Random Ramsdom, 12/17: Haslett a coaching candidate for '09

by Ryan Van Bibber on Dec 17, 2008 8:45 AM CST in News

Some news items of interest...

Haslett's in the mix, but the Rams will still conduct a "broad" search for their next head coach, according to the PD. That's not a startling revelation. It's been an open secret of sorts that Haslett's future was under consideration in all the back and forth about six more, then two more win, then strongly suggesting two mroe wins. The Rooney Rule guaranteed a coach search, but this is the first indication we've had that the Rams will start from square one. Don't forget, Billy Devaney has interviewed Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz for the coaching gig in Atlanta.
Billy Devaney, who'll become something of the Rams GM in all but his title, will head the search for a new coach. As Brian Burwell points out in his PD column, the real good news here is that "football people" will do the coach search, and not the suits, as has been Rams tradition for some time.
The same article also reiterates the likelihood that Jay Zygmunt will resign and John Shaw's role will be reduced to that of an adviser to Rosenbloom. (Shaw was an old family ally from when Georgie inherited the team.
PD beat reporter Jim Thomas speculated on an interesting twist in the coaching ranks if Haslett does return: "Let me just put it this way: If Haslett's back, I wouldn't be surprised to see a new offensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator, and new special teams coach." Interesting, very interesting.
Torry Holt considered one of the top fantasy busts of the season. Surprised not to see Steven Jackson's name on that list.

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Good to hear

It’s time to hand the reins of this franchise back to people who understand football better than money. In the business world, the CFO and the COO, are on equal footing and are separate entities. When you make a money man like Zygmunt your GM, you’re bound to fail in football terms. You might run the business successfully from a financial standpoint, but not in terms of wins and losses on the football field. It’s time to regain that focus. I’m glad Haslett will at least have a spot in the search. It’s the fair thing to do. I would suggest, however, that his history with the franchise should play a minimal role in the search for a head coach. If we’re serious about bringing this team around, then the relationships he’s developed with the current roster shouldn’t be very valuable as many of the players will be purged from the team by the time we’re ready to compete.
As for the fantasy rankings, Jackson probably doesn’t make the list due to his injuries like Tony Romo. Shouldn’t Darren McFadden make the list? There were comments even here at TST praising him going into this season, suggesting that the Rams should have positioned themselves to take McFadden in the draft. He has certainly not put up an impressive rookie campaign…

Jay Zygmunt, fire yourself.

by 3k on Dec 17, 2008 9:28 AM CST reply actions

uhh wasnt that the drunk ranting guy who was pining for McFadden

so take that with a grain of salt…..

by FunkeeC on Dec 17, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions

James535

James, we miss you. Where art thou?

Jay Zygmunt, fire yourself.

by 3k on Dec 17, 2008 12:47 PM CST up reply actions

Who's "we"?

The boys are all here for ya...we'll back you up...we'll be there...cause, Billy, we don't stink right now. We're the best team in baseball right now...right this minute...because of you. You're the reason. We're not gonna screw that up, we're gonna be awesome for you right now. Just throw.

by Tackle Box on Dec 17, 2008 1:39 PM CST up reply actions

Great News

about Zygmunt and Shaw.

Back to TB’s point for Haslett – regardless if it is him or another candidate picked for coach…they need time and better personell decision making when it comes to FA and the draft.

Outfielders For Sale! This weeks special...GMJ - see Tony for details!

by gorams77 on Dec 17, 2008 9:46 AM CST reply actions

Tackle's passionate arguments this week...

have convinced me that he…er…Haslett should at least be interviewed for the job…he may have a better shot of returning if real football guys are making the decision.

by tbell61 on Dec 17, 2008 9:55 AM CST reply actions

Thank you

Umm….for the kind words……what else would I be thanking you for? Right?

Anyway. I also am glad to see “football minds” making decisions at Rams Park. Has this ever really happened since Vermiel was hired? And I don’t think that was an all out “football minds” conclave either. Personally, I think they got lucky as hell with that whole regime. After all, John Shaw and Jay Zygmunt were at the center of that too. Then again, they had a pretty good football mind in Charlie Armey making personnel decisions and that helped a lot.

As far as Haslett, I think he’ll definitely get a fair shot. IMO, he should be looked at as a new hire. Forget this disaster of a season. He’s basically been put in place this year to keep the water from flooding the basement and he’s basically done that but it’s tough when you’ve got about 50 screendoors installed around the foundation.

But, one advantage he does have is a working knowledge of the players. While I agree with 3k that his “relationship” with the players should not work in his favor, his knowledge of the players is pretty valuable. Is it enough that gives him some sort of advantage over a new coach who will need to evaluate the players already on the roster? I’m not sure, but probably not. I assume Devaney is already making those evaluations (probably alongside Haslett) in who should stay and who should go.

And don’t be fooled into thinking this is an easy job. I really think this is going to take multiple seasons for this to finally correct itself. What you have to decided is who has a future with this franchise (Jackson, Avery, Long), who doesn’t have a future with this franchise (Leckey, Chavious, Glover), and who might not have a long term future with this franchise but fills a role or spot next year until we’re able to develop or acquire a suitable replacement (Bulger, Barron, Incognito, Tinoisamoa, Little, etc., etc.).

by Tackle Box on Dec 17, 2008 11:06 AM CST up reply actions