Its not a pretty picture.
- 11-19 record;
- 3-8 divisional record;
- Zero wins against teams with winning records;
- 2 year trend of second-half collapses when Linehan calls the plays;
- Inexperienced OC who was relieved of playcalling duties;
- Several first-day draft choices not contributing; and
- No proven record as a HC.
This is
Scott Linehan's Head Coaching resume. No matter how many excuses are provided (injuries, poor execution, etc.), the bottom line is that those who believe that
Scott Linehan can be an effective NFL Head Coach are merely speculating. He has never actually succeeded for a significant period of time. There is no continuity. There is no clear plan.
And yet, the Front Office has apparently decided that Linehan will stay for at least one more year. Certainly, money is a factor here. The Rams do not have a recent history of luxury shopping when it comes to the coaching staff, and I'm certain that the notion of paying Linehan to sit does not sit will with Shaw and the rest.
Nonetheless, I do think the collective voices of the majority of Rams fans who oppose Linehan's return might have a positive impact. Certainly, the Front Office is aware that the fans are not happy. The stadium is not being filled with Rams fans, and the team certainly lacks the "buzz" it had in the GSOT years.
Perhaps the Front Office will attempt to justify its coaching decision by doing a bit more in free agency and bringing in a few key players. Rams fans are already salivating at the idea of signing Alan Faneca, or Jordan Gross, or Bob Sanders, or ???
Maybe, with enough of an influx of talent, and a little luck, things might turn around in 2008 despite the decision to retain the coaching staff. Perhaps if the Rams can't win because of Linehan, they can win in spite of him.
One can only hope.
Linear Mode
