GoRams2001: JT,

Have you heard anything on how the HC candidates went from a random group of unknown assistants to 5 well-known finalists overnight? Was someone growing impatient, or did the Bronco's hiring force them to get on the fast track?

Thanks again for your hard work and fact-checking. You're the only source I trust on this HC search.

Jim Thomas: I wouldn't say anything materialized overnight. Haslett, Frazier, and Ryan were always on the Rams radar. Spagnuolo became available when the Giants lost. (Plus, it doesn't seem like the market for him was as great as some anticipated.) Even Garrett was always in the mix; we (the media) just didn't know about it.

West Coast Ram: Jim,
I like Dom Capers as a DC, do you think any other candidate other than Haslett would bring him in as the DC? With many of the candidates being first time HC do you think that BD will make the new coach hire OC and DC that have already held at least that position? I hate that the Rams have been so poor the last few seasons but it sure makes the off season interesting.

Jim Thomas: I'm sure an important part of the interview process for all of the coaches will be staffing, particularly the OC and DC positions. Who knows? If it's a close call between a couple of candidates, it could make or break a candidate. As for Capers, I don't think he's the guy that Ryan would bring in. But not really sure.

Eddie1999: Hi Jim. Love this chat! First time caller, long time listener. I was wondering if you think Haslett wanting Martz as the OC was what he thinks is best for the team or if it was out of desperation. Afterall it seems to go against the idea of a power running game but would get fans approval of having Haslett as the head coach. It kind of reminds me of McCain nominating Palin. I for one would love to have Martz back. Even if they don't win at least they would be entertaining. I also don't buy into the thought process that we need a power running game because our defense is so bad we need to control the clock. Even it that the case, build the team for success a year or two down the road, not just next year. We all saw what Martz can do with the right personnel and Jackson can catch the ball even though not quite a well as Faulk. Thanks!

Eddie

Jim Thomas: I think Haslett has genuine respect for what Martz could do on offense. The question, of course, is whether Martz could stay committed to the running game. And keep in mind, Martz was just one of several names floated as a potential offensive coordinator by Haslett during his "finalist" interview last week.

fcoprado: Jim, How are you?
From 1983-1990, the Rams arn the 3-4 defense, under the late great Fritz Shurmur, remember him?In 1991, Jeff Fisher was hired as DC by coach John Robinson to run the 4-3, his only season with the Rams(Robinson quit after the season,Fisher went to Frisco).I believe if Ryan is hired he will run the 3-4.I don't think the other hires will run the 3-4.What do you think?

Jim Thomas: Among Frazier (Minnesota), Spagnuolo (NY Giants), and Ryan (Baltimore), the Ravens are the only ones who run the 3-4. But Ryan mixes the fronts and presents multiple looks. For example, I'm told that when Adalius Thomas was there, he spent a lot of time with his hand on the ground, giving the Ravens a 4-3 look. But there's no doubt, there will have to be some adjustments made personnel-wise if Ryan comes here and runs a 3-4 base.

ctramsfan: Jim, any news on possible free agents that the Rams mite make a strong push for?

Thanks for your time

Jim Thomas: It's pretty quiet on that front now. We're still about six-seven weeks away from free agency, and Devaney is spending almost all of his time on the coach search.