Spagnuolo to the Rams

And the pieces finally begin to fall into place...

First reported by Bernie Miklasz, the St. Louis Rams have hired Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as their new head coach.

This means the Jets' coaching search is essentially down to Rex Ryan and Brian Schottenheimer, with almost all signs pointing to Ryan.

Now, the Steelers just need to beat the Ravens tomorrow, so we can finally get this over with!

Otherwise, it's another two weeks for the Super Bowl. At least in that case, you'll be able to root for Ryan's Ravens. It feels kind of perverted rooting for the Steelers to beat the Ravens, essentially rooting against the next head coach.

In any case this is a major development, and it paves the way for Ryan.

I already mentioned Mike Pettine as Ryan's likely defensive coordinator. If Schottenheimer leaves, expect Hue Jackson to take the offensive coordinator position.

Jackson was the Ravens' quarterback coach this year, helping develop Joe Flacco in his rookie season. The previous three years, he coached Chad Johnson, TJ Houshmandzadeh, and co. in Cincinnati as the wide receivers' coach. He's been an offensive coordinator only once before, with Washington in 2003, Steve Spurrier's final year there, and the only year the Ol' Ball Coach allowed someone else to call plays.