NFL Rumors: Jim Harbaugh has a ‘real chance’ to coach Rams?

The LA Rams and Jeff Fisher went their separate ways following a lifeless 42-14 home loss against the Atlanta Falcons. With Fisher gone, the Rams could be looking to bring in former San Francisco 49ers and current Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

An inaugural return season to Los Angeles for the once-revered Rams fell off a cliff yesterday when they were thumped by the Atlanta Falcons, 42-14, in an uninspiring performance. The loss was so disheartening that it served as the final nail in head coach Jeff Fisher’s coffin, who was relieved of his duties earlier on Monday.

The search for Fisher’s replacement is on. Now one interesting early indication is noting that Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL has a “very real” chance of happening. The comment was originally made by NFL reporter Albert Breer while off the air with radio host Colin Cowherd following an interview on the latter’s radio show. Breer, who didn’t explicitly state the Rams were pursuing Harbaugh during his interview, clarified the comment on Twitter Sunday morning.

And so begins the Jim Harbaugh-back-to-the-NFL speculation party. Even if Harbaugh to LA is purely speculative, the Rams wouldn’t be a bad fit for Harbaugh’s scheme and football methodology.

LA boasts a well-developed defense, including a stout front seven and arguably the league’s best defensive line–one of the few things Fisher got right during him time at the helm. That’s an essential building block and will coax many head coaching prospects to consider the Rams.

Offensively, the Rams aren’t as awry as they’re made to believe. Though light in the skill positions, they do possess a viable power running back in Todd Gurley and have a young quarterback who’s extremely malleable entering his first full season in Jared Goff.

Next: Every NFL Team's Best Draft Pick Of All-Time

Remember, the 2011 San Francisco 49ers weren’t so different from this Rams team. Those 49ers had an above-average defense, a proven running back and a quarterback who was way older and way more set in his ways in Alex Smith. In one year, Harbaugh took them to an NFC Championship Game with virtually the same roster, so to think this move would be a regression for Harbaugh is unfounded.

Only time will tell if Harbaugh actually does choose to take his talents elsewhere, and if it is in fact Los Angeles. But just know it’s apparently not as much as a long shot as it appears coming off Sunday’s horrific loss.