Rams coaching search

Supposedly the St. Louis Rams have narrowed their list of head coaching candidates to 3 people: Vikings' defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Ravens' defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and Giants' defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Thankfully it appears as if current head coach Jim Haslett is out of the running.

If I were handicapping this race, I'd say Frazier is the favorite for the job. For one, he has a good background and a solid reputation. People compare his demeanor to that of recently retired Colts' coach Tony Dungy. And perhaps most importantly, he wants the job.

Ryan is still unavailable for negotiations until after the Ravens are done playing. While that could be Sunday, it's more than likely that the Rams feel they simply cannot wait that long. A lot of good potential assistant coaches are being snatched up by the minute. It is also thought that the Jets' job is Ryan's if he wants it. The bright lights of New York may be hard to turn down.

Spagnuolo is hard to read. Rams' GM Bill Devaney is an old friend of his and he is very well thought of. But people wonder how serious he is about the Rams' job. With the Chiefs hiring new GM Scott Pioli, some wonder if that job might be more attractive to Spagnuolo. Others think he may hang around and wait for current Giants coach Tom Coughlin to retire.

I think if everything were equal that Spagnuolo may be the leader coming into the final turn. He interviews today. But things are not equal. It will be up to Bill Devaney to find the right fit for the Rams. Any of these 3 candidates would be a fine choice. I just think Leslie Frazier seems the most likely to be The Man.