I won't lie to you, I've completely bought into the notion of Jeff Fisher as the next head coach of the St. Louis Rams. As far as what notion Fisher has bought into, we're still waiting to see and have been for days now against the backdrop of incessant leaks to the press about Fisher leaning one way or another based on various reasons. At what point do the Rams, or the Dolphins for that matter, needs to just cut bait?
Since the collapse of the Greatest Show on Turf, the Rams have been known mostly for their futility. They decayed into a dysfunctional organization marked by power struggles and losing football, facilitated by bad drafts and poor free agent decisions. That started to change in 2009 when the team hired Steve Spagnuolo and Billy Devaney.
Fisher is the next step in the natural progress toward winning.
Things got better, but the newbie head coach was given wide latitude to remake the organization, never having had that kind of power before coming to St. Louis. The result was more dysfunction, only a slightly better record on the personnel side and a confused approach to head coaching.
Fisher represents stability, the chance for the franchise to get on firm footing and lay a foundation for the next ten years, if not more. Throughout this people have pointed to his win loss record and proclivity toward a more conservative offense, but that obscures the better points of Fisher's resume.
As friend of the Doug Farrar pointed out, Fisher's record is only part of the story. He managed a team moving from Houston to Memphis to Nashville to a .500 record, not bad considering the disruption. Fisher also has a knack for getting the most of his players, including talented but troubled guys like Albert Haynesworth, Pacman Jones and Vince Young. Fisher even managed to turn a mess in 2009 into .500, going 8-2 over his the final 10 games. Sometimes the record doesn't tell the whole story.
Even more attractive to the Rams is that Fisher isn't known as a power struggle guy. He hires smart coordinators and lets them coach as they see fit, with an appropriate level of oversight from the head coach. Nowhere was that more evident in the success of Gregg Williams and JIm Schwartz, his defensive coordinators. He's involved in the personnel decisions, but allows the personnel department to do their jobs, playing the players he's given to fit the systems he runs.
Related: Insight on Jeff Fisher's style and history from the Titans' POV.
You see the difference now between Fisher and Spagnuolo's time at Rams Park.
None of that is to suggest that a first time head coach will not work for the Rams. That would depend in part how the structure of the organization looks and how responsibility is delineated with a first-time head coach. The ghosts of Rams Past still haunted the building when Spagnuolo was hired, continuing the poisonous culture that 3k wrote about while the season spiraled in the abyss.
But here we are, still waiting for a decision from Fisher and the negotiations continue to play out in public. Worst of all for the Rams is that leaks from Fisher's camp, or another party, have created a panic about the team potentially moving in light of the lease situation. That's a genie that isn't going to be put back in the bottle until some dotted lines are signed, regardless of any assurances or effort on the part of the Rams to expand their footprint in the community. Winning game again would also help.
The Rams and Dolphins have both lined up other interviews. They can't wait and let other quality coaches get snatched up by other teams, by competitors. But the questions remains, just how much longer should they wait for Jeff Fisher?
0 recs | 74 comments
As much as I'm tired of the waiting game
I think we’ll be better for it if we sign him. It’s easy to be impatient, though, as good news around here happens about as often as you have eggs after sleeping with a woman
DCRamFan - January 12, 2012
At least
the press corps not peeter gazing this time,and hes hands free.
RAMIFICATION - January 12, 2012
The one
thing about it is it’s not like we are losing out on other top candidates by waiting. He is the biggest fish out there right now.
RWRAMS28 - January 12, 2012
someone photoshop a urinal in that pic!
sergey606 - January 12, 2012
Like I've said in another post, this organisation's future is on hold until Fisher makes up his mind...
If there was truth to the fact that we were going to count on Fisher’s input into helping us select a GM, then the whole thing is up in the air until he decides whether he wants to be the Rams HC. If he doesn’t, then I can see us choosing a GM first, which means an even longer delay in finding the right HC, as I’m assuming the GM is going to want to be part of that process. Either way, just choose Jeff – just choose.
JoolzMF - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Stan just need to decide if he has the best offer on the table and if he does,
put a deadline on it
Brick Top - January 12, 2012
I think someone at The Phinsider said it really well
Fisher met with the Dolphins, and then went to Denver to meet with Rams owner Stan Kroenke. He then wanted to meet with Bradford and take a look at the Rams facility before he made a decision about them, which is totally understandable. He finished his St. Louis visit on Sunday night.
Then on Monday, he talks with each team about specific concerns that he might have, like whether or not the Rams may move to LA, and how much control he would have over the team. Tuesday he starts with negotiations about money to work out numbers. Then yesterday was the first day where he had all the information to make a decision and was mulling it over, weighing the pros and cons of each position. So yeah, I’m not worried that a guy is taking a couple of days to decide where he wants to go.
addnon - January 12, 2012
Good analysis of Fisher's possible decision timeline... Very good!
Douglas M - January 12, 2012
Thanks! I paraphrased that from a Twitter feed from a Dolphins writer.
I also remember that I believe Fisher said last week that he probably wouldn’t have a decision made until the end of this week anyways. So he’s not really taking any more time than he originally said he would. Besides, he will be making a big decision for himself and his family and sometimes that takes time to come to a final decision.
Regardless, I think he would be a good coach for either team if he chooses them. If he goes to my Dolphins, I would love it as we have not had stability at HC since Shula. If he goes to the Rams, I would be happy with that as well, as I do like the Rams and root for them every week (except when they play Miami of course :P ). Since I live here in St. Louis, the Rams are the only live football that I get to see without having to make a long drive. In fact, me and my wife had season tickets 2 years ago and always try to go to at least a couple of games a year. I think that he would be able to do a lot of good for this young team and help develop them into a more consistent contender.
Chupathingy - January 12, 2012
We're glad to have you here at Turf Show Times!
I don’t suppose I could get you to do a fanpost from the Miami perspective on why Fisher would be a better fit there than with the Rams? If you do, make sure you mention I asked you to do it so our guys don’t think you’re doing a troll post
Douglas M - January 12, 2012
Yeah
I should be able to write something up later tonight. Assuming he doesn’t make a decision before then.
Chupathingy - January 12, 2012 via Android app
no were not you are speak for your self Doug lmao
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
I have been working since 8am and i thought he would have made a choice by now!
kevio3000 - January 12, 2012 via Android app
If he doesn't decide
by the time I get home from work, I’m going to drink a 12-pack. If he decides to go to the fins, I’m going to drink a 12-pack. If he picks the Rams, I’m going to drink a 12-pack.
I win no matter how this comes out!
OakCityRam - January 12, 2012
I dont even want Fisher
Let the dolphins make the big catch of the offseason, he was a mediocre coach for 17 years.
Tampa_Ram - January 12, 2012
+1
Ramfan4life - January 12, 2012
you a Bucs fan who cares what you want
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
I'm getting sick of this Fisher stuff
The Rams fanbase and management is so afraid of failure that they refuse to look at anyone other than big name, experienced head coaches. Sean Payton, Mike McCarthy, hell even Harbaugh (49ers version). They weren’t big, experienced HC’s when they got the position.
There are other qualified candidates for a HC job in the league. It depresses me that the team is so focused on Fisher that they are most likely leaving a potentially great HC out in the cold.
Eric Nagel - January 12, 2012
Kromer or Horton
King Sam Rules! - January 12, 2012 via mobile
How many Rams
Would a woodchud Chud?
Joe Mazzi - January 12, 2012 via mobile
go fishing and come back in a week youll be ok
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
Isn't this a moot point?
I thought today was his personal deadline anyway.
Danrarbc - January 12, 2012
well you though wrong dint you hahaha
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
I’m done waiting. Let’s move forward. I want Bradford to start learning the new offense right away!!!
nj_rams_fan - January 12, 2012
Decision
The Rams should interview other potential HC candidates and GM prospects and if they interview a HC candidate that they are enthralled with but still prefer Fisher, give him a deadline at that point.
The delay in the decision probably impacts the GM position because Fisher may want his guy in that position.
Mister T - January 12, 2012
Easy Answer to this
If we wait, there’s a 50/50 chance we get him. If we move on, 0 chance.
4admen - January 12, 2012
Very good point.
I’m as impatient as the next guy (more, probably) and have been hating this whole process, but it’s better to have the best guy next week than to settle for someone now. It’s not like College with the signing deadline approaching, so waiting is clearly the way to go, even if it very frustration for us fans.
IowaRamFan - January 12, 2012
KSR - Please don't opt
for a running backs coach for this team. That would really depress me.
Easy people……..we all want to villify JF when he is playing a simple game of supply and demand to maximize his control and income. Whether you like it or not, that is the American way and most people here would probably do the same thing if they were in his shoes. And if Jeff didn’t want to, that agent of his would make him. Stop short of villifying JF cause if he chooses STL you will be in an awkward position of supporting him moments after blasting him. If he chooses Miami, then go for it!
Fisher appears like our only option for an experienced head coach. We are starting to look at guys less experienced than Spags if we are left at the alter by JF which should really piss all of us off.
RamTeaPartier - January 12, 2012
At some point I want a good staff
If Fish keeps this up, we are gonna be stuck with no good candidates for Coordinators and position coaches. I am not all that exiceted to sign a team over to a coach who is as slightly above average as Fisher.
King Sam Rules! - January 12, 2012 via mobile
dont worry about that its not your job that what Fisher does
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
Half a million
a month is enough for anyone I would think.
OakCityRam - January 12, 2012
not any more lol
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
"Last I heard
You had to outscore someone in four quarters! They’re celebratin! Look at ’em! Go win the game!!!"
He says. Goodluck giving that last minute hoorah speech in Miami, Fish. Im sick of ya.
Joe Mazzi - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Chud!! Chud!! :-)
Douglas M - January 12, 2012
Chud (or Horton)! Chud (or Horton)!
King Sam Rules! - January 12, 2012 via mobile
If Fisher hasn't signed with either team yet, then maybe neither team truly wants him.
If he’s all in, then he’d have signed already.
Midasknight - January 12, 2012
he picks the Rams tomorrow my sources tell me lol
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
I really don't see the hurry
They can’t sign free agents. The draft is ages away. The Rams have been terrible for a long time – what’s the rush to find another coach?
DiscoJer - January 12, 2012
Becuz we need something to talk about on tst dammit! Lol btw my stache is getting thick! Im shaving if he goes to mia
kevio3000 - January 12, 2012 via Android app
Continue the interview process with other's and if one really trips the trigger,
sign them up and send Fisher to the Phins. If not, and he still hasn’t made a decision, sweeten the offer. He doesn’t have to make a quick decision and we don’t have to delay the interviewing process for alternatives.
David5264 - January 12, 2012
He currently would make 8 mill and would be vice president
Im not offering more than that unless his name is Vince Lombardi and he said “what the hell is going on out here!”
King Sam Rules! - January 12, 2012 via mobile
i dont care if hes president of the usa just hire his ass as our HC lol
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
Heck, the money is all
relative at this point. If we are gonna pay Jason Smith $8 mil for the performance he gave us then I’m not really concerned whether we pay JF 5 mil, 8 mil or 10 mil. Obviously I have been numbed by the salaries of players and coaches so I choose to forget the money and ask for a well managed team with strong on-field performance instead.
RamTeaPartier - January 12, 2012
It's the fact he wants to own the team pretty much as well
That almost always ends up being a pact with the devil. Example: The Shanaskins
King Sam Rules! - January 12, 2012 via mobile
and
“@AdamSchefter: A source close to Jeff Fisher insisted delay in chossing bw MIA and STL is not a leverage play and neither side has yet to make an offer.”
ECURam87 - January 12, 2012 via Android app
If you believe that...
I have some cure-all for sell.
81 Witness - January 12, 2012
Schefter said on Sportscenter that neither team has made an offer because..
they are waiting for Fisher to choose the team he wants to coach, then his agent will call the team to inform them that they were picked as the “winning team” then negotiations would begin.
jpcisco - January 12, 2012
Ross
I will not be outbid. That sounds like he is willing to make Fisher the highest paid coach in history.
81 Witness - January 12, 2012
From the way he sounded he would pay whatever it takes...
Basically giving Fisher a blank check.
jpcisco - January 12, 2012
or he might blow fisher hahaha
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
I wish there was a "no longer wait" option
I just feel like the indecisiveness reflects poorly on a coach with a less than stellar record. I also feel like if he really wanted to be a part of one of these organizations, he would be already.
Hell, he may be waiting to see if the Indy job opens up. I wish the Rams would just move on
rickforking - January 12, 2012
Kinda my point from above
Midasknight - January 12, 2012
oh too bad you little baby you cant wait ha lol
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
The wait
I wonder if he will take another year off just to pick San Diego.
81 Witness - January 12, 2012
Shanahan has overserved
his usefullness in the NFL in the same manner as Mike Holmgren did. I admit there are some huge risks of giving so much control to a combined EVP/Coach as you had better get it right but on the flip side if you were Fisher would you want to be taking your orders from a clueless GM like Devaney? I wouldn’t! There are too many “clueless” talent evaluators in positions of influence around the NFL which has to scare any coach who knows what the hell he’s doing should there be a reporting relationship.
RamTeaPartier - January 12, 2012
Fisher is quickly becoming an annoyance
Seriously. The Rams should withdraw any offer they have on the table fro Fisher and Move on. No team should have to pay big $$ for a coach with now Super Bowl wins and a slightly above .500 record.
And why has Todd Haley not been interviewed ? he is an intense dude, that continuously made KC in to a contender in their division, with minimal talent and a shit head GM. I mean the guy won with Matt Cassel,
JAZiLLA - January 12, 2012
Maybe its Time to give Mikey Martz a call... just saying
JAZiLLA - January 12, 2012
jaza relax lol
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
Adam Schefter Tweeted a while ago:
“A source close to Jeff Fisher insisted delay in chossing bw MIA and STL is not a leverage play and neither side has yet to make an offer.”
Douglas M - January 12, 2012
How can you pick a team prior
to knowing what your compensation package will be? “Congratulations for picking the Rams Mr. Fisher…………….how doe’s $10 an hour sound to you?”
RamTeaPartier - January 12, 2012
Just because there isn't an official offer
doesn’t mean he doesn’t know what he’ll be paid. He knows what the salary will be
Brick Top - January 12, 2012
LMFAO!!
Mark Jaramillo - January 12, 2012
Todd Haley became petty with
his players which was proven when he waived Gaither’s after getting flagged for a procedure penalty. Next day Gaither’s was waived, signed by the Chargers and looked all-pro the rest of the season protecting River’s blind side. Spags was too loyal to some of his players whereas Haley threw some of his under the bus!
RamTeaPartier - January 12, 2012
True
But Spags loyalty did not get us real far. Really the Rams need a young coach, that is intense and can game manage. Maybe its time to pull from the college ranks, typically that is a huge flop. But i think it is because older more established coaches are hired. maybe take a look at a Chris Peterson out of Boise. the guy has proven he is flexible enough to win with lesser talent and different systems.
JAZiLLA - January 12, 2012
I would like to think he has a
salary range but as we all know, the devil is in the details.
RamTeaPartier - January 12, 2012
how long for Fisher?
I’m a very longtime Rams fan. Since early 70s. I really liked Fisher when he coached the Titans. He wasn’t the best coach, but he was good, always got the best out of what he had. His team was always competitive. When you played his team you knew you were in for a battle. I hope the Rams get him, and he’s the answer for making them a championship team. Will he be the answer, who knows for sure? But I don’t believe he’s in a hurry to make a decision. Why should he?
rambro4ever - January 12, 2012
LOL JAZiLLA! U R
preaching to the choir! First, as soon as it was clear Spags was not getting the job done I was vocal in supporting his ouster. For those who have been posting around here for the last several months they will know that I have been the #1 proponent of Chris Petersen as a head coaching candidate for the Rams. If we dipped into the college ranks, there has been RG31 pimping Bob Stoops (what a shock) and moi’ pimping Chris Petersen!
RamTeaPartier - January 12, 2012
Breaking news via Jay Glazer
A source close to Fisher has reported that he is undecided about when he is going to make a decision about making a decision.
addnon - January 12, 2012
addnon - January 12, 2012
Bring in Marty Ball!!
Don’t wait on Fisher. Make the decision for him. Bring in a proven winner, Marty S (Marty Ball). He has been a winner with a much better record than Fisher. He was fired after going 14-2. The Rams will be perennial favorite to win the division and a fixture in the playoffs. I believe that he can win the big one and it can happen right here. Also Draft Robert Griffin III. I know QB is not the number 1 need. But I think he will work much better here than Bradford. I’d hate to see Bradford for 3 years straight with a new offense. Really you can ad 4. He was out of football for a year before being drafted. That’s a lot to ask of anyone is you want success. A fresh start for everyone is the best solution. Plus we could get rid of his huge salary get a player or 2 and some draft picks to build the team quickly. No more record breaking rookie salaries with the new agreement. Griffin II is mobile, strong arm and accurate. team will not blitz him as much because he can beat them with his legs. They will have to do more to disguise the blitz.
jwbulldogs - January 12, 2012
No more waiting!
Let’s move on…………………..
look closer - January 12, 2012
It's not like were waiting.
for the next coming of dick vermeil. if jeff fisher dosen’t come to us oh well!! we find another coach that will help us out. this is not tebow our coach won’t walk on water. but maybe he will put some toughness in this group of guys. i think who ever comes here will be better than what we had before. just my thought.
crazy mike - January 12, 2012
IF YER WAITIN FER THE PATRIOTS GIG TO OPEN UP
it ain’t happenin. So quit pissin in the wind (with that camera guy filming you) and decide!
ramdude - January 12, 2012
ah shut up all of you ,take your time Jeff hahaha
Rammon105 - January 13, 2012
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