There has been no shortage of big names thrown out for the Rams head coaching vacancy since Jeff Fisher was fired roughly two weeks ago. Names like Jon Gruden, Jim Harbaugh, Josh McDaniels, and even Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll have been mentioned as possibilities.
NFL.com Writer Ian Rapoport threw a couple more high profile names in the early this morning.
Name to watch for the #Rams HC opening: #Panthers coach Ron Rivera. With a large Hispanic population in LA & a young team, it would fit.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2016
Coach trades are complicated. One involving Ron Rivera & #Rams would be hard. But would imagine Norv Turner, who lives in CA could join him
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2016
After winning his second coach of the year award and going 17-2 in the 2015 season, the Carolina Panthers awarded Rivera with a 3 year, $19.5M extension. In any other profession, that would mean some pretty hefty job security, but we all know how Jeff Fisher’s ‘extension’ worked out.
The Panthers have struggled badly in 2016 and Rivera’s job could be in jeopardy. If he’s not fired, a trade is a possibility - as Rapoport mentioned - but it’s unlikely given the Rams dearth of draft picks in the 2017 draft.
As for Norv Turner, he seems to meet the criteria both fans and ownership are looking for. He is widely regarded as having a brilliant offensive mind and he has the experience that ownership is seeking. I wouldn’t like him much as a head coaching candidate, but he wouldn’t be a horrible fit at OC for the Rams under another coach.
You can add these names to the ever-growing list of candidates that Les Snead and Co. are vetting, but until the season wraps up we’re unlikely to get any substantial news regarding the Rams head coaching vacancy.