After experiencing the wild highs and lows of the Mike Martz years, the winless
St. Louis Rams opted for cool, calm, reserved Scott Linehan as their next coach.
On Monday, they admitted their mistake and fired Linehan after four consecutive lopsided losses to open the season. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, a fiery type and polar opposite in terms of demeanor, was given the unenviable task of trying to revive a franchise that has become an NFL doormat.
The Rams have lost 17 of their last 20 games, most of them routs.
Linehan, 45, was 11-25 in the third season of a four-year contract that paid him about $8 million. The Rams have been outscored 147-43 this season, and have allowed at least 30 points in seven straight games dating back to last year.
The move was made heading into the Rams' bye week and in the early morning hours Monday, several hours after the
Buffalo Bills outscored them 25-0 in the second half of a 31-14 victory.
The Rams were 3-13 in 2007 and have lost eight in a row dating to last season. Dissension had been building after unsuccessful stabs by Linehan at a makeover: several new assistants; a remote training camp site; a higher-energy, upbeat delivery by the coach to project confidence and enthusiasm.
Linehan turned to desperation after the Rams were outscored 116-29 the first three games. Quarterback
Marc Bulger, the highest-paid player in franchise history, was benched in favor of 38-year-old
Trent Green. Starting cornerback
Fakhir Brown, a Haslett favorite, was released and there were four other lineup changes.
Running back
Steven Jackson ripped Linehan on his weekly radio show for benching Bulger, and there were reports Bulger no longer wanted to play for Linehan. Bulger has not spoken to media since the benching.
On a rail
I’ll stand by results. And lack thereof. He’s not a good coach.