Rams Are Closing In on Knox : NFL: His former Seattle Seahawk assistants tell associates that L.A. is his first choice, but coach denies reports.

After criticisms of Buddy Ryan’s volatile character and a positive interview with Chuck Knox, the Rams are apparently on the brink of offering Knox their vacant coaching spot, possibly as soon as next week.

Although Knox has an interview scheduled with the Indianapolis Colts Friday and still is waiting to hear from the Green Bay Packers among other teams, a few of his former Seattle Seahawk assistants were telling associates Tuesday that the Rams were his first choice.

Sources said Seattle quarterbacks coach Ken Meyer told another NFL head-coaching prospect interested in his services that he would accompany Knox to the Rams, where Knox won five division titles in an earlier five-year run in the 1970s.

Knox, 59, reached at his Palm Springs home Tuesday evening, did not deny reports he is about to rejoin the Rams, but emphasized that he did not want to imply anything. “I’m not really saying anything at this point,” Knox said. “I’m just hoping to get things resolved possibly within the next week or so.”

The Rams understand Knox has not committed to them and are planning to interview San Francisco 49er offensive coordinator Mike Holmgren Thursday in Los Angeles.

But since Saturday, when Rams’ Executive Vice President John Shaw met with Knox in Palm Springs, and after the Rams began receiving calls from NFL figures who argued that Ryan does not deserve a chance to coach again, every sign has pointed to Knox rejoining the club.

Knox resigned from the Seattle Seahawks last week after nine years. He left the Rams after the 1977 season, despite a 54-15 record, after repeated run-ins with then-owner Carroll Rosenbloom.

Ram owner Georgia Frontiere, who has always respected Knox despite his problems with her late husband, is expected to meet with Knox sometime in the next week or so.

A few weeks ago, Ryan was just as strong a candidate as Knox in the Rams’ picture, but his candidacy was capsized by attacks on his character by leading NFL figures.

Chicago Bear Coach Mike Ditka says he was not one of them criticizing Ryan.

Ditka, who has had an infamous, long-running feud with Ryan since both were in Chicago, says he gave Ryan a thumbs-up when Shaw asked his opinion.

“I couldn’t say anything bad,” Ditka told reporters in Chicago this week when asked about his discussions with the Rams. “If that’s what they want--as long as they know what they’re getting. They’re getting a good football man, there’s no question about that.”