St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke introduces his new head coach, Jeff Fisher.
St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke made a rare public appearance on Tuesday to introduce the newest member of his sports empire, head coach Jeff Fisher. Tuesday's press conference to introduce the team's new head coach represents the complete transformation of the Rams as Kroenke's team, one centered around his formula for successful professional sports franchises.
"We've developed a model we have confidence in," Kroenke explained. "At its center is an experienced, confident head coach."
Kroenke employs that model with the NBA's Denver Nuggest, the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and, most famously, with his professional soccer team, the Arsenal of the English Premier League, whose manager Arsene Wegner is the most well-known of Kroenke's sports executives.
Fisher himself expressed confidence in Kroenke's model while explaining his decision to go beyond "economic factors" in making the decision to accept the job with the Rams. His timeline for turning the team around will also inspire confidence in a long suffering fan base.
"The decision was simple, based on the vision for the future of this franchise," Fisher said. "There's a tremendous opportunity for this franchise ... the opportunity to the team, over a short period of time, back on a winning track."
Beyond the salary, Fisher commented that he was looking for a team with a good owner and good quarterback, and he wasted no time in assuring the audience that Sam Bradford fit the bill for the later. The new head coach noted Bradford's difficult second season, pointing to the lockout and the lack of preparation time as key factors in stunting Bradford's sophomore campaign with the Rams.
His contract signed five minutes before the press conference began, Fisher's work now turns toward filling out his coaching staff. His long-time friend and ally Gregg Williams is on board as the defensive coordinator. Finding the rest of his crew could take some time as he plans to approach it very deliberately with the goal of "finding the best coaching staff."
"Patience is better than haste when it comes to hiring coaches," Fisher explained.
Fisher's assistants will complement his vision for the kind of team he plans to make the Rams. And what traits will define Fisher's Rams?
"Disciplined, tough and physical" is how Fisher described his approach when asked. Their focus will be on returning to prominence in the NFC West, something that Fisher said "will be a challenge" thanks to the much improved play of the other three teams in the division, including the San Francisco 49ers who are playing for the NFC Championship on Sunday.
0 recs | 110 comments
Was watching the presser at the gym, so didn't hear what was said
but the only thought that came to mind is “Demoff really needs to get a mustache”
sergey606 - January 17, 2012
No stache, no washee
OakCityRam - January 17, 2012
The Three Pillar System - Disciplined, Tough and Physical
Joe Mazzi - January 17, 2012
and 'Stached'
still 4 pillars
dbcouver - January 17, 2012
Sam is going nowhere
Now build around him and win some games!
RG31 - January 17, 2012
Ryan Kalil...
Joe Mazzi - January 17, 2012
You mean Matt Kalil?
RG31 - January 17, 2012
Yeah. They're all the same to me.
Joe Mazzi - January 17, 2012
How you feel about DeSean Jackson?
RG31 - January 17, 2012
Very, very risky.
But at the right price I don’t see why not. I still don’t know how I’d feel about it if it actually happened, but Finnegan is my #1 FA at the moment.
Joe Mazzi - January 17, 2012
Yea expensive none the less
I think if we got Hue at OC he’d fit perfectly in seeing as he relies on speed in his offense and DJax is one of the fastest in the league. Finnegan would also be another acquisition..
RG31 - January 17, 2012
The more I think about it, the more I like Trent Richardson
if we were able to trade down far enough. I know those thoughts are grounds for lynching around here, but I REALLY LOVE RB’s.
Joe Mazzi - January 17, 2012
Haha yea
I wouldn’t take him nowhere near the top ten, maybe top 20 at least. The position just doesn’t affect the game as much, but he could be good in the NFL..
RG31 - January 17, 2012
???????
Please elaborate on how “the position just doesn’t affect the game as much”.
Really interested…………….
papapegasus - January 17, 2012
Check out some of the best RBs in the NFL
AD- only made the playoffs when he had a great QB, not in the playoffs this season
Calvin Johnson- has never made the playoffs
Just don’t think the position grants a high first round pick anymore..
RG31 - January 17, 2012
You mean Chris Johnson?
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
Yes may bad...
RG31 - January 17, 2012
chris johnson was in the playoffs his rookie season
and was killing the ravens until he got hurt in the 2nd quarter.
hbwb - January 17, 2012
My bad one time
And also AD has been twice, once he carried TJax and the other he had Favre..
RG31 - January 17, 2012
check out all the great RBs in history
How many made the playoffs without at least a decent QB/passing game and good to great blocking?
LARams1968 - January 17, 2012
Ill help
Having an elite running back is helpfull but having one doesnt win you games Steven Jackson, Adrian Peterson, MJD i could go on. But the point is that spending an incredibly early draft pick on them is a waste. Look what happened to the saints when they traded up for Ingram who spent the last part of the season on IR. And now with the league turning into a pass first style of gameplay RB’s are being overlooked on draft day by WRs and DBs.
onlyK - January 17, 2012
Bush didn't contribute much after his first season either..
RG31 - January 17, 2012
No,
He just helped the Saints get a SB ring.
papapegasus - January 17, 2012
He was nowhere near the reason for their championship..
RG31 - January 17, 2012 via mobile
"Helped"
is probably not what you’re looking for when you spend the number 2 overall pick on a guy.
The Saints never would have won anything without Drew Brees, you know they guy who lead them to the Superbowl.
Tackle Box - January 17, 2012
Agreed
One could make the same argument for Left Tackle, the position everyone is so high on here.
Look at the last 5 or six SB champs and their left tackle situation.
Chad Clifton, Jermon Bushrod, Max Starks and Marvel Smith, David Deihl, Charley Johnson, Marvel Smith.
Out of those, how many are elite? 0.
They helped their team get to the SB in one of the most important positions but were not star players.
2011-Cowboys- OT Tyron Smith
2010-Seahawks- OT Russel Okung
2009-Rams- OT Jason Smith
2008-Dolphins- OT Jake Long
2007-Browns- OT Joe Thomas
2006-Jets- OT D’Brickishaw Ferguson
Now out of those 1st round Tackles taken, how many have made the playoffs? 2. Just 2. And they didn’t go all the way by a long shot. I would venture to say that yes, a great LT is more important now days than a 1st round RB, but that does not make a 1st round RB choice insane.
We are a rebuilding team, yes, but to look at MK as the one and only choice is just as much a crap shoot as choosing any other position.
papapegasus - January 17, 2012
This/\ Should be a Fanpost! Great stats that would be of interest to everyone!
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
Thanks
Will work on it and post it up.
papapegasus - January 17, 2012
Send it to me via e-mail first. Put :"For Edit" in the subject line
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
K
papapegasus - January 17, 2012
Ok
No single player has ever propelled their team to the playoffs. Spending a 1st round pick on a RB is far from fruitless. You put any of the 1st round picks you mentioned on any competitive team and that team gets to the playoffs without question. You guys mention the pass heavy league now days, so I pose this to you: Wouldn’t it make sense with the running back by committee approach to have one of those guys in your pen be starter material? With the 2nd and 3rd RBs tacking reps, your star RB no longer has an average career of 3-4 years. That gets extended to 5-7 years easy.
papapegasus - January 17, 2012
Deep in the playoffs anyways..
RG31 - January 17, 2012
Blackmon is fast
one of the fastest in the draft. Fastest is Wright from Baylor 4:39 in 40
Mudsharktoo - January 17, 2012
He's alot better than Michael Jackson
Or Jesse
dbcouver - January 17, 2012
So he wants to be the 49ers
James Brady - January 17, 2012
that doesn't carry the same connotation that it used to
so, yes
Ryan Van Bibber - January 17, 2012
Pretty much.
Just his description of run the ball, defense, etc. It’s a winning formula.
James Brady - January 17, 2012
Best of luck in the NFC Championship! Go NFC West!
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
I like seeing this.
As a 49ers fan, I rooted for the NFC West in each of the last ten years once the postseason came ‘round. I checked at Revenge of the Birds and Field Gulls, and they’re almost unanimous in hoping the 49ers fail.
James Brady - January 17, 2012
The 49ers are to the NFC West what the New York Yankees are to the AL East.
You’re just going to have to get over it. You can’t expect teams that have been stepped on by the same team for decades to just up and root for them just because they represent the division.
Hey, I’m actually hoping they make the SuperBowl. I think they’ve got a real good team. And I like the way the team was built. Btw, how horrible of a coach is Mike Singletary? Under Iron Mike, this collection of guys was pathetic.
Anyway. That’s my .02.
Tackle Box - January 17, 2012
"Get over it" doesn't really apply because it doesn't bother me all that much.
I like to see the flip-side, but all the hate sustains me. It’s not entirely unlike jealousy.
Mike Singletary was an awful, horrible coach. I don’t know if you heard, but one of the players remarked that Week 17 of last season under interim coach Jim Tomsula was the first time they actually gameplanned for an opponent.
James Brady - January 17, 2012
Rooting for the 49ers is like rooting for Satan
Unless of course their victory is necessary to improve the Rams division or conference standing.
Mister T - January 17, 2012
I am rooting for the niners...they are the champs and have earned item
But I have to admit, its hard to do LOL!
The niners winning out has two benefits.
1 the pundits will finally stfu about the nfc west being the weak division
2 its just going to make it that much sweeter when they get face planted by the Rams next year! :)
leadhead - January 17, 2012 via mobile
The pundits will probably never stop.
When the 49ers were like 8-1, after having played just ONE game against the NFC West, ESPN ran a report (Merril Hoge) about how the 49ers only had their record because of the NFC West.
James Brady - January 17, 2012
The NFC West got no respect even when You, Sea, and AZ whooped the AFC East and NFC East teams. The pundits still doubted the 49ers when they won their 12th game
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
hope the Niners make it to the Super Bowl
And lose. That means they will be stuck with the second to last pick in every round and they will have a tougher schedule next year. Their players and coaches will also bone out for other teams willing to pay for overrated players. And they will stick with Alex Smith for one more season. Ha ha..go Whiners!
NachoD - January 19, 2012 via mobile
He wants to be able to compete with them in the NFC West
I want the great Rams-49ers game back, not slaughters like the last few games have been
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
But with a better offense preferably
Lexxi - January 17, 2012
11th in the league in points scored and points scored per game.
James Brady - January 17, 2012
yeah but wouldnt we want to strive to be better than 11th regardless?
Cant say i’d want to build a better defense, but you can definitely strive for a better, more red zone efficient offense IMO. No disrespect to the current product on the field. I’d just want the Rams to beat the 9ers twice a year, with all due respect and in order to do that, we’d have to be better than 11th in the league on offense lol
Lexxi - January 17, 2012
Of course, it just seemed like a statement assuming the offense is worse than it was.
But if you’re trying to have the best defense in the league and an offense better than 11th in the league, you’ve got an awful long way to go and I struggle to see how Jeff Fisher can lead you to it. That’s not me trying to insult you or anything, just seems like an awful lot to ask.
James Brady - January 17, 2012
It happened pretty much over night for the 49ers, so it could happen again for us.
What I see is that Harbaugh was blessed to have a great D in place so he could concentrate on the O.
Fisher has a D that needs some dialing in. It’s the OL where he needs to think long and hard about in the long run. I honestly think we have every bit as good of weapons in the O right now that the 49ers do. But we can’t block to save our lives.
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
You have some talent in Lloyd and Jackson, but Gore, Davis and Crabtree have to get the go-ahead there.
James Brady - January 17, 2012
It's all going to come down to how Sam Bradford shakes out. If he's a true franchise QB, the nod has to come our way in weapons.
The jury has to be still out on Crabtree though? How many passes did he drop last weekend? Your O with a guy like Blackmon would be amazing, if Smith continues to grow.
Smith HAS to be the biggest story of the year as far as players go for the 49ers. He went from villain to hero overnight?
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
We need a Davis-type TE in the worst way!
A great OLB and DT wouldn’t hurt either. :-)
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
Sure but right now it’s Alex > Bradford, remarkably. I’m just as surprised as everyone else. As far as Crabtree is concerned, yes he wilted this weekend, but there’s certainly no history of drops. I’m not sure he’ll ever live up to his billing but he put together a lot of consistency over the end of the season.
I’d say the biggest story is NaVorro Bowman, really. Well, I mean as far as improvement is concerned. National media folks were saying the 49ers didn’t just have the best LB in the league in Willis, they had the best two – suggesting Bowman is better than Ray Lewis, which I agree with after this season.
In short, I really don’t have any idea how to view Smith and Crabtree. I’m still in shock, really.
James Brady - January 17, 2012
Can't wait for the 2012 season! Thnks for stopping in for a chat, and the very best to you and the NN staff
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
It's pretty much impossible in today's NFL to excel on both sides of the ball.
You almost have to hope to be dominant on one side and good on the other.
Tackle Box - January 17, 2012
Great to see you back by the way! :-)
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
I'm here periodically
My life has become about a million times busier than it was about 3 years ago or so.
I try to keep up. Don’t see nearly as many games. But I try to keep up as much as possible.
Tackle Box - January 17, 2012
I understand totally. I'll be very busy in the coming months, so it's going to be hard to step away if I have too
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
and I do have to say.
It’s nice to be remembered!!!!!!
Tackle Box - January 17, 2012
My question
would have been: Jeff if the decision was so simple why the hell did it take you so long?
RWRAMS28 - January 17, 2012
At this point
does it really matter?
Tackle Box - January 17, 2012
Meant to be Sarcasm
RWRAMS28 - January 17, 2012
Protect Sam!
Draft the LT..we don’t need to draft a RB or WR high..and second need is DB’s!!!
jerzymook - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Kalil.,....
The last time the Rams were competing and making the playoffs they had a GREAT Left Tackle in Orlando Pace. Time to replicate what worked before and draft Matt Kalil who is heads above any other offensive lineman coming out of college this year. Blackmon is great but he isn’t close to being far above Michael Floyd from Notre Dame or Alshon Jeffery from South Carolina. Just my opinion.
Ricksome - January 17, 2012
+1
Unfortunately, in this case, boring is the best way to go.
Joe Mazzi - January 17, 2012
Fisher said we will have a qb coach for Sam
I like this guy, NOW HIRE HUE!
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
He said he was gonna let Sam pick him lol
kevio3000 - January 17, 2012 via Android app
Seriously? You mean the qb coach right?
Ok, Dick Curl and Heupel are the top candidates
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Could you get Curl to "un" retire? Martz could be an option at QB coach? How about Ken O'brien?
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
I think you could now that the people who fired him are gone
Im sure Sam would like to have him back
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Heuple?
RG31 - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Heupel was my first thought
Maybe now that crazy McDouche is gone Sam can get Curl to come back?
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Agreed
I’m just glad he’s getting one and fish is letting him pick..
RG31 - January 17, 2012 via mobile
It's smart
When you are a veteraned HC who knows how to handle issues if they come up, you can relax and not micromanage everything to the point that you get nothing done
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Im hoping he lets sam have some sort of free
Reign over what to call from play to play also, but maybe I’m asking for too much..
RG31 - January 17, 2012 via mobile
That would be Hue's job
Itd depend how comfortable the qb coach and the OC (HUE!) with Sam’s development to let him do what Peyton does
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
First
let’s have him prove himself to be the franchise QB. I am with you in regards to his talent and potential. However, I think it’s way to early to let him call his own plays.
RWRAMS28 - January 17, 2012
True
I’m jumping it a little too earily
RG31 - January 17, 2012
Sam needs a great QB coach who isn't the OC too
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
I know
I want a qb coach and Hue
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
You know how Romney looks like he was built in a president factory?
I’m watching the interview, and Fisger looks like the coaching version of Romney
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Mudsharktoo - January 17, 2012
I meant from the "looks like he was built in a factory" stand point
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Tampa Bay has Freeman, Williams, Blount, a good o-line IMO, McCoy, Clayborn, Bowers, Talib
Why doesn’t anyone have any interest there at all?
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
There's a chance they already have their guy - just that he's on one of the teams remaining in the postseason.
James Brady - January 17, 2012
What do you see as the 49ers top needs in the off season? 3 round 49ers Mock?
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
Receiver, perhaps an offensive lineman, and defensive back. I just say defensive back, because it really hinges on how much they pay Goldson.
No mocks just yet. I generally have very long breakdowns of the college stuff after the season but my schedule is a bit thrown off by the fact that, you know, we are still playing :]
James Brady - January 17, 2012
HA! That is a quality problem to have!
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
Yes, i'm not used to it whatsoever.
James Brady - January 17, 2012
I know I speak for the staff here when I say "It's been a long, hrad winter here"
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
***hard***
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
Sign Hue as OC
The posts on Schottenheimer weren’t very optimistic.
Mister T - January 17, 2012
And Hue is amazing
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
The thing that shocked me the most when I wrote my "Shotty Paradox" post was the almost universal observation by Jets fans that...
… “Shotty” became transfixed on his game plans. That reeeeeealy worries me
Douglas M - January 17, 2012
I think were a 12-4 team next year if wr have a good offseason
I thought we were a 10 win team this season without the injuries and etc. I say wr get a 1 and sure up this line with a linemen or two and were back to being talked about with the whiners.
RG31 - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Your post made me laugh.
I am a positive mo fo but I def don’t see us with 12 wins. I would venture 9-7 or even 10-6 with a #1 WR and the line help you mention.
papapegasus - January 17, 2012
Haha I like to be optimistic
You may be right though, but also depends on the schedule..
RG31 - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Depends
I don’t see us being better than 9 cause of schedule and I’m not gonna go over board with hype anymore. If we get Hue and Washburn as well, we’d have maybe the best overall coaching staff in the league
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Hell would have never guessed the whiners would go 13-3 before the season..
RG31 - January 17, 2012 via mobile
I hope we build a second comimg of the ravens but better
ground and pound.. Winning games 24-17. Good offense, elite defense.. Hell yes
Ram_Redemption - January 17, 2012 via mobile
He he
If we ever have to play the Pats, Sam knows McDumbazz’s playbook. Put that in your Funk & Wagnels.
OakCityRam - January 17, 2012
McD never taught it to him, that was the problem
King Sam Rules! - January 17, 2012 via mobile
we play the pats next year.....
Ramrocker - January 17, 2012 via mobile
we play the pats next year.....
Ramrocker - January 17, 2012 via mobile
we play the pats next year.....
Ramrocker - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Are you sure?
Tackle Box - January 17, 2012 via mobile
Press Conference
should be called Stache o RAMa
RWRAMS28 - January 17, 2012
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