Los Angeles Rams Coach Sean McVay Opens Up About Steve Avila Move to Center

Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay explained the move of left guard Steve Avila to center for the upcoming season.

Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams guard Steve Avila (73) against the Arizona / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams made a massive signing during the free agency period, signing former Detroit Lions left guard Jonah Jackson to a three-year $51 million deal.

But with that deal, left questions surrounding the team's 2023 starter at left guard, Steve Avila. Fortunately for the Rams, Avila has a versatile background, playing multiple positions during his time at TCU in college.

Part of that versatility came at center, where Rams head coach Sean McVay plans to move Avila for the upcoming season.

Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams guard Steve Avila (73) against the Arizona / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

“He’s a guy that loves being in the building," McVay told the team website. "Like I was talking about earlier, you don’t need to go from A to Z, let’s just take the incremental steps. Let’s continue to learn, with the right foundational understanding of what are we trying to get done. What are you looking at? What are the things that are important to be able to communicate?”

With the new move to center for Avila, the Rams will have a massive and dominant trio across the middle of the offensive line, with Jackson, Avila, and Kevin Dotson averaging 6-foot-4 and 312.3 pounds between the three of them.

And according to McVay, no matter where Avila lines up, he has the talent to excel, thanks in large part to his athleticism and balance.

“He’s got an amazing athleticism for a big player,” McVay said. “I think he’s got the natural ability to play on the left or the right side of the line, be another lefty center for us.”