Rams may be ready to pull a stunner

Just this morning, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch printed an article online saying that the Rams coaching search was nearing the end and that Leslie Frazier was #1 on their list, with Steve Spagnuolo being touted as 1A. This came from the Post's Jim Thomas, a very sound and respected writer. It seemed like a done deal and that an announcement for either Frazier or Spagnuolo would be coming over the weekend.

Then out of the clear blue sky came a report from the NFL Network that dark horse candidate Jason Garrett was on his way to St. Louis. This stunned everyone. The forums on the Post's website went absolutely nuts. People were incensed that the Rams had seemingly gone away from their previously announced plan to get a rough, tough defensive guy to be the new leader of the team. People were really hoping for either Frazier, Spags or Rex Ryan. Everyone had assumed that Garrett really had no chance. And very few people were happy with the latest turn of events; Garrett didn't have many supporters.

Then it was reported that Garrett was just here for a 2nd interview, which is strange because:

1. Rams' GM Bill Devaney had said earlier that all the interviews were completed.
2. All of the other interviews had been done in L.A. where the owners live.
3. Garrett brought along his wife.

It sure seemed like Garrett was here for a press conference, not an interview. Nonetheless, Devaney stated that “It’s part of the interview process. He wanted to look at the facility. We’re not close to moving on Jason Garrett. I’m not even going to say he’s the leading guy.”
Notice that Devaney does not deny that he is the leading guy, he just states that he won't say that Garrett is the leading guy. Really suspicious.

Logically the only things that makes sense are that Garrett is the guy and he was brought here to negotiate a contract and have a press conference OR that the Rams have settled on Ravens' defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who will not be available until Baltimore's season is over. This could happen Sunday night if they lose to the Steelers. Perhaps they want Ryan and have brought in Garrett as a backup plan if Ryan is unavailable or doesn't want the job. But I don't think so. I think Garrett will be the next head coach.

In a recent Post-Dispatch poll as to who the fans want as the next Rams coach, Garrett got only 4% of the vote. Reports came out that once Garrett was found to be St. Louis bound, the Rams ticket office was pounded with calls from upset fans. If Garrett is the guy, it is going to be VERY controversial here. The fan base is already fragile after a 5-27 record over the past 2 seasons. Do the Rams really want to alienate the fans even more?

There are still so many questions that need an answer, such as:

• Why did Jim Thomas report that Frazier and Spags were the 2 finalists? Was he misled by the Rams? If so, that's pretty crappy on their part.
  
• If Frazier and Spags are indeed the 2 finalists, why are the Rams reportedly waiting until Monday to make their selection? That sure makes it seem like they are waiting to see if Rex Ryan will be available after the AFC championship game Sunday night.
  
• Why would Devaney, who had an absolutely stellar list of candidates assembled, suddenly reverse course and pick an offensive guy like Garrett, who definitely had the worst year of all of the candidates this past season? Frazier, Spags and Ryan are all seen as very solid picks and all of them have been deemed ready to lead by most NFL writers. Meanwhile Garrett has the least experience out of the whole group.
• For what other logical reason would Jason Garrett be invited to St. Louis while no other candidates are coming? Why did he bring his wife - to see the Gateway Arch? Would Garrett agree to come here knowing he was not the leading candidate?

The intrigue here is deep. Everyone has an opinion. And now that Tampa Bay has fired head coach John Gruden, some fans are insisting that he be thrust into the process. I still say that all signs point toward Garrett being the pick. I am just a little baffled by the pick and by the process that led to it. Garrett may be a fine choice. I'll support him wholeheartedly. But you have to wonder just what is going on at Rams' Park.

For a nice list of the pros and cons of hiring Garrett, read Bernie Miklasz's blog here. As usual, Miklasz does a bang-up job of laying it out there for everyone to see.

Edit: Latest reports are that Jason Garrett will be leaving St. Louis early in the morning. That makes it seems like no announcement is imminent. I am so confused.