The Los Angeles Rams are entering the 2026 offseason with a renewed sense of stability and ambition. On February 2, 2026, the team announced multi-year contract extensions for head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead, solidifying the duo’s leadership for years to come. 8 This move comes just over a week after the Rams’ season ended in a hard-fought NFC Championship Game loss to the Seattle Seahawks, marking their third appearance in the conference title game under McVay. The extensions underscore the franchise’s commitment to continuity, as McVay and Snead enter their 10th season together, tied for the longest active head coach-GM partnership in the NFL.
Since McVay’s arrival in 2017—at the remarkably young age of 30—he and Snead have transformed the Rams from a perennial underperformer into one of the league’s most consistent contenders. Their tenure began with a bang: an 11-5 record in McVay’s debut season, earning him Coach of the Year honors. The pair’s aggressive “F them picks” philosophy, coined by Snead, has defined their approach, prioritizing star talent acquisitions over draft capital. This strategy paid off spectacularly in 2021 when the Rams traded for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who led them to a Super Bowl LVI victory in their home stadium, SoFi Stadium, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. It was the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy and first since relocating back to Los Angeles from St. Louis in 2016.
The 2025 season was another testament to their resilience. Finishing with a 12-5 record, the Rams secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC West behind a high-powered offense that ranked first in passing yards per game (296.3) and seventh in rushing. Stafford, at 37, had a resurgent year, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns, positioning him as a frontrunner for MVP before the playoffs. Wide receivers Puka Nacua and the recently acquired Davante Adams formed a lethal tandem, with Adams hauling in 1,200 yards despite joining mid-season via trade from the Las Vegas Raiders. McVay has expressed strong confidence in Adams’ return for 2026, stating he “fully expects” the veteran to be back. 6 On defense, young edge rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young anchored a unit that improved dramatically, earning Pro Bowl selections and helping the team rank in the top 10 for sacks.
However, the season wasn’t without challenges. The NFC Championship defeat highlighted vulnerabilities, particularly in the secondary and along the offensive line, where injuries plagued key starters. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s departure to become head coach of the Arizona Cardinals leaves a void that McVay is actively addressing. In a recent press conference, McVay discussed the ongoing search for a new OC, emphasizing a need for someone who can innovate within his system while developing young talent. Additionally, special teams saw an upgrade with the hiring of Raymond “Bubba” Ventrone as coordinator, aiming to fix inconsistencies that cost the team points in crucial games.
The biggest question mark looms over Stafford’s future. Turning 38 in February, the quarterback is under contract through 2026 but has indicated he’ll take time to decide on retirement. McVay has his “fingers crossed” for Stafford’s return, praising his leadership and performance. 10 If Stafford hangs up his cleats, the Rams have backups like Stetson Bennett IV and Jimmy Garoppolo, but the team may look to the draft for a long-term successor. With picks including No. 13 (acquired via trade) and No. 29 overall, mock drafts suggest targeting a quarterback like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or bolstering the offensive line.
Financially, the Rams are in a strong position. With approximately $46 million in cap space under the projected 2026 salary cap increase to around $260 million, they can pursue extensions for emerging stars from the 2023 draft class, such as Nacua and guard Steve Avila. Free agency opens in March, and the team could target defensive reinforcements, perhaps a veteran cornerback to pair with Tre’Davious White. The NFL Scouting Combine in late February will be pivotal, allowing Snead to scout talent that fits their aggressive style.
Beyond the field, the Rams continue to thrive as a Los Angeles staple. SoFi Stadium, shared with the Chargers, hosted record crowds in 2025, and the franchise’s community initiatives, like the “Rams House” program supporting local schools, enhance their brand. Owner Stan Kroenke’s investment in the team reflects a broader vision for sustained excellence, drawing parallels to his success with the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche.
Looking ahead, the Rams are early favorites for Super Bowl LXI, with odds around +800, reflecting faith in McVay’s ingenuity and Snead’s bold roster-building. Challenges remain—navigating Stafford’s decision, filling coaching gaps, and addressing defensive depth—but the extensions signal unwavering optimism. As McVay often says, “We’re not done yet.” For a franchise that has risen from the ashes of relocation and rebuilds, 2026 could be the year they reclaim NFC supremacy and chase another ring. With a talented core, strategic acumen, and Hollywood flair, the Los Angeles Rams are poised to keep the drama—and the wins—coming.