The Los Angeles Rams made headlines in the NFL today with their decision to part ways with head coach Jeff Fisher. Story lines and constant rumors regarding his job security were sidelined after news of his extension, but that seems a thing of the past.
Fisher was reportedly on the hot seat at the beginning of the season, seemingly making it past the checkpoint. Following a few weeks of uncertainty, it seemingly got leaked that the Rams were in agreement with Fisher on a new, two-year contract.
However, following their 42-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Rams have elected to fire Fisher. After the loss to the Falcons, Fisher tied the NFL record for most losses as a head coach with 165.
Rams’ COO Kevin Demoff held a press conference at 3:00 P.M. PST on Monday, addressing the decision to part ways. The Rams also announced that special teams coach John Fassel has been named the interim head coach, in lieu of their Thursday showdown against the Seattle Seahawks.
During the press conference, Demoff stated that although it was painful to do, it was necessary for the organization to move forward, via NFL Network:
“It’s not a decision that you ever want to make and it’s a day you never want to come as a group, but I think collectively we all felt this was the best chance to move forward, to finish the season with some direction and hope.”
Demoff went on to say that he was grateful for the five years of leadership, constantly fighting for the roster and the Rams. The COO of the Rams maintained an optimistic outlook, stating that the organization felt it was the right decision to move forward.
During the press conference, Demoff stated that although the outcome is unfortunate for Fisher, the entire organization deserves blame for the outcome thus far into the 2016 season:
“It’s unfortunate for him today, because this is an organizational failure,” Demoff said. “I think when you stand up here, anytime you let a head coach go, we all have to take a look in the mirror. This is not just about the head coach or the coaching staff, we have to improve across the board.”
The locker room seemed to be in a constant clash with Fisher, until the former head coach ultimately lost the trust of his team. The Rams have now lost eight of their last nine games after starting the season 3-1.
Fisher was made an enemy by the media, especially with the situation regarding Rams’ legend Eric Dickerson. After an altercation between the two, Dickerson stated he would not attend any further games as long as Fisher is coach. It seems Dickerson had his wish granted, already coming out and saying he will return to attending games.
Rumors surfaced that the Rams used that extension with Fisher as a safe bait, in case the Rams were unable to find a suitable replacement for the organization. However, it seems the organization opted not to wait for the conclusion of the regular season to make a final decision.
With Fassel scheduled to coach the final three games of the season, the Rams will then be able to embark on a highly coveted coaching position vacancy search this offseason.
