NFL Post-Week 14 Power Rankings: Fisher Fired

The NFL coaching carousel has officially opened for business this year, and the L.A. Rams are the first team to take a spin.  The newly-relocated franchise dropped eight of nine following a surprising 3-1 start, and the streak of misery ended Monday with the firing of Jeff Fisher, who gained the job in 2012 and had signed a two-year contract extension before the season began.

Fisher’s time with the Rams was a period of comical mediocrity- in their final four years in St. Louis, the team always won at least six games, but never reached .500.  While always being a strong defensive, Fisher’s offenses have been historically terrible, creating teams capable of pulling big upsets, but never skilled enough to challenge for the playoffs themselves.  At least for Fisher’s sake, his termination came one week before a road game against the Seahawks, where Fisher would likely set the record for most losses by a head coach in NFL history.  In a head coaching career spanning over 20 seasons, Fisher holds a career record of 173-165-1.

The Rams’ return to L.A. has suffered a less than desirable start.  However, they won’t be the only team making a head coaching change this year.  Among the teams likely to be considering firing their current head coaches are the Bills, Jaguars, Chargers, Colts, Bears, and 49ers.  They have another thing in common- you can find them all in the bottom half of my power rankings.  Let’s take a look at where I’ve placed the 32 teams following last week’s action.

Biggest Risers: Packers (6 spots), Titans (5 spots); Biggest Faller: Broncos (7 spots)

For analysis on the playoff race in each conference, check out the Top Level Sports Podcast (coming very soon!).