Gregg Williams to become the Rams defensive coordinator

Posted by Josh Alper on January 13, 2012, 5:48 PM EST

AP

Gregg Williams will be coordinating the Saints defense on Saturday and through the rest of the postseason, but that could be it for his run in New Orleans.

Peter King of NBC and Sports Illustrated reports that Williams is “expected” to join Jeff Fisher in St. Louis next season. Williams ran the defense under Fisher with the Titans from 1997 to 2000 before leaving to become head coach of the Bills. He was a defensive assistant under Fisher and Jack Pardee with the franchise before moving up to defensive coordinator.

Williams, via James Varney of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, said earlier this week that he won’t talk to Fisher, who he called his best friend in coaching, until after the Saints’ season is over. The self-proclaimed “Dr. Heat” didn’t offer anything concrete about his plans beyond the postseason, however he did pass on a chance to reunite with Fisher when he took the New Orleans job in 2009.

If Williams does head to St. Louis, it will be interesting to see if Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn joins up with his old mates from Tennessee. With changes looming on the Eagles defense, the whole band could get back together with the Rams.

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Jeff Fisher finally announces selection of the Rams

As expected all along, Fisher winds up in St. Louis.  At least the posturing is finally over.   - Tiger

Posted by Mike Florio on January 13, 2012, 2:08 PM EST

AP

Jeff Fisher finally has chosen a team.

And, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Fisher has picked the Rams.  (Peter King of SI.com has confirmed the news.)

Presumably, based on Schefter’s report from Thursday, it means that Fisher will now work out a contract with the Rams, and that no financial offers had been made prior to Fisher picking the Rams.  (What’s the emoticon for rolling one’s eyes?)

No matter what anyone says, the deal wouldn’t have reported unless it was done.  And there’s no way Fisher picked the Rams and then negotiated his contract, with zero leverage.  Surely, Fisher had a complete offer in hand from each team, and he sat down and chose the franchise that barely beat his Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV.

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Despite not playing leverage game, Fisher using leverage in talks

Posted by Mike Florio on January 13, 2012, 10:46 AM EST

Getty Images

On Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Jeff Fisher isn’t leveraging the Dolphins against the Rams, and that neither team has made Fisher an offer.

Schefter elaborated on the situation during an appearance with Sid Rosenberg on WQAM radio.  Although Schefter continues to insist that no financial offers have been made (and we continue to insist that’s ludicrous), it’s clear that leverage is being exercised in other ways.

Wade Phillips changes mind about Bucs job

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 12, 2012, 9:22 PM EST

AP

We told you just a few hours ago that Wade Phillips sounded like he had mixed feelings about interviewing for the head coaching job with the Buccaneers.

Those mixed feelings have turned more certain. Phillips informed the Bucs he won’t meet about the position, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Mel Tucker opts to stay in Jacksonville

Posted by Mike Florio on January 12, 2012, 9:59 PM EST

AP

The Jaguars had hoped to hire a coach with an offensive specialty in the hopes of keeping interim head coach Mel Tucker on board as the defensive coordinator.  The Vikings had hoped to hire Tucker, presumably to be their defensive coordinator.

And while it could be a little awkward to stay with a team that passed over Tucker to be its head coach, Tucker has indeed opted to remain with the Jaguars, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Tucker, 40, joined the Jaguars in 2009.  He’s one of the short-list coaches whom Tony Dungy identified today on PFT Live as candidates in which Dungy would be interested, if hiring an NFL head coach.

Fred Pagac technically remains the defensive coordinator in Minnesota, but he’s expected to be fired.

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