Rams have more interviews lined up as coaching search continuesBy RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER
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The window has opened for the Rams to hire a new coach, but the view remains a bit clouded.
One week into their search, the Rams are known to have interviewed eight candidates, including a couple top candidates, but there’s no indication that a hiring is imminent. The Rams tentatively have interviews lined up in the coming days, including a significant one after this coming weekend.
Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff indicated last month that Jan. 10-12 represented the ideal time to hire a new coach, but Demoff also said he wouldn’t impose an artificial deadline on the decision.
Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, considered a top candidate, won’t be able to speak with the Rams until after the Falcons’ playoff game Saturday against Seattle. Shanahan had been scheduled to meet with the Rams last week, but weather prevented Rams executives from making the trip.
The Rams also tentatively have interviews scheduled with Miami defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and (according to a report from Sports Illustrated) Houston linebackers coach Mike Vrabel.
The Rams also have interviewed New England coordinators Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia, Washington offensive coordinator Sean McVay, Buffalo offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, Arizona offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin and Carolina assistant head coach Steve Wilks, plus their own interim coach, John Fassel. It’s possible that some of these candidates could receive second interviews.
The first domino in the offseason coaching game fell Monday, when Jacksonville retained interim coach Doug Marrone as its permanent coach. Marrone interviewed with the Rams over the weekend.
The Rams, Buffalo, Denver, San Diego and San Francisco still have openings, and from now on, it’s something of a game of “musical chairs.” The Rams would like to complete their interviews, but if more hires take place this week, the process could become accelerated.
