Saunders rejoins Rams’ staff
The St. Louis Rams hired Al Saunders as offensive coordinator on Wednesday, another step in a coaching staff overhaul following a three-win season.
Saunders was fired by the Washington Redskins on Saturday after two seasons in the same position. He’ll begin his second stint with the Rams after serving as an assistant under Dick Vermeil in 1999 and 2000, helping the Rams win their first Super Bowl after the ‘99 season.
Saunders, who signed a three-year contract, will call the plays next season, team spokesman Rick Smith said.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am to be able to announce that Al Saunders is our new offensive coordinator,” coach Scott Linehan said. “The process took time. We needed to be patient.”
Two Palmers on Bengals
Jordan Palmer was packed for Phoenix, ready to take his career to the Arena Football League, when he got a most unusual offer.
The Cincinnati Bengals wanted to know if he would like to try to earn a spot as his brother’s backup. They didn’t have to wait long for an answer.
He signed a two-year deal that will give him a chance to play behind his brother, quarterback Carson Palmer.
McGahee gains spot
San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson withdrew from the Pro Bowl, paving the way for Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee to receive his first appearance in the game.
McGahee, a second alternate, earned a trip to Hawaii because Tomlinson has a sprained knee. McGahee missed Baltimore’s regular-season finale with broken ribs but has sufficiently recovered and is eager to be part of the AFC squad.
Carey makes history
Mike Carey will head the officiating crew for Sunday’s Super Bowl between the New York Giants and New England Patriots, the first black referee at a Super Bowl.
Carey, in his 18th season as an NFL official, was the alternate referee in the 2002 Super Bowl.