Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has spent the last several days expressing his displeasure with the team's effort in the preseason opener. However, he could not help but acknowledge the intrigue surrounding the matchup with Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden this week.
The showdown with Gruden is sure to bring up a sense of nostalgia for McVay. According to Rich Hammond of the OC Register, he is admittedly looking forward to it.
“I’m just so appreciative of what Coach Gruden has meant to me and to my family,” McVay said, “and how much he has kind of put his arm around me and been a huge mentor of mine. I’ve got so much respect for him, and I’m looking forward to getting a chance to go play our second preseason game.”
McVay began his NFL coaching career as an assistant wide receivers coach under Gruden during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The two have kept close ties ever since after the former went on to become offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins under head coach Jay Gruden. It was only a matter of time before Los Angeles made McVay the youngest head coach in NFL history.
Gruden's former protege has enjoyed immediate success and has already been dubbed one of the most innovative minds in the league. Meanwhile, McVay's mentor made his lucrative comeback to the NFL amidst some high expectations.
This preseason matchup will serve as a prelude to the 2018 NFL season opener in Oakland. That said, do not expect to see either coach to reveal too much about their future game plan.
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