RICHMOND, Va. — Sean McVay wasn’t even born yet when his grandfather presided over the most infamous moment in Giants history.
John McVay was Big Blue’s coach in 1978 for “The Miracle at the Meadowlands,” when the Giants fumbled a handoff that was returned for the game-winning score by the Eagles’ Herm Edwards instead of running out the clock with a kneel-down.
John McVay later said his headset wasn’t working and he would have overruled the play call that cost the Giants a 19-17 loss, a potential playoff berth and his job after the season.
McVay’s grandson will be making those calls for the Redskins this fall after Sean McVay, just 28 years old, was hired as Washington’s offensive coordinator last January by new coach Jay Gruden.
Sean McVay, who was younger than 17 players on the Redskins’ roster at the time of his hiring, said he prefers to focus on his grandfather’s many accomplishments after leaving the Giants instead of Joe Pisarcik’s legendary screwup.
John McVay became the 49ers’ vice president of football operations alongside Bill Walsh, making personnel decisions that helped San Francisco win five Super Bowl rings before McVay retired in 1996.
“He was real proud,” Sean McVay said of his grandfather, who is now 83. “He’s been instrumental throughout my career. He was so well-respected after what he was able to accomplish with the 49ers that, when he calls, people pick up the phone and listen. I’m proud of him, too.”