Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Tracker: Scheduled Interviews and Rumored Candidates

After four losing seasons and a 4-9 start to the 2016 year, the Los Angeles Rams fired head coach Jeff Fisher on December 12. And they’ve been busy in the early weeks of 2017 in trying to find his replacement.

As expected, the Rams are linked to just about every possible candidate under the sun. To make it easier for you - the fans - to monitor, we’ll keep a comprehensive list of the potential candidates, scheduled and completed interviews, and signings, right here.

Feel free to drop a line in the comments section if a new name arises, a scheduled date presents itself, or if anyone gets left off the list.

Without further ado...

Jan. 12 - Sounds like the Rams aren’t going to wait around for the Atlanta Falcons to bow out of the playoffs meaning OC Kyle Shanahan might not even interview.

Jan. 12 - It’s not all about McVay, not quite yet. Buffalo Bills OC Anthony Lynn has a second interview scheduled with the Rams as well.

Jan. 11 - With the momentum building behind the Rams offering McVay, we learn that his top choice for defensive coordinator would be longtime NFL coach Wade Phillips.

Jan. 11 - Jon Gruden spoke to the LA Rams in an “advisory capacity.” Wonder if that advice was linked to his brother’s offensive coordinator...

Jan. 11 - Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports and ESPN’s Adam Schefter report that Washington OC Sean McVay either will interview or already has with the Rams. Front runner!

Jan. 11 - NFL Media’s Mike Silver reports the Rams, along with the San Francisco 49ers, have “sincere interest” in Buffalo Bills OC Anthony Lynn.

Jan. 11 - NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says Washington OC Sean McVay made "a very strong impression” in his interview and is likely to come back for a second. Here’s the video via Facebook.

Jan. 9 - The Rams have received permission from the Houston Texans to interview linebackers coach Mike Vrabel.

Jan. 8 - With the Lions now eliminated from the playoffs, the Rams will look to interview Lions’ DC Teryl Austin, according to Adam Schefter.

Jan. 8 - Due to inclement weather, the Rams were unable to make the flight to Atlanta to interview Falcons’ OC Kyle Shanahan on Saturday, according to Gary Klein. The Rams will meet with Shanahan following next weekend’s Falcons, Seahawks game.

Jan. 8 - The Rams interviewed Jaguars’ interim head coach Doug Marrone and Bills’ offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn in Florida on Sunday, per Peter Schrager.

Jan. 7 - The Rams “are doing their homework” on McVay, who they feel may be the guy who could get the most out of QB Jared Goff.

Jan. 7 - Bill Belichick allowed potential suitors one day to interview his coordinators, and the Rams took advantage, meeting with defensive coordinator Matt Patricia on Saturday, per Adam Schefter.

Jan. 7 - The Rams, along with the Jaguars and 49ers, also spent time with Patriots’ OC Josh McDaniels, according to Schefter.

Jan. 5 - Per Myles Simmons, the Rams met with Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin.

Jan. 3 - According to MMQB’s Albert Breer, the Rams interviewed Redskins’ OC Sean McVay on Thursday, Jan. 5.

Jan. 3 - The Rams interviewed interim head coach John Fassel, per CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora.

Jan. 3 - According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Rams first completed interview was with Panthers’ assistant coach Steve Wilks.

Jan. 2 - Ian Rapoport says the Rams have interest in meeting with Dolphins’ DC Vance Joseph. After Sunday’s loss to the Steelers, an interview may soon be scheduled.

Jan. 2 - Falcons’ OC Kyle Shanahan is scheduled to do two-a-days with the Rams, Jaguars, 49ers and Broncos on Friday, Jan. 6 and Saturday, Jan. 7, per Washington Post’s Mark Maske.

Off the Board

Jan. 9 - The Jacksonville Jaguars are signing Doug Marrone as their new head coach, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The All-Rumor Team

Sean Payton (Head Coach, New Orleans Saints)

The Rams are rumored to be interested in potentially making a trade for New Orleans Saints’ head coach Sean Payton. GM Mickey Loomis says they’re open to the idea.

Jon Gruden (Former Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Gruden said he’d be willing to listen to offers to step away from his comfy Monday Night Football gig. And then he wasn’t. “I just want to say that I’m very happy with what I’m doing. Right now, I have no intentions of coaching.” I wouldn’t rule it out. Time will tell.

David Shaw (Head Coach, Stanford)

Shaw randomly walked through the Rams’ locker room on November 30th. Not much has been seen or heard since. He’s coveted by NFL teams, but plans to stay at Stanford. Again, it’s a wait and see situation here.

Jim Harbaugh (Head Coach, Michigan)

Harbaugh’s name was one of the first to be linked to the Rams, but this one appears to be all smoke and no fire, you jive turkeys.

Jim Bob Cooter (OC, Detroit Lions)

I don’t believe a legitimate source has confirmed whether or not the Rams have requested permission to interview JBC, but he could very well sit down with the Rams. They’re already set to visit with the Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin...so why not?