Rams try to reel in coach Fisher

To nobody’s surprise, Stan Kroenke and the St. Louis Rams wasted no time firing coach Steve Spagnuolo and GM Billy Devaney on Black Monday. The two men posted atrocious records of 10-38 and 12-52, respectively, during their tenure with the team. Now, if the reports floating through cyberspace are true, the team plans to make a hard run at one of the most sought after coaches, former Titans coach Jeff Fisher.

Going after Fisher makes all the sense in the world. After watching two “can’t miss” coordinator-to-coach prospects misfire (Scott Linehan and Spagnuolo), the team should be looking for an experienced, well-respected coach with a winning pedigree. Fisher fits the bill on all counts. But with other vacancies around the league, why might Fisher choose St. Louis over destinations such as Miami or Tampa Bay?

#1. Sam Bradford – Though he had a down season, Bradford is still considered an top-flight QB prospect. If the offensive line can keep him upright long enough to make good decisions and throws, Bradford is a franchise-caliber guy. Miami’s QB duo of Chad Henne and Matt Moore don’t incite fear in any defensive coordinators around the league. While Tampa’s Josh Johnson has some upside, he has potential to be solid, but not necessarily a superstar.

#2. Stan Kroenke – The Rams’ owner is the wealthiest individual owner in the NFL and don’t think for a second Fisher isn’t aware of this status. While ‘Silent Stan’ may not be as flashy or outspoken as Jerry Jones, he has Benjamins to spend and will likely dole out whatever it takes to build a winner – as long as the money is spent wisely.

#3. Marvin Demoff – Jeff Fisher’s agent is Marvin Demoff. Why does that name sound familiar? Because Demoff’s son, Kevin, serves as the COO and Executive VP of the Rams. While the elder Demoff will surely work to put his client in the best situation, with the best deal, anybody who thinks negotiating with his son won’t be easier than negotiating with a random GM/COO/owner is insane. The close ties to the Demoffs would give Fisher an immediate sense of comfort, something that both Florida locations may or may not be able to do.

#4. Steven Jackson – There’s no coincidence that Jeff Fisher and the Tennessee Titans had some of their most successful seasons with Eddie George manning the backfield.  In his prime, George was a bruising back and Fisher’s preference for smash-mouth style football was a perfect fit for George’s skillset.  In Steven Jackson, Fisher would have the same type of big, strong back capable of punishing defenders over the course of a game.  While the Buc’s Legarrett Blount is a tough, servicable back, he’s not on the level on SJ39.  Meanwhile in Miami, Reggie Bush is more likely to run around defenders then through them.  At age 28, Jackson should still have a few years of elite productivity left and Fisher would have ample time to draft, deal or sign for a replacement.

These are just a few potential factors that could make St. Louis a front-runner to land Fisher’s services. Even though the Arch doesn’t seem to compare to the sunny Florida beaches, Fisher doesn’t seem like the type to be mesmerized by the idea of endless beach frolicing. No, he’ll likely be buried inside the video room of whichever franchise he leads, oblivious to the weather, trying to return a team to winning ways.

But for those who think St. Louis doesn’t have a chance to land a top-tier coach, think again.