First “Black Monday” casualty as Rams fire HC Steve Spagnuolo, GM Devaney

Let the re-shuffling begin on what has now widely become known as the NFL’s “Black Monday, a phrase hinting at what usually occurs the day after the regular season ends — the firing of head coaches, assistant coaches, and personnel who were unable to help their respective teams win.

Several head coaches are considered to be on the hot seat — the Colts Jim Caldwell, the Buccaneers Raheem Morris, and the Chargers Norv Turner — to name just a few.

But the St. Louis Rams have beaten all these above mentioned teams as the news broke only minutes ago that they have released their head coach Steve Spagnuolo after a disastrous 2-14 campaign in 2011.

Spagnuolo took over three years ago, drafted quarterback Sam Bradford, but still was only able to manage a 10-38 record over those three seasons.

Rumor has it that General Manager Billy Devaney also may be on his way out with Spagnuolo, but for now he is still in the building and a part of the team until further notice.

(Note: At the time of this writing the Rams had still not confirmed wheter they would indeed fire GM Billy Devaney. However the news just broke that they have parted ways with Devaney and are now lookign for a new GM alongside a new head coach.)

St. Louis is considered to be one of the most desirable teams now currently searching for a new head coach. They still have Bradford, a genuine franchise quarterback, solid ownership, and the second overall pick in the upcoming draft.

It seems that former Titans head coach Jeff Fisher may be the primary target of the Rams to take over the struggling franchise, but Fisher is also said to be in play to become the new coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Fisher stepped down in Tennesse after the end of the 2010 season. The Titans had a terrible year, and he and then quarterback Vince Young had a highly publicized streak of shouting matches.

Spagnuolo probably won’t be unemployed for long as he is now the leagues hottest available defensive coordinator. Saints fans my recall a shocking loss earlier this season to a win less Rams team, thanks to Spags defense generating six sacks on quarterback Drew Brees.

He also helped the New York Giants win the Super Bowl immediately before taking the Rams job.

At the time the Patriots were undefeated and it was thought they would steam roll the Giants. Instead Spagnuolo’s defense harassed Brady all game, and they would win on a last second touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress.