You already know a lot of players and personnel have left Rams Park this offseason. You know Torry Holt's in Jacksonville. You know Orlando Pace's the new Sporting News cover guy for the Bears, and that Pisa Tinoisamoa's in Chicago with him. You know Trent Green and La'Roi Glover just retired.
But where are some of the other names we came to love and/or loathe from last season? Here's a rundown I was able to assemble after about an hour of Googling this morning....
The 2008 Coaching Staff
* Scott Linehan, laughably, is the offensive coordinator for the Lions. Jeff Horton, a mere "offensive assistant" here, has been entrusted with Matthew Stafford's development as Detroit's QB coach.
* Jim Haslett is the head coach of the Orlando franchise of the United Football League, which supposedly begins play this autumn. Haslett says he'd welcome Michael Vick to the team if he wants to play. If you want to see something truly scary, hit the UFL website until their picture of Las Vegas coach Jim Haslett pops up. Shiver.
* Al Roberts will be Haslett's special teams and tight ends coach in Orlando.
* Shockingly, Rick Venturi, the Ed McMahon (RIP) to Haslett's Johnny Carson, does not appear on the list of Orlando assistant coaches I found. Haslett didn't appear to name his defensive coordinator at that press conference, though. For all we know, Venturi's just enjoying retirement at the moment. He did talk to the Chicago Tribune recently about Pisa.
* Al Saunders interviewed for the Raiders OC position earlier this year but didn't get it. So no smoke routes for you, Al Davis. Not sure what Al is up to now.
* I could not locate Bob Saunders in any NFL capacity. Perhaps that is not surprising since Al Saunders is not currently serving in an NFL capacity.
* Henry Ellard is wide receivers coach for the Jets.
* Defensive line coach Brian Baker is now with the Panthers in the same capacity. He is joined by secondary coach Ron Milus, and they're working for another former Rams coach, Ron Meeks.
* Assistant o-line/TE coach Jim Chaney is offensive coordinator at the University of Tennessee.
* Offensive QC coach Keith Murphy also got work right away, to coach WRs and special teams at New Mexico State.
* As did defensive QC coach Mike Cox, now LBs coach at the University of Washington.
* Steve Loney stayed aboard as offensive line coach.
* Chuck Faucette remained with the Rams as assistant strength coach.
* Art Vandelay moved from assistant head coach/RB coach to assistant o-line coach.
* I mean Valero.
Players
*The Orlando UFL franchise drafted several former Rams to re-unite with Haslett:
LB Tim McGarigle, T Rob Petitti, WR Dominique Thompson and CB Darius Vinnett.
* Those aren't the only former Rams headed to the UFL. Marc Magro is headed to New York; Denzel's kid John David is going to San Francisco and Gary Stills and, yes, Adam Archuleta are headed to Las Vegas.
* Nick Leckey was picked up by the Saints. He just had surgery on his ankle but is expected back for the start of training camp.
* Brett Romberg was signed by the Falcons, where he'll compete with Jeremy Newberry and Alex Stepanovich for a roster spot behind starter Todd McClure.
* Ah, yes, Drew Bennett. Still a free agent, he worked out for the Buccaneers last week. He visited Cleveland in April without receiving an offer and has reportedly also visited the Titans. Atlanta is also reportedly interested in Drew's services, as is this badly-misguided Chicago Bears blogger.
Also still free agents as of June 4:
* Corey Chavous (though his jersey still appears to be available)
* Fakhir Brown (shockingly, Haslett hasn't signed him yet)
* Jason Craft
* Dante Hall (not to be confused with this theater in Atlantic City)
* Dane Looker
* Ricky Manning Jr.
* Travis Minor
I'm not sure why the Rams haven't signed Craft. They were supposedly interested in him, and he played pretty well last year. I also don't understand why they wouldn't bring back Looker, who's a contributor on special teams and would give the Rams some semblance of experience at wide receiver, all at a very low price in NFL terms.
Sorry, I have no Dana LeDuc update. But whenever I can dig up anything on him or the many players I don't even have listed here, I'll post an update.
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