What Is 2016 Los Angeles Rams football team

Overview

The 2016 Los Angeles Rams marked a historic return of the NFL franchise to Los Angeles after 21 years in St. Louis. The relocation was approved by league owners in January 2016, reigniting the city's connection to professional football after a 21-year absence since the Rams left in 1995.

This season was defined by transition both on and off the field, including a new home stadium and major roster changes. Despite high hopes for a fresh start in LA, the team struggled on the field, finishing with one of the worst records in the league.

• Relocation: The Rams moved back to Los Angeles in 2016 after playing in St. Louis from 1995 to 2015, ending a 21-year absence from LA.
• Stadium: The team played home games at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a temporary venue while SoFi Stadium was under construction.
• Record: The Rams finished the 2016 season with a 4–12 win-loss record, placing last in the NFC West division.
• Coaching change: Head coach Jeff Fisher was fired after an 0–3 start; interim coach John Fassel took over for the remainder of the season.
• Draft pick: The Rams selected quarterback Jared Goff first overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, signaling a long-term rebuild around a young franchise player.

How It Works

The 2016 Rams season operated under a model of organizational overhaul, combining relocation logistics with on-field rebuilding. Key decisions shaped the team’s performance and long-term trajectory.

• Relocation Process: The move required NFL approval, financial agreements with the city, and infrastructure upgrades to the Coliseum. The process was finalized in January 2016.
• Stadium Adaptation: The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum underwent $100 million in renovations to meet NFL standards, including improved seating and technology.
• Coaching Structure:Jeff Fisher began the season as head coach but was dismissed after three consecutive losses. John Fassel, the special teams coordinator, became interim head coach.
• Quarterback Strategy: Despite drafting Jared Goff, the Rams started Case Keenum and later Sean Mannion due to Goff’s early struggles and injury concerns.
• Roster Rebuilding: The team traded veterans like Chris Long and Jason Garrett to accumulate draft picks, focusing on youth and future flexibility.
• Front Office:General Manager Les Snead and Chairman Stan Kroenke led the transition, emphasizing long-term growth over immediate wins.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2016 Rams season compared to recent years highlights the challenges of relocation and rebuilding.

This table illustrates the Rams’ dramatic shift: the 2016 season was a low point before a rapid turnaround under new leadership in 2017. The team improved from 4 wins to 11 in just one year, highlighting how 2016 served as a transitional foundation.

Why It Matters

The 2016 Rams season was a pivotal moment in NFL history, representing both a return to a major market and a blueprint for franchise rebuilding.

• Market Re-entry: The Rams’ return brought the NFL back to Los Angeles, the second-largest media market in the U.S., after a two-decade absence.
• Competition: The move set the stage for a rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers, who also relocated to LA in 2017, creating a two-team market.
• Stadium Development: The temporary use of the Coliseum accelerated plans for SoFi Stadium, which opened in 2020 in Inglewood.
• Coaching Impact: Jeff Fisher’s firing cleared the way for Sean McVay to be hired in 2017, leading a dramatic turnaround.
• Draft Strategy: The selection of Jared Goff first overall became a cornerstone of the Rams’ future success, despite early struggles.
• Cultural Impact: The return energized LA sports fans and reestablished the city as a key NFL hub, influencing future franchise relocations.

The 2016 season, while unsuccessful on record, laid the groundwork for future success and reshaped the NFL’s geographic and competitive landscape.