Ramblin' Fan » Spags

Spags Delivers Statement

Justin Stine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:54:18 +0000

Former Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo released a statement on Tuesday just one day after being let go by the team, and it was pretty much exactly what you would expect. He had nothing but good things to say about the city and the franchise, and he thanked everyone involved with the organization. I figured I would post the whole thing since it’s not that long, and since we probably won’t hear much about him after this, at least here in St. Louis. I personally want to wish him the best in his future endeavors, and I have no doubt he has a successful career ahead of him. Here is the statement:

“I want to first thank every player and coach for their work ethic, character and loyalty throughout our three years together. I know each one of us firmly believes a solid foundation has been built and although not all of us will be here to experience it, this foundation will propel the team to great success in the near future.

“I also want to thank Chip Rosenbloom, Lucia Rodriguez and Stan Kroenke for their decision to bring me here three years ago. I truly appreciate the opportunity they gave me.

“I want to pass along deep gratitude toward every Rams employee for their ‘behind the scenes efforts and loyalty’ and for embracing Maria and I throughout our time here.

“I want to thank every Rams fan for their passionate support. I apologize for not bringing enough success for them to enjoy this past season. You deserve more!

“It has been a privilege and an honor to represent this franchise as its head coach and I wish nothing but success for the organization going forward. I will always pull for the Rams. Maria and I feel blessed to have been a part of this city and we’ll continue to have caring hearts for the people of St. Louis. God Bless.”

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…

Changes Coming For Rams After Loss In Finale?

Justin Stine — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:15:37 +0000

Well, that’s it. The 2011 season is officially over for the St. Louis Rams, and for most it couldn’t come soon enough. Two people who probably wish there were a few more weeks left are GM Billy Devaney and head coach Steve Spagnuolo. According to multiple sources, the Rams plan to fire Devaney and Spagnuolo sometime in the next few days.

I’m not going to go much into Sunday’s game because there are obviously more important things to discuss, but I will say the guys fought till the end and were impressive at times. Before Kellen Clemens left with an injury on the final drive, he really had the offense moving and believing. Nice effort, but still a loss and the team will still be drafting second after a loss by the Colts as well.

Now, back to the reports. None of this is absolutely confirmed, but you have to believe they are accurate. I had heard a few days ago that Spags and Devaney probably wouldn’t make it past Monday, so I would expect an announcement Monday or Tuesday at the latest. As much as I like both of these guys, I can’t argue if this happens. As many positives as you want to throw out, in the end you just have to look at the wins and losses. I don’t want to say much else until something is official either way, so stay tuned here at the site and on Twitter @Ramblinfan for updates.