Full Breakdown
Sean McVay Says Nikola Jokic Prompted Him to Drop “Get-Back” Coach”
8/20/2026, 6:33:59 AM
Core Change in Sideline Conduct
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters this week that he no longer relies on a “get-back” coach to keep him out of the referee’s lane. The shift, he said, began after a conversation with NBA MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, a franchise that shares owner Stan Kroenke with the Rams.
Background: The “Get-Back” Coach Role
When McVay first assumed the Rams’ helm, his habit of walking close to the field often placed him in the officials’ lane, risking a penalty. To prevent infractions, strength-and-conditioning coach Ted Rath was assigned the informal duty of pulling McVay back whenever he drifted too near the action. Video of Rath performing the task became a well-known clip among fans and media.
Official Statements & Responses
McVay explained that the Nuggets’ championship run in 2021, which culminated in Jokic’s first MVP award, led to a locker-room encounter that made him reassess his priorities. He recalled Jokic asking, “Where is your get-back coach?” and described the moment as a catalyst for his maturation on the sideline. The Rams’ ownership connection to Kroenke was noted as the link that brought the two sports figures together.
On-the-Field Example
On August 15, 2026, McVay was seen on the sidelines during the Rams’ preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. His presence that day reflected the new, more restrained sideline demeanor he described in the interview.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ll never forget this, this is when I thought, ‘Man, I’ve really got to reevaluate my priorities,'” — Sean McVay, angeles rams coach
