Player Connections
*QB Drew Breeswas tutored by Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimerin San Diego from 2002-05. Ellard and Schottenheimer served on the same staff with the New York Jets from 2009-11.
*St. Louis T Joe Barksdaleplayed for LSU.
*St. Louis LB Daren Batesprepped at Olive Branch (Miss) HS.
*Rams DT Michael Brockersplayed at LSU from 2010-11.
*ILB Curtis Loftonand Rams G Harvey Dahlwere teammates in Atlanta from 2008-11.
*Rams QB Austin Davisstarred at Southern Mississippi from 2008-11.
*Rams LB Jo-Lonn Dunbarwas signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2008 and played with New Orleans for four seasons.
*Rams S Matt Giordanoplayed for the Saints in 2010. Giordano and OLB Keyunta Dawsonwere teammates in Indianapolis.
*Rams C/G Barrett Jonesblocked for Saints RB Mark Ingramat Alabama.
*WR Nick Toonand Rams TE Lance Kendrickswere teammates at Wisconsin.
*S MalcolmJenkins, St. Louis LB James Laurinitisand LS Jake McQuaidewere teammates at Ohio State.
*T Charles Brownand Rams S T.J. McDonaldwere teammates at USC.
*TE Jimmy Grahamand Rams CB Brandon McGeewere teammates at the University of Miami (Fla.) in 2009.
*NT John Jenkinsand St. Louis LB Alec Ogeltreewere teammates at Georgia.
Coaching Connections
*Asst. head coach/linebackers Joe Vittcoached defensive backs with the Rams for the club's final three seasons in Los Angeles from 1992-94. He rejoined them, serving as asst. head coach/linebackers from 2004-05, taking over the head coaching reigns for the final 11 games of 2005.
!*Defensive assistant/linebackers Brian Young was a fifth round draft pick of the Rams in 2000 and played for St.Louis from 2000-03.
*St. Louis strength coach Rock Gullicksonserved in the same position in New Orleans from 2000-05.
*Head equipment manager Dan Simmonsis a St. Louis native who graduated from Meramec College. Simmons, worked for his father, Bill, who served in a similar position with the St. Louis Cardinals.
*Rams director/player programs La'Roi Gloverplayed for New Orleans from 1997-2001 and is ranked seventh on the club's all-time list with 50 sacks.
*Assistant secondary coach Andre Curtisserved as defensive backs/safeties coach in St. Louis from 2009-11.
*Wide receivers coach Henry Ellardwas a second-round draft pick of the Rams in 1983 and spent 11years with the club. At the time of his retirement from the NFL in 1998, Ellard held the Rams' team records for career receptions (593), receiving yards (9/761), 100-yard games (26), punt return average (11.3) and total offense (11,663). In 1988, he enjoyed his finest season as he led the NFC in receptions (86) and led the NFL in receiving yards (1,414). He also coached for the Rams from 2001-08, serving as the club's wide receivers coach his final six seasons with the club.
*Defensive coordinator Rob Ryanand Rams special teams coordinator John Fassellserved on the same staff in Oakland in 2008. Ryan tutored Rams secondary coach Chuck Cecilin Arizona from 1994-95.
*Tight ends coach Terry Maloneand St. Louis defensive coordinator Tim Waltonserved on the same staff at Bowling Green in 1995.
*Walton served as defensive backs coach at LSU in 2003, when the Tigers captured the National Championship.
*Rams assistant strength coach Adam Baileyserved as a coach in the Saints strength program from 2004-09.
*Rams offensive line coach Paul T. Boudreauserved in the same position with the Saints from 1987-93.
*Rams quarterbacks coach Frank Cignettiserved in the same position in New Orleans from 2000-01.
