Fansided
Fansided

Los Angeles Rams: Possible Jeff Fisher Replacements

By Erik Lambert

Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan before a game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan before a game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan before a game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan before a game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeff Fisher did everything in his power to rebuild the Los Angeles Rams into a successful franchise. He came close a couple times, but never got over the hump.

Slumping to a 4-9 record in 2016, it finally became too much for ownership. Fisher was shown the door, having lost almost all of his credibility that he’d built up so carefully for years in Tennessee. The way things deteriorated makes it worse. Todd Gurley calling out the “middle school” offensive play calling. Constant questions about his handling of the quarterback position.

At the end of the day, it’s a simple reasoning for why he’s unemployed. He didn’t win enough. That’s at the heart of almost every such firing.

The task ahead for the Rams is evaluation. Most feel they have lots of quality pieces on their roster. It’s a matter of whether they can find somebody who can get the most out of it. For now it will be special teams coordinator John Fassel taking over as the interim coach. Perhaps he can take advantage of an opportunity, but odds are against him. This feels like a team that needs a fresh start. So if they go head coach hunting in January, who are the names that fit best?

Kyle Shanahan

It’s almost certain that the search will focus around one goal:  finding somebody who can get the most out of Jared Goff. He’s their #1 pick and the future of the franchise. A coach that understands the position would be preferrable. Shanahan is a second generation offensive mind who has enjoyed lots of success over his career. The latest coming with MVP hopeful Matt Ryan in Atlanta. He’s paid his due and is ready for a shot at the big job.

More from NFL Mocks

Josh McDaniels

This is the hot name everybody will watch. The Patriots offensive coordinator is considered one of the brightest minds in the game. His success with and without Tom Brady proves it. He did fail in his first try with Denver, but many believe he’s matured and learned from that experience. The play calling prowess he could bring to the offense is so appetizing. Not only for Goff but also Gurley and the ground game as well.

Teryl Austin

It’s important to remember that the Rams are still a team driven by their defense. That’s where the bulk of the talent lay. So it might be wise to get somebody who doesn’t mess that up. The tricky is figuring out if they can work with quarterbacks too. Teryl Austin is qualified for this. He’s one of the best defensive coordinators in the league, runs a 4-3 system and has learned extensively under Jim Caldwell in Detroit. Caldwell being among the best QB whisperers in the league. That experience would be of great value.

Home/NFL Hot Takes