Super Bowl LVI Coaching Preview: Who Gets First Ring?

The game on the field is always determined by the players’ execution. However, Super Bowl LVI will present a series of firsts for the two head coaches involved. Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams and Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals have both already accomplished a lot. Nonetheless, they will pair to make the first Super Bowl matchup of NFL head coaches under the age of 40. Taylor is 38 years old, whereas McVay is 36 years old. It will be the youngest coaching matchup in Super Bowl history. Meanwhile, both head coaches are looking for their first ever Super Bowl win as head coach.

McVay and Taylor are each known for their offensive prowess. Each of their offenses can adjust to playing different styles. On top of that, both the Rams and the Bengals can win games in different ways. Scoring a monumental amount of points, using a methodical pace with the running game, or hitting consistently on deep passes and with tempo are just a few of the ways where Los Angeles and Cincinnati feel comfortable offensively.

What else makes these two head coaches stand out? How were they able to lead their teams to the Super Bowl? And finally, which of these head coaches is more primed to deliver their first Super Bowl ring?

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Mentor Vs Protege

While he is a younger head coach, McVay has already had an extensive tree of assistant coaches that have gone on to achieve tremendous early success as head coaches elsewhere. This includes names like Matt LaFleur and Brandon Staley, along with Taylor. The Bengals head coach worked alongside the Rams head coach for two seasons in Los Angeles. In 2017, McVay’s first year as head coach, Taylor was the Rams’ assistant wide receivers coach. He was then the quarterbacks coach in 2018. Despite a rough start to his Cincinnati tenure, the protege in this Super Bowl LVI matchup is already showing signs of wisdom, similar to that of his former mentor.

Offensive Gurus

There are a few different reasons as to why these head coaches enter Super Bowl LVI with labels like offensive gurus. Some of that is due to the aforementioned versatility that their offenses can thrive out of. On the other hand, there are some other points that stick out from a schematic standpoint. Their use of pre-snap items, like increasing motion, altering alignments and allowing their quarterbacks ample freedom at the line of scrimmage are just a few to note.

Both McVay and Taylor are also rather relentless when it comes to attacking certain parts of the opposing defense with their scheme. Some head coaches would rather their offense spread the wealth around to all areas. However, McVay and Taylor will not hesitate to consistently attack a certain cornerback, a certain pair of linebackers in the middle of the field, or a certain side of the opposing defensive line, if that part of the defense fails to make stops.

We must note that McVay and Taylor have improved in not tipping their hand early, however. Waiting until the right time to show a certain offensive look, or play call has allowed these head coaches more options to play with. It has also given them a greater insight into what the opposing defense may be showing early on in their attack.

Trusting Stars And Depth Adequately

One thing that has become apparent with each of McVay and Taylor, is how they understand how to handle their players. There is a certain trust that these two head coaches have in their guys. It does not matter if you are a young superstar, an aging veteran, or one of the team’s longest tenured locker room leaders.

What makes this part important, is that McVay and Taylor have a great appreciation for letting their players be themselves. There is not a fake tough guy, disciplinarian approach being used. That kind of tactic has not worked well with players, when other head coaches have attempted it, only to flame out relatively quickly. Furthermore, there is a fine line of knowing when to feed the hot hands, and when to let your team’s best players go out and prove themselves.

Knowing When To Adjust

Piggybacking off of that lost point a bit more, McVay and Taylor have done something more often this year. It has led to each the Rams and the Bengals winning games against top teams. To boot, it also led to a strong push in the second half of the season, when their teams needed a bit of a spark down the stretch. That would include being one step ahead of what the opponent may be thinking.

McVay has been known for blowing some leads in the past. You do not even have to go back that far, as Los Angeles blew a 17 point lead against the San Francisco 49ers in the regular season finale a few weeks ago. There are moments and hard lessons that he has learned from, however. Overall, McVay has learned how to adjust his offensive attack. When there needs to be more pace, he does not hesitate to increase the tempo. McVay has done a much better job at providing more balance and structure to his unit in the second half, though.

On the Bengals side of things, Taylor went through plenty of tough losses and close finishes in his first two seasons as Cincinnati head coach. What did he take away from those moments? Generally this season, Taylor has been excellent when it comes to game management and coaching his team in high pressure situations.

This includes items like clock management, tinkering with the player’s assignments, like routes or blocking assignments for example. That has kept opposing defenses on their heels more often. Finally, Taylor has adjusted to becoming a more relentless leader. He emphasizes a more aggressive, go for the kill type of mantra now, that we did not see from him early in his Bengals tenure.

Which Coach Blinks First?

We have hit on all of the bright spots and adjustments that these head coaches have made to better their results. Though now, we must ask the following question. Which of these two coaches blinks first and gets a little too overzealous? If we even see that at all between the Rams and the Bengals, can either McVay or Taylor rebound from it? Will things stay status quo, in terms of being able to find ways to win and put your players in position to succeed late?

The tricks that each McVay and Taylor have sprinkled in lately have worked, for the most part. We also have a larger track record to look back on with McVay. Compared to Taylor, his results are likely more mixed when it comes to being bold or ambitious in high pressure moments. Can either of these two have the same success when living on the edge again in the Super Bowl? If so, one of McVay or Taylor will continue to rise among the NFL’s head coaching ranks.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Super Bowl articles throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.