Angeles Rams will have to take the field without him.

McVay and his wife, Veronika, are expecting “in the next couple of weeks,” the head coach confirmed Friday.

When asked about the Rams’ contingency plans if the big day coincides with a game day, McVay smiled and said: “I won’t be at the game.”

McVay didn’t delve into details on the Rams’ plans for his undetermined paternity absence, but defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is a two-time NFL head coach with extensive experience.

The Rams (2-3) host Arizona (1-4) this Sunday, and they’re home again next week against Pittsburgh.

The 37-year-old McVay has expressed his eagerness to be a father for several years, even citing his desire to spend time with his future children as a reason he might not stick with the Rams for long. After taking extended time to think about quitting in each of the past two offseasons, the youngest coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl has since declared himself happy to keep going indefinitely.

The McVays are having a baby boy who could arrive “any day now,” he said.

“Really feel fortunate that it’s been a smooth pregnancy,” McVay said. “It hasn’t quite hit me yet. I know he’s active right now, and it seems like he’s ready to come at any moment. What a blessing that’ll be, and what an amazing job my wife Veronika has done in terms of just handling the pregnancy. She’s a stud, and so this gives me a total gratitude and appreciation and newfound respect just kind of watching it unfold in real time.”

McVay is 62-41 in seven seasons with Los Angeles, and he is still the NFL’s youngest head coach nearly seven years after his hiring. He has led the Rams to five winning seasons, four playoff berths, three NFC West titles, two Super Bowl appearances and the second Super Bowl title in franchise history.

The Rams went 5-12 last year, posting the worst record by a defending Super Bowl champion in NFL history. McVay strongly considered stepping away from football after the season, but ultimately declared he was committed to Los Angeles for the long term.

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals is embracing change amid coaching staff carousel....

Tyler Drake

‘Part of the business’: Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon facing new challenge in Year 3

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon is facing a new reality with the departures of multiple assistants this offseason.

2 days ago

A recent ESPN mock draft has the Cardinals taking two cornerbacks in the first two rounds of the NF...

Brandon Cadiz

ESPN’s Matt Miller has Cardinals taking two CBs in Mock Draft

ESPN's analyst Matt Miller has the Cardinals taking two cornerbacks with their first two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

3 days ago

Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort looks on. It's officially NFL mock draft season with Arizona's...

Tyler Drake

NFL mock draft tracker: What will Cardinals do with No. 16 pick?

A look across the NFL mock draft landscape when it comes to the Arizona Cardinals' No. 16 overall pick in this year's draft.

3 days ago

The Jaguars are hiring former Cardinals pass game specialist Spencer Whipple as their next QBs coac...

Tyler Drake

Jaguars hiring Cardinals’ Spencer Whipple as their new quarterbacks coach

The Jacksonville Jaguars are hiring Cardinals pass game specialist Spencer Whipple as their next quarterbacks coach.

3 days ago

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball for a touchdown during the secon...

Associated Press

Saquon Barkley can set the NFL total rushing record, but he wants a Super Bowl win

Saquon Barkley is 30 yards shy of breaking the NFL season rushing record, postseason included. He wants a Super Bowl win.

3 days ago

Could the Arizona Cardinals be headed toward adding another offensive line cornerstone in the 2025 ...

Tyler Drake

You can officially put these Ohio State prospects on Cardinals’ NFL Draft radar

Could the connection between Cardinals OL coach Justin Frye and a couple of offensive line prospects impact what Arizona does in the NFL Draft?

3 days ago

If Sean McVay’s 1st child arrives on a Sunday, Rams will have to play without him