The Los Angeles Rams have parted ways with head coach Jeff Fisher.
The Rams announced the move Monday after a 42-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons over the weekend, revealing special teams coordinator John Fassel will act as interim head coach.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen first reported the news:
Jeff Fisher has been fired as coach for the Los Angeles Rams, per sources. More to come.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) December 12, 2016
Owner Stan Kroenke later released a statement on the move, per Myles Simmons of the Rams’ official site:
Full statement from Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke regarding the Rams relieving Jeff Fisher of his head coaching duties. pic.twitter.com/aED6cenkwl
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) December 12, 2016
Fisher’s most recent loss was No. 165 on his career, tying a record. The path to his dismissal started much earlier, though, as he never found success in the project of turning the Rams around, finishing 31-45-1. His team never finished above .500, yet the Rams front office gave him a two-year extension before this season.
More than anything, a staple of Fisher’s tenure was an ability to build the offensive side of the football. His defenses were always competitive, but he went through many different quarterbacks, struggled to find quality talent in the offensive trenches and rarely had serious threats at the skill positions. When he did, such as Tavon Austin, many were critical as to how said weapons were used.
Fisher, 58, might not be done with the NFL after 22 seasons. He still has plenty to offer as a guy who can help turn around a miserable franchise, but his tenure with the Rams suggests teams will have to look elsewhere for a coach to help the team take the next step.
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