http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/rams/story/4EE408E1D713AF8B862573DE0075699E?OpenDocument Rams working on contract with Saunders
By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/28/2008
In another sign that Al Saunders could be headed to St. Louis as the Rams’ offensive coordinator, the club has begun contract negotiations to bring the veteran NFL coach to Scott Linehan’s staff.
"We’re in negotiations with the Rams now," Saunders’ agent, Bob LaMonte, told the Post-Dispatch on Monday afternoon.
"And I think we can come to an agreement."
Negotiations are a bit tricky because Saunders is believed to have made more than Linehan did last year as Rams head coach.
Linehan makes about $2 million a year; Saunders made in excess of $2 million as offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, according to league sources, and was thought to be the highest-paid coordinator in the NFL last season.
Saunders had a year left on his contract with Washington when he was fired Saturday, and he gets that money even if he doesn’t coach next season.
But Saunders wants to work. And after spending 17 years of his coaching career with either the Kansas City Chiefs or the Rams, he considers the Midwest home, and probably will live in the state once he retires.
Saunders also is believed to be talking to Oakland, although it is uncertain for what position.
