"Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels looks like he's out the door. Arizona defensive coordinator Ray Horton spent his Friday with Stan Kroenke in the Mile High City. And Jeff Fisher says it's down to St. Louis and Miami — not necessarily in that order — for his next place of employment.

Events Friday all seemed to indicate that a decision was near on the Rams' next head coach — with the signs pointing to Fisher and the Rams. How so?

Giving New England permission to interview McDaniels for its vacant offensive coordinator position could be interpreted as a strong hint that Fisher is coming to St. Louis. The Rams granted permission to the Patriots late Friday afternoon. Kansas City hasn't requested to speak to McDaniels.

NFL sources indicated to the Post-Dispatch early in the week that Fisher almost certainly wouldn't retain McDaniels because their offensive philosophies don't mesh. (Fisher likes a more conservative style with power running and play-action passing.)

Meanwhile, the interview with Horton in Denver fulfills Rooney Rule requirements on minority candidates. The interview went well, and Horton was impressive, according to team sources. So, it may seem easy enough to connect the dots and start working on that Jeff Fisher nameplate for the head coach's office at Rams Park.

• McDaniels gone. Check.

• Rooney rule. Check.

• Jeff Fisher. Write the check.

Not so fast. League sources familiar with the coach search said the Rams don't know who's the frontrunner at this point — them or Miami. Fisher let it be known Friday that his decision was down to the Dolphins and Rams, and that he would make a choice by midweek. The decision might come before that, but contrary to some speculative reports, Fisher hasn't made up his mind. Nor have the Rams and Fisher begun anything resembling serious negotiations, though that might happen as soon as today.

Wherever Fisher ends up, those close to Fisher say he plans to put together a "rock-star" coaching staff. One talking point of negotiations will be how much money he can spend on his staff, which was a point of contention at times during Fisher's 16 seasons with the Tennessee franchise.

So, it could be Fisher or bust for the Rams. Horton and Fisher are the only known candidates to have interviewed with the Rams. However, dismissing Horton would be a disservice, particularly when you consider that Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh was far from the top choice with the Steelers in 2007 but is seeking his third Super Bowl appearance and second Super Bowl title in four seasons."