Rams' McVay: 2023 'reminded me of why I love this shit'

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is in a much happier state after feeling "exposed" following the 2022 season.

The 38-year-old guided the Rams to a win in Super Bowl LVI over the Cincinnati Bengals and appeared to be in top form. Yet he contemplated walking away from the game following an injury-plagued 2022 campaign where L.A. posted a 5-12 mark for the first losing season of McVay's tenure.

"In the midst of so many good things going on here, I lost my way a little bit, and 2022 really exposed me," McVay said on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast. "The results weren't what we wanted. But I was exposed in terms of my shortcomings, some of my insecurities, and I had to really address that. And by no means am I perfect. But I'm a lot better off from that 2022 season where I'm like, 'You're actually thinking about not coaching anymore, what the hell is wrong with you.'"

He added, "Last year reminded me of why I love this shit so much."

The Rams were able to bounce back in 2023 as McVay remained on the sideline for his seventh season with the organization. He credited the roster's youthful energy and exuberance for helping reinvigorate his passion for coaching.

Young stars such as Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams alongside veterans Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp helped the Rams post a 10-7 mark, winning seven of their final eight games to earn a playoff berth.