Turf Show Times · Jun 19, 2025
Before Sean McVay, there was Lionel Taylor
Lionel Taylor was Sean McVay before the L.A. Rams coach came along, only the league wasn’t ready to see it.
When thinking about the 1979 Rams, Lionel Taylor is probably the last person you think of. That is not surprising to anyone familiar with Taylor’s story. However, his offensive acumen and leadership skills were instrumental to the Rams’ first Super Bowl appearance.
Taylor began his coaching career with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1970-76 at the height of the franchise’s dynasty. He was the team’s wide receivers coach during that span and helped shape future Hall of Famers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth into the best receiver tandem in the league.
