The NFL has so many off-field technicalities that Sean McVay could have cost the Los Angeles Rams several penalties. A resurfacing video on the internet shows who was an unsung hero of the team several years ago.

While you are focused on what’s up with the scoreboard, coaches are fighting their own battles, trying to follow all the technicalities, including staying out of an official’s way.

Sean McVay has this coach to thank for saving LA Rams from unwanted penalties

It can be a difficult task to stay out of an official’s way because the coaches often keep moving to spot any fouls and observe the games of their opposing teams. As per the rules, they can’t bump into the officials because they also have to stay focused on every move in the field.

For this, the NFL had earlier mandated every team to hire a ‘get back’ coach to keep their head coaches in line. A video of Sean McVay even went viral, where an assistant coach pulled him out of the official’s way as he marched up and down the sidelines. The coach in question was none other than Ted Rath.

Rath worked for the Rams for 2 years, from 2017 to 2019. Five years ago, when his dedication to pulling away McVay out of a penalty’s way went viral, the NFL released a video on the “art” of being a get-back coach.

Theodore Daniel himself described it as an art. “It is kinda like a dance,” he added. Without thinking much, Rath instinctively compared it to “Tango“. Even back then, this wasn’t Ted Rath’s only job.

Who is Ted Rath?

Rath began his career back in 2009 as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Detroit Lions. He last worked for them in 2015 and then joined the Miami Dolphins in 2016.

When he joined the Rams back in 2017, he was no longer assistant by position. Rath had now been promoted to the head strength and conditioning coach. Even though his profile didn’t require him to, he still assisted Sean McVay on the sidelines and helped prevent many potential technical penalties.

In 2020, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles, where he is now the Vice President for Player’s Performance.

While it is difficult to catch a get-back coach nowadays during a game, next time you are looking at the sidelines, try to pay attention to the head coach; you might find something interesting.

After learning of an interesting NFL technicality, why not treat yourself with more insights on the league and college football as given by Doug Sanders on our Think Tank Exclusive.