Reports; Fisher and Snead expected back with Rams in 2016

Despite the St. Louis Rams troubles this season, don’t expect sweeping changes coming in 2016.

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NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that all signs are pointing to the return of Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead for the 2016 season.

Since teaming up in 2012, the duo has amassed a less than stellar 25-35-1 record and has failed to make a postseason appearance. Many expected the talks of a potential move to Los Angeles to bring with it a new regime. It would appear owner Stan Kroenke and company are content with the make up of the coaching staff.

The only position that did come up in talks of potential change was quarterback. After trading for Nick Foles this offseason, many thought St. Louis had acquired their quarterback for the next 3-5 years. Now, it would seem the acquisition was a big swing and miss. Foles has been benched in favor of back up QB Case Keenum.

Failing to top seven wins, and with the likely hood of wining the remainder of the team’s games this year to finish 8-8 very low, Fisher and Snead would be feeling the heat in any other NFL city. Its draft picks like defensive tackle Aaron Donald and running back Todd Gurley that have ownership optimistic about the future.

In 21-years as a head coach, four with the Rams, Fisher has an overall record of 167-155-1. The previous 17-years were spent in Tennessee and Houston where he earned a postseason birth just six times. In fact, every year Fisher has lead his team to double-digit wins, he has reached the playoffs. In 1999, Fisher led the Titans to the Super Bowl, ironically an eventual loss to the St. Louis Rams. Three of Fisher’s six playoff appearances have ended after just one game.

Since his time in St. Louis, Fisher has hit on a few draft picks and it would appear that has earned him at least one more year in the drivers seat.

Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates after sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (not pictured) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

In 2012 the Rams had 10 selections. Of those 10, five are currently on the 53-man roster including DT Michael Brockers, CB Janoris Jenkins, CB Trumaine Johnson, K Greg Zuerlein and WR Brian Quick. The haul also included former players RB Isaiah Pead, WR Chirs Givens and RB Daryl Richardson.

2013 only provided the team with seven selections, three of which still call St. Louis home. Those include WR Tavon Austin, LB Alec Ogletree and S T.J. McDonald. Recently WR Stedman Bailey was injured in an off-field shooting and it would appear his playing days are over. Promising players like RB Zac Stacy and OG Barrett Jones have moved on.

In 2014 Fisher and Snead did much better. Of the 11 players they drafted seven are still employed by the team. This includes second-overall selection OT Greg Robinson, first-roundDT Aaron Donald, CB Lamarcus Joyner, RB Tre Mason, S Maurice Alexander, CB E.J. Gaines and OL Demetrius Rhaney. They botched things up with the selection of DE Michael Sam and their selection of QB Garrett Gilbert did nothing to help the depth at the position.

It would appear that the 2015 draft class has a handful of starters in it, including rookie Todd Gurley. Gurley is on pace for well over 1,000 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns. That performance should be good enough to earn him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, but we will need to wait and see.

Fisher and Snead have worn the patience of fans thin. Most NFL franchises would be waiting in the tunnel with their walking papers come Week 17, but it would appear the Rams are willing to give the duo at least one more year.

It’s a tough pill to swallow for some, and the conspiracy theorists will have themselves a ball with all the “losing leads to L.A.” talk, but this team is still just a legitimate quarterback from being competitive. If Fisher can acquire that player, St. Louis may enjoy their first playoff appearance in 12-years in 2016.