Amazon reportedly not giving up on potential deal with Rams' Sean McVay

Since at least 2022, reports have made it clear that individuals within Amazon Prime Video want Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay to abandon the sidelines and serve as an NFL analyst for "Thursday Night Football" broadcasts. 

On Wednesday morning, media insider Andrew Marchand of The Athletic shared an interesting update about the futures of current Amazon personality Kirk Herbstreit and McVay. 

Kirk Herbstreit to stay with Amazon Prime Video ... for now

"Amazon Prime Video has agreed to an extension with Kirk Herbstreit to remain as its NFL game analyst on 'Thursday Night Football,'" Marchand revealed. "But the terms give Amazon flexibility to move on if one of its top targets, like Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, becomes available, according to sources briefed on the decision who were not authorized to speak publicly."

Herbstreit entered September in the final season of the five-year deal he initially signed with Amazon. According to Marchand, Herbstreit’s new agreement is shorter than five years, but its exact length "was unconfirmed." 

For years, noteworthy members of the football community have suggested that it is a matter of when, not if, McVay will walk away from the stressful life of serving as an NFL coach to work as an analyst for one of the league's top media partners. This past spring, McVay admitted that he "almost quit coaching" after the Rams finished the 2022 season with a record of 5-12. It's unclear how long McVay, 40, will want to continue coaching at the highest level. 

Amazon could look elsewhere if Sean McVay stays with Rams

Marchand hinted that Amazon has other "top targets" in mind if McVay stays put for the foreseeable future. ESPN's Troy Aikman could soon become available, and Fox No. 2 game analyst Greg Olsen is in the final year of his contract. 

Additionally, some think that Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce will retire from playing after the 2026 season. Kelce and entertainment superstar Taylor Swift celebrated their wedding this past summer, and working as an analyst could free up portions of Kelce's calendar. He has already embraced numerous off-the-field business endeavors, but he is expected to at least entertain offers from networks/streaming platforms whenever he calls time on his playing days.