Vikings director of player personnel George Paton interviews with Rams

Rick Spielman's promotion to general manager might not be the only shakeup in the Minnesota Vikings' front office.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that George Paton, the Vikings' director of player personnel, was interviewing for the Rams' general manager job on Monday.

A longtime protege of Spielman, Paton has a strong reputation for personnel evaluation around the NFL and other pro leagues. He began his scouting career with the Chicago Bears, then spent six seasons (2001 to '06) with the Miami Dolphins before following Spielman to the Vikings in 2007.

The Post-Dispatch repoted that Joey Clinkscales, the New York Jets' vice president of college scouting, also was expected to interview with the Rams on Monday. Steve Keim, the Arizona Cardinals' director of player personnel, was scheduled to interview this week as well.

The Rams fired Billy Devaney, coach Steve Spagnuolo and much of their respective staffs on Jan. 2. They hired Jeff Fisher as coach on Jan. 13 and reportedly handed him significant control over personnel, but the GM job remains open.

Others linked to the job include personnel directors Brian Gaine of Miami and Les Snead of Atlanta.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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