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Jeff Fisher Bargaining Centers Around Issue Of Control

Most expect Jeff Fisher to choose between the Miami Dolphins and the St. Louis Rams today. Maybe. Almost two weeks into this, what's another 24-48 hours, huh? Despite all the public whispers about money and relocation and all that other jazz, it looks like the biggest issue may be one of power and control, the lingering result of something that happened in Tennessee that ultimately ended Fisher's seemingly endless run in Music City.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter @TurfShowTimes for lots more throughout the day.

Fisher, Vince Young and getting what he wants ... after the jump.

Star-divide

The Titans drafted Texas quarterback Vince Young with their first-round pick in 2006 at the behest of owner Bud Adams. It's not at all who Fisher wanted to draft, and in the years that followed Fisher and the Titans brass skirmished over Young. At one point, Fisher was finally told to play Young. He did, and got results. However, it ended badly with the very public meltdown between the coach and his quarterback in 2010. We covered that here.

Fisher's holding out for control. He wants veto power, at least, over personnel, wanting to avoid another situation like he went through with Vince Young in Tennessee. That's what was suggested in Adam Schefter's conversation on Miami radio, summarized by Tevin here. Bernie Miklasz and I also discussed that same topic last night on Twitter, as well as the potential risk posed by too much power for the head coach.

Handing over that much control to a head coach is a concern. The biggest question is how the balance of decision making is shared under such a structure. An organization needs a power structure, with an end point of accountability. That's Stan Kroenke for the Rams, the owner who doesn't seem to meddle much, making his standard for success the bottom line and the win-loss record.

That's okay too, but the Rams cannot afford another situation that turns into complete dysfunction at Rams Park. And there's nothing that says an exalted status for Fisher on the org chart would result in more of the same. I don't wonder if the matter isn't more to do with the financial decision making as it relates to the personnel side. The Rams are willing to spend money on free agents, but with a very sensible approach, one that doesn't get them stuck with dead cap money. Is Fisher so hungry to win that he wants to blow big bucks on free agents, compromising the bottom line and risking the team's future?

Let me be clear, I'm just speculating on the financial aspects of the personnel power for Fisher. It is pretty clear that Fisher is holding out for the title and the power it confers, and that's what all the public back and forth is about here, not relocation or quarterbacks or even salary dollars, which would most certainly have to be even ... though I think the Rams might be smart to put some conditions on the salary numbers, i.e. get the playoffs, get a big bonus.

There's precedent with what FIsher wants inside Stan Kroenke's sports empire. Arsene Wegner, the coach and head honcho for the Arsenal of the English Premier League.

The Gunners get some flak for not being big spenders, preferring an approach that Kroenke himself compares to that of Billy Beane. Though the team is certainly willing to carry a payroll. That's the vision Kroenke has for the Rams, made abundantly clear in our cap conversations with COO Kevin Demoff. Fisher would likely have that same level of control, providing he buys into the same vision.

More: VT lays out the case for FIsher to pick the Rams. || Eric takes the position of why the Rams should pass on Fisher.

0 recs  |  43 comments

Comments

Latest from Adam Schefter.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Jeff Fisher is close to making his decision… within the next 96 hours. The main haning point is which team will leave the most cookies and the largest glass of milk at his bedside during nap time. Coach Fisher seems to really be torn over the Dolphin’s offer to give him the most Snickerdoodles of any team wanting his services versus the Rams offer of only 5 or 6 chocolate chunks with walnuts.

When do we just say forget it?

And anyone think he’s just waiting for Caldwell to get fired?

Thats the rumor round here In maryland
96 hours?!?

Are we going to know who this guy is coaching before preseason?

Just kidding about the 96 hours.

We should know Jeff’s decision before preseason, but I can’t gaurantee it before the Baseball All-Star game.

Haha! You sneaky bastard

Had me going. Sadly, in this god-awful waiting game, it wouldn’t surprise me if it took that long

The head coach should have at least VETO power of the players aqcuired...

The head coaches butt is on the line with those players aqcuired. He should be able to pick the players that will ultimately cut or glorify him.

That's the least of his demands

Most would agree he basically wants a figure head GM of his choosing who does nothing while he has the power.

Sticking point

He must shave the stach

Just to opposite...

Fisher and Kroenke aren’t sure they can hire a GM with a stach equal to theirs.

I’m not saying a word.

Fisher= The Tebow of TST..
He told the Rams that he wants 1 more yard.
Do you like Fish sticks? Do you like Fish stick in or around your mouth?

Then you’re a gay Fish!

I don't get it...
LOVE EM!

But I’m a Genius.

Is it sad that I own that shirt with a picture of Kanye and the question

right under it.
The best is when people ask about it and they say “I don’t get it”…neither did Kanye folks!
Well played Sergey!

haha thanks

HAHAHAHAHA

What a great episode.

For all the Tebow haters, I present

The blog post of the year. Meet Timmy the Anit-Christ.

Haha now thats funny
That

is totally awesome!

Didn't particularly care for/about him while with the Titans

Right now, he’s annoying the shit outta me, and depending on what he’s got to say here sometime in the near future, I may loathe him. There’s only one way to stop this Jeff. End the madness! I’ve got enough on my hands pulling for the Rams. That coupled with fantasy football leaves me very little time to follow you in Miami and root for you to fall flat on your face as HC there. So what’s it gonna be, Jeffrey? I don’t want to hate the Dolphins…..are you gonna make me?

Looks like Chud is interviewing with the Bucs

Itd be great if he signs and then Fisher heads to Florida

Billick to interview for Atlanta OC

This is per Lombardi this morning.

caption contest!

Fisher: “see that kids standing behind me?i destroyed one franchise qb. Now im coming for yours…”

caption contest!

Fisher: “see that kids standing behind me?i destroyed one franchise qb. Now im coming for yours…”

Oh thats fucking funny
I talked to a guy from Tennessee over the weekend

He said whoever gets Fisher will be rewarded with the most boring brand of football imaginable for the next 10 years.

UPDATE

He wants 2 bring in Norm Chow

The new HC for Hawaii
If Fisher does choose Miami

I am not liking what our inexperienced HC is going to choose from with coordinators. If Fisher truly does have his coordinators lined up that is one of the biggest +’s to him coming.

Going out on a limb here...

Fisher will never coach the Dallas Cowboys.

If control was THE deciding factor, why would the decision take so long to make?

Has 3k or anyone suggested "fishergate" for this whole fiasco?

If not, you’re welcome America.

FISHER TO THE RAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VIA PETER KING TWITTER

OOOOOOOOO YEEEEEEEEEAA!!!!!!!
Great news pick up!

When will it be official?

yes!

Fisher to rams! Schefter and king reports!

Yes it is official

Jeff Fisher in now officallly the next St. Louis Rams head coach.

Probably happened a couple of days ago...

but all of the writers were busy covering Tebow.

Winning pct. = .542, thats more like it!!!!

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