St. Louis Rams have strong interest in Minnesota Vikings' Leslie Frazier
Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier appears to be the front-runner for the St. Louis Rams head coaching job, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
Frazier, who was a finalist in Denver and a candidate in Detroit, reportedly impressed Rams executives and owners this week in Los Angeles. NFL.com reported Thursday night that the Rams are "hoping and expecting" to announce a decision by Saturday and the leading candidate was Frazier.
If he is the pick, Frazier could work toward a contract starting today.
Interestingly, though, NFL.com reported that if the Rams wait beyond this weekend, they could be more interested in Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who is coaching in the AFC championship game Sunday.
The Rams also have interviewed New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. The Associated Press reported Thursday that Rams interim head coach Jim Haslett is no longer a candidate.
Frazier was reportedly a finalist for the Lions job. But he never got a second interview, and the Lions announced that they have selected Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz as their next coach.
— Sean Jensen
Briefly: Vikings center Matt Birk, Philadelphia safety Brian Dawkins and Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner are finalists for the NFL's Man of the Year Award, named for late Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, which goes to the player who combines on-field excellence with off-the-field community service.
The winner will be announced before the Super Bowl on Feb. 1.
Birk has been the Vikings' man of the year seven straight times. He has established the HIKE Foundation — for hope, inspiration and knowledge to help youngsters in the Twin Cities. For the past two years, he has donated part of his salary to help retired players in need.
# Former Vikings offensive coordinator Scott Linehan is in his second interview with San Francisco coach Mike Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan, hoping to become the 49ers' offensive coordinator.
