Rams trim Haslett from candidate list

ST. LOUIS -- Jim Haslett has been eliminated from consideration for the St. Louis Rams' coaching job.

The interim coach was 2-10 after being elevated from defensive coordinator when Scott Linehan was fired following an 0-4 start. General manager Billy Devaney said before interviewing candidates that Haslett, a former NFL coach of the year with the Saints, would be a finalist.

"Jim took over an impossible situation," Devaney said. "He kept the team focused and playing hard and, as an organization, we are much better off for his contribution.

"We decided that, after going through the interview process and in the spirit of that process, it was best to let Jim know that we are going to go in a new direction."

The Rams have four finalists for the job: Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.

Frazier said Wednesday he anticipated learning the Rams' decision by the weekend. Devaney said in a release that he didn't expect additional announcements Thursday.