The good news is Jeff Fisher will not become the NFL's all-time losingest coach this season. The bad news for the 58-year-old is that means his time in Los Angeles is over.
The Rams "relieved Fisher from head coaching duties" Monday, a day after the team was embarrassed by the Falcons and at the beginning of a short week — Los Angeles travels to Seattle for Thursday Night Football in a few days.
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Despite seemingly endless cries for the Rams to let go of Fisher for years, nobody can say this is a surprise. Fisher was in danger this week of losing his 166th game as an NFL head coach — more than any coach in league history.
“Making a decision such as this — especially during the season — is one of the most difficult in sports,” said Rams owner Stan Kroenke, via the team's statement. “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.”
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The Rams named special teams coordinator John Fassel interim head coach as they search for their next hire.
One reason LA went with Fassel is because it will be least disruptive. Also, Fassel deals with all different position groups as STs coach.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) December 12, 2016
The timing of Fisher's firing is especially awkward on the heels of a contract extension, which Fisher signed before the season but wasn't reported until last week.
Fisher, who coached the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans for 17 years before he accepted the job with the Rams in 2012, is 173-165-1 in 22 seasons as a head coach — a record that has brought him criticism this season as Los Angeles headed for its fifth losing season in five years under Fisher.
Fisher's teams experienced winning seasons in just six of those 22 years.
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A report last week claimed Fisher and the Rams front office had a "toxic" relationship, which proved to be factual Monday.
"You see it under that umbrella — 'We need to do a better job in personnel.' OK, but you want everyone to think that you have full control," a source told The MMQB. "You can’t have it both ways, and it can’t always be the talent. Look at the roster, 2012 to now. In '12, Jeff did a masterful job with what he was given.
"But we've gotten more talent, and we've gotten worse."