Los Angeles Rams

The Rams have fired head coach Jeff Fisher

Published Dec. 14, 2016 8:37 a.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Los Angeles Rams signed Jeff Fisher to a contract extension in the offseason, but it didn’t ensure him any job security. The team announced on Monday that Fisher has been fired.

The Rams issued the following statement.

“Making a decision such as this - especially during the season - is one of the most difficult in sports,” said Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. “I have great respect for Jeff as a coach, person, father and friend.

“He has worked tirelessly despite some challenging circumstances. He played an integral role in helping this team make history in returning the NFL to Los Angeles, and we always will be grateful for his commitment and dedication to our organization.

“However, this is the right time to make a change as our performance has not lived up to my or our fans' expectations. We all are focused on improving as an organization and building a team that makes Los Angeles proud. Our mission is to celebrate a Super Bowl title with our fans in Los Angeles. Today is the first step to bringing us closer to that goal.”

Fisher went 31-45 in five years with the Rams, the last one being in LA after a move from St. Louis. He led the team to a lackluster 4-9 record this season behind the league’s worst offense. On Sunday, he tied the NFL record for the most losses by a head coach with 165 in his career.

The timing isn't ideal, considering the Rams play the Seahawks in just three days, but it was a necessary move. Players were uninspired and unmotivated in Sunday's debacle against the Falcons, and even Todd Gurley called out his teammates for not playing hard.