Now that Rams interim coach Jim Haslett has lost his interim tag and the opportunity to become the team’s next head coach, St. Louis is honing in on its hire.

With the team hoping and expecting to announce its decision by Saturday, the leader is considered to be Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, according to league sources. If the Rams were going to wait beyond this weekend, it would be a sign that they were more interested in Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who’s coaching in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Steelers.

But with a decision looming in the next 48 hours, Frazier is considered the favorite. He has impressed the Rams the same way he impressed the Broncos, who wouldn’t have had a problem hiring him had their talks with Josh McDaniels stalled. The Rams also have interviewed Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, but Frazier is believed to be the man to beat.

Should St. Louis turn to Frazier, he would be the next Vikings defensive coordinator to land a head-coaching job. Tony Dungy did it, Mike Tomlin did it, and now Frazier is poised to do it.