Rams

Defense

Then they won’t get him. Coach Scott Linehan clearly doesn’t want to replace Jim Haslett, as he conceded that adding Williams is a “remote possibility.” Williams is more likely to end up with the Titans, Jaguars, or Raiders.

Ryan could bring his brother Rob, the Raiders’ defensive coordinator, along with him in a package deal because Rob’s contract is up in Oakland. A no-nonsense coach that still relates well to players, Rex would be a terrific hire for a Rams team that needs a significant attitude adjustment.

The Post spoke with four of Williams’ former Redskins players. Only DE Phillip Daniels, now a member of Washington’s front office, was willing to speak on the record. The reward for big hits was “hundreds to thousands of dollars,” said the Redskins’ players. Recalled one defensive player who’s still in the league, “If you took the star player out, he’d hook you up a little bit.” The Rams shouldn’t count on having Williams to coordinate their defense for 16 games.

Williams issued an apology on Friday. “I want to express my sincere regret and apology ... for my participation in the ‘pay for performance’ program while I was with the Saints,” Williams said. “It was a terrible mistake, and we knew it was wrong while we were doing it. Instead of getting caught up in it, I should have stopped it. I take full responsibility for my role.” Williams can be expected to serve a multi-game suspension next season as he attempts to turn around a Rams defense that allowed 25.4 points per game in 2011.

It means the rest of the players in the scandal, including Saints coach Sean Payton and GM Mickey Loomis, can expect to learn their fate this week, as well. Payton and Loomis were in New York City over the weekend, presumably to meet with league officials. According to Profootballtalk.com, “there’s support within the league” for a lifetime ban for Williams, but there’s concern it would “not survive a legal challenge.”

He’s out for at least the 2012 season. Commissioner Roger Goodell will review his case next offseason and consider reinstatement. Williams received the harshest punishment, as he instituted the program in New Orleans after similar systems in Washington and Buffalo. Assistant head coach Dave McGinnis, formerly the Cardinals’ coach and coordinator, is expected to take over as Rams’ defensive boss.

“Gregg is very, very remorseful at this point,” Fisher said. “He regrets everything that took place.” Fisher did concede, however, that he never would have hired Williams had he known about the indefinite suspension ahead of time. Fisher may have to wait several years to be reunited with Williams.

Fisher said in April the Rams weren’t planning to name an official fill-in for the indefinitely suspended Gregg Williams, and his tune hasn’t changed. Fisher and assistant head coach Dave McGinnis will split up Williams’ duties. Depending on how things go this season, the Rams will likely either promote McGinnis or hire a permanent replacement for Williams next offseason. It’s highly unlikely Williams ever coaches a game in St. Louis.

A former head coach and defensive coordinator, McGinnis served as Jeff Fisher’s LBs coach in Tennessee from 2004-10. He remained with the Titans in 2011.

However, King believes Williams could be suspended for the entire 2012 season. Williams is meeting with NFL security officials on Monday to address allegations that he oversaw similar programs during his time in Washington and Buffalo. If Williams is handed a year-long ban, the Rams will almost certainly be forced to move on at defensive coordinator.