djjr11854: Jim,

I know I read it somewhere that Haslett wants the Head Coaching job in St. Louis. I say hire him even if he doesn't win two more games(which is HIGHLY unlikely). As I commented to an article earlier, it makes good sense to have him coach. He has already spoken with Chip and has ideas on whats needs to be done to fix this team. He knows the players now on both offense and defense. He knows who is just going thru the motions and who is busting their butts. A new coach won't have that knowledge and will have to start from ground zero. I like his fiery attitude and HE WANTS THE JOB!!
I don't know if there is another coach out there who does.

My question is what do you think his chances of getting the head coaching job will be if he doesn't win two more games?

As always thanks for you insights and have a great holiday!

Jim Thomas: Hello again everybody. Here we go. . . .
If he doesn't win two games, then I think it becomes more of an open job search. He becomes a candidate, but the Rams at least try to explore the market to see who's out there and who might be interested in coaching in St. Louis.

smackuprams: hi...when a player gets put on ir or suspension,i always wonder do they still pay him...how does that work....ty

Jim Thomas: There are specific guidelines in the NFLPA (the players' union) about discipline (and fines) for players. I'm sure a fine was involved for Barron's tardiness, although I don't know the amount.

Dave: Hey Jim,

This sunday I did something different while watching the Rams game. On every defensive series I only watched Chris Long and not the rest of the play. I was stunned. Long got no penetration, could not shed blockers on running plays, took bad angles and missed a few tackles, provided poor defensive containing and did not show balzing speed. was this an abberation or has Logn had other games like this. I'm not saying he;s a abust because I know it takes a few years to develp a top notch defensive end but I am not seeing the signs of an impact player as of yet. Your thoughts???

Jim Thomas: I haven't looked at the tape yet, but I don't think your eyes deceived you. It was not one of Long's better games. He did not have a tackle _ solo or assist. He did not have a QB pressure. Nothing. And this was according to the coaches' review of game tape. His play certainly has leveled off the last few weeks. He was playing much better a month ago.

Rampage: Hey Jim! So the Rams are in fact going to get rid of Zygmunt and Shaw after this season right? It is just so hard to believe they would actually finally do it. Also, any word on if we are going to hire a new team president and if so do you have a hunch on who it might be?

Jim Thomas: Between Bernie and I, we've mentioned this several times now. Although nothing is official at this moment, all signs point to Zygmunt being gone and Shaw staying on only on a consultant basis. My sense right now is that there may not be a team president hired. Devaney runs the football operation; Bob Wallace runs the non-football stuff at Rams Park (as he always has), you hire a cap guy (or two), beef up the pro personnel department, and off you go.

dominic zappia: Hey Jim:
I know as a big fan of you and your knowledge of the Rams while I read and listen to you on Bernies show,is there a chance that you can host a football show on sundays during the offseason on team1380? Similiar to what Balzer used to do on the radio.
And Im losing faith in Haslett,but I also believe with different players and him knowing what we need to succeed,he should get a chance.Your thoughts?

Jim Thomas: Maybe you could be my agent and set up an offseason football show. If nothing else, I'll be on plenty during the weekdays with Bernie during the offseason.
Obviously, the team's continuing swoon makes it tougher on Chip Rosenbloom to bring back Haslett. If the team finishes 2-14, it's going to be a tough sell to the fans. Saying that, Haslett gets it. I still feel he's a legitimate head coach. I still feel he has a better sense of the roster and what this team needs and doesn't need than any outside. But at the end of the day, will Rosenbloom feels he needs a complete fresh start? (One that would entail eating a few million dollars worth of assistant coaches' contracts.)