Los Angeles Rams: 5 Head Coaching Candidates to Replace Jeff Fisher

After firing head coach Jeff Fisher, the Los Angeles Rams must hire someone who can handle a transitioning franchise with a young roster. Who’s next?

The Los Angeles Rams did what most thought should’ve been done long ago, firing now former head coach Jeff Fisher. After the Rams’ embarrassing 42-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Fisher tied former NFL head coach Dan Reeves for most losses at 165. He’s also 10th in all-time wins with 173.

Nonetheless, the move sent shockwaves. The team worked out an extension with Fisher earlier in the year, but made it public a week ago. However, when the most-recognized player on the roster calls out the offensive scheme and questions team effort, changes must follow. According to running back Todd Gurley, via NFL.com writer Kevin Patra, lack of interest contributed to the 28-point loss:

“We’re just going through the motions. It looks like everybody’s just playing to get through,” said Gurley.

We can’t say Gurley’s comments added the final straw that broke the camel’s back, but it certainly added on to all the negativity surrounding a poor season. In addition to losing eight of nine games, a feud with Hall of Famer and well-renowned former Ram, Eric Dickerson, and public criticism from inside the locker room, the team had to oust Fisher.

Now, what?

General manager Les Snead walked in the door with Fisher in 2012—and he could be following him out if he doesn’t make the right coaching hire. The rumor mill has already spit out some names, but we’ll narrow it down to the top five fits for the roster, the bustling market and the Rams’ future.

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh watches his team warm up before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jim Harbaugh

The Rams have to call Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. Sure, he pledged love for his alma mater, but he’s raised the bar at every stop during his head-coaching career.

More from NFL Spin Zone

Harbaugh is considered one of, if not, the best coach in the University of San Diego’s history. He guided a strong academic Stanford program to a 12-1 season and an Orange Bowl victory with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. Then, he immediately took an underachieving San Francisco 49ers team to three consecutive NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl.

At this point, who wouldn’t want Harbaugh leading their football team? As a mega success in the collegiate and professional ranks, he should be able to provide insightful input in the draft process and possesses the know-how in coaching up current roster assets.

The decorated head coach would also bring excitement to the market. Right now, the USC Trojans probably garner more interest than the lowly transplant Rams. Harbaugh would not only rev up a new fan base, but he’d make 49ers vs. Rams games must-see events twice a year.

Remember those hard-hitting in-division Seattle Seahawks vs. 49ers games that pit Harbaugh against head coach Pete Carroll? We’d see it again in Sunday Night Football-worthy matchups in just a year or two.

Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels before their game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

4. Josh McDaniels

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will be the hottest name floating around NFL front offices during the offseason. According to Boston Globe reporter Stephen Hewitt, McDaniels loves his job, but there’s always a possibility when the right situation presents itself:

Don’t be naïve.

If the Rams offer an enticing deal, McDaniels would certainly consider the position and a second chance at leading a professional football team. His two-year stint as the Denver Broncos head coach ended with a 12-20 record. However, as one of the brightest offensive minds in the game, he’ll have an opportunity to lead a transitioning franchise into the right direction with Bill Belichick’s teachings.

At 40 years old with his Patriots mystique, he should be able to attract up-and-coming free agents on the market. He’ll inherit a second-year quarterback, a talented running back and a decent defense. Right now, offensive minds like McDaniels’ are in high demand, especially with the next generation of quarterbacks on the rise.

Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora prior to a NCAA football game against the Oregon State Beavers at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jim Mora Jr.

It’s Mr. “Playoffs!?!? Playoffs?!!?” Jr. Yes, it was Jim Mora’s Jr.’s father who provided that sound bite oozing with desperation. Now, it’s a desperate Snead who could be hiring to save his job, calling the UCLA Bruins head coach.

Similar to the previous two candidates, Mora took a shot at the NFL as a head coach for the Atlanta Falcons between the 2004-06 seasons and the Seahawks for the 2009 campaign. He finished his professional coaching career at 31-33.

Mora’s starting quarterback, and future NFL prospect, Josh Rosen only played six games in the current season. The Bruins fell to 4-8 after four good years, two of which ended with 10 wins and bowl game victories.

In three out of five years under Mora, the Bruins have run a physical offense, yielding a premier ball-carrier. Running back Johnathan Franklin crushed his previous rushing numbers with 1,732 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground in Mora’s first year on campus. Current New York Giants running back Paul Perkins finished with 3,488 rushing yards under Mora’s tutelage on the collegiate level.

If the Rams want their best offensive player to pop and alleviate pressure off quarterback Jared Goff’s arm early in his career, they should place a call to UCLA. Mora has shown the ability to build a successful ground attack between his offensive line and running back personnel.

Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan before a game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

2. Kyle Shanahan

Snead could turn to an organization that employed him between the 1997-2011 seasons as a pro scout and Director of Player personnel. The Rams general manager started his professional career with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a pro scout but experienced growth through 14 years in Atlanta.

At the moment, the Falcons’ scorching hot offense has put the team in contention for an NFC South division title. After most analysts wrote off Matt Ryan as a mediocre quarterback with limited arm strength, he earned early MVP considerations before the team lost a few more games.

Nonetheless, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan operates the league’s highest-scoring offense. Ryan looks like a top-tier quarterback and running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman have been solid contributors out of the backfield to complement wide receiver Julio Jones on the perimeter.

At 36 years old, Shanahan’s name will bubble as another young trendy candidate to develop a quarterback in his early stages. He’s held an offensive coordinator position for nine seasons. His latest stint with the Falcons should catch Snead’s attention in the offseason.

Ironically, NFL Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein drew a comparison between Ryan and Goff in his pre-draft evaluation due to his abilities and limitations in the pocket.

1. Jimbo Fisher

Here’s the surprise candidate to keep an eye on but makes perfect sense. Remember when college coaching legend Bobby Bowden retired and many threw up their hands up and said, “What’s Florida State going to do now?”

Well, Jimbo Fisher stepped in and the program didn’t skip a beat. The Seminoles have won at least nine games in all seven years post-Bowden. The Florida State head coach motivated and developed high-profile personalities like quarterback Jameis Winston and running back Dalvin Cook, who could be headed for the NFL as a first-round pick in 2017.

Fisher inherited a high-pressure situation at a proud program while taking over for a school legend. None of the above fazed him, which indicates he could handle the magnitude of the position with the Rams.

Under Fisher, Florida State has sent 18 first- and second-round picks to the NFL. He’s no stranger to professional talents. With a younger roster, he could be a breath of fresh air as a contrast to a nose-grinding veteran NFL coach like (Jeff) Fisher who’s more defensive-minded and rigid in approach.

Regardless of who Snead chooses, the ideal candidate must have a penchant for developing a potential franchise quarterback, unlocking Gurley’s production and strong enough to handle the team’s high-profile location in Los Angeles.

This article originally appeared on