Despite a mediocre record, the Rams want to lock down Jeff Fisher for the next few years as they move to Los Angeles.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Rams and Fisher are conversing about a contract extension. The coach is set to enter the final year of a five-year deal signed in 2012.
ESPN first reported the discussions.
Rapoport added the Rams plan to do the same for general manager Les Snead.
The Rams are 27-36-1 in Fisher's four seasons, have zero playoff berths and no winning seasons. In 21 seasons as a head coach, Fisher has six campaigns with 10-plus wins. He will become the first head coach since Dave Shula to get a fifth year after four consecutive losing seasons to open a tenure.
Perpetually 7-9, Fisher continues to be viewed as a stable choice for a Rams franchise moving across the country. Owner Stan Kroenke has other obstacles to contend with outside of finding a new coach. Fisher understands the difficulties in preparing a team on the move -- as he did when the Oilers moved from Houston to Tennessee. He also grew up in Southern California and attended USC, where the Rams are likely to play their games the next few seasons.
As others have noted, a multi-year extension for Fisher and his staff could coincide with the team's move into their new stadium, leaving the door open for a completely fresh start if Fisher's teams continue to flounder.
No coach in the NFL has had a longer leash than Fisher. It appears that leash is only getting more slack.