Los Angeles Rams

Jeff Fisher's extension a disgrace to Teryl Austin & other worthy coaches

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Detroit won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Rams extension of Jeff Fisher makes little sense.

Jeff Fisher was given a two-year extension as head coach of the L.A. Rams, despite a 4-8 record and not winning more than 7 games in his four years with the team. Fisher’s been in the league as a head coach for 21 seasons, but made the Postseason in just six of those seasons. That means he’s missed the Playoffs 15 times as a head coach. So why the hell is he getting a two-year extension?

There are plenty of ways to answer that question. One, the Rams are a poorly run franchise. Two, he’s been in the league for so long, people assume he’s a good coach. Three, he represents the closed-minded thought process that goes into making hiring decisions. Mainly, most of these rich, older, white owners would rather go with a guy they know – regardless of how terrible he may be – than to take a risk one of the many qualified candidates that are around the league.

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin gets looked over while teams hire guys like Fisher, Ken Whisenhunt and Rex Ryan. It’s true Fisher, Whisenhunt and Ryan have had some success in this league. But the overwhelming evidence suggests that success was more of a blip than a trend. Things won’t change any time soon, though, because the owners can do what they want. And despite the league implementing rules to “attempt” to help new candidates get chances, it’s really quite a farce.

I wrote a piece about Teryl Austin being a victim, rather than a benefactor of the league’s “Rooney Rule” a few months ago. The rule states that each NFL franchise must interview at least one minority candidate any time there is a head coaching change. Instead of this rule giving a guy like Austin a better chance at becoming a head coach, he’s disrespected by helping teams check off that minority box.

Sep 1, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin smiles before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Lions win 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Austin interviewed for at least nine documented head coaching jobs over the past two offseasons, yet hasn’t come close to landing one. Is this because he’s a bad candidate? It’s possible, but highly unlikey. More likely, he was just brought in to appease the Rooney Rule. Austin has done a phenomenal job since coming to Deroit. His players routinely praise his intellect and coaching style. Even former Lion Ashlee Palmer couldn’t say enough about Austin. Yet nine teams interviewed and declined to hire this brilliant defensive mind?

Now, you may be thinking “so what?” He’s getting job interviews that others aren’t. The truth is, this rule actually hurts Austin.

Yes, he gets his foot in the door of several NFL franchises, but when a guy doesn’t get a job after nine interviews, people assume he wasn’t good enough. No team would ever admit to this because the NFL doesn’t hold them accountable. Austin could decline, but nobody would turn down a shot to get their dream job. So he complies anyway, probably knowing the teams will ultimately go with some retread like Fisher.

It’s not fair, but that’s how things work in the NFL. Especially when you’re dealing with a bunch of white billionares calling the shots. It’s not just a race thing, but when a guy that’s made the Playoffs just 28% of the time over 21 years gets an undeserved extension, it is cause for concern.

Hell, look at Jim Caldwell. He’s a coach that’s seemingly always on the hot seat. However, during his six seasons as a head coach, he has made the Super Bowl, taken two different teams to the Playoffs. If Detroit gets in this year, he will have made the Playoffs in four out of six seasons. He’s 52-40, which includes a 2-14 season when Peyton Manning missed the entire year. Still, he was blamed for the Colts’ down year, and despite two extremely succesful seasons, was fired.

I have nothing against Jeff Fisher personally, and I don’t blame him for accepting the extension. But the Rams keeping Fisher, who’s shown ZERO sign of being the right guy, is a reminder that the NFL has a long way to go before things become fair for deserving coaches like Teryl Austin.

-Follow Matt on Twitter @MattUrben88 & Like the SLR Facebook Page!