Les Snead defines relationship with Jeff Fisher as 'really good'
4:50 PM ET
Alden Gonzalez
ESPN Staff Writer
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THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead on Friday disputed reports of ongoing tension with coach Jeff Fisher, specifically a story from MMQB.com that called the relationship between the two "toxic" and used sources who referred to their dynamics as "junior high."
Snead called that report "very false" and "definitely inaccurate."
"I'm well aware of what has come out, and I can say this: I think it's painted a picture totally different," Snead said. "Relationship's really good. We've worked together from the start, in every decision. Every decision that's made, especially from a personnel standpoint."
Said Fisher: "I don't know where this came from. Les and I have been on the same page since day one. We communicate all the time, we work together, we make decisions together. I don't know where it's coming from. I'll find out."
Rams general manger Les Snead, right, tried to strike down reports that he and coach Jeff Fisher have a contentious relationship. Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Snead and Fisher were entering the final year of their original contracts, but both received extensions through the 2018 season.
That news did not come out until Sunday morning, with the organization unwilling to announce the agreements. Though Fisher confirmed his own extension after Sunday's 26-10 loss to the New England Patriots, he said Tuesday that he was "unaware" that Snead also received an extension.
"I'm so busy here," Fisher said then, "I was honestly unaware that he was extended."
Fisher was asked multiple questions about Snead and never went out of his way to offer much praise, hinting at what many believe is a tense relationship between GM and coach. Snead read the comments and said they "went over my back." He said the two meet twice a day, usually in the morning and in the evening, and constantly referred to their working dynamics as a partnership.
"I didn't blow it out of proportion in any way at all," Snead said of Fisher's comments. "I was aware that we both were in the same boat in terms of getting an extension. At that point in time, didn't know the details of each other's. I didn't know his details, and vice versa."
The two may have an extension, but there are no guarantees that either will be back next season.
The Rams have lost seven of their past eight games, putting their record at 4-8. They have finished no better than 7-8-1 since Snead and Fisher took over before the 2012 season, though they inherited a franchise that had lost 65 of 80 games in the five previous seasons.
Still, the Rams have to show signs that they are on track toward contention for Snead or Fisher to return in 2017.
Asked about his job security, Snead talked about already focusing on the draft and improving the team moving forward, saying: "I've got a job to do, a role to do, to get us where we want to be. And that's how you have to work in this league. That's your focus."
