The Los Angeles Rams have had enough mediocrity — or worse — and have fired Jeff Fisher.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen was the first with this news, and then shortly afterwards the team released an official statement on the matter.
“Making a decision such as this – especially during the season – is one of the most difficult in sports,” said Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. “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.”
This is shocking news considering the franchise’s continued loyalty all year long. But after they were embarrassed on Sunday at home, it’s the right move. In fact, it’s a move that should have been made before the season, but that’s none of my business.
The Rams fell to 4-9 on the season after getting annihilated by the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, 49-14. Since rattling off a three-game winning streak following their shutout loss in Week 1, the Rams have lost eight of their last nine games. Players began to voice dissent after Week 13 (more on that here), and after Sunday’s loss running back Todd Gurley said they looked like “a middle school offense.”
Since taking over in 2012, Fisher had a record of 31-45-1. For his career, he’s posted a record of 173-165-1.
Fisher was about to become the losingest coach in history with one more loss. At this point, one wonders if he’ll always be stuck at 165, because it’s hard to imagine any team being desperate enough to hire Fisher, who’s not had a winning season as a coach since 2008.