Rams closing in on GM hire

By Howard Balzer

The Sports Xchange

ST. LOUIS -- By the end of this weekend, the St. Louis Rams are expected to name a general manager.

Following a search that included interviews of at least nine potential candidates, club owner Stan Kroenke is expected to meet this weekend with two finalists: Minnesota Vikings director of player personnel George Paton and Atlanta Falcons director of player personnel Les Snead.

Paton is believed to be the favorite to replace Billy Devaney, who was fired along with head coach Steve Spagnuolo on Jan. 2.

Both Paton and Snead have already had two interviews; Snead's first was before Jeff Fisher was hired as head coach on Jan. 13. Paton's first interview wasn't until Jan. 31 and he had a second interview this past Monday.

Paton has been the Vikings' personnel director for the last five years, while Snead has been with the Falcons in the director's chair for three years.

Another Snead with varied scouting experience in the league, including with the Tennessee Titans when Fisher was the head coach there, has also been hired by the Rams although Rich Snead's actual responsibilities are not yet known.

Finally, a reported interview Thursday with Steelers director of business and administration Omar Khan did not occur, according to sources.

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