Rams hire former Dolphins assistant

ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Rams hired Miami offensive coordinator Scott Linehan on Thursday, the sixth first-time NFL head coach to land a job in the past two weeks.

The team called a news conference for today to introduce their fourth head coach since moving to the Midwest in 1995.

The 42-year-old Linehan impressed the team in two interviews. Then, he passed a final test, a meeting with team majority owner Georgia Frontiere.

Linehan helped the Dolphins finish 9-7, winning their final six games. He had been one of three finalists, along with Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

LIONS: Rod Marinelli, who spent the past 10 seasons in Tampa Bay as defensive line coach, certainly looked and sounded like the right fit as the team's new head coach.

"There's one voice for discipline. Mine," the Vietnam veteran said during his introductory news conference. "There's one voice for leadership. Mine."

Lions president Matt Millen acknowledged the team he began crafting five years ago - which has compiled a league-worst 21-59 record - has been soft.

"That's my fault," said Millen, who later added he will never quit his job in Detroit.

REDSKINS: Al Saunders, whose Kansas City offense led the NFL in yards and touchdowns the last five years, has agreed to become offensive coordinator for Washington.

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards confirmed the move. Offensive line coach Mike Solari was elevated to replace Saunders.

Saunders, who turns 59 on Feb. 1, had also interviewed for several head coaching jobs, including Kansas City, Detroit, Houston and Oakland.

PANTHERS: Defensive end Julius Peppers missed his second day of practice with a shoulder injury and is still listed as questionable for the NFC Championship game against Seattle.

Peppers, who was injured in last week's divisional playoff win over Chicago, was also feeling ill. Unlike the day before, when he watched practice from the sidelines, Peppers was seen walking toward his car while the Panthers were on the field.

- Former Panthers linebacker Mark Fields has hired a lawyer and plans to plead not guilty to charges he drove drunk last month in Arizona, his agent said.

Fields, 33, was arrested Dec. 29 after police in Scottsdale said his car was seen drifting out of his lane of traffic, nearly bumping a police car. He was cited on seven charges.

BILLS: Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton interviewed for the team's coaching job.

The former Bills player and current San Diego Chargers receivers coach is the fourth - and possibly final - candidate to meet with team owner Ralph Wilson and general manager Marv Levy in their search to replace Mike Mularkey.

JETS: Defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson was one of three assistant coaches fired.

Wide receivers coach Pep Hamilton and tight ends coach John Zernhelt were the other coaches let go.