ST. LOUIS Entering the 2011 season, the needle pointed up for New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. He had been part of a Jets team that had appeared in back-to-back AFC Championship Games under young, developing quarterback Mark Sanchez.

But after a highly disappointing Jets season, Schottenheimer went from someone mentioned as a possible head coach to someone out of a job. Schottenheimer, 38, didn't stay unemployed for long. After a mutual parting of ways with the Jets less than two weeks ago, Schottenheimer was hired Saturday as Rams offensive coordinator by coach Jeff Fisher.

According to league sources, it was a close call between Schottenheimer and former Oakland head coach Hue Jackson, who was impressive in his interview. But Fisher informed Jackson on Saturday that he is going with Schottenheimer, son of longtime NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer.

ELSEWHERE

CAROLINA: Cam Newton is headed to Hawaii.

With Eli Manning and the New York Giants punching their Super Bowl ticket Sunday with a win at San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game, Newton is expected to take Manning's spot on the NFC team in the Pro Bowl on Jan. 29 in Honolulu.

Newton, who broke Peyton Manning's rookie passing record, was the NFC's first alternate at quarterback behind Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers, New Orleans' Drew Brees and Manning, who were voted in.

Newton, the former Auburn quarterback who was the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft, will join two Panthers teammates in Hawaii - receiver Steve Smith and center Ryan Kalil. Joseph Person

TAMPA BAY: Hunt for a Bucs head coach, Day 19

Top of the list

1. Mike Sherman: Former Packers and Texas A&M coach

2. Mike Zimmer: Bengals defensive coordinator

3. Tom Clements: Packers quarterbacks coach

4. Marty Schottenheimer: Former Browns, Chiefs, Redskins and Chargers coach

5. Brad Childress: Former Vikings coach

6. Jerry Gray: Titans defensive coordinator

On the radar

1. Rob Chudzinksi: Panthers offensive coordinator

2. Perry Fewell: Giants defensive coordinator

Tampa Bay Times

What's new

Colts owner Jim Irsay, via Twitter, says he will hire a coach by the end of this week. Ex-Ohio State coach Jim Tressel has entered the mix.

Tampa Bay Times

NEW ENGLAND: What would Steven Tyler, the "American Idol" judge, think of Steven Tyler, who sang the national anthem at the AFC Championship Game on Sunday? Let's just say the rendition probably wouldn't get him to Hollywood.

The 63-year-old frontman for the Boston-based rock group Aerosmith warbled "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the New England Patriots played the Baltimore Ravens. A favorite in the region because of his local ties, Tyler was cheered by the crowd anyway.

Associated Press