LOS ANGELES — Coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead signed extensions that will keep them with the Los Angeles Rams for at least several more years.

Will quarterback Matthew Stafford decide to return and join them for an 18th NFL season?

"Our hope is that he does," McVay said Monday during a videoconference with reporters, "But I think that with respect to his timetable ... whenever he feels ready to make that announcement we'll let him be able to do that."

McVay spoke minutes after the Rams announced that McVay and Snead had signed extensions, ensuring the most important combination in the organization remains intact.

McVay, 40, and Snead, 55, were entering the final years of their contracts.

McVay, who was hired in 2017, and Snead, who has been the general manager since 2012, had previously been extended after Super Bowl appearances in the 2018 and 2021 seasons. They had offers on the table before this season but did not sign them.

The Rams have made two Super Bowl appearances and have been in the playoffs seven times in McVay's nine seasons.

"As we enter their 10th season together, it is only fitting to reflect on the tremendous success Sean and Les have brought to this franchise, and the indelible impact they have made on Los Angeles and the NFL," Rams owner Stan Kroenke said in a statement. "They continue to embody the standard of this franchise to compete for championships, consistently delivering a product that our fans and city can be proud of."

No terms were disclosed but McVay's deal no doubt keeps him among the highest-paid — if not makes him the highest-paid — coach in the NFL. Last season, McVay earned about $15 million, according to Sportico, which tied for sixth behind Andy Reid ($20 million), Sean Payton ($18 million), John Harbaugh ($17 million), Mike Tomlin ($16 million) and Jim Harbaugh ($16 million).

"I'm just really grateful for our players and coaches because these opportunities don't present themselves if you're not around great people," McVay said. "It's ownership, it's other guys in the leadership group, it's our players, it's our coaches, and they deserve a ton of credit. And I'm excited to be able to continue to build with them moving forward."

The Rams finished 12-5 this season and advanced to the NFC championship game before losing to the Seattle Seahawks, who play the New England Patriots on Sunday in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.

McVay said the 31-27 defeat by the Seahawks pained him more than the 13-3 defeat the Rams suffered against the Patriots in Super Bowl III at the end of the 2018 season.

"That one hurt," he said of the Super Bowl loss, "but that game the other day probably hurt even more than any loss I've ever been a part of, and it's probably because of the love for the team."

That team and coaching staff will look different next season.

Stafford 's status is the biggest question mark. McVay said there was no timetable for a decision by a player who will turn 38 on Saturday and is a finalist for the NFL most valuable player award that will be announced Thursday at NFL Honors.

"He deserves as much time as he needs," McVay said, adding, "I don't get the sense that he wants to let it drag on either, and then we'll just see what's he's feeling.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed ... that he wants to still play."

The Arizona Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur as their head coach, so McVay will conduct interviews for a replacement. But the in-house favorite is passing-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, who interviewed with several teams for head coach positions. Quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone has previous experience as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.

"It's the right and reasonable approach to be able to have a full, wide-ranging search, while full-well knowing I've got more than capable guys that can step up and do a phenomenal job," McVay said.

Last week, McVay hired Bubba Ventrone as special teams coordinator to improve units that cost the Rams multiple games, including the NFC championship game.

"He's got a great energy, a great edge," McVay said. "He's a great communicator."

Chris Shula will return for his third season as defensive coordinator.

Like Stafford, offensive lineman Rob Havenstein and tight end Tyler Higbee are being given time to ponder their futures.

Cornerback Cobie Durant, safety Kam Curl and receiver Tutu Atwell are pending unrestricted free agents.

Atwell, who received a one-year, $10-million contract before last season, caught only six passes.

Asked why he had never been able to find a way to fully utilize the 2021 second-round draft pick into the offense, McVay said the vision the Rams had for the offense this season evolved "organically" from a three-receiver set with Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Atwell to one that involved multiple tight ends.

"I wish I really could have done better," McVay said, "but I always still have a responsibility to do what I think is best for our football team."

When they reconvene after the Super Bowl, McVay, Snead and their staffs will begin planning for a season with or without Stafford, and for free agency and the draft. The Rams have the 13th and 29th picks in the first round.

The Rams also will consider possible extensions for Nacua, defensive lineman Kobie Turner, edge rusher Byron Young and offensive lineman Steve Avila.

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