Thomas: Rams like Williams as coach of secondary, more info on Saunders

**Nick** · #1 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

Rams like Williams as coach of secondary
By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Saturday, Jan. 26 2008

The Rams are interested in Gregg Williams, just-fired as defensive coordinator
in Washington, but only as a secondary coach.

And given Williams’ credentials and experience in the NFL, even coach Scott
Linehan conceded Saturday that having him agree to join the Rams to coach
defensive backs was "a remote possibility."

And even at this relatively late juncture in the annual offseason "coaching
carousel," Williams could have options. Oakland also was believed to be talking
to him for an unknown position on its staff.

Williams, a native of Excelsior Springs, Mo., was considered a favorite to
replace Joe Gibbs as head coach in Washington once Gibbs stepped down following
the Redskins’ wild-card playoff loss. Instead, he ended up being fired
Saturday, as was Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders.

Williams would have been one of the leading candidates to succeed Mike Martz as
Rams head coach following the 2005 season. Rams management was very high on
Williams, who was head coach of the Buffalo Bills from 2001-2003. But just days
after Martz’s contract was terminated in St. Louis, Williams signed a
three-year-contract extension to remain in Washington running the Redskins’
defense.

The Rams have had an opening in the secondary since Jan. 18, when Linehan fired
defensive backs coach Willy Robinson.

Meanwhile, the Rams’ ongoing search for an offensive coordinator took another
turn Saturday with Saunders’ firing in Washington. The Rams also sought
permission to speak with Saunders, a technicality (for Saunders and Williams)
since the paperwork on their terminations is not complete.

Linehan said Saturday evening that he already has had preliminary discussions
with Saunders, and expected to have more substantive talks with him over the
rest of the weekend.

However, some league sources say the Rams’ offensive coordinator’s job is
Saunders if he wants it. So far, former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator
Hue Jackson and current Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese are
the only candidates formally interviewed by Linehan to succeed Greg Olson.

A week ago, Linehan said Jackson and Zampese could be considered the
frontrunners. But that was a week ago — before Saunders became available.

Saunders, 60, was associate head coach-wide receivers coach for the Rams in
1999 (under Dick Vermeil) and 2000 (under Martz). From 2001 through ’05,
Saunders was offensive coordinator in Kansas City orchestrating a Chiefs attack
that was one of the league’s best for several seasons.

Prior to joining the Washington staff in ’06, Saunders was mentioned as a
potential head-coaching candidate in St. Louis, but was never interviewed by
the Rams.

#2 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

all I hear is potentialy, and a remote possibility.. I am tired of this.. make a dam move already.. overpay... I DONT CARE!! sorry.. I am Frustrated

*39thebeast* · #3 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

Remote possibility = definitely not happening. Saunders is a maybe, but with this organization i wont get my hopes up like i gullably did with Cameron. Hell probably like it more in Jacksonville anyways he has more of the pieces he wants for a good D, and i think hes too good to be a secondary coach anyway,

*btimsah* · #4 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

Why would he wanna coach our secondary? Greg Williams is a better coach than Linehan. It amazes me this front office.

*Mooselini* · #5 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 39thebeast

Remote possibility = definitely not happening. Saunders is a maybe, but with this organization i wont get my hopes up like i gullably did with Cameron. Hell probably like it more in Jacksonville anyways he has more of the pieces he wants for a good D, and i think hes too good to be a secondary coach anyway,

I know what you mean. But we do need to make a move here quick. We got screwed with Cameron, we dont need to get a no name coach...

*UtterBlitz* · #6 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by btimsah

Why would he wanna coach our secondary? Greg Williams is a better coach than Linehan. It amazes me this front office.

It would shock me if Williams would take anything less than DC on any team. The thought of him coaching the secondary .... is funny.

*chiguy* · #7 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

How screwed up do the Rams have to be to think they have a snowball's chance in hell to get Williams here as the defensive backs coach when he's probably owed quite a bit on his 'Skins contract. Geez, I'm embarassed they're even thinking about it.

**Nick** · #8 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

That seems a bit extreme. Let's remember that after being a successful coordinator and hot head coaching name for a few years, Ron Rivera went to San Diego after his contract ran up in Chicago to become a position coach. What's the worst that happens here, that Williams says no? It sounds like the team recognizes it's a long shot, but at least they can say they reached out and tried.

#9 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

How hard are they trying.. I tried to win the lottery, but that hasnt worked yet.

**Nick** · #10 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHAT-MONEY

How hard are they trying.. I tried to win the lottery, but that hasnt worked yet.

They're probably putting more of their energy into Saunders since they feel the chances are better with him.

#11 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

I dont know... I might take the money...then Get Saunders with whatevers left...that is how linehan Thinks.

**Nick** · #12 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHAT-MONEY

I dont know... I might take the money...then Get Saunders with whatevers left...that is how linehan Thinks.

....what? No clue what you're saying.

#13 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

ok.. Lets say linehan has our Cap to work with for coaches. instead of bringing in a Quality Coach he goes out and Get's A F.O.S.L then when we hardly have and money left then he makes his So Called moved to get a Good Coach.

**Nick** · #14 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHAT-MONEY

ok.. Lets say linehan has our Cap to work with for coaches. instead of bringing in a Quality Coach he goes out and Get's A F.O.S.L then when we hardly have and money left then he makes his So Called moved to get a Good Coach.

There is no salary cap for coaches. And Bernie is already reporting the Rams and Linehan are making a big push for Saunders.

**RamDez** · #15 (**permalink**) -27-01-2008

cap does not come into it with coaching staff.