Rams Coach Sean McVay Misses Annual NFL Coaches Photo

McVay's absence from the high-profile group shot raises questions, while Browns coach Todd Monken's absence is explained.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:22pm

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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay was noticeably absent from the annual NFL head coaches' group photo, a traditional event that is seen as an important public rite of passage for the league's top sideline leaders. While Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken missed the photo due to a haircut, the reasons behind McVay's absence remain unclear, sparking speculation and questions about the high-profile coach's priorities.

Why it matters

The annual NFL head coaches' photo is a symbolic moment that represents the league's leadership and is closely watched by media and fans. McVay's unexplained absence stands out, as he is considered one of the NFL's top young coaches who has led the Rams to recent success, including a Super Bowl championship. His no-show raises questions about his commitment to team unity and public relations.

The details

The 2026 NFL head coaches' photo was taken recently, with all 32 teams represented except for the Rams' Sean McVay and the Browns' Todd Monken. Monken's absence was attributed to him getting a haircut, but McVay's reasons remain unknown. McVay has missed the photo once before, in 2019, when he jokingly blamed it on a mix-up with the team's PR staff.

  • The annual NFL head coaches' photo was taken in April 2026.
  • Sean McVay also missed the photo in 2019.

The players

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who has led the team to a Super Bowl championship and is considered one of the NFL's top young coaches.

Todd Monken

The head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who missed the 2026 photo due to getting a haircut.

Artis Twyman

The public relations staff member for the Los Angeles Rams who McVay jokingly blamed for his absence from the 2019 photo.

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What they’re saying

“'I was dressed, ready for that photo yesterday. That is Artis Twyman, our PR guy's fault. Artis said the photo's canceled, I was at the pool relaxing and they said the photo's back on. … I was ready for it yesterday. It was not an intentional move to miss the photo. I didn't want to be the guy thinking he's too cool to miss the photo. Artis Twyman, great at everything else except the photo yesterday.'”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams

What’s next

The NFL and the Rams have not provided any explanation for Sean McVay's absence from the 2026 head coaches' photo. It remains to be seen if McVay will address the issue publicly or if the league will comment on the notable no-show.

The takeaway

Sean McVay's unexplained absence from the annual NFL head coaches' photo, a symbolic event that represents the league's leadership, raises questions about the Rams coach's priorities and commitment to team unity. While coaches can miss the photo, McVay's track record of previous absences and the contrast with the Browns' coach missing it for a haircut highlights a potential double standard that the NFL may need to address.