Linehan Out, Haslett in... for now

Who would have thought Scott Linehan would be fired before Oakland Raiders' Lane Kiffin? I certainly didn't, knowing how loopy Al Davis is in his old age. Well is seems that too much loosing in the NFL is a bad thing and can loose you a pretty sweet head coaching job. The win-less St. Louis Rams fired coach Scott Linehan a day after a fourth straight this season. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett will replace Linehan on an interim basis.

ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen first reported, "Scott Linehan's tenure as Rams coach will go down as the third-worst in Rams franchise history. Linehan was fired after the Rams started the season 0-4." This axing was made heading into the Rams' bye week, perhaps giving them time to regroup. Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom said, "I have enormous respect for Scott Linehan as a person and believe under the right circumstances he will be regarded one day as a fine head coach, Unfortunately, the situation with the Rams as they exist today is no longer acceptable and we have to make a change."

His first year showed promise as the Rams finished with an average 8-8 record. Some of his players and the media questioned some key calls in games which may have the Ram's ending on a better note. Perhaps this was just "first year head coach" jitters as he was still learning on the job. Those darn jitters must have continued into Linehan's second year which was much worse. It may not have been completely Linehan's fault as injuries plagued the offensive line, and a record of poor drafting and crummy free-agent acquisitions landed the Rams to a 3-13 season.

Linehan recorded a 11-25 overall record in his first head-coaching job. Unfortunately for him, 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.

Who's next on the coaching chopping block?