Early in his coaching career, Sean McVay created a role within his staff that was known as the “get-back” coach. McVay, who loved to walk as close to the field as possible, would often be in the referee’s lane. If McVay made contact or obstructed a ref, a penalty would be called.
Thus, a famous video was created, documenting the importance of the role held by strength and conditioning coach Ted Rath.
When asked Monday if he would need a get-back coach in 2026, McVay stated that he had matured and could self-govern where he stands. He then shared a funny story involving NBA superstar Nikola Jokic, revealing that the encounter led to him doing away with having a get-back coach.
“No, I’m not much of a dips— anymore,” McVay joked when asked whether he still needs a get-back coach. “Where Ted Rath has to – that video will never freaking leave me, will it? I’ll never forget this. This is when I thought, ‘Man, I got to really reevaluate my priorities.’ When Jokić won the first MVP of his career, it was when they had just finished up. They lost to the Suns. I go to the playoff game. They had lost at home at Ball Arena, but I go to the locker room afterwards. Nikola sees me and says, ‘Where is your get-back coach?’ And I said, ‘Golly, this is what the NBA MVP knows me as. I am a failure.’ So I don’t think I need it as bad anymore, but that was bad back then.”
Coincidentally, Rath is now the director of sports science for the Saints, who the Rams will practice against on Thursday and face in Saturday’s preseason game. So if he travels to Los Angeles for those two dates, McVay could run into his old get-back coach.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay shares story of his funny encounter with Nikola Jokic
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
