By PFW staff
Jan. 31, 2008

After dragging their feet in pursuit of a new offensive coordinator since the end of the 2007 season, the Rams finally got their man Wednesday when they hired 60-year-old Al Saunders to replace the fired Greg Olson. Saunders received a three-year contract, and the terms of his deal were undisclosed. Saunders, who formerly worked under both Dick Vermeil and Mike Martz in St. Louis, became available for the job after being fired late last week as the offensive coordinator of the Redskins. As soon as he was dismissed, there was instant speculation that the Rams would make a strong bid for his services. Rams head coach Scott Linehan said Saunders will call plays and oversee all of the team’s game-planning next sason, with Linehan taking on more of a supervisory role over both the offense and the defense, which is ably coordinated by another very experienced hand, Jim Haslett.

The PFW spin

For a franchise in major need of some good news, Saunders’ hiring was instantly praised by the local media, who still have vivid memories of Saunders’ creative input in Martz’s famous “Greatest Show on Turf” offense. Saunders brings instant credibility to an offense that badly needs it after significantly regressing in ’07, managing to score more points than only four other teams. His presence should particularly lift the spirits of veteran Rams offensive heavyweights Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Marc Bulger, who are champing at the bit for last year’s surprisingly milquetoast attack to be opened up. Team insiders believe Linehan deserves credit for his willingness to let Saunders, an extremely proven commodity, call the offensive shots. Linehan recognizes the need to improve his communication with his players, which he admits fell off last season, and he should be in a much better position to accomplish that goal now that he won’t be so tied down with the offense.