Have The St. Louis Rams Been Holding Out For Rob Chudzinski?

Last week, it was announce that the pursuit of  two of the St. Louis Rams’ top candidates for offensive coordinator had been blocked. Alex Van Pelt, the Packers quarterback coach, was denied the ability to interview for the position by Green Bay’s coaching-hoarding front office. Next, in a more surprising move, the Indianapolis Colts blocked Rob Chudzinski, their “special assistant,” from interviewing for a bevy of job opportunities.

However, the news was leaked today that the Colts’ efforts might have been futile, with Chudzinski’s contract set to expire on Monday. If that is the case, the former Browns’ head coach and Panthers’ offensive coordinator would have the opportunity to interview with any team, including the St. Louis Rams.

Prior to Indianapolis rejecting who interviews, Chudzinski appeared to have his pick between the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. While many might believe the situation in San Francisco would be the obvious choice, given their recent success, it migh not be so simple. The front office and ownership in San Francisco, prior to the Jim Harbaugh signing, was riddled with coaching “whiffs” and inconsistency among all personnel levels. Moreover, the 49ers are essentially locked-in on Colin Kaepernick into the foreseeable future. While having an established quarterback is typically a “plus” for an organization, having an established quarterback who has shown recent signs of regression and lingering maturity issues, even with Harbaugh at the helm, might not be considered a bright spot.

In St. Louis, Chudzinski would have a veteran coaching staff, a dynamic general manager, and a non-meddling owner that has given Jeff Fisher unlimited freedom and a blank check to build his team. Moreover, he would have some say in the quarterbacking situation, and likely play a major role in direction the Rams will take in the 2015 NFL Draft. True freedom and power are two very attractive offerings that might slot St. Louis above San Francisco, assuming Chudzinski chooses to leave Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts.