Sean McVay Set to Add Former Washington Defensive Coordinator to Rams’ Staff

Yesterday, in an introductory press conference, the Los Angeles Rams formally introduced the world to their new head coach: former Washington offensive coordinator Sean McVay.

McVay wasted no time assembling a staff, tabbing Wade Phillips as his defensive coordinator. A savvy move from the 30-year old head coach.

But McVay didn’t stop there, and it appears he’s set to bring in another familiar face. According to Peter Schrager, or Fox Sports, McVay will bring in former Washington defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

Barry got his start in football in 1994, serving as a graduate assistant at the University of Southern California. Since then, he’s had a bit of a journeyman career, landing in eight other cities, both in college and the NFL, before meeting up with McVay in D.C. His longest stint with any team was between 2001-2006, where he served as linebackers coach for Jon Gruden, McVay’s mentor, in Tampa Bay.

More recently, Barry spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons in Washington, acting as their defensive coordinator. He was let go following the 2016 season, a year in which Washigton finished 28th in total defense.

You don’t know what you don’t know, and being a 30 year old head coach there’s still plenty to learn for Sean McVay. Surrounding himself with more experienced staff members, like Phillips and Barry, is a veteran move from the NFL’s youngest head coach.