An Unexpected Interview Journey
Liam Coen recalls a pivotal moment in his coaching career that began with an unlikely interview. While serving as offensive coordinator at the University of Maine, Coen landed an appointment with the Rams’ head coach Sean McVay—a meeting that began as a remote and serendipitous opportunity. With McVay entering his second season and having recently promoted Zac Taylor after the departure of a prominent coordinator, he was seeking a new assistant wide receivers coach. Armed with a whiteboard and an unconventional question about defensive alignments—specifically, “how are you picking up nickel Mike pressure out of this look?”—McVay set the tone with a probing yet innovative approach. Coen, caught off-guard by the unexpected focus on protection schemes, recalled his surprise at being drawn into a discussion that reached far beyond the conventional responsibilities of his prospective role. McVay’s readiness to explore new ideas reflected a broader mindset aimed at reshaping offensive strategy.
A Lesson in In-Game Decision-Making
The encounter with McVay became even more significant during a crucial Week 5 clash in Seattle. With the Rams narrowly clinging to a 33-31 advantage after a series of dramatic lead changes, the situation on the field demanded an assertive decision. Facing a critical fourth-and-1 from their own 42-yard line with just under two minutes remaining, McVay gathered his players via headsets to deliberate their next move. “What do we want to do?” he asked, essentially weighing between a conservative or an aggressive play. Although the majority of the team advocated for a punt, McVay chose to consult with his veteran defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. In an act of mutual humility and collaborative strategy, Phillips, despite a challenging defensive performance earlier in the game, encouraged the offense to trust their abilities and take the risk. McVay’s willingness to incorporate the insights from an unexpected source led to an audacious sneak play that secured a critical first down, underscoring the coach’s commitment to decisive, aggressive tactics in high-pressure situations.
Shaping a Winning Philosophy
The lessons learned during that intense contest went on to play a defining role in the Rams’ season. Although the team’s journey ultimately culminated in a Super Bowl appearance—and a hard-fought loss—Coen’s experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and bold decision-making at every level. McVay’s approach to questioning established norms, coupled with an open-mindedness to suggestions from any corner of his coaching staff, exemplified a culture of innovation and relentless competitiveness. This mindset not only brought practical improvements to the Rams’ offensive schemes but also planted the seeds for future leadership opportunities for Coen within professional football.
By embracing unorthodox challenges and fostering an environment where every idea was valued, McVay demonstrated that great coaching is as much about nurturing insight and courage as it is about strategy. The day’s lessons continue to resonate, reinforcing that sometimes, asking the unexpected questions can transform both the approach and the outcome on the field.
