Sean McVay doesn't commit to returning to Rams for 2023 season

Head coach Sean McVay hasn't guaranteed he will return to the Los Angeles Rams for the 2023 season following a disappointing campaign. 

According to Nick Shook of the NFL's website, McVay said Monday he plans to "take the appropriate time" to make a decision about his immediate coaching future. 

"Never gone through anything like this, but you want to make sure that you're considerate of the people that are affected," McVay explained. "That's the most important thing and that's probably, you know, you want to be able to…the consistent conversations and dialogues that have existed with the people that I love and really care about, 'Hey do what you think is best for you and (McVay's wife) Veronika (Khomyn).'" 

McVay was speaking after the Rams fell to 5-12, their worst-ever record under the 36-year-old since he accepted the job in 2017, via Sunday's 19-16 overtime loss at the Seattle Seahawks. He suggested on multiple occasions last week he was focused on helping the Rams right the figurative ship amid supposed interest from NFL television partners, but that was before ESPN's Adam Schefter reported over the weekend that the coach's status with the organization past Week 18 was "in limbo." 

On Monday, McVay spoke about his call impacting individuals personally and professionally. 

"You want to be able to make sure that you're intentional about taking the appropriate time, while also making a decision in a manner that's considerate of those people that would be affected," he said. 

McVay signed an extension with the Rams last offseason that has him under contract through the 2026 campaign and is reportedly worth roughly $14 million per year. As Schefter and others have pointed out, outlets such as Fox, ESPN and Amazon Prime Video have filled broadcasting and analyst gigs that could've been available to McVay at this time last year.

McVay said Monday he has "endless amounts of energy still" and never considered on Sunday he could be calling his last plays in charge of the Rams. He also made it known he's taking days and maybe weeks to determine if he wants to run it back with the Super Bowl LVI champions or take a break away from coaching. 

As ESPN's Sarah Barshop mentioned, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford once again declared Monday he's not retiring regardless of McVay's decision. Stafford ended the season on injured reserve due to a spinal cord contusion.