10 head coach candidates: Why they fit, don't fit RamsBy Alden Gonzalez
LOS ANGELES -- The proverbial first domino fell on Monday, when Jacksonville announced that interim coach Doug Marrone would remain in the role full time.
That leaves five coaching vacancies, for Denver, San Francisco, Buffalo, San Diego and, most relevant here, the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams' interviewing party -- a group that is led by COO Kevin Demoff and also includes Les Snead, who might or might not remain general manager after this process is complete -- returned to Southern California on Monday and has some very important work ahead of it these next few days. Assistant coaches on playoff teams who continue on cannot be interviewed for the first time after this weekend, with second interviews only allowed the weekend before the Super Bowl. Once eliminated, of course, interviews can be scheduled at any time.
Last week, the Rams interviewed Steve Wilks, Harold Goodwin, Sean McVay, Josh McDaniels, Matt Patricia, Anthony Lynn and, before he came off the board, Marrone. This week, they're expected to interview Teryl Austin, Mike Vrabel, Vance Joseph and Kyle Shanahan, whose original interview was held up by weather. Other names might pop up, as well. A convenient one-stop shop for content related to all coaching vacancies can be found here. Below is a categorical look at the 10 names linked to the Rams.
Teryl Austin
Age: 51
Current title: Lions defensive coordinator, 3 seasons
Prior roles: Ravens secondary coach (2011-13) ... Florida defensive coordinator (2010) ... Cardinals defensive backs coach (2007-09) ... Seahawks defensive backs coach (2003-06)
Why he fits: Austin runs a very aggressive 4-3 scheme -- though he can also adjust well -- and has historically gotten the most out of his players. He can do well with a Rams group that features a solid defensive line and athletic linebackers, and he'd be very well-suited to improve a thin secondary. Austin has coached the secondary for Super Bowl teams in 2005 (Seahawks), 2008 (Cardinals) and 2012 (Ravens). He also has the magnetic personality that can thrive in a big market like Los Angeles, ESPN Lions reporter Michael Rothstein would tell you.
Why he doesn't: Austin interviewed for head coaching vacancies with eight teams the past two years and many believe this is the year he finally gets a gig. The Rams might not be a fit, though, for one very obvious reason -- their biggest need is someone who can fix the offense. And though Demoff has stressed that the organization would remain open-minded in its search, it's hard to hire someone like Austin unless he has an offensive-minded coach he can bring with him. The Lions won't let current offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter take the same job elsewhere. Maybe quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan?
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