Jeff Garcia, a former NFL quarterback best known for his years with the San Francisco 49ers, has been hired on as an offensive assistant by the St. Louis Rams.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch broke the news, noting Garcia was in play for the Rams earlier this year as the team’s quarterbacks coach. Garcia didn’t land that gig, but head coach Jeff Fisher was impressed enough to bring him into the fold in another capacity.
Fisher spokc in glowing terms about the former quarterback after he’d been interviewed during this year’s scouting combine, per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area:
“It was almost as if he was getting ready to go out and play a game. He’s just that guy. He’s so competitive. Throughout his career, people said he couldn’t do what he did. He takes great care of himself. He’s passionate about the game. He loves the game. His dad was a coach. It’s in him.
“He understands the system, the West Coast system and how it’s morphed. He’s familiar with it. He understands how difficult it is to see. Back there, taking snaps, it’s hard to see. But he also understands the game and preparation and loves competing.”
It’s likely Garcia will be involved in coaching up the St. Louis quarterbacks. Nick Foles, Austin Davis and third-round pick Sean Mannion out of Oregon State are all still in the “raw” stages of their development and could certainly use guidance.
Garcia is familiar with the west-coast system offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti runs, as Fisher noted. He should be able to hit the ground running with the Rams during the organized team activities and into training camp.
The fact that Fisher created a position for the 45-year old former signal-caller shows how much he values Garcia’s input. It seems like an excellent hire and a perfect fit. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize the Rams can use all the help they can get in the highly competitive NFC West.
Photo: AP Photo/Paul Sakuma