Ranking Jeff Fisher against other 2012 head coach appointees

Moving the focus across to Miami, and the picture is not so rosy – and all the more interesting given that Jeff Fisher opted to come to the Rams instead of the Dolphins. Joe Philbin’s Dolphins have failed to make the playoffs since the new coach took up the post and have yet to register a winning season – although they have finished 8-8 in each of the last two campaigns, an achievement Fisher has yet to add to his Rams resumé. Also comparable to St Louis is the fact that the division has gotten progressively tougher. The Patriots are clearly perennial Super Bowl challengers winning their division 12 of the last 14 seasons and Buffalo also has some incredible talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Even the New York Jets have some big names, and will look to build going into 2015 under new head coach Todd Bowles. It is hard to make a case for the Dolphins having shown any credible threat in the last three years.

Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

So when comparing the 2012-15 Dolphins with the Rams, you can easily argue the Rams have taken further strides. Despite some lingering questions in the secondary, the Rams defense is certainly among the top units in the league. The Dolphins on the other hand, while massively upgrading the defensive front with the free agent signing of Ndamakong Suh, have little else in terms of highlights. The fact that former Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan is listed as the top name on the depth chart speaks volumes. On the offensive side, quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s numbers have steadily improved over his career but with little in the way of supporting cast it is easy to see why the Dolphins’ offense has finished outside the league’s top 25 in two of the last three years.

So, of the three head coaches appointed in 2012, it’s probably fair to say Jeff Fisher is currently in second place. Rams fans will likely see their situation comparable to the Dolphins, but still a ways off the Colts. With Miami likely to miss out again in a tough division, if the Rams do make the postseason this time round then there can be no doubt remaining that Fisher is ahead of Philbin, though still behind Pagano. Assuming that Seattle retains the NFC West title, the question then becomes whether a wildcard spot will be enough to keep Fisher in St Louis going into 2016. Just how hot is that seat?