There is a new NFL head coaching vacancy now that the Los Angeles Rams have finally fired Jeff Fisher, and Josh McDaniels is reportedly on their radar to fill the void.
According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, the Rams will try to land an initial interview with McDaniels when the Patriots are on a bye for the playoffs. Also mentioned as a guy who makes sense is Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
There is a theme here that will only intensify as the search evolves, which is that the Rams will be looking exclusively at offensive-minded coaches who can maximize the potential of young quarterback Jared Goff. A talented passer who checks all the boxes from a physical and mental standpoint, he essentially is suffering through a wasted rookie season under Fisher.
McDaniels and Shanahan both would appear to be terrific fits. Then again, there has been some rumbling noise that Jim Harbaugh could actually be moved away from Michigan to coach in Los Angeles. He had great success helping Colin Kaepernick become a star during his short time in San Francisco before being forced out.
Of the three here mentioned, McDaniels might be the most logical fit. He has some head coaching experience and has had plenty of success helping quarterbacks play at their best. It’s going to be fascinating to see how the coaching search goes in the coming weeks and months.