Rams not retaining linebackers coach

The St. Louis Rams will not renew the contract of linebackers coach Blake Williams, son of suspended defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. A team spokesman told the Associated Press Wednesday night that there was ''nothing to report'' on Gregg Williams, banished for his role in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal, although the move could be interpreted as a signal of the franchise's intentions to cut ties. Gregg Williams was an early addition to new coach Jeff Fisher's staff last winter and Fisher did not replace him after the NFL handed down its suspension. The 28-year-old Blake Williams just completed his first season with the Rams after three years as a defensive assistant with the Saints. That was his third assistant coaching stint in the NFL on staffs where his father was defensive coordinator. Fisher said Monday that Gregg Williams had not been reinstated, and that Williams' future would be addressed ''over the next couple of weeks.'' ''Right now we are focused on the playoffs,'' NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. ''We are not commenting on timetables for addressing these other matters.'' The Rams have three former defensive coordinators on the staff, including Fisher, to share responsibilities last season. Assistant head coach Dave McGinnis, who met with media each Thursday, played a major role in shaping the defense. St. Louis was 14th overall in team defense. Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis led the team in tackles for the fourth straight season and outside linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar was second.