Former Rams coach Dick Vermeil gives his 2022 Super Bowl prediction, talks Sean McVay’s legacy

When the Bengals come to Los Angeles on Feb. 13 for Super Bowl LVI, the Rams will be looking to capture their first Lombardi Trophy in more than 20 years. The last time they won it all, Kurt Warner was their quarterback and Dick Vermeil was their head coach, headlining the “Greatest Show on Turf.” At 85, Vermeil is still in touch — no, immersed — with the Rams. On Christmas, his 1999 championship run played a role on the big screen in American Underdog, the new movie based on Warner’s career. On Super Bowl Sunday, he’ll be at SoFi Stadium, cheering on his old team.

In celebration, Vermeil sat down for an exclusive Q&A with CBS Sports:

Note: The following interview has been edited for clarity.

Are you still in touch with the Rams today?

Vermeil: I’m still with the organization — I stay in touch with (owner) Stan Kroenke, and I text the head coach all the time and give him all kinds of suggestions. Once a Ram, always a Ram. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. Once a Chief, always a Chief. I was hoping (the Super Bowl) would be the Chiefs and the Rams, and then I would root for Missouri because of St. Louis and the Kansas City Chiefs.

How do you like the Rams’ chances against the Bengals?

Vermeil: I think over a season, the Rams are the better football team. But Cincinnati reminds me of the 1999 Rams. We won four games in ’98, and then you win the world championship. And they’ve made some adjustments. You know, we bring in Mike Martz and Al Saunders and John Matsko and Dana LeDuc, and all of a sudden with Marshall Faulk, Torry Holt, all of a sudden, the two years we spent building that team, now we’ve got people who can drive it … And Cincinnati is very similar. I think it’s gonna be an even game, though I do believe if both teams play real well, the Rams win.

So what kind of advice are you texting Sean McVay? And is he listening?

Vermeil: Oh I don’t know (laughs). He doesn’t need my advice. He’s so…