Donahue, Tollner Are on Rams’ List to Be Interviewed

In the next few days, the Rams are expected to seek permission to talk with UCLA Coach Terry Donahue and San Diego State Coach Ted Tollner about the team’s vacant head coaching position.

Donahue and Tollner, sources said, top a short list of candidates being considered for the job. Others include Oregon Coach Rich Brooks, former Chicago Bear coach Mike Ditka and Dallas offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese, who will meet with team officials next week.

Wisconsin Coach Barry Alvarez, who was on the short list, no longer is under serious consideration.

Steve Ortmayer, the Rams’ vice president of football operations, interviewed Donahue in 1989 while seeking a head coach for the San Diego Chargers. Ortmayer was impressed with Donahue at the time, but Donahue appeared hesitant about leaving UCLA and Ortmayer offered the position to Dan Henning.

Tollner, a former USC head coach and Ram quarterback coach, provides the offensive background the Rams would like in their new head coach.