etp_stl: Mr. Thomas,

I'm quite interested in the way you feel the search is going.

1) Are you concerned that Rex Ryan is receiving too much praise for a defense that has been dominant through three different Defensive Coordinators? I have seen little difference in results there from Marvin Lewis to Mike Nolan to Rex Ryan.

2) Do you know why he was passed over by the Ravens and the Falcons last year for lesser known candidates?

3) How do you believe Devaney is going to evaluate a candidate's ability to manage the decisions on game day? This seems to be the biggest danger in hiring a coordinator to fit into the big head-set.

Thanks for any insight.

Jim Thomas: 1.) Don't get me wrong, I believe Ryan deserves consideration. But I think the points you raise are valid.
2.) Don't know. Good question. But keep in mind, too, that Tony Dungy was passed over many times before Tampa Bay took a chance on him in 1996.

CYCLONE RAM: Good Day Jim- I live in WI and went to several practices in Mequon- have the Rams decided where camp will be in 2009?

Jim Thomas: No they haven't. But if Haslett is retained, they will train in St. Louis at Rams Park.

Steve B.: Jim:
Thanks for these chats.
Last week you wrote an article stating that Ram scouts are at a disadvantage because of the coaching uncertainty, particularly that they don't know if the team will play a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense.
My own reading of the situation is that the Rams are in a bad position, personnel wise, to switch to a 3-4. Their LB's are too small, and even the D ends are problematic. Carriker might be able to slim down and switch to D end, but you probably need a whole new LB corps, excepting perhaps Spoon, who, if healthy, might play OLB in a 3-4. Chris Long has to go to LB, so does Little, if retained. Not to mention a nose tackle. You simply can't play a 3-4 without a big, slobbery guy clogging up the middle.
Given all those needs, how realistic is it to switch to full time 3-4, and do you think a 3-4 coach like Ryan be at a disadvatage in the selction process?

Jim Thomas: In the 3-4, the DEs actually are the size of Carriker. It's the OLBs, the rush ends, that have to be bigger (250 pounds) but still mobile. The question is can Little and Long adjust to being OLBs in a true 3-4. The Rams almost certainly would need a big wide-body as a run stuffer. And even if Long and Little could make the switch to OLB, they'd still need some help in the middle.

1978_rams_fan: Jim:

I keep hearing from many at the national media level that is a given that the Rams are definitely for sale and that it should occur at some point this year. In the past when teams are sold it typically "stays behind close doors" up until is almost a done deal. I read that one of the Vikings minority owners is trying to put a group and take a run at the Rams. Out in LA, Ed Roskie is also interested in getting a team. Can you share anything on these rumors or any other potential buyers? The national media sure thinks is going to happen.

Jim Thomas: To the best of my knowledge, nothing is imminent.

Sam: Jim-
Thanks for taking questions every week. I was watching a little of the Fiesta Bowl last night, and I wondered if you had any thoughts on Colt McCoy. If he declares this year, it doesn't sound like he'll be a 1st rounder. It seems like he would fit in well in a rush-centered offense w/ Steven Jackson - play-action, scrambles, etc. Thanks for your input.

Jim Thomas: I've watched him play several times on TV, but haven't really watched him if you know what I mean. What do you think of his arm strength and accuracy. I loved his resiliency last night in the Fiesta Bowl.