By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

The Rams added the final piece to the coaching staff puzzle Tuesday afternoon, hiring former Minnesota defensive line coach Brian Baker to take over the same role for the Rams.

Baker takes the spot vacated by Bill Kollar, who departed for Buffalo soon after Scott Linehan was hired as the Rams' head coach.

Baker has been with the Vikings since 2001 after spending four seasons with the Lions and a year with the Chargers. While with the Vikings, he helped develop defensive tackle Kevin Williams and end Darrion Scott and has worked with talented youngsters such as Erasmus James and Kenechi Udeze.

Baker's hiring comes not a moment too soon with the scouting combine set to begin in Indianapolis on Wednesday. The Rams have some important decisions to make on the future of the line with Ryan Pickett and Damione Lewis set for unrestricted free agency. Baker will help make those decisions as the team prepares for the start of free agency on March 3.

Before hiring Baker, the Rams had originally agreed with former Idaho coach Nick Holt to take the job. But Holt reconsidered after being offered the job as USC defensive coordinator. He opted for the job with the Trojans instead, leaving this position as the final one to be filled on the Rams' new staff.

Baker is expected to get to work immediately and be a part of the large St. Louis contingent that will descend on the combine.