Rams Eye Fisher to Design New ‘Attack’ Defense

After two days of discussions, Jeff Fisher is all but signed, sealed and set to design a new, attack-style Ram defense.

Coach John Robinson and Executive Vice President John Shaw made an informal offer to Fisher Friday, and a multiyear contract is expected to be tendered by Monday.

Fisher, 32, has been the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator for the last three seasons, but his contract expires Feb. 1, and the situation there has been altered by the firing of coach Buddy Ryan and the elevation of offensive coordinator Rich Kotite to the top job.

Unless the Eagles come up with a surprising counteroffer, Fisher, according to sources close to the situation, will join the Rams.

He is the Rams’ only choice to replace former defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmur, who was fired along with five other assistants Wednesday.

Robinson said a decision is expected by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Said Fisher: “A decision is going to have to be made. There’s not been a formal offer yet; we still have some things to discuss. But I’m sure things can be worked out here. We both want things to get done as quickly as possible.”

Fisher, a defensive back who played for Robinson at USC, said he would enjoy the challenge of revamping the Rams’ defense to a four-man line, pressure unit. Under Fisher and Ryan, the Eagles had one of the best defensive lines in football. The Rams played a 3-4 defense under Shurmur.