National Football League

Rams hire Cromwell to coach wide receivers

Published Feb. 11, 2010 1:43 a.m. ET

foxsports

The St. Louis Rams hired Nolan Cromwell, a former four-time Pro Bowl defensive back with the franchise, to coach wide receivers.

Cromwell was offensive coordinator at Texas A&M the last two seasons and prior to that coached wide receivers with the Seattle Seahawks from 1999-2007. He replaces Charlie Baggett, who left after one season to be assistant head coach and wide receivers coach at Tennessee.

Cromwell is entering his 17th season as an NFL coach, including a one-year stint as Packers wide receivers coach in 1998 and Green Bay's special teams coach from 1992-97. He began his coaching career as a defensive and special teams assistant with the Rams in 1991.

Cromwell played his entire 11-year career, from 1977-87, with the Rams and was named NFC defensive player of the year in 1980. He ended his pro career as the franchise's career leader in interception return yardage with 671 yards on 37 interceptions.

``I am excited to be back with the Rams family,'' Cromwell said. ``I appreciate coach Spagnuolo for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to working with the receivers on our roster and the coaching staff.''

The Rams also had considered Isaac Bruce for the opening. Bruce played the last two seasons with the 49ers after spending 14 seasons with the Rams, and said after the season finale in St. Louis he was strongly considering retiring.