The NFL Network is reporting that Steve Spagnuolo and the Rams have agreed on a four-year contract worth $11.5 million. I was unable to independently verify this information and have no idea if it's accurate.

Spagnuolo, 49, was the Giants defensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008 and came up with the game plan that resulted in five sacks of Tom Brady and a shocking upset of the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

Before that, Spagnuolo learned his trade under acclaimed Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, working as an Eagles defensive assistant from 1999-2006. Spagnuolo came out of the Philadelphia experience with a variety of multiple defensive formations and blitz packages that he put to great use with the Giants.

It was reported earlier this week that former Bengals and current Vikings' defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier would be the front-runner for the job, but in the end it is Spagnuolo that gets the nod.

In New York, news of Spagnuolo's depart was met with regret.

"It's a Rams Shame ... for Giants as Spags Bolts for St. Loo"

That was a headline on the back page in a Sunday edition of the New York Post. Spagnuolo was pictured with huge Rams horns superimposed on his head.

NFL rams, giants, steve spagnuolo, leslie frazier