Linehan says running the Rams a team effort
In many ways, the St. Louis Rams’ new coach is similar to the one they just fired.
Scott Linehan is a sharp offensive tactician who will call his own plays – just as Mike Martz used to do.
“It’s like giving up a dog or something,” Linehan, the former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator, said Friday at a news conference to introduce him as Martz’s successor. “I can’t give that away.”
He’ll also leave the defense, largely, to the coordinator. Again, just like Martz.
“The reason you hire coaches is to do the job you hired them for,” said Linehan, who agreed to a four-year contract. “I’m going to be involved just so I’m informed.”
The Rams hope the similarities stop there. Clashes with the front office hastened an end to Martz’s six-season stay with the Rams, a run that included four playoff appearances.
Linehan is a native of Sunnyside, Wash., and a former quarterback and assistant coach at the University of Idaho. Linehan threw for 7,018 yards at Idaho from 1982-86. He began a 14-year college coaching career as an assistant at Idaho in 1989, and also had stops at UNLV, Washington and Louisville.
For Linehan, running the Rams is going to be a team effort.
“We’re going to do things together, we’re going to make decisions together, and we will come to the right decision,” Linehan said. “We’re not always going to agree, but we’re not going to be disagreeable about it, and that’s what the most important thing is.”
Another similarity: Linehan, 42, and Martz both got their first head coaching job with the Rams. Linehan has been in the NFL for four years, serving as offensive coordinator in Minnesota for three years before moving to Miami last season.
“He’ll make his mark,” Martz said of Linehan. “He’s a bright guy and he’ll get the players’ respect.”
But Linehan should also expect the Rams’ front office to be involved, Martz said.
“They’ll pick the players and coaches for him, and he’ll do whatever they want him to do,” Martz said.
Team president John Shaw described Linehan as “one of the young, bright offensive minds in the NFL.” He said Linehan stood out during a 17-day interview process.
It’ll be Linehan’s first head coaching job at any level. He called it a “dream come true,” but promised his wife, Kristen, that he wouldn’t cry at his news conference.
“I don’t think anybody can tell you or prepare you for all the things I need to be told and prepared to be a head coach who’s ready to go out there today,” Linehan said. “You really don’t know what path it’s going to take you, but you’re always preparing yourself for this day.”
Bills interview Capers, Caldwell
Former Houston Texans coach Dom Capers was one of two people who interviewed for the Buffalo Bills’ coaching job.
Indianapolis Colts assistant head coach Jim Caldwell also met with team owner Ralph Wilson and general manager Marv Levy, Bills spokesman Scott Berchtold said.
Six candidates have met with Bills officials. Former Green Bay coach Mike Sherman and former Chicago coach Dick Jauron are considered front-runners to replace Mike Mularkey, who abruptly resigned last week.
The Bills also interviewed Bobby April, Buffalo’s special teams coordinator, and San Diego Chargers receivers coach James Lofton.
Referee’s window shattered by rock
A rock was thrown through the front window at the Stockton, Calif., home of Pete Morelli, an NFL referee who made an incorrect call in last Sunday’s playoff game between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.
Morelli also is a high school principal, and police said it was unclear whether the incident was related to his school job or his role as a referee.
Morelli, who has been an NFL official for nine years, overturned on replay an interception by Pittsburgh’s Troy Polamalu. The league said Monday that Morelli should have let the call on the field stand.
Police said they have no suspects.
The grapefruit-sized rock was thrown through the window of Morelli’s home on Monday night, Stockton police spokesman Pete Smith said. Neither Morelli nor his wife, who also was home at the time, was injured.
Panthers’ Peppers returns to practice
Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers practiced for the first time this week, hitting the field in preparation of the NFC championship game against Seattle.
Peppers sat out Wednesday and Thursday’s practices with a shoulder injury, then an illness. He’s still listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks.
“He practiced today and he felt much better,” coach John Fox said. “He’s still day to day on the shoulder.”
Around the league
New England promoted 29-year-old quarterbacks coach Josh McDaniels to offensive coordinator, making him the youngest coordinator in the NFL. Charlie Weis left as coordinator after the 2004 season to become coach at Notre Dame, and no one took his place in 2005. McDaniels and coach Bill Belichick split most of the play-calling duties. … Buffalo signed 12 journeymen free agents Thursday, including quarterback Craig Ochs, who led Montana to the 2004 Division I-AA title game. Ochs signed with San Diego in the spring but was released by the Chargers in August.