Latest coaches' poll

The Rams' coaches' poll, not the NCAA coaches' poll... and right now, I'm the only voter...

1. Jim Schwartz (reported interest only)
2. Rex Ryan (interview Sunday likely)
3. Leslie Frasier (interview expected)
4. Russ Grimm (RIO)
5. Mike Munchak (RIO)
6. Steve Spagnuolo (RIO)
7. Josh McDaniel (interviewed Friday)
8. Jason Garrett (RIO)
9. Jim Haslett (received a bye)
10. Winston Moss (will return for 2nd interview)
11. Todd Bowles (interview expected)
12. Ray Sherman (interview expected next week)
99. Jim Fassel (interviewed Thursday)

Thankfully, Fassel's interview is widely being considered a courtesy, or
a favor, more than anything. I doubt he's considered a serious candidate.

Haslett's moving up because he's indicated he'll go after Mike Martz, who
is totally receptive to the idea, to return as Rams OC. More on that on the way.

Schwartz and Ryan are at the top because they have architected great defenses
over many years. Schwartz is a respected leader and an innovative thinker. The
Rams' HC position badly needs both. Ryan's obviously part of a coaching family
and that background plus the success and respect he's gotten in Baltimore can't
be ignored.

The more you read on Frasier the more you'll like him as a HC candidate. He has
truly been successful everywhere he's been. And I'm keen on the idea of having
a former DB as a head coach. Tom Landry was a DB. So were Tony Dungy, Jeff Fisher
and Bill Cowher. Yeah, I know, so was Herm Edwards, but I've never heard anyone
question Edwards' leadership skills, he got the Jets to the playoffs, and KC's
clearly in a rebuilding phase.

I also like the track record of former offensive line coaches, so I stay high
on the prospects of Grimm and Munchak, who have played on excellent offensive lines
and put together top ones at Pittsburgh and Tennessee, respectively.

Spagnuolo, McDaniel and Garrett are the hot names, but don't have the long track
record. Are these guys Sean Paytons or Eric Manginis in the making, or are they
Lane Kiffins?

Raheem Morris is no longer on the list because it was reported that the Rams won't
interview him after all. Whatever the reason, that's a shame for the Rams. It's also
a shame they never even indicated interest in Mangini, or Ron Meeks, apparently. As
a former Browns ball boy, though, Mangini was probably destined to end up with Cleveland.

Eager to find out how Frasier's interview goes, or went, I don't know when it was
scheduled to occur. He's the most intriguing name on the list right now to me.