Is Schottenheimer Leaving The Best Thing For The Rams?

December 2, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher – offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer – quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) and quarterback Sam Bradford (8) wait for the outcome of a review during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated San Francisco 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

For the Rams fans that wanted Rams offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer’s head last season, your dreams may have just came true.

On Wednesday, Schottenheimer interviewed for the head coaching job at Vanderbilt. It is not guaranteed that he will get the job, but given his resume, his name, and the fact that he isn’t interviewing for a head coaching job at the professional level, gives him a pretty good shot.

According to ESPN, Stanford defensive coordinator Derek Mason, Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton and Vanderbilt OL coach Herb Hand are also among the candidates.

In past off seasons, Schottenheimer has at least gotten an interview for an NFL head coaching job, but this season he was left out of the conversation. Given that he wasn’t even considered may have given him some motivation to try the college ranks.

Rams fans were upset during the season that Schottenheimer may have misused some of the weapons that the Rams had on offense and at times were not happy with the play calling. The fact that Sam Bradford was out for more than half the season didn’t help Schottenheimer.

If Schottenheimer left, there is no doubt the Rams would be disappointed. Ever since Fisher came to St. Louis he has preached the importance of continuity in an organization.

If Schottenheimer left it would mean that Bradford would have a fourth different offensive coordinator in his five NFL seasons. For a young team, continuity is the best thing, change would just set the team back.

Fisher has said that even if Schottenheimer does leave there wouldn’t be much change in the system, but adifferent offensive coordinator would still affect Bradford. This season it really looked like Bradford was getting the offense and he and Schottenheimer were seeing eye to eye. The stats prove that as Bradford was having a career year.

Unfortunately Rams fans, in order to take the next step, the Rams may just need to keep Schottenhiemer. There is no doubt that he will be on the hot seat going in to next season, but a change at offensive coordinator may not be in the best interest of a team looking to take the next step in 2014.