[PARAM]

LINK

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Wade Phillips on Thursday acknowledged various reports that he might not be welcome to return next season as defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams.

"I've heard a lot of rumors out there, but I don't pay attention to rumors," said Phillips, who is in the final season of his contract. "I'm going to do the best that I can do and if that's not good enough for somebody, then it isn't."

Rams coach Sean McVay said he spoke with Phillips about the reports that have surfaced.

"Wade and I discuss those things so we make sure there's a clear understanding of what goes on," McVay said. "And we keep those things behind closed doors.

"We'll finish off this season... we'll take some time to really be able to reflect back on the year, look back at some of the things that we need to do as we're moving forward."

The Rams are 8-7 and last Saturday were eliminated from playoff contention after a 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, who won on a last-second field goal after their offense converted twice on third-and-16 in a game-winning drive.

They will play a season finale Sunday at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum against the Arizona Cardinals. A victory would secure a third consecutive winning season for the Rams for the first time since 1999-2001.

The Rams' defense this season has played stout at times, but also has been prone to momentary and full-game lapses. In three losses -- to the Buccaneers, Ravens and Cowboys --- the defense allowed more than 40 points.

When asked to evaluate the defense's season, Phillips said, "Well, about 8-7."

The Rams' defense has allowed an average of 22.7 points and 336.1 yard per game this season. The unit has produced only 19 turnovers, but has 49 sacks.

McVay hired Phillips as his defensive coordinator after he was named head coach in 2017.

"He's been great," McVay said. "Even from the very first time that we started working together, his experience that he's had to be able to draw on... He's always had a great perspective just based on his experience and then whether it be as a head coach or a coordinator."

Philips is 72 years old and has coached in the NFL for 42 seasons. He appears to have no intention of retiring.

"I enjoy coaching," Phillips said. "I want to continue."

[snackdaddy]

I don't know. I think its time to move on and try another DC. But I'm not sure McVay has the guts to let him walk if he wants to return. I suppose it'll be up to Demoff and/or Snead. But the defense was pretty bad at times. Especially the last two games when they absolutely needed to win.

[CanuckRightWinger]

I hope Wade Phillips gets a well paid Defensive Consultant offer from Los Ramos.....
....and furthermore, I hope he takes it.

Does anybody see a NFL Franchise like Miami or Cincinnati, who had a shyte D in 2019, hiring a 73 year old Phillips to right-the-ship for 2020??!! I sure as hell don't!!

Wade....it's over.
Rams management traded for First Rounder studs like Suh, Peter, Talib, Ramsey, Dante Fowler #3 overall pick, Mathews #25 overall pick, Weddle, et al.......you inherited Rams studs like Donald #10 overall pick, Brockers #14 overall pick, Mark Barron #6 overall pick, Lemarcus Joyner (coveted 2nd Rounder), star Cory Littleton, FranchiseTagged TruJo.....drafted John Johnson, Taylor Rapp.....

ALL THAT FOOKING TALENT YOUR Ds END UP 13TH IN 2017,
20TH IN 2018,
AND CURRENTLY 17TH IN PPG SURRENDERED???!! REALLY???!!!

You did great work in Denver sir....kudos! Full Marks!!
....but that was in a galaxy far far away!!

Take the consultant job that Demoff offers you. It's the smart move!!

The above is JMO....like always.

[Hacksaw]

The unit has produced only 19 turnovers, but has 49 sacks.

With AD many coaches might get credit for that sack stat.

[Hacksaw]

My guess, right now, is that he stays.

Who would be an improvement that is available?

[snackdaddy]

The defense is probably not going to be very good whether he stays or goes. Maybe they need to put all their focus on scoring 30 points per game if they want to get back to the playoffs.

[Elvis]

Let's make this the catch all thread for possible coaching and personnel changes...

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2 ... -the-rams/

Chatter emerges of Bruce Allen to the Rams

Posted by Mike Florio on December 28, 2019, 7:56 PM EST

George Allen, the late and legendary NFL head coach, worked for the Rams before heading to Washington. His son, Bruce, could be following an extended stint in D.C. with a move to L.A.

Per a league source, there’s already talk in league circles of Allen becoming a consultant for the Rams, if he completely exits the Washington organization after the 2019 season concludes. It’s currently unclear whether he’ll leave Washington entirely; he’ll reportedly be removed from football operations on Monday.

The tentacles between the Rams and Allen are obvious. Allen hired Rams COO Kevin Demoff in 2005. With the Bucs, Demoff assisted in contract negotiations, salary cap management, strategic planning, and both college and pro scouting. Allen’s tenure with the Bucs also coincided with the arrival of Rams coach Sean McVay, who served as assistant receivers coach in 2008, the last year of the Allen/Jon Gruden regime in Tampa.

The potential involvement of Allen in the Rams’ front office comes at a time when Mike Silver of NFL.com has reported that the anticipted offseason changes in L.A. could include the personnel department.

[BobCarl]

That’s the thing, I don’t know.
Many of the people who want him gone also want them to go 4-3, and I don’t see anyway that’s possible, this season. Way too many 3-4 specific fits in the front 7, imo.

Time to retool?

I think this team needs to be built around Donald.... which to me, calls for a 4-3 defense. Despite Donald leading the NFL in QB pressures under a 3-4, having 4 D-linemen will eat up more of the opponent's o-linemen, which ultimately will result in more sacks for Donald. Sacks are more demoralizing for the opposition than pressures.

[BobCarl]

I think that ignores what the Rams actually do with Donald.
It’s a common misconception.

Maybe you misunderstood what I wrote.

[BobCarl]

I don’t think so.
He plays the same base position that he does in a 4-3 base.
Then they move him around.
There would be no difference.

Fowler lines up as a DE most of the time, anyway.

Then yes, you misunderstood.