Say it ain't so, Martz on radar for Rams OC, again? Rams coaching update

by Ryan Van Bibber on Jan 1, 2009 10:48 AM CST in News

As of now, officially, Winston Moss and Jim Haslett are the only candidates for the head coaching gig. That's not expected to last though. Because it's wild card weekend, the Rams haven't been able to talk to Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan or Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. After this weekend's games, there's a one week window to contact playoff coaches.

Steve Spagnuolo and Josh McDaniels are considered out of the Rams price range.

Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was widely believed to be on the short list, but the Rams have made no overtures to contact him while the Titans are on a bye week. I'm starting to suspect that the short list may be just Haslett, Moss, Ryan and Frazier, but all that could change as other teams start to make moves. And, who knows, maybe Rams GM Billy Devaney and Schwartz are familiar enough to forego the formality of a preliminary interview. We'll see.

Here's a rumor to worry about in the meantime, from Pro Football Weekly:

Word is Haslett already has a well-thought-out game plan in place, should he be retained, that, among other things, calls for two new coordinators. We hear former Rams head coach Mike Martz may be on Haslett’s radar screen for the offensive coordinator job, and he's available after having been fired by the 49ers Tuesday.

Noooooooooo! Actually, I can't imagine the Rams brass letting this happen even if they do take the long shot of bringing Haslett back as head coach; a power struggle wouldn't be on the agenda for team looking to reverse an unfortunate set of circumstances partially put in place by Martz not all that long ago.

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Open to it

I know I may be getting flamed for this one but I thought I would put in my 2 cents. Even with no name quarterbacks and average wide outs no Martz offense has been as bad as we have played for most of the season. Not saying he will be the savior but I am willing to give it a go. I just think that we should get the best person for the job out there. If that is Martz so be it. If it is someone else go get him.

by borenson on Jan 1, 2009 12:25 PM CST reply actions

Oh, 2009. Did you not learn anything from 2008?

Ugh,

Jay Zygmunt, now that you are going to fire yourself...have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

by 3k on Jan 1, 2009 12:40 PM CST reply actions

Can't do any damage as OC

Not like Al Saunders isn’t Martz-lite anyway.

The power struggle nonsense back in the early 00’s was primarily Martz/Zygmunt/Shaw?

Perhaps martz was just acting out like a troubled teenager because nobody understands him, get people who can communicate with the guy, maybe a jar of Ritilin.. Who knows, maybe it could be GSOT time again.

by mpire on Jan 1, 2009 1:14 PM CST reply actions

A customer of mine came into my store

He told me that he heard if Haslett gets retained he was gonna hire Martz as OC and Capers as DC.

I couldn’t believe it until I saw this.

I’m actually for it

by Option27 on Jan 1, 2009 2:20 PM CST reply actions

Yeah, Mike Martz.

Can’t be worse can he?

I have witnessed time and time again.

by srdmad on Jan 1, 2009 2:27 PM CST reply actions

no way no chance no how

will mike martz ever wear blue and gold again unless he starts coaching for the university of tulsa. I dont see it as a pesonality problem between Hasslett and Martz, its a PR issue. You dont go forward by going back. While it was nice to win some games the city got tired and critical of Martz for a reason. If the franchize wants to start selling tickets again then they need to avoid anyone connected with the recent Rams past, except for one future hall of fame running back. BTW how cool is that that Marshall is taking an interest in his former team?

by PSKPSE on Jan 1, 2009 4:59 PM CST reply actions

why Martz won't happen

Haslett is on record as saying he’d rebuild the Rams offense around a power running game on the shoulders of steven jackson and a competent backup. Devaney’s said that’s the plan too, and it makes perfect sense.

For me, the power running game is kind of football gospel. That’s what, 9 times out of 10, wins the big games. Look at the playoff teams, the better ones aren’t among the league’s top 10 passing offenses (actually I’m a defense first Pentecostal).

Anyway, why bring back Martz if you’re going to do a power running game as you offense? AND AND AND, given Martz’ ego and predilection for power struggles, there’s no way Devaney lights that fire.

by Ryan Van Bibber on Jan 1, 2009 6:32 PM CST reply actions

Exception

Um Indy anyone?

by borenson on Jan 1, 2009 8:29 PM CST up reply actions

the obvious exception

by Ryan Van Bibber on Jan 2, 2009 10:16 AM CST up reply actions

No No NO

Martz wont be coming back for the reasons mentioned by both pskpse about hiring former HC as an OC and VanRam’s about the running game. Jackson clearly displayed that he is the talent of the O – so you need to center around him in the near future…

Outfielders For Sale! This weeks special...GMJ - see Tony for details!

by gorams77 on Jan 1, 2009 9:45 PM CST reply actions

shanahan?

I realize Shanahan probably has no interest in the Rams poor situation, plus he is probably out of their price range, but I was hoping for at least some speculation about him joining St. Louis.

Oh and about Martz, I was always thought he made a great O-Coordinator, nothing more. I agree with what everyone else has said about the Rams brass not wanting him back, but I doubt he’d agree to such a lack of power at a place where he previously had it.

by PolancoMcEwing on Jan 1, 2009 11:32 PM CST reply actions