Rams Turn to Linehan
The St. Louis Rams hired Miami offensive coordinator Scott Linehan on Thursday, the sixth first-time NFL head coach to land a job in the last two weeks.
The team called a news conference for today to introduce their fourth head coach since moving to the Midwest in 1995.
It’s the first hire outside the organization, however, since Dick Vermeil was lured out of retirement in 1997.
The 42-year-old Linehan impressed the team in two interviews. Then, he passed a final test with a meeting with team majority owner Georgia Frontiere in Arizona.
Linehan replaces Mike Martz, who was fired one day after the Rams finished a 6-10 season.
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The Detroit Lions hired Rod Marinelli because they hope he’s the tough coach they need to turn around the team that has been the NFL’s worst since 2001.
Marinelli, who spent the last 10 seasons in Tampa Bay as defensive line coach, certainly sounded like the right fit Thursday.
“There’s one voice for discipline. Mine,” the Vietnam veteran said during his introductory news conference. “There’s one voice for leadership. Mine.”
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Joe Gibbs addressed the Washington Redskins’ late-season offensive struggles by hiring offensive coordinator Al Saunders away from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Saunders’ new title has yet to be determined.
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Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton interviewed for the Buffalo Bills’ coaching job. The former Buffalo player and current San Diego Charger receivers coach is the fourth candidate to meet with owner Ralph Wilson and General Manager Marv Levy.
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New York Jet Coach Eric Mangini decided to keep offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger on staff, shortly after parting ways with defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson.
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Kansas City defensive back Greg Wesley was arrested early Thursday for allegedly threatening to punch a bouncer.
Police said Wesley had been banned from entering Blonde, a bar on the city’s Country Club Plaza. At about 12:30 a.m., the 27-year-old player tried to enter the bar, according to a police report.
When bouncer Andrew Lord refused to let him in, police said Wesley “became upset and belligerent” and lunged at the bouncer with his fist in the air. Another bouncer restrained Wesley and kept him from entering the bar, police said.
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Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers missed his second day of practice with a shoulder injury and is still listed as questionable for the NFC championship game against Seattle.
Seahawk receivers Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram and defensive tackle Rocky Bernard all missed a second straight day of practice and all are listed as questionable.