McVay earning 'Baby Gruden' moniker

The references to Jon Gruden came early and often during Sean McVay's introductory press conference.

Gruden, an NFL coach at the age of 35 and the former leader of the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was thought to be a contender for the Los Angeles Rams' head coaching job. Instead, the Rams hired McVay at the ripe age of 30 to lead their team.

At Friday's meeting in front of the press, both McVay and Rams COO Kevin Demoff couldn't help but bring up Gruden's name.

"When you listen to him ... there are times when I close my eyes, I hear Jon Gruden," Demoff said.

He said even McVay's cadence and hand movements remind him of the coach-turned-ESPN broadcaster.

McVay was mentored by Gruden, who gave him his first NFL job as an offensive assistant with the Buccaneers in 2008.

After thanking the Rams, Redskins, and his family, McVay turned to Gruden.

"These opportunities never present themselves unless you're fortunate to be around great coaches and mentors to help guide you along the way. Jon Gruden is a guy that when I first got into the coaching profession ... what a great mentor he's been to me. He's a guy that taught me the foundation of what I know about this game. Truly taught me to look at the game from a 22-man perspective.

"You talk about a tireless and consistent and relentless work ethic, he is the standard and he's something that you always strive to match. What a great example for me as a young coach to be exposed to that right off the gate," he added. "Coach Gruden, I'm forever thankful for what you've been to help get me to this point."

When Gruden was walking the sidelines, he earned the moniker of "Chucky," as his expressions matched those of the doll from the horror movie series.

McVay's nickname may be more flattering, and it's gaining steam.