Those who can't be Rams, become Lions

There is a saying in the education business (that I may or may not be privy to) that says 'Those who can't do, teach; and those that can't teach, teach gym.'

The NFL has its own saying. 'Those who cannot make it as a St. Louis Ram, make it as a Detroit Lion.'

Today's news out of Detroit reveals that former St. Louis head coach Scott Linehan has been tapped to run the Lions' offense, making it the second time in the last three seasons an ex-Rams head coach has gone on to coach at one of the few NFL franchises more pitiful than the Rams.

Mike Martz was given the offensive coordinator's position in 2006 after his dysfunctional relationship with St. Louis' front office finally resulted in a divorce.

Linehan was fired by St. Louis after he lost four consecutive games to open the 2008 season. Linehan was hired to replace the estranged Martz. Now, Linehan has apparently took a play from Martz's playbook and thought Detroit a good place to start.

The Lions recorded the NFL's first perfect 0-16 record last season, so obviously Linehan is being set up for success in this job post (blatant sarcasm). But he will get a crack to make some noise with the first pick in this year's NFL Draft.

But Linehan has been in this position before. The Rams had the 13th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and selected defensive lineman Adam Carriker. The Rams went on to a 3-13 record, although let the record show that the team had inspiring wins against the Atlanta Falcons (2007 version, not 2008) and the San Francisco 49ers.

After Linehan's tumultuous second season with St. Louis,
he was again given the grace of a premiere draft position. The coach took Chris Long, who very well may become a good player for the Rams down the road.

However, that team went an even worse 2-14, which is obviously enough to get you a gig with the Lions.

Taking a look at the Lions' offense, Linehan should have some weapons to work with.

Kevin Smith recorded nearly 1,000 rushing yards in his rookie season and rushed for eight touchdowns. And Calvin Johnson has emerged as one of the top receivers in the league. If Johnson was on a solid team, he would be one of the best.

Quarterback remains an issue for the Lions, but that could be addressed with the draft pick. Detroit could select USC's Mark Sanchez or Georgia's Matthew Stafford.

So potential is there for the Lions' offense to become solid. But do we really think Linehan will turn it around. This is a guy that could barely lead a Rams offense that has Steven Jackson and Torry Holt.

So let's just keep this in mind and start scouting ways that newly-hired Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo can help the Lions. I mean after Linehan fixes the offense, I'm sure Detroit will be looking for some help with its defense.

Remember, those who can't be Rams, become Lions. And those who can't even be Lions, become Lions coordinators.