Ramblin' Fan » AJ Smith

Rams Clean House On ‘Black Monday’

Justin Stine — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:33:12 +0000

The Rams didn’t waste any time making changes after their disappointing 2011 season, as the team announced Monday that they were letting go of GM Billy Devaney and head coach Steve Spagnuolo, along with others. As of now, it looks like the only coach who is still under contract for 2012 is OC Josh McDaniels. The Rams plan to move quickly to fill both positions, and they expect to get something done on both fronts within the next few weeks. There was a report out today that the organization has already made contact with former Titans coach Jeff Fisher, but the Rams denied those talks while acknowledging that Fisher is a potentially attractive candidate. To get the rumor mill started, San Diego Chargers’ beat writer Kevin Acee wrote today in his story on Chargers’ GM AJ Smith’s future that “it is all but certain that Jeff Fisher will be the Rams’ next head coach.” Acee also said that Smith was expected to be the front-runner for the Rams GM job if he was fired in San Diego, but now it looks as if he could be keeping his job with the Chargers. A final decision on Smith is expected in the next few days.
I talked about this a little yesterday, but I think this is the right move. The team was 10-38 in three seasons under Spags, and their record over Billy D’s four years was 12-52. It’s hard to place the blame on these two for the first couple of years after the Scott Linehan disaster, but after expectations were raised last season, this year’s 2-14 debacle was unacceptable. It can be tough when your organization has a first-time GM and first-time coach, and I think that was part of the problem here. I firmly believe that both Spags and Devaney will be successful in this league down the road, because I think they both have great minds for the game. Spags will have a job as a defensive coordinator somewhere next season if he wants it, and I expect him to be a good head coach again in the future. More on next page…

Gruden To St. Louis?

Justin Stine — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:05:39 +0000

For those of you who are suckers for the rumor mill like me, you have probably already heard this. For anyone who hasn’t heard, a report surfaced Tuesday that if the Chargers fire GM AJ Smith after this season, that Stan Kroenke would bring him in as the next Rams GM and head coach Jon Gruden would come along with Smith and be hired as the next St. Louis head man.

I know that’s a lot to digest. I tend to be skeptical most of the time when these things come out, but I think this might actually be possible. Several sources chimed in saying they thought it was possible, and those sources have also said Gruden fully intends to return to coaching in 2012. By no means am I saying to expect this scenario to play out, but it certainly is something to watch for after the season is over. Plenty of dominoes have to fall for something like this to happen, but just keep it in mind as the offseason begins.

As far as my thoughts on the situation, obviously I would love Gruden to be our next coach. The man is a proven winner and brings instant credibility to this franchise. As far as Smith goes, I can’t say I’m a huge fan. He has had a recent history of butting heads with his players, and his draft record has been less than stellar recently. With that being said, I would still take this deal if it happens. Smith has been a very good GM over his career in the past, and a new landscape here in St. Louis could be just what he needs. Plus, Gruden is likely enough to entice some free agents to town, which would make Smith’s job easier. This is one of those things that’s fun to think about, and that’s exactly what we need here in St. Louis after this awful season.

V-Jax Strong-Armed By Chargers

Justin Stine — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:57:49 +0000

The Vincent Jackson takeover of this blog is nearing its end, so for those of you getting tired of hearing about him, this is probably one of the last times he will be mentioned here. There were plenty of interesting notes to hit the wire about V-Jax today, none more important to us than the fact that the Rams made a contract offer to the talented receiver. Apparently, the Rams pulled out of the sweepstakes after talks with the Chargers broke off due to their astronomical asking price. So for those of you who have been complaining that the front office doesn’t do anything, there ya go.

Equally as interesting were the comments made by Jackson after the deadline came and went. Jackson said that he just wants to get back on the field, and he feels like the Chargers and GM AJ Smith intentionally made the asking price for him unattainable for other NFL teams. I am siding 100 percent with Jackson here. He made an outstanding point when he said that the team obviously thinks he is a very good player because they asked for the moon from prospective suitors, yet they won’t give him anything more than the low-ball tender offer. If they really think he is that valuable, they should pay him the money he deserves.

Jackson also went on to say that there is almost no chance that he will suit up for the Chargers this season. Once again, I don’t blame him. Why would he want to contribute to a team that has treated him in such a way? Even though he is on my fantasy team and I really need him to get on the field with someone (I’m sure some of you can relate), if the Chargers won’t move him, I hope he stands his ground and sits out all year. Stick it to AJ Smith, Vince.