Report: Linehan could be fired during the bye

*BigGameMN* · #1 (**permalink**) -21-10-2007

Here is the link http://profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

Quote:

LINEHAN OUT AT THE BYE?

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Rams coach Scott Linehan is indeed on the hot seat. And though Linehan previously was believed to be safe through the end of the season, Mort hints that Linehan could be gone as soon as the bye week if the Rams lose this week to the Seahawks and next week to the Browns.

Mort also mentioned Linehan's Thursday blow-up at the team, which has prompted some league insiders to conclude that Linehan is "cracking up" under the pressure.

Though the Rams have faced more than their fair share of injuries, Mort points out that other teams (like the Ravens) have overcome a rash of key injuries.

And, as we've said before and will say again, injuries should never be an excuse. If they are, the players who move up to hit the field will think it's permissible to not play well.

*RealRam* · #2 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

Well, for sure that seat is going to get awfully HOT.

There's going to be some burning I'm afraid.

*Fat Pang* · #3 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

I'd say he's definitely gone, so all the folks at SLOP needn't get overly excited

Question of course would be when, and personally I'd say he might as well stay until the end of the season.

Damn shame.

**AvengerRam** · #4 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Pang

I'd say he's definitely gone, so all the folks at SLOP needn't get overly excited

There is no joy in this... true indeed.

But the day SLOP's mission is fulfilled is one day closer to turning this mess around.

**Nick** · #5 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

If the Rams feel they've had enough of Linehan, then there's no point in dragging out the process. I doubt Haslett can do much more with this team, but perhaps I'm wrong. They could at least give him a shot, even though he's likely not going to be the head coach in 2008.

Firing Linehan now should give the Rams plenty of times to weigh their options and find the right guy for the future, I would think.

*RealRam* · #6 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

It's just the way things operate nowadays. Specially in pro sports.

I agree that Haslett would most likely be the one assigned to take the reigns.

**laram0** · #7 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

I have to say after todays debacle I'm pulling my name from S.L.A.P.. I will remain on the fence for I don't know how long...maybe 10 more seconds? until Monday morning?
I'm really ticked off about this loss. If the Headcoach can't get our players motivated to play a divison rival?!! I don't know what to say? I'm really beside myself right now.

Are the 10 seconds up yet?

Where do I sign up for S.L.O.P.?

*r8rh8rmike* · #8 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

After what happened today, this doesn't surprise me. I agree that if a change is in the works, it might as well be sooner than later.

*Rambos* · #9 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

Quote:

If the Rams feel they've had enough of Linehan, then there's no point in dragging out the process. I doubt Haslett can do much more with this team, but perhaps I'm wrong. They could at least give him a shot, even though he's likely not going to be the head coach in 2008.

Firing Linehan now should give the Rams plenty of times to weigh their options and find the right guy for the future, I would think.

I agree, Haslett should take the team. He is a vet coach. The D is playing hard the O has quit on the HC. Not sure if this will help us win now. I bet the boys have some of MM old plays somewhere stashed.

*JackieSlater* · #10 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick

If the Rams feel they've had enough of Linehan, then there's no point in dragging out the process. I doubt Haslett can do much more with this team, but perhaps I'm wrong. They could at least give him a shot, even though he's likely not going to be the head coach in 2008.

Firing Linehan now should give the Rams plenty of times to weigh their options and find the right guy for the future, I would think.

Nick, which half-decent coach or at least any coach and any kind of reputation would come to us at this current time. I make you right that IF Linehan must go, DO it now, and not harbour onto him thus possably dragging us down further. Haslett MAY at this time be the only one to take over for the interim, unless he can show some, ANY kind of improvement once this season is over we would be in a slightly better position to try and tempt any 'named' coach in.

**Nick** · #11 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackieSlater

Nick, which half-decent coach or at least any coach and any kind of reputation would come to us at this current time.

That's a great question. Firing your head coach after 1.5 years probably won't be a great way to draw some interest in the job, but right or wrong, the majority of fans have basically turned on this coaching staff (we see the number growing every week) and it sounds for the first time as if the players may be as well. The front office may simply not see much of a choice at this point.

Even though I still think Linehan has in part been a victim of horrible circumstances, he's also made mistakes that have led to this situation. The tide has basically turned on him and it's starting to look as if there's no way that the Rams can bring him back next season and convince their fans (and perhaps themselves) that they're making changes to improve this team. It's a shame, because the team was really clicking well at the end of last season, and I really don't think that was a fluke. But we can't seem to get back there, and I'm not sure anyone has the patience to continue to give it the time it probably needs.

But there will be no excuses for the next two years. If they fire Linehan soon or if they've made up their mind to do it at year's end, then they have plenty of time to find the guy to right the ship.

*Rambos* · #12 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

I think any HC looking for a job, would have to look hard at the roster. We have talent on the O and the D is looking better. Most likely we will be adding a high round drat pick to it. Some might say too bad for Linehan he got a bad break. I did not see Norv turn down the SD job, due to how the FO, fired a coach the went 14-2.

*ramsbruce* · #13 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick

If the Rams feel they've had enough of Linehan, then there's no point in dragging out the process. I doubt Haslett can do much more with this team, but perhaps I'm wrong. They could at least give him a shot, even though he's likely not going to be the head coach in 2008.

Firing Linehan now should give the Rams plenty of times to weigh their options and find the right guy for the future, I would think.

The problem for me is that I want Haslett as our DC. I think he has done a good job this year. So if we promote him who takes over the D? If we want to hire someone else as head coach at the end of the year do we demote Haslett? How well will that go over with Haslett, or will it? I think promoting Haslett would be a bad idea all around if we are going to fire Linehan which seems likely now.

*SavageRam* · #14 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

I was listening to today's post-game interview on KLOU. I've never heard Linehan sound so down on the team and confused as what to do next.

It's obvious now that Linehan is a dead-man-walking. I hope Haslett is not made the interim headcoach because that would make it much more difficult for him to return next year as the DC, which I hope will happen.

*RedArcher7* · #15 (**permalink**) -22-10-2007

Funny how we hired an offensive guy.... He's been offensive to me. Rivera? Rus Grimm? Someone from the Patriots? This guy's just like Martz, good OC bad HC. Martz got more done though He doesn't come back next season unless we go 9-7. I say they give him enough time to take off his headset if he loses after the bye.