Rams GM Zygmunt resigns

Dec 22, 2008 - 11:37 PM ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Jim Zygmunt is on his way out as general manager and president of football operations of the St. Louis Rams.

Zygmunt turned in his resignation letter Monday - a move that had been rumored for weeks. It is expected to be the first domino to fall in a major shake-up of the team's front office.

St. Louis is 2-13 this season and have lost nine consecutive games on the heels of finishing 3-13 in 2007.

The Rams and Zygmunt came to a mutual agreement that he would leave the organization following the season. St. Louis concludes the year at Atlanta on Sunday.

Team president John Shaw is expected to take on a reduced role while executive vice president of personnel Billy Devaney will assume greater responsibilities.

Zygmunt, who has been with the organization in some capacity for 27 years, was named head of football operations shortly after the Rams' 23-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to have been part of one of the NFL's most storied franchises," Zygmunt said. "I am extremely grateful for the opportunities Rams ownership has provided to me over the last 27 seasons. I have been fortunate to have worked for and with some very special people."

St. Louis was back in the Super Bowl in 2001, suffering a stunning 20-17 defeat to the New England Patriots, but the Rams have made just two playoff appearances since and will be shut out of the postseason for the fourth straight season.

"Jay's departure represents a major loss for the Rams' organization," Shaw said. "He has been a tremendous employee and representative of the Rams who has been dedicated, loyal and committed to the Rams way and tradition."