The once-deep puddle of defensive c...

The once-deep puddle of defensive coordinator candidates for the St Louis Rams has gotten a little shallower.

Scratch Dick Jauron, who was hired as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, and Dom Capers, who was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, not on the list of potential defensive coordinators for the Rams.

Jim Bates, the former defensive coordinator for the verdant Bay Packers, is considered the Rams' top choice for defensive coordinator.

However, Bates also is drawing interest from the Houston Texans, and he's reportedly turn rounded down a contract offer from the Rams for more than $1 million a year.

The Rams have a sticky situation with Bates because it'd be impossible to justify paying him more or almost as abundant as new head coach Scott Linehan, who is believed to be making slightly in subordination to $2 million per year.

Other available defensive coordinators include