St. Louis Rams fire Coach Scott Linehan

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Scott Linehan has been fired by the St. Louis Rams after an 0-4 start to the 2008 season and 11-25 mark in just more than two seasons as the NFL team's coach.

Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom issued a statement Monday confirming Linehan had been let go and would be replaced by defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. Haslett was the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, building a 45-51 record from 2000-2005.

"I have enormous respect for Scott Linehan as a person and believe under the right circumstances he will be regarded one day as a fine head coach," Rosenbloom said. "Unfortunately, the situation with the Rams as they exist today is no longer acceptable and we have to make a change."

The Rams have lost eight consecutive games going to last season and 17 of their last 20 contests, including Sunday's 31-14 home loss to Buffalo. St. Louis has a bye this week.

Linehan had no head coaching experience when he was hired by the Rams in early 2006. St. Louis was 8-8 in his first season but 3-13 in 2007.