Frontiere: Robinson Stays as Ram Coach : Pro football: Owner makes a surprise statement that eliminates doubt about the future of field management.

In a surprise move that short-circuited more than a month of speculation, Ram owner Georgia Frontiere guaranteed the continuation of the John Robinson Era by announcing Friday that Robinson will remain the team’s coach through 1991 and probably much longer.

In a five-paragraph statement, Frontiere added that Robinson will be granted broader powers in personnel matters and that the team will negotiate a contract extension with him beyond next season, the final year of his current deal.

Until Friday, Robinson’s fate wasn’t expected to be determined until after the end of the season, when he and Executive Vice President John Shaw were scheduled to decide if Robinson’s eight-year tenure with the Rams should cease as a result of the team’s dismal 1990 record.

Robinson has recently questioned whether he wanted to remain with the Rams, and Shaw refused to give his coach a vote of confidence throughout the period.

But Friday at about noon, Robinson was called off the field during practice, received the news in a call from Shaw, then informed his players--to warm applause.

“It was a bold initiative,” said an obviously pleased Robinson. “I think this is a bold move on her part and a move that ends what has become a bit of a circus.

“I think this thing was all kind of ticking down to a point where something was going to happen, and she just jumped in and said just eliminate all the garbage, let’s do this. . . .”

Shaw could not be reached for comment.

In her statement, Frontiere said: “I have nothing but the deepest respect for John’s abilities, and I’m certain that he is just as committed as I am to bringing our fans a championship team next year.”

Robinson, who said he had to take time to think before deciding on the fate of the rest of his coaching staff or possible major personnel changes, clearly saw Frontiere’s decision as the first big step needed to get the team turned.

In eight seasons, Robinson has compiled a 76-60 record and reached the playoffs six times.

“We have had some conversations along the way and have basically agreed that we, as an organization, need to get back on track,” Robinson said. “And I think Georgia’s move pretty much clears any obstacles in the way of that. . . .”

Robinson acknowledged that the team’s 5-10 record one season after reaching the NFC Championship game has caused strain within the franchise, and that he entertained thoughts of leaving during the past few weeks when it was reported that members of the front office were less than pleased with him.

But Robinson, who said he spoke with Frontiere “some time ago,” also emphasized that the owner’s action means he and the front office will work together for many years to come.

“For most of the eight years that we’ve been here, we have been successful and, I think, have done a lot of things right,” Robinson said. “This year, because of the disappointing performance by our team, obvious friction has been caused. I’m very grateful that this decision on Georgia’s part ends this period.”

Specifically, Frontiere said that “provisions will be made for the coach to have greater input in the draft, and in the selection and signing of Plan B free agents.”

Robinson declined comment when asked if he had sought this added influence directly from Frontiere, and it is not yet clear how much power Robinson actually will have.

Robinson refused to say he had emerged triumphant from a power struggle with Shaw, who has wielded more influence each season.

Robinson is known to have chafed in the past as Shaw’s base of authority has grown, and the coach is believed to be specifically interested in going more aggressively after Plan B free agents.

“I don’t see any of this in terms of saying I have more authority or more of this. . . ,” Robinson said. “I think when things start to go wrong, people start backing into corners.

“I think what her charge to me is: ‘Let’s put the past behind us, let’s clear the air and let’s get it going.’ It gives all of us in the organization an opportunity to, I think, be stimulated by it. I certainly am, and I think my conversation with John was that he felt that way.”

Robinson said he will take some time off, ponder what went wrong with the season, then start instituting changes he, Shaw and Frontiere deem necessary.

“We’re going to conduct business as usual between us, Georgia and John and myself--give ourselves some time,” Robinson said. “I think I need some time, certainly, to kind of calm down and re-focus.

“I’m just not going to discuss any of that. Obviously, we’re in the throes of a difficult season. I don’t want innuendo and rumor and misevaluation to become part of it any longer. I will tell you--as I think I always have--when I’m ready . . . whatever the subject--players, the future (and) evaluations of how we screwed things up here.”

Robinson’s vagueness put his staff in limbo until a decision is made, and defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmur said it’s nothing the assistant coaches aren’t used to.

“I think we wait and see what happens at the end of the season with the staff,” Shurmur said. “I think that happens in every season with every staff. It’s a matter of wait-and-see.

“I think the big step is that John is the head coach here for a period of years, which is a great sign.”

Ram players expressed relief that Robinson would be returning.

“It’s a weight off our minds,” veteran right tackle Jackie Slater said. “It’s a real positive thing. I think Coach Robinson is a class guy and a class head coach. I think he’s a hard worker in all phases of his profession. I think it’s a real good move for the fans as well as the Rams.”

Defensive end Doug Reed said Robinson broke the news to the players with a touch of humor mixed with seriousness, but there was only positive response.

“It was a sigh of relief,” Reed said. “All the players felt relieved because (when) you talk about coaching changes, you’re talking about player changes too. It’s a relieving feeling.

“(Robinson’s speech) was pretty much like, well, that’s over, and that old traditional hand-through-the-hair deal. It was kind of cute to us. . . .”

Said quarterback Jim Everett, who has shied away from commenting about Robinson’s situation: “I think it’s a positive move. I think it’s a good move for this organization--and I’ll have more comments after the New Orleans game (Monday night at the Superdome). But it’s definitely positive.”