Jeff Fisher Has Been Fired by the Rams, a Week After Extension Announced

Jeff Fisher is out as the Los Angeles Rams head coach, the team announced. This is not a prank, we don’t think, even though it seemed as though the long-time coach who just tied the all-record for losses in NFL history was somehow untouchable.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we had the Rams’ COO Kevin Demoff talking about how it wasn’t fair to judge Fisher on wins and losses. Then came the reports that Fisher had somehow been given a contract extension, just eight days ago.

Here is the statement on the move by owner Stan Kroenke:

"“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.”"

COO Kevin Demoff’s father is Marvin Demoff, Fisher’s agent. He is supposed to meet with the media in light of this move. Someone better ask him why it was in the team’s best interest to extend Fisher (and thus guarantee him a little more money) since this move seemed inevitable. That move, by the way, would also insure more commission for Fisher’s agent.

The last straw was probably the empty seats yesterday, and the embarrassing home performance by the Rams in Los Angeles.