We saw the Los Angeles Rams start the season on Hard Knocks, but the past few weeks should have been what HBO filmed, considering all of the drama behind-the-scenes.
One week after news surfaced of Jeff Fisher’s 3-year contract extension (with the media and critics baffled at the decision), the Rams have parted ways with the head coach 13 weeks into the season after notching their eighth loss in the city of L.A. The organization said enough is enough.
Special teams coordinator John Fassel will be interim head coach for the rest of the year.
Fisher won’t get to finish what would have been his 22nd season in the league and finishes his tenure with the Rams with a record of Fisher was 31-45-1. His loss last week made him tie Dan Reeves for the most losses in NFL history at 165. At least the team spared him of that embarrassing record. He would have surely beat it if he finished the season.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke had this to say of the firing:
“Making a decision such as this – especially during the season — is one of the most difficult in sports. I have great respect for Jeff as a coach, person, father and friend. He has worked tirelessly despite some challenging circumstances. He played an integral role in helping this team make history in returning the NFL to Los Angeles, and we always will be grateful for his commitment and dedication to our organization.
However, this is the right time to make a change as our performance has not lived up to my or our fans’ expectations. We all are focused on improving as an organization and building a team that makes Los Angeles proud. Our mission is to celebrate a Super Bowl title with our fans in Los Angeles. Today is the first step to bringing us closer to that goal.”
The tension with Eric Dickerson, the muffed opportunity with No. 1 pick Jared Goff and comments from Todd Gurley that the team runs an ‘elementary offense’ were all factors in his firing, but the losing culture in St. Louis that has carried over to Inglewood is not where ownership and management wants the Rams to be in for the future. Especially now that they’re in L.A.
We’re sure fans are saying good riddance to coach. Long overdue.