Theoretically speaking: would Rivera have done a better job?

[Leics_Ram]

OK, so let's cast our minds back to the end of the 2005 season. The Rams were searching for a new head coach, and many commentators had Chicago's DC Ron Rivera penned as the man to turnaround the Rams.

But the Rams surprised many, me included, by going for Scott Linehan - who had perhaps not set the world alight with his play calling in Miami.

After a reasonable start for Linehan, managing at least to make .500 in his first season, things have quickly spiralled out of control. But it's hardly been a barrel of laughs for Rivera either.

Touted as one of the hottest young Head Coaching candidates out there, Rivera shook off the disappointment of being snubbed by the Rams to help guide the Bears to a (losing) appearance at SuperBowl XLI. Deciding to quit the Bears for pastures new, Rivera still didn't get the gig he wanted - or the one that many felt he deserved. Instead he ended up taking a what looked like a demotion, winding up as linebackers coach in San Diego.

But would the Rams have faired any differently if they'd have hired Ron Rivera as head coach rather than than Scott Linehan in January 2006? It means nothing of course, and it's purely hypothetical. But would things have panned out any differently if the Rams had perhaps made the 'braver' decision.

And what now for Rivera? Could the Rams still offer him route to the top if they decide to part company with the Scott Linehan era.

Could Rivera be tempted to move 'back up the tree', taking on the role as Rams DC as part of a dream ticket with a NFL veteran such as Marty Schottenheimer, serving his apprenticeship before finally getting his ticket to the big time wth the Rams - albeit a few years later than may might have thought?

[Goldenfleece]

I'm not sure. He probably would have done a good job with the defense, but it looks like Haslett is doing a pretty good job there in any event. I'm guessing we would have had about the same record last season depending on how the ball bounced...but who wouldn't you predict to do better than an 0-7 start this year?

[TekeRam]

He might have had the whole team a little more fired up, but unless Rivera has some offensive playcalling skills that no one knows about, we'd possibly be in the same boat, depending on who the OC was. Of course, when it looks like the whole team is about to pack it in, a little fire could go a long ways. At least as a linebackers coach he'll be easy to hire.

[laram0]

Not taking anything away from Rivera but I could have done better than this 0-7 start.

[ImJohnWayne]

Theoretically speaking: Could he have done any worse?