Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and associate head coach Frank Vogel made a surprise appearance at Los Angeles Rams practice on Thursday, observing a joint session with the New Orleans Saints before a private meeting with Rams head coach Sean McVay. The three championship-winning coaches, with a combined 11 titles between them, used the opportunity to exchange insights.
Kerr, a five-time NBA champion as a player and four-time champion as a coach with the Warriors, and Vogel, who led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA title, watched the Rams' practice session, which lasted approximately 90 minutes. McVay, the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl in the NFL, expressed his appreciation for Kerr's leadership and connection with his players.
"Steve's a guy that I've been friends with for a while, and I love everything about how he leads, how he enjoys it, how he stays connected with his players," McVay said of Kerr. "He and Frank Vogel are out here today, and I’ll look forward to connecting with those guys after this."
For Kerr, the visit held personal significance as he grew up in Pacific Palisades, though his childhood home was destroyed in a fire in January 2025. Vogel maintains an offseason home in Manhattan Beach, a residence he purchased when he coached the Lakers. Vogel joined the Warriors last season as an associate head coach, expected to play a key role in the team's defense.
During the practice, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford appeared sharp, connecting with wide receiver Davante Adams. "You don't take for granted how important that rapport is," McVay commented on the Stafford-Adams connection. "No matter how great you are, you’ve got two great players. You’ve got to be able to get those reps, and repetition is the mother of learning."
Rams wide receivers Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett, along with tight end Davis Allen and offensive lineman Keagan Trost, did not participate in the joint practice due to injuries or individual work. Several Saints players also left the practice early due to the heat, but the Rams reportedly escaped without new injuries.
Following the practice, Kerr and Vogel met privately with McVay. While the specifics of their discussion remain undisclosed, the meeting represented a convergence of coaching philosophies across different sports, with coaches often seeking to learn from one another regardless of the sport. McVay noted his long-standing connection with Kerr through mutual friends and his admiration for Kerr's character and approach.
The Rams are scheduled to play their second preseason game against the Saints on Saturday at SoFi Stadium at 1 p.m. The Rams' starters are not expected to play in that contest.