Jeff Fisher Goes The Way of Tom Coughlin In 2016

Dec 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher shakes hands with New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin after a game at the Edward Jones Dome. New York defeated St. Louis 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeff Fisher is starting to understand how Tom Coughlin felt when the New York Giants fired him at the end of last season.

It came after the teams’ fourth-straight losing seasons. Afterwards, there were several whispers around the league that Coughlin felt jilted by the decision. For a man who gave the franchise two Super Bowl titles, it felt like a show of disrespect. That they wanted him out more because he was old rather than he was no longer qualified. The fact they decided to spend a boatload of money to improve the roster right after he left must’ve hurt even worse.

They never did anything to that level when he was in charge.

Fisher can relate in more ways than one. Here’s a head coach who enjoyed lots of success in Tennessee. After almost five seasons of hard work trying to make the Los Angeles Rams winners, they unceremoniously fired him. An extra sting from that came when it was revealed GM Les Snead would continue in his position despite being in equal culprit in the struggles.

Fisher was open and honest after the dismissal about why it happened.

"“He didn’t win enough games, and the organization has a much bigger picture,” Fisher said of himself. “And I don’t think I was ever part of seeing the new stadium.”"

Those words make it seem like he feels the Rams had intended to fire him even dating to before the team moved from St. Louis. They just didn’t want to cause too big a disruption until everything had settled down. It’s hard to say whether that’s true. What is clear for sure is that Fisher harbors some resentment towards the organization. When asked what his perfect scenario was moving forward, his answer was clear.

"“I want a chance to play the Rams.”"

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Just like Coughlin. He interviewed with the Eagles shortly after leaving New York. That was evidence enough of his intentions. The problem is Fisher may have worn out his welcome in the NFL. He doesn’t have near the credibility he used to. His teams haven’t made a playoff run since 2008. Despite his experience it feels like the league has passed him by. No matter how well-connected, a man only gets so many crack at that job.

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