Several coaches who learned under Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay have found great success in their careers.

One standout is Kevin O’Connell, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, who is gearing up to face McVay’s Rams in an NFL wild card matchup. O’Connell is one of two former assistants from McVay’s staff who has maintained a winning record as an NFL head coach after his tenure in Los Angeles. Known for nurturing quarterback talent, particularly supporting veterans overcoming setbacks, O’Connell has made a significant mark in the NFL.

A prime example of his coaching abilities is Sam Darnold, the former No. 3 overall draft pick, who led Minnesota to a remarkable 14-win season and a playoff spot, marking his success with his fourth team in five years.

On Monday night, O’Connell, Darnold, and the Vikings are set to go head-to-head with McVay’s Rams, with the winner earning the chance to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round next week.

Overview of Sean McVay’s Coaching Tree

Here’s a look at the six coaches who once worked under McVay and have since taken on head coaching roles in the NFL, ranked by their winning percentages.

Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers | 2019-present: 67-33 record (67%)

LaFleur slightly surpasses O’Connell in regular season win percentage. His impressive run includes three straight seasons with 13 wins, largely thanks to quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Despite transitioning to quarterback Jordan Love, LaFleur has continued to enjoy success, holding a 3-5 playoff record.

Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings | 2022-present: 34-17 record (66.7%)

O’Connell’s head coaching win percentage closely follows LaFleur’s. His success can be attributed to his skill in tailoring offensive strategies that enhance his quarterbacks’ abilities, allowing both the players and their offenses to excel. O’Connell stands at 0-1 in playoff appearances.

Brandon Staley, Los Angeles Chargers | 2021-2023: 24-24 record (50%)

Staley is one of just two former Rams defensive coordinators who transitioned to head coach, taking the helm for the Chargers nearby. After two and a half seasons, he was let go three weeks before the last season ended. He holds a 0-1 playoff record.

Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons | 2024-present*: 8-9 (47.1%)

Morris is the other former Rams defensive coordinator granted a head coaching position post-Los Angeles. He returned to Atlanta after previously serving as their interim head coach in 2020. This season, his team finished 8-9 and was still in the hunt for the NFC South title as late as Week 18. Morris has yet to lead a team to the playoffs.

*Morris previously held the head coaching position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009-2011) and served as interim head coach with the Falcons (2020) before working under McVay. This specific record reflects only his success post-Los Angeles (2021-2023).

Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals | 2019-present: 46-52-1 record (47%)

Among McVay’s coaching tree, Taylor is the only one who has reached the Super Bowl, where he faced McVay’s Rams, unfortunately ending in a loss. Under Taylor, the Bengals have developed one of the league’s most potent offenses with quarterback Joe Burrow connecting with receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Taylor has a playoff record of 5-2, with his only two losses coming in the Super Bowl and in the AFC championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs the following season.

Thomas Brown, Chicago Bears* | 2024-2024: 1-4 record (20%)

Brown ranks as the least successful of McVay’s mentees in terms of win percentage, but this is due to a small sample size of just five games. He served as the interim head coach for the Bears during the last five games of this season, achieving his first victory in Green Bay in Week 18.

*Brown only led the Bears for five games this season on an interim basis.

McVay’s Coaching Tree vs. Rams

Here’s a breakdown of how each of McVay’s former assistants has performed against the Rams, listed in the order they became head coaches:

• Matt LaFleur (Packers): 4-0 regular season; 1-0 postseason
• Zac Taylor (Bengals): 1-1 regular season; 0-1 postseason
• Brandon Staley (Chargers): 1-0 regular season
• Kevin O’Connell (Vikings): 0-2 regular season
• Raheem Morris (Falcons): N/A
• Thomas Brown (Bears): N/A
• Overall: 6-3 regular season; 1-1 postseason