Jeff Fisher is interviewing with the St. Louis Rams today in Denver, according to YahooSports.
Searching for clever lines now ... So if the Dolphins brought Fisher in on a helicopter, do the Rams give him a ride on a ski lift? Or on Tim Tebow's shoulders?
Seriously, the next day or so is going to be nail-biting time for Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, general manager Jeff Ireland, advisor-in-chief Carl Peterson and Dolphins fans everywhere. Fisher, the best available coach candidate on the market, is very much in play and very much in demand and St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke wants him just as much as the Dolphins do.
Both teams are what I would call, um, what's the word ... desperate.
Fisher will coach either the Rams or Dolphins, an NFL source is telling me.
In South Florida, the Dolphins are needing to make a splash to renew their increasingly sagging reputation. They have made the playoffs only once in a decade. Ross was booed at his own stadium by Dolphins fans on Sunday even when he was trying to do something nice, giving Jason Taylor a fitting sendoff.
Season ticket buyers, already in short supply, will go AWOL in droves if the Dolphins don't land Fisher but try to sell you Joe Philbin or Dave Toub or one of the other lesser light candidates, as a good hire.
So the Dolphins are counting on Fisher joining the team. They need Fisher joining the team. They're willing to change their structure, their culture, change their defense even (Fisher runs a 4-3) to hire Fisher. And they are willing to pay through the nose to do it.
But guess what?
The Rams are similarly desperate. The Rams have had only four winning seasons since 1990. They've won only 15 games since 2007. And they're trying to get the community to fund renovations to their domed home.
They are reportedly interested in interviewing former Dolphins interim Todd Bowles, but they can never actually hire Bowles because, well, he is not Fisher.
Fisher is the thing in Miami, yes. But ownership in St. Louis is under similar pressure to show itself competent of hiring the biggest name on the block with failure signaling serious repercussions to its reputation, financial standing, etc ...
Now, I have seen some of you question the logic, even the intelligence of hiring Fisher based on his style of play or his record. I've read more than once in the comments section that Fisher had only six winning seasons in 17 seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
This is a statement of fact, but not of truth. It fails to recognize the situation Fisher dealt with while working for the Oilers first and then the newly named Titans after the move to Nashville.
Consider these truths in today's the St. Louis Post Dispatch:
In his first four full seasons as the coach of the Oilers-Titans, Fisher's teams played "home games" in four stadiums, in three cities, in two states. The Houston Astrodome in 1996, Liberty Bowl in Memphis in 1997, the Vanderbilt University stadium in Nashville in 1998, and the new stadium in Nashville in 1999. The Titans remained competitive. Fisher calmly coached through the chaos.
The Titans were fifth in the NFL in victories over a 10-season period (1999-2008) after finally getting settled in their new Nashville home. Only Indianapolis, New England, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia won more games.
Fisher rebuilt the Titans on the fly after core-nucleus veterans were cleared out during a salary-cap purge in 2004. After retooling during two losing seasons (2004-2005), the Titans improved to .500 in 2006 and made the playoffs in '07 and '08.
During Fisher's 16 full seasons, his Oilers-Titans had the NFL's seventh-best winning percentage. They were sixth in rushing and fourth in stopping the run. They were fourth in sacks and third in preventing sacks. They had league's 10th-best touchdown/interception ratio.
Fisher had five 8-8 seasons. But three came when the Titans were in their transient phase before 1999. Another 8-8 came during the rebuilding process of 2005.
[RADIO NOTE: I'll be discussing all things coaching search this morning on my radio show, the Armando Salguero and Chris Perkins show on 640 Sports from 6-10 a.m. You can watch the show on The Miami Herald's u-stream telecast. You can also call the show from anywhere in the nation. Call 1-888-640-9385.]
Craig m wins this fight with db.
Posted by: arman | January 05, 2012 at 04:00 PM
ALOCO,
I LIKE KRIS, UNLIKE GRAIG M, HIS POSTS ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE SOMETIMES. ONLY THINK HE AND GRAIG M ACTUALLY HAVE IN COMMON IS THIER BOTH CONSPIRACY THEORISTS.
I ACTUALLY ENJOY READING SOME OF KRIS' POSTS. LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 05, 2012 at 04:01 PM
But Search This!! or whatever you'll be going by tomorrow.
You still never explained. SEARCH THIS!! all week and today Search This!!
Why the reason for the change, man? I mean to get on, you've obviously made a conscious decision to go in and change something. Seriously, what was your thinking?
Posted by: Craig M | January 05, 2012 at 04:01 PM
So who kris?
Posted by: Spiderman | January 05, 2012 at 04:01 PM
I know Armando loves reading my intelligent, humerous posts.
Posted by: MUSTACHE MAN | January 05, 2012 at 04:02 PM
he's actually going back all week to look for simalaraties? LOL Dude, you need a life!
Look, when I come back tomorrow, I'll be search this!!! Please be sure to tell me I keep changing the caps in my name and thus I'm a fake.
Whatever you need to do to convince yourself that more than 1 person here thinks your a moron.
Yesterday, he's all yours. Good luck!
Posted by: Search This!!! | January 05, 2012 at 04:02 PM
So your answer was what again? SEARCH THIS!!....
Missed that one? EXACTLY! No answer...
Weasel!
Posted by: Craig M | January 05, 2012 at 04:04 PM
ALOCO,
I DONT HATE GRAIG M, HE'S JUST FUN TO ANNOY. HE NEEDS TO LEARN TO RELAX A LITTLE MORE. JUST LIKE GRANNIES PANTIES. LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 05, 2012 at 04:05 PM
Spiderman....
I am leaning toward more a proven assistant with a solid system....
Posted by: Kris | January 05, 2012 at 04:06 PM
I HEAR IF YUO SAY "HOME" THREE TIMES HE'LL SHOW UP LIKE IN MOVIE "BETTELJUICE".
OR IF SAY CHEM-TRAILS DONT EXIST HE SHOW UP.
(BUFFET OF KNOWLEDGE)
Posted by: ALoco | January 05, 2012 at 04:06 PM
GRAIG M,
BEFORE YOU GET ALL WOUND UP OVER NOTHING. JUST ENVISION YOUR GRANNIES PANTIES. LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 05, 2012 at 04:07 PM
I am Adam, Prince of Eternia. Fabulous secrets were revealed to me the day I held my magic sword aloft and said, "By the power of Gray Skull!!! I have the Power!!!!!"
Posted by: MUSTACHE MAN | January 05, 2012 at 04:08 PM
ITS BEEN FUN, IM OUT GUYS! LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 05, 2012 at 04:09 PM
FAKE ALoco....(( buffet of knowledge )) is becoming old ........
TRY SOME THING ELSE LIKE ARMANDO'S TODAY ARTICLE ....
(( FISHER WISDOM )) NOT THE (( CERTIFIED CELLAR HC )).....
WISDOM,MY FOOT .
Posted by: arman | January 05, 2012 at 04:09 PM
I saw the Mike and Mike show yesterday. They were talking about how they all figure Manning and the Colts will make a peaceful and agreeable split.
They went on to speculate about Manning going to San Fran! At first I thought it sounded ridiculous. Then I listened and thought about it some more.
I agree. I think Manning will be a perfect fit and make SanFran a Power House for the next 3 years!
(Random Thoughts. At least it's not a conspiracu theory)
Posted by: odinseye | January 05, 2012 at 04:10 PM
whoa, sorry I was busy with work big time.......looks like it went on for awhile.
Posted by: Ohio Dolfan | January 05, 2012 at 04:12 PM
A weasel? HAHAHAHAH Im leaving craig. I have a life to tend to. I dont have time to study peoples writing styles or name formats like you apparently do.
Now that I know you have so many "friends", I can see why you study then though. I'd be self conscious too Sheesh!
Get a life dude. Be sure to tell your therapist tonight people were mean to you on a blog. Of course, leave out the fact that your an obnxious blabbering idiot.
Posted by: Search This!!! | January 05, 2012 at 04:14 PM
That is probably the closest thing I will ever get to a compliment from YG.....
So I'll take it.....and offer this....
I enjoy some of your post as well....at times you bring a very different perspective and insight to this blog....that can only be learned thru experience.....
However.....
It's having to read it for the 45th time in a row that stokes my last nerve at times....LOL....
Posted by: Kris | January 05, 2012 at 04:14 PM
odinseye,
Makes sense to me. I also think Washington, NYJ and us will want to be involved in where Manning goes. Of those I would think SF would be most appealing.
Posted by: Craig M | January 05, 2012 at 04:14 PM
Ohio, you didn't miss much...I'm sure your work was more interesting...LOL!
Posted by: #1 Dolphin Fan in Montreal | January 05, 2012 at 04:15 PM
PARTING SHOT:
20YRS FROM NOW KIDS WONT BE LOOKING BACK AT THIER GRANDMOTHERS IN "GRANNIES PANTIES". CANT IMAGINE YOUR GRANDMOTHER WEARING A "WHALES TAIL"?
YEE--UCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 05, 2012 at 04:15 PM
HOME
HOME
HOME
, Btw Chem-Trails are b.s and anyone who belives The US Goverment has a machine that controls the weather(HARRP)Is a fool.
, Lets see if that brings out Home.
LOL.
Posted by: Just Passing By. | January 05, 2012 at 04:16 PM
"Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into." - Stan Oliver
Posted by: DublcOtown13 | January 05, 2012 at 04:16 PM
LOL @ KRIS!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | January 05, 2012 at 04:17 PM
Odin....
Anywhere Manning goes will be a power house for the next 3 years....
Posted by: Kris | January 05, 2012 at 04:17 PM
Q ,FOR KRIS AND DB ........
WHEN YOUR NEXT BATTLE WILL BE ?????? SO WE ALL CAN BE HERE .............
PLEASE 24 HOURS NOTICE ......
Posted by: ALoco | January 05, 2012 at 04:17 PM
whoops..Oliver Hardy to Stan...
Posted by: DublcOtown13 | January 05, 2012 at 04:18 PM
Guys, Who here Feel that Ross And Ireland will(Or are capable) Of making the right choice?
Posted by: Just Passing By. | January 05, 2012 at 04:20 PM
"Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into." - Oliver Hardy
Posted by: DublcOtown13 | January 05, 2012 at 04:20 PM
I think Manning fits just about anywhere in the NFL....except the jets.....
And that's not old fashioned jet hate coming out of me.....
I just don't think Manning will want yo deal with the "controlled chaos" this is the jets organization....
Seems to me that manning likes thing very predictable....and very structured....
Posted by: Kris | January 05, 2012 at 04:22 PM
Looks like a case of nerves here among the Phin Faithfuls. Everybody just a TAD edgy!
I know I am. Everytime I think of Ireland having another Great Idea, I shudder, do a SHOT and kick my DOG!
Posted by: odinseye | January 05, 2012 at 04:22 PM
Aloco......lol
Posted by: Kris | January 05, 2012 at 04:23 PM
Kris,
You don't think he's want a chance to play in the same city as his brother and go head to head against Brady twice a year? I think he would welcome that.
Having said that, I think SF would be a better fit. He probably knows Harbaugh from both of them being in Indy, plus I think he'll look at that defence and say, they have a chance for a few years to be really good.
Posted by: Craig M | January 05, 2012 at 04:24 PM
Every Time Ireland has a thought it weakens this once great football team.
Posted by: Just Passing By. | January 05, 2012 at 04:24 PM
Manning aint going nowhere, Even if they take luck(Which Iam sure they will) They'll bring him along like Green Bay did with Rodgers, It Worked for them and Iam sure it will work for Indy.JMO
Posted by: Just Passing By. | January 05, 2012 at 04:28 PM
Just Passing By,
So what you are saying is they are going to pay Manning his $30 million bonus and then make Luck sit on the bench for the next three years? It's a little different asking a guy that was drafted 23rd to sit on the bench but I don't ever remember a 1st overall pick being asked ot sit on the bench. Can't think of one.
If they are keeping Manning wouldn't they be smarter to get a boatload of picks to help Manning for the next 4 years? Two great QBs and nobody to help them....
Posted by: Craig M | January 05, 2012 at 04:33 PM
Craig M.....
To your 1st point.....I don't think Manning gets caught up in the Brady thing.... That's for the media to worry about...plus I don't think his record is that great against Brady....Brady owns at least one of Manning's Lombardi trophies....
To the 2nd point....I think that's a great fit....lets just hope manning doesn't.....
Posted by: Kris | January 05, 2012 at 04:33 PM
Craig, Yeah I guess thats what Iam Saying, Colts were injury plaguged last year., A bet with Manning in there last year they'd won 10 games instead of 2, Again JMO.
Posted by: Just Passing By. | January 05, 2012 at 04:37 PM
Mando, as always love you info, but continue to strongly disagree with your opion on Fisher. NFL rules have changed to make wide open air it out offensive football the way to go and that trend will not stop as it bring viewers. Fisher's style is like Parcells and will have the same results. Hope we lose him to the Rams, and perhaps we will end up celebrating like Atlanta does now realizing that losing Parcells to us some years back was a God send!
Posted by: Peter | January 05, 2012 at 04:40 PM
Glad to see you guys got back to Football eventually :) Gotta go now.
Talk to you guys later.....
Posted by: Ohio Dolfan | January 05, 2012 at 04:43 PM
Alright, I'll be the head coach.
I'll leave Nolan, but bring in GB's OC and Flynn.
Posted by: JM Phin | January 05, 2012 at 04:44 PM
New Blog.
Posted by: Just Passing By. | January 05, 2012 at 04:45 PM
Just Passing By,
Maybe. They have a bunch of FA's to worry about this year, including guys like Wayne and Freeney. Their OL isn't great, their defence is a mess and they have no real running game. It's going to be awfully tough for them next year to be competitive and have their top pick sitting on the bench. I think they'd be better trading Luck for a boatload of picks, if it's their plan to keep Manning.
Posted by: Craig M | January 05, 2012 at 04:45 PM
I still don't get why people say that Fisher is a conservative, run first coach. He's a defensive coach, not an offensive coach. He doesn't call the offenisve plays...I don't know where this idea has come from. We have no idea the guy he's going to call on to be his OC. It may end up remaining to be a guy like Daboll. We don't know yet. The guy he had prrimarily in Tenn passed away of cancer about a year ago.
Posted by: Craig M | January 05, 2012 at 04:49 PM