Mac's Football Blog

Panthers Unveil Updated Logo

2012-01-29T20:15:00.004-05:00

On Sunday night, the Carolina Panthers unveiled the first update to their logo since they entered the league in 1995.

"We have one of the finest and most recognizable logos in the NFL and wanted to make it as modern as possible without losing the dramatic essence of the mark," said Carolina Panthers President Danny Morrison. "It is a cleaner style that is easier to read and should be more applicable to different uses," Morrison added.

The tweak to the logo coincides with Nike replacing Reebok as the league's official supplier of uniforms and on-field apparel in 2012.

Patriots Land In Indianapolis

2012-01-29T17:16:00.003-05:00

The New England Patriots team plane touched down on time in Indianapolis on Sunday afternoon.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady will be holding press conferences on Sunday night, beginning with Coach Belichick at 6pm ET. In addition to Brady, Patriots players Logan Mankins, Jerod Mayo, Matthew Slater, Brian Waters and Wes Welker will be available to the media on Sunday night.

Their opponent, the New York Giants, are arriving on Monday.

On Monday, Belichick will hold another press conference at 3:30pm ET with Deion Branch, Patrick Chung, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Matt Light, Devin McCourty and Vince Wilfork available afterwards.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin will hold a press conference at 4:30pm ET on Monday, with Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, Mathias Kiwanuka, Antrel Rolle, Chris Snee and Justin Tuck.

Jim Caldwell Interviewed For Steelers Offensive Coordinator Position

2012-01-29T15:42:00.003-05:00

Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell interviewed for the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator vacancy this weekend, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports.

The Steelers opted not to bring back Bruce Arians, who has since been hired by the Colts.

Caldwell, 57, has head coaching experience at the college and NFL level, but has not coached at the coordinator level. A position coach in college before his head coaching opportunity, Caldwell followed the same career arc in the NFL, coaching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks in 2001 before following Tony Dungy to the Colts in 2002.

From 2002-08, Caldwell as the Colts' quarterbacks coach/assistant head coach before replacing Dungy in 2009.

Former Steelers LBs Coach Keith Butler Expected To Become Colts Defensive Coordinator

2012-01-29T11:11:00.007-05:00

Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler is expected to become the Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Ed Bouchette, who provides outstanding coverage of the Steelers for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports that Butler will interview on Tuesday, but it's not a done deal.

Butler has spent the last nine seasons with the Steelers and was thought to be the heir apparent to Dick LeBeau as Pittsburgh's defensive coordinator. The Steelers have blocked Butler from interviewing for coordinator positions in the past, but Butler's contract in Pittsburgh is expiring on February 15 and LeBeau has already said that he's returning for 2012. The Steelers have granted Butler permission to interview with the Colts.

Butler and Colts head coach Chuck Pagano were position coaches with Cleveland Browns from 2001-02.

With the Colts hiring Pagano and soon adding Butler, it's pretty clear that the Tampa-2 defense will be replaced with an aggressive 3-4 scheme.

Colts Owner Jim Irsay Refutes NFL Network Report

2012-01-29T10:24:00.003-05:00

During Friday's "Total Access" program on the NFL Network, Jason La Canfora reported that the Indianapolis Colts reached a decision to release quarterback Peyton Manning several weeks ago.

"According to sources who were involved in the Colts’ GM search, the organization was planning to move on from Manning weeks ago, well before this public squabble between the quarterback and his owner," La Canfora said.

Early this morning, Colts owner Jim Irsay refuted that report.

"No he hasn't been released nor was a decision reached weeks ago," Irsay tweeted.

Manning is due a $28 million option bonus that is payable between the second day after the Super Bowl (February 7) and four days before the start of the 2012 league year (March 8). La Canfora added that the Colts are expected to release Manning before the 2012 Scouting Combine, which begins on February 22.

Last week, Manning discussed the situation with Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star, which resulted in Irsay calling the four-time MVP a "politician" after a press conference to introduce Chuck Pagano as the head coach. Irsay and Manning issued a joint statement on Friday, but at this point, a divorce appears inevitable.

Colts Sign Free Agent C A.Q. Shipley

2012-01-29T10:10:00.004-05:00

The Indianapolis Colts announced the signing of free agent center A.Q. Shipley to a "Reserve/Futures' contract.

A seventh-round pick out of Penn State by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009, Shipley spent his rookie season on the Steelers practice squad and was with the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad in 2010. Released by the Eagles in September, Shipley spent 2011 as a street free agent, working out for the Buffalo Bills on December 27.

Prior to being named the Colts general manager, Ryan Grigson spent nine seasons with the Eagles, including the last two as the team's Director of Player Personnel.

Colts center Jeff Saturday is an unrestricted free agent and is contemplating retirement. The Colts used a pair of 2008 draft picks on centers Mike Pollak (second round) and Jamey Richard (seventh round), both of whom will be unrestricted free agents this offseason.

Nike's Vapor Jet Gloves To Debut During Pro Bowl

2012-01-29T10:05:00.002-05:00

Super Bowl XLVI will be the final game of Reebok's contract as the official uniform and apparel supplier of the National Football League. Nike's five-year contract with the league begins in April, but they are getting a head start by debuting their Vapor Jet gloves during the Pro Bowl.

Nike posted a photo of the gloves on their Facebook page.

The gloves are not currently for sale. Jerseys are still in development, but are expected to be unveiled in April.

Hunter Hillenmeyer Battling Bears, NFL Over Benefits, Salary

2012-01-29T09:26:00.002-05:00

Multiple concussions landed Chicago Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer on injured reserved in 2010. After being told to not continue his career by Dr. Elizabeth Pieroth, a neurologist and the team's concussion consultant, the Bears terminated the final year of Hillenmeyer's contract last February.

Hillenmeyer was set to earn $1.8 million in base salary this season and, under the collective bargaining agreement, he was entitled to an injury benefit of up to 50 percent of that salary. Former Bears general manager Jerry Angelo and current general counsel Cliff Stein have denied that request, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hillenmeyer believes the Bears are following orders from the NFL office.

"I was told by the Bears' own independent neuro-psych doctor that I could not continue playing football," Hillenmeyer said. "Just to be sure I was covering all my bases, I went to see (Dr. Robert) Cantu. He gave the same diagnosis: No more football.

"I filed the paperwork thinking it was a pretty open-and-shut deal. Now, I can't point the finger directly at Cliff or Jerry because they might have just been following orders from the (NFL Management Council), but they could have just agreed to the claim and it would have been done."

Hillenmeyer has filed a grievance against the Bears and the NFL. He's not the only one fighting the league for benefits and salary. Cincinnati Bengals tight end Ben Utecht has a similar grievance case and Biggs reports the NFLPA has informed agents that multiple teams have denied players' claims. Two teams, the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins, are attempting to have players with concussion histories sign injury waivers in regards to head injuries.

The NFL has paid lip service to raising concussion awareness and prevention, but all of that is empty talk if the league ignores or is slow to provide the financial assistance that players sent to an early retirement by head injuries are entitled to.

Super Bowl XLVI News and Notes - January 29, 2012

2012-01-29T09:25:00.000-05:00

Myra Kraft is an enduring presence for the New England Patriots.

The Patriots decade of dominance began in 2001, writes Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

The Globe also looks at where the players from the '01 team are now.

Safety James Ihedigbo was meant to be a Patriot, writes Steve Buckley of the Boston Herald.

The Patriots will need to play their best game to beat the Giants, NBC analyst and former Patriots safety Rodney Harrison said.

Unheralded late-round quarterback Julian Edelman has become a jack of all trades for the Patriots.

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston shares some quick-hit thoughts about the Patriots (and the rest of the league).

New York Giants first-round quarterback Prince Amukamara has a rebellious side that quickly caught up to him this season, writes Jorge Castillo of The Star-Ledger.

Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride is hopeful of another head coaching opportunity.

The Plaxico Burress incident cost the Giants a chance to defend their win in Super Bowl XLII, writes Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News.

Giants punter Steve Weatherford will play for the Super Bowl in his home state of Indiana.

Offensive lineman Kevin Boothe and defensive end Dave Tollefson are among five unsung Giants who have played a key role in the Super Bowl run.

Aaron Ross and Corey Webster lead a confident Giants' secondary.

Giants safety Deon Grant is ready for another shot at a Lombardi Trophy.

Today's NFL birthdays: Panthers safety Jordan Pugh (24), Bengals wide receiver Vidal Hazelton (24) and defensive tackle Pat Sims (27), Cowboys linebacker Alex Albright (24), Chiefs long-snapper Thomas Gafford (29), 49ers practice squad linebacker Monte Simmons (23), Titans kicker Rob Bironas (34), free agent wide receiver Mark Bradley (30) and offensive lineman Herman Johnson (27).

Former NFL running back Harold Green (44), defensive lineman Tim Johnson (47), center Jeff Mitchell (38), quarterback Bill Nelsen (71), wide receiver Andre Reed (48), punter Chad Stanley (36) and defensive back Aeneas Williams (44). The late Jack Stroud, an offensive lineman with the Giants, was born 84 years ago.

Georgia CB Brandon Boykin Suffers Leg Injury

2012-01-29T00:20:00.005-05:00

University of Georgia cornerback Brandon Boykin suffered a leg injury during Saturday afternoon's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, David Purdum of the Athens Banner-Herald reports.

Boykin was taken for X-rays and former UGA quarterback and current radio host Buck Belue reported that the cornerback's leg was broken and needed surgery. Boykin later downplayed the injury on Twitter.

"Everyone I appreciate the prayers.It's not as bad as the reports have said. Small set back.b back in 3 weeks! Cheer up!God makes no mistakes," Boykin wrote.

In 53 career game at UGA, Boykin recorded 159 tackles, including 20 for a loss with nine interceptions and 18 passes defensed. Boykin also had 103 rushing yards and one touchdown, caught five passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns and averaged 12.9 yards on 14 punt returns with two touchdowns and 24.2 yards with four touchdowns on 110 kick returns.

Boykin is projected to be a Day Two draft choice (round two or three) and has been invited to the 2012 Scouting Combine, which begins on February 22.

Report: Colts Made Decision To Move On From Manning Weeks Ago

2012-01-28T22:48:00.002-05:00

Despite denials from owner Jim Irsay that a decision on Peyton Manning has been made, the Indianapolis Colts made the decision to part ways with Manning weeks ago, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports.

"According to sources who were involved in the Colts’ GM search, the organization was planning to move on from Manning weeks ago, well before this public squabble between the quarterback and his owner," NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora said Friday on "NFL Total Access".

Thus far this offseason, the Colts have removed team president Bill Polian, who drafted Manning, his son and general manager Chris Polian, as well as head coach Jim Caldwell, who was Manning's longtime position coach. Replacing the Polians and Caldwell are Ryan Grigson as general manager and former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano.

Most of the Colts coaching staff has been replaced and the team reached an agreement with former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians to run their offense. Though Arians was Manning's first quarterbacks coach in the NFL, it's likely that he'll be tutoring the first few years of Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck's career.

La Canfora adds that the Colts will make a move with Manning prior to the 2012 Scouting Combine, which begins on February 22.

Manning is due a $28 million option bonus that is payable between two days after the Super Bowl (February 7) and four days before the start of the 2012 league year (March 8). With the Colts possessing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, which will certainly be used on Luck, the Colts are not going to pay Manning $35.4 million in 2012 (option bonus plus base salary) and a projected $15 million-plus in year one income to the quarterback position.

Falcons Hire Pat Hill To Coach Offensive Line

2012-01-28T20:28:00.003-05:00

The Atlanta Falcons have reached a deal with former Fresno State head coach Pat Hill, who will become the Falcons' offensive line coach.

Hill, 60, was fired by Fresno State on December 4 after leading the Bulldogs to a 112-80 record over 15 seasons.

A former college offensive lineman, Hill coached offensive lines at the college level at Los Angeles Valley Community College, Utah, UNLV and Arizona and at the professional level with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL. Before landing the Fresno State job, Hill spent four seasons as a tight ends/offensive line coach with the Cleveland Browns (1992-95) and Baltimore Ravens (1996).

Hill replaces Paul Boudreau, who was let go after the 2011 season and will reportedly be hired by the St. Louis Rams.

Cardinals Deny Buccaneers' Request To Interview John McNulty For Offensive Coordinator Opening

2012-01-28T20:27:00.000-05:00

The Arizona Cardinals have denied a request by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to interview receivers John McNulty for the team's offensive coordinator vacancy, Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic reports.

McNulty has been with the Cardinals for the last three seasons, returning to the NFL after coaching with newly-hired Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano at Rutgers University. McNulty coached receivers at Rutgers before he was promoted to assistant offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach and assuming play-calling duties.

With McNulty calling plays, the Scarlet Knights set school records for total offense and produced NFL players such as running back Ray Rice, wide receivers Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood and quarterback Mike Teel.

Prior to working at Rutgers, McNulty spent five seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and one season with the Dallas Cowboys.

Chiefs QB Matt Cassel Alerts Woman To House Fire

2012-01-28T16:54:00.002-05:00

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel alerted a Village of Loch Lloyd neighbor that her house was on fire, KMBC-TV in Kansas City reports.

Cassel lives in a nearby house in the gated community and his wife saw smoke and flames coming from the chimney. Cassel went to the home and knocked and rang the doorball until its occupant was outside. The house received significant damage, but no one was hurt in the Thursday night fire.

"I wasn't heroic at all," Cassel said. "I just ran up to the house and alerted them. The real heroes are the firefighters."

Colts Agree To Terms With Bruce Arians

2012-01-28T15:38:00.003-05:00

The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to terms with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Arians will officially sign a contract on Monday.

Arians, 59, spent the last five seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator. His contract with the team was allowed to expire earlier this month, with the team referring to Arians' departure as a "retirement", but Arians said he had no choice but the leave the team.

Before he was named offensive coordinator by head coach Mike Tomlin in 2007, Arians spent three seasons as the Steelers receivers coach. Arians was the Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator from 2001-03, coached the Colts quarterbacks from 1998-2000, and was a position coach with the New Orleans Saints (1996, tight ends) and Kansas City Chiefs (1989-92, running backs).

Despite all the front office and coaching turnover in Indianapolis, offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen and remains in place and could remain on the staff in a different capacity, possibly in a receivers coach role he performed from 2002-09.

Bears Name Phil Emery General Manager

2012-01-28T15:01:00.003-05:00

The Chicago Bears announced that Kansas City Chiefs Director of College Scouting Phil Emery has been named their general manager.

Emery replaces Jerry Angelo, who was fired after the 2011 season, and will officially be introduced on Monday.

After coaching at the college level from 1981-98, Emery joined the Bears scouting department. After seven years as an area scout, Emery spent five seasons as the Director of College Scouting for the Atlanta Falcons and has been with the Chiefs for the last three seasons.

New England Patriots Director of Pro Personnel Jason Licht, New York Giants Director of College Scouting Marc Ross, San Diego Chargers Director of Player Personnel Jimmy Raye and Bears Director of Player Personnel/interim general manager Tim Ruskell were also candidates. Emery and Licht were the finalists for the position and each had a second interview at Halas Hall late this week.

49ers LB Aldon Smith Arrested For DUI

2012-01-28T14:33:00.003-05:00

San Francisco 49ers rookie linebacker Aldon Smith was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in Miami Beach, Florida on Friday night, KTVU in San Francisco reports.

According to reports, the 22-year-old was booked into jail at 9:32am ET and bond was listed at $1,000.

Selected out of the University of Missouri with the seventh overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, Smith had 37 tackles in 16 games as a rookie, including a rookie franchise-record 14 quarterback sacks. Smith was named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Month in both October and December/January.

As the seventh overall pick, Smith signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $14.384 million. Included in that contract was an $8.961 million signing bonus that brought his year one earnings to $9.336 million dollars.

Chiefs Head Coach Romeo Crennel May Handle Coordinator Duties

2012-01-28T13:33:00.004-05:00

While he still looks for an offensive coordinator to replace Bill Muir, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel plans on continuing to work in the dual role he held late last season as interim head coach, Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star reports.

"It worked well at the end of the year in the three games that we played," Crennel said. "I’ve got good coaches, and we had good chemistry. I would like to not change that chemistry. If I can keep those guys together and we can work the way we’ve worked in the past, I think we’ll be a competitive defense and get some things done."

Chiefs defensive backs Emmitt Thomas has coordinator experience and was rumored to be a candidate for the defensive coordinator position on Dennis Allen's coaching staff with the Oakland Raiders. Thomas is staying in Kansas City, however, and while Crennel will continue to run the defense and call the plays, it might make sense to add defensive coordinator to Thomas' title so as to not overload Crennel's plate.

"I’m not saying that was a mistake," Crennel said of not calling the plays when he was a first-time head coach. "It was a different situation. That was the first time I was a head coach, and there were a lot of things you had to deal with. This time, already having head coaching experience, it’s going to be easier for me to handle. The first time, it would have been much tougher for me to do that."

Jets Offer DL Coach Job To Karl Dunbar

2012-01-28T12:21:00.001-05:00

The New York Jets have offered their defensive line coach position to Karl Dunbar, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports.

According to Mehta, it's believed that Dunbar will accept the offer.

A former NFL defensive end with the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals, the 44-year-old Dunbar spent the last six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before he was dismissed by head coach Leslie Frazier. Three Vikings defensive linemen -- Jared Allen, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams -- combined for 11 Pro Bowl appearances over the last six seasons.

The Vikings also led the NFL in run defense from 2006 through 2008, finishing second in 2009 before sliding down to 11th in 2011. The Vikings tied for the league lead with 50 quarterback sacks this season.

Dunbar also one season as the Chicago Bears defensive line coach on his resume, which includes defensive line coach stints with Nicholls State, LSU and Oklahoma State.

Rams Looking For Backfield Help

2012-01-28T10:43:00.000-05:00

For the third straight offseason, the St. Louis Rams will be looking to find a running back to pair with Steven Jackson, writes Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

After having Kenneth Darby serve as the No. 2 back behind Jackson in 2009 and 2010, the Rams signed veterans Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood to one-year deals at the veteran minimum after the lockout.

Williams started one game in place of an injured Jackson and had 361 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. Norwood played in nine games and had 61 yards on 25 carries, but did average 25.5 yards on 24 kick returns. Both Williams and Norwood will be unrestricted free agents in March and the Rams could look to the draft to add depth behind Jackson, who turns 29 in July.

One possibility is University of Washington running back Chris Polk, who is projected to be draft in the late first/early second round area. The 5-foot-11, 222-pound Polk earned first-team All-Pac 12 honors in 2011 after running for 1,488 yards and 12 touchdowns. Over his 40-game career with the Huskies, Polk ran for 4,049 yards, the second-most total in school history, and 26 touchdowns. Polk added 79 receptions for 683 yards out of the backfield.

Polk shares the same agent (Steve Caric) as Jackson and would open to joining him in the Rams' backfield.

"No, it wouldn't," Polk said of the Rams not being a bad place for him to play. "I'm actually going to work with him, too. I'm looking forward to making that happen."

Super Bowl XLVI News and Notes - January 28, 2012

2012-01-28T08:48:00.001-05:00

New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster should be listed among the top cover corners in the league, his teammates say.

The Giants hope their pass rush once again gets to Tom Brady.

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs' one-yard run to pick up a first down is a forgotten play from Super Bowl XLII.

Playing through pain is just a part of the game, says Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw.

Giants rookie linebacker Jacquian Williams plans to practice on Wednesday.

Bill Parcells is proud of Tom Coughlin and Bill Belichick.

Coughlin will make sure his players don't miss curfew.

Deion Branch is thankful for another Super Bowl run with the New England Patriots.

Chad Ochocinco has no regrets about the way his trade to the Patriots has worked out.

Patriots rookie long-snapper Danny Aiken has been flawless, i.e. anonymous, this season.

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston catches up with Patriots center/guard Nick McDonald.

The Patriots listed tight end Rob Gronkowski as "Questionable" with a high left ankle sprain.

Patriots defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick is prepared to help stop the Giants' running game.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will have to work quickly against the Giants defense.

Today's NFL birthdays: Cardinals guard Red Hadnot (30), Colts cornerback Brandon King (25), Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (28), Titans quarterback Rusty Smith (25), free agent defensive tackle Titus Adams (29), offensive tackle Jordan Black (32), quarterback Daunte Culpepper (35), wide receiver Greg Mathews (24), guard Terrance Metcalf (34)

Former NFL quarterback Tommy Hodson (45), offensive tackle Jon Jansen (36), defensive tackle Charlie Krueger (75), wide receiver Derrick Mayes (38) and center Jeff Uhlenhake (46).

Broncos Hire Jack Del Rio As Defensive Coordinator

2012-01-27T20:45:00.002-05:00

The Denver Broncos have hired Jack Del Rio to be their next defensive coordinator, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Del Rio replaces Dennis Allen, who informed the Broncos that he had accepted the Oakland Raiders' head coaching job.

Prior to his eight-plus year stint as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, Del Rio spent one season as the defensive coordinator on Broncos head coach John Fox's staff with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers allowed the second-fewest yards in the NFL (290.4 per game) and ranked fifth in scoring defense that season.

Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall Recruiting Matt Flynn

2012-01-27T20:21:00.000-05:00

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall has already talked to Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn, an unrestricted free agent in March, about joining him in South Florida, Jeff Darlington of NFL.com reports.

"You've got some guys (quarterbacks) in the draft, but there's not too many guys out there just walking the streets," Marshall said. "Matt is available...We've talked. I reached out to him. I get it from Ray Lewis. Around this time of year, players talk to players."

Marshall is playing in his third Pro Bowl after catching 81 passes for 1,214 yards with six touchdowns, all while catching passes for Chad Henne and Matt Moore. Henne is also an unrestricted free agent, while Moore is signed through next season.

Flynn has spent the last few seasons playing under Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin, who was the offensive coordinator in Green Bay. That familiarity, plus a lucrative, long-term contract, would make him the No. 1 quarterback in Miami.

"Obviously, Matt had a great year," Marshall said of Moore. "You don't want to take anything away from Matt, but I think we really bring in somebody who can compete and make the team better. We need someone who is going to grab a hold of our offense, hold everyone accountable and be that leader."

Chiefs Name Ted Crews Vice President of Communications

2012-01-27T18:53:00.003-05:00

The Kansas City Chiefs announced that Ted Crews has been named the team's Vice President of Communications.

Crews has worked in the media relations department of the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons and most recently the St. Louis Rams, where he was Senior Director of Communications.

"I want to thank Clark Hunt, the Hunt family, Scott Pioli and Mark Donovan for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this storied franchise," Crews said. "I am excited and honored to join the Chiefs family and I am looking forward to getting involved in the Kansas City community and working with the Chiefs staff as well as the local media."

Super Bowl XLVI Bye Week Injury Report (Friday)

2012-01-27T17:32:00.002-05:00

The New York Giants and New England Patriots submitted the following injury reports for Super Bowl XLVI on Friday.

New York Giants

Questionable: CB/KR Will Blackmon (knee), WR Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), CB Corey Webster (hamstring), LB Jacquian Williams (foot)

Probable: C David Baas (abdomen neck), LB Chase Blackburn (calf), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), S Tyler Sash (concussion), DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee)

New England Patriots

Questionable: WR Deion Branch (knee), T Marcus Cannon (ankle), S Patrick Chung (knee), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), DT Kyle Love (ankle), G Logan Mankins (knee), LB Rob Ninkovich (hip), LB Brandon Spikes (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (back, foot), WR Wes Welker (knee), LB Tracy White (abdomen)

Probable: G Dan Connolly (groin), WR Matt Slater (shoulder)

Commission Says Rams Must Play Home Games At Edward Jones Dome

2012-01-27T16:43:00.003-05:00

In the wake of the news that the St. Louis Rams will play one home game per season in the United Kingdom, the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission announced that their lease with the team requires the Rams to play all home games at the Edward Jones Dome, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

"Our lease with the Rams requires that the Rams play all their home games in the Edward Jones Dome," the commission announced while acknowledging that the overseas games would raise the profile of the city of St. Louis. "We immediately brought this to the Rams' attention and are awaiting their response."

The Rams have the option to "opt-out" of their lease by 2015 if the commission does not make upgrades to the facility that would make it a "first tier" NFL stadium. The commission has until next Wednesday to provide a plan to refurbish the stadium to meet that criteria.

According to the report, the Rams' lease does state that the team is required to play its home games at the Edward Jones Dome unless the facility is not in a useable condition or if the lease has been terminated.

Colts Owner Jim Irsay, Peyton Manning Issue Joint Statement

2012-01-27T14:31:00.001-05:00

After sending messages to one another through traditional and social media the last few days, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and quarterback Peyton Manning have issued the following joint statement:

"We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us.

"Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust. We have always been able to talk and address matters we’ve faced over the years, not just as owner and player, but as friends. We had a long talk today and we want to assure Colts fans everywhere that we are both committed to maintaining our close relationship and to working together through any challenges the future may bring."

Eagles Promote Anthony Patch; Add Rick Mueller To Personnel Department

2012-01-27T13:58:00.003-05:00

The Philadelphia Eagles announced the promotion of Anthony Patch to Director of College Scouting.

Patch has been with the Eagles for the last 10 seasons, scouting the west region before his 2010 promotion to Assistant Director of College Scouting. Patch previously worked in the Miami Dolphins' player personnel department.

In addition to Patch, the Eagles have also added Rick Mueller as a pro personnel executive. Mueller worked as a scout and Director of College Scouting with the Jacksonville Jaguars (1994-2000) and as the Director of Player Personnel with the New Orleans Saints from 2000-08.

Mueller spent the last three seasons with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.

Mueller's brother Rick is a longtime executive with the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins who currently works in the San Diego Chargers front office.

Bobby Engram To Coach WRs For Pittsburgh Panthers

2012-01-27T12:10:00.003-05:00

San Francisco 49ers coaching assistant Bobby Engram has accepted the position of wide receivers coach at the University of Pittsburgh, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports.

Maiocco notes that Panthers head coach Paul Chryst is the brother of 49ers quarterbacks coach Geep Chryst.

"Bobby Engram is an outstanding addition to our staff," Chryst said in a statement on the Pitt website. "I'm really excited that our players will have the opportunity to learn and benefit from Bobby’s tremendous experience and knowledge of the game. He will be a great teacher on the field and make an even greater impact on our players off the field."

Engram, 39, caught 650 passes for 7,751 yards and 35 touchdowns in a 14-year career with the Chicago Bears (1996-2000), Seattle Seahawks (2001-08) and Kansas City Chiefs (2009).

Dolphins Finalizing Deals With Mike Sherman, Kevin Coyle

2012-01-27T12:07:00.004-05:00

The Miami Dolphins are finalizing deals with offensive coordinator Mike Sherman and defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle, Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel reports.

A head coaching candidate with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and offensive coordinator candidate with the Cleveland Browns, the 57-year-old Sherman gave Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin his first NFL coaching opportunity as an assistant offensive line coach with the Green Bay Packers in 2003.

Philbin added coaching tight ends to his list of duties in 2004 and remained on staff after the Packers dismissed Sherman following the 2005 season. Overall, Sherman was 59-43 in his six seasons with the Packers, and after two seasons as an assistant with the Houston Texans became the head coach of the Texas A&M program in 2008.

Sherman has also coached tight ends with the Packers (1997-98) and was the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator in 1999. In Miami, Sherman replaces Brian Daboll and inherits an offense that ranked 22nd in total offense -- 11th in rushing offense, 23rd in passing offense -- and were 20th in scoring offense with a 20.6 points per game average.

Coyle, 56, has spent his entire 11-year NFL coaching career with the Cincinnati Bengals, spending the last nine as the team's defensive backs coach. Croyle spent 15 years as a defensive coordinator in college stops with Fresno State, Maryland, Syracuse and Holy Cross.

Coyle replaces Mike Nolan, who accepted the same position with the Atlanta Falcons. The Dolphins ranked 15th in total defense last season, but were third against the run and sixth in scoring defense. One area Coyle could improve upon is the pass defense, which ranked 25th in passing yards allowed per game.

Ravens Keep Cam Cameron, Promote Dean Pees To Defensive Coordinator

2012-01-27T11:34:00.001-05:00

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh announced that offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will return for the 2012 season and that linebackers coach Dean Pees has been promoted to defensive coordinator.

Cameron has been with the Ravens since the 2008 season and is coming off a season where the team ranked 15th in the NFL in total offense and 12th in scoring offense. Cameron's $2 million per season contract was set to expire and after the offense regressed in 2011, there had been some uncertainty as to whether he would return in 2012.

Pees replaces Chuck Pagano, who left the team to become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

"It’s an incredible opportunity to be a defensive coordinator for anybody in this league, but it’s especially humbling to be one for the Ravens," said Pees. "I’m not going to be the same as Chuck Pagano. You got to be who you are."

Pees has previous defensive coordinator experience, handling those duties with the New England Patriots from 2006-09 before he was allowed to leave the organization and join the Ravens in 2010. Pees had coached the Patriots linebackers from 2004-05 before his promotion to coordinator.

Jaguars QBs Coach Greg Olson Turned Down Bears Offer

2012-01-27T10:23:00.002-05:00

Before Greg Olson accepted the quarterbacks coach position with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he was interviewed for and was offered, but declined an opportunity to become the Chicago Bears' passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

According to Biggs, Olson is the only candidate to interview for the position, but chose the Jaguars' offer, which included a longer term (three years compared to the Bears' two-year offer) and the additional title of "assistant head coach".

The Bears' search for a quarterbacks coach will continue next week.

Patriots Personnel Executive Jason Licht Has Second Interview With Bears

2012-01-27T10:16:00.002-05:00

New England Patriots Director of Pro Personnel Jason Licht conducted his second interview with the Chicago Bears for their open general manager position on Thursday.

Licht is one of two finalists for the position, with Kansas City Chiefs college scouting director Phil Emery scheduled to have a second interview on Friday.

Over the last 16 seasons, Licht has worked in the Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals personnel and scouting departments. Emery worked in the Bears' scouting department from 1998-2004 before spending five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and has been with the Chiefs for the last three seasons.

Jets CB Darrelle Revis Says Team Leaders Need To Get Team Back On Track

2012-01-27T09:44:00.002-05:00

The fallout of the New York Jets' non-playoff season has been pretty ugly, with reports of internal bickering between position groups, injured third-string rookies calling out selfish star receivers, and a new offensive coordinator brought in to replace Brian Schottenheimer.

When the team gets back together for off-season workouts, cornerback and defensive captain Darrelle Revis told the NFL Network that it's up to the players to get the team back on track in 2012.

“When we come in there in OTAs, just have a player meeting," Revis said on Thursday. "The leaders need to step up, talk to everybody in the building and say, 'Hey, man, look. This is our goal this year. This is what we need to accomplish.' Let’s not get into the bickering or the frustrations, because it brings a team down.

"We failed. We failed. We were (up) here, expectations were high and then it just trickled down to us not making the playoffs this year."

Revis also expressed support for Sanchez.

"We’re very confident," Revis said of the fourth-year quarterback. "If you look at his career already through three years, his stats have gone up every year, and the first two years he took us to the AFC Championship Game. We have a lot of confidence in him, we just need to get the right guys around him and just build around the guy."

Super Bowl XLVI News and Notes - January 27, 2012

2012-01-27T09:42:00.000-05:00

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady keeps strong ties to his high school.

Along the same lines, The Boston Globe has a "Before They Were Patriots" photo gallery.

The Patriots and Giants rosters are littered with players who were not drafted.

Patriots rookie defensive back Sterling Moore is a picture of perseverance, writes Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.

Aaron Hernandez is the only Patriots tight end who was able to practice on Thursday.

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston goes one-on-one with Patriots defensive end Mark Anderson.

2011 has been a learning experience for Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco.

New York Giants wide receivers Michael Clayton and Devin Thomas are kindred spirits.

Giants owner John Mara has brought his father's franchise into a new era, writes Dave D'Alessandro of The Star-Ledger.

Giants wide receivers see that there are plays to be made against the Patriots' secondary.

Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News looks at how Giants quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Victor Cruz formed a connection this season.

Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka will get to play for the Super Bowl in his hometown of Indianapolis.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is not contemplating retirement.

Coughlin's son-in-law, Giants guard Chris Snee, doesn't expect this to be Coughlin's final season.

Today's NFL birthdays: Bears defensive end Chauncey Davis (29), Bengals quarterback Bruce Gradkowski (29), Jaguars safety C.C. Brown (29), Dolphins cornerback Marcus Brown (25) and defensive end Kendall Langford (26), Vikings long-snapper Cullen Loeffler (31), Patriots third-round running back Stevan Ridley (23), free agent fullback Deon Anderson (29), linebacker Robert Henson (26), center Al Johnson (33), and defensive end Jay Richardson (28).

Late Hall of Famer Fritz Pollard was born 116 years ago.

Former NFL wide receiver Cris Collinsworth (53), defensive linemen Anthony Pleasant (44) and Bryant Young (40), kicker Matt Stover (44), an drunning back Fred Taylor (36). The late Frankie Albert, who played quarterback for San Francisco 49ers from 1946-52, was born 92 years ago. The late Billy Ray Smith, Sr. was born 77 years ago.

Dolphins Set To Hire Kevin Coyle, Mike Sherman

2012-01-26T22:35:00.001-05:00

Barring any last-minute surprises, Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin is expected to name Mike Sherman and Kevin Coyle as his offensive and defensive coordinators on Friday, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

A head coaching candidate with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and offensive coordinator candidate with the Cleveland Browns, the 57-year-old Sherman gave Philbin his first NFL coaching opportunity as an assistant offensive line coach with the Green Bay Packers in 2003. Philbin added coaching tight ends to his list of duties in 2004 and remained on staff after the Packers dismissed Sherman following the 2005 season.

Sherman was 59-43 in his six seasons with the Packers, and after two seasons as an assistant with the Houston Texans became the head coach of the Texas A&M program in 2008. Sherman has also coached tight ends with the Packers (1997-98) and was the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator in 1999.

Sherman replaces Brian Daboll and inherits an offense that ranked 22nd in total offense -- 11th in rushing offense, 23rd in passing offense -- and were 20th in scoring offense with a 20.6 points per game average.

Coyle, 56, has spent his entire 11-year NFL coaching career with the Cincinnati Bengals, spending the last nine as the team's defensive backs coach. Croyle spent 15 years as a defensive coordinator in college stops with Fresno State, Maryland, Syracuse and Holy Cross.

Coyle replaces Mike Nolan, who accepted the same position with the Atlanta Falcons. The Dolphins ranked 15th in total defense last season, but were third against the run and sixth in scoring defense. One area Coyle could improve upon is the pass defense, which ranked 25th in passing yards allowed per game.

Brad Childress Close To Becoming Browns Offensive Coordinator

2012-01-26T22:23:00.000-05:00

Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress is expected to land the offensive coordinator position with the Cleveland Browns, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports.

According to Cabot, Childress is one of two finalists for the position, which was vacant in head coach Pat Shurmur's first season with the Browns. The other candidate is former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Sherman, who is expected to be hired as the Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator on Friday.

The Browns ranked 29th in total offense and 30th in scoring offense in 2011.

Childress, 56, was the Vikings head coach from 2006-10. Before that, Childress coached with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2005, coaching quarterbacks before adding coordinator duties in 2003. Shurmur coached on the same Eagles' coaching staff throughout Childress' tenure with the club.

Sunbeam, DirecTV Reach Deal; Super Bowl XLVI Will Be Shown To DirecTV Subscribers In Boston

2012-01-26T21:06:00.000-05:00

Sunbeam Television and DirecTV have reached an agreement on retransmission fees on Thursday night, Johnny Diaz of The Boston Globe reports.

Sunbeam owns WHDH (NBC) and WLVI (CW) in Boston and WSVN, the local FOX affiliate in Miami. With the New England Patriots playing in Super Bowl XLVI, which will be broadcast by NBC, the nearly two-week stalemate prompted U.S. Senator John Kerry to send Sunbeam and DirecTV a letter urging them to air the game on February 5.

"Negotiations were difficult, but we are pleased with the outcome," WHDH general manager Chris Wayland said a statement. "We are especially delighted that all our viewers will now be able to see NBC’s telecast of the Super Bowl as well as our own extensive coverage from Indianapolis."

DirecTV has over 200,000 subscribers in the Boston market.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement to end the Sunbeam blackout, and regret that any of our customers were forced into the middle of a business dispute where they should never have been in the first place," DirecTV announced in a statement.

Seahawks WR Sidney Rice Had Surgery On Both Shoulders

2012-01-26T20:22:00.004-05:00

After suffering a pair of concussions in a short period of time, the Seattle Seahawks placed wide receiver Sidney Rice on injured reserve on November 30. Rice had been playing throwing foot and knee injuries, as well as a torn labrum in his right shoulder that delayed his debut with his new team and would require surgery in the offseason.

According to Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com, Rice had surgery on both of his shoulders, not just the one with the torn labrum.

Signed a five-year, $41 million contract with the Seahawks in July, Rice's contract included $18.5 million in guaranteed money. That guarantee consists of a $6 million signing bonus, fully guaranteed base salaries of $2 million in 2011 and $7 million in 2012 and a $3.5 million injury-only guarantee on his $8.5 million base salary in 2013.

In nine games this season, Rice caught 32 passes for 484 yards and two touchdowns. A Pro Bowler in 2009, the Seahawks expect Rice to be their No. 1 receiver and play at a Pro Bowl for the next few seasons. If the left shoulder needed repairs, it's best to get it done instead of having him try to play through the injury in 2012.

Yale QB Patrick Witt's Rhodes Scholarship Candidacy Had Been Suspended Before He Withdrew His Application

2012-01-26T19:01:00.004-05:00

Last November, Yale quarterback Patrick Witt made headlines when he was forced to choose between interviewing for a prestigious Rhodes scholarship and playing in his final college game against longtime rival Harvard University

Witt played in the 45-7 loss to the Crimson, completing 24-of-39 pass attempts for 226 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Witt received national attention for putting the team ahead of himself, but it turns out the senior quarterback was no longer a Rhodes candidate when he withdrew his application, Richard Perez-Pena of the New York Times reports.

According to the report, the Rhodes Trust suspended his candidacy after learning that Witt was accused of sexual assault by a female student at Yale. Witt's accuser has not come forward and the university would not confirm nor deny the existence of a complaint against Witt.

A further look into Witt's past revealed an February 2010 arrest for third-degree criminal trespassing outside Toad's Place, a New Haven, Connecticut nightclub, charges that were reduced to creating a public disturbance, which was resolved with a $90 fine. Witt also had a run-in with University of Nebraska police during his two years at that university.

In 27 games at Yale, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Witt completed 549-of-912 pass attempts for 6,033 yards with 37 touchdowns and 37 interceptions and has been invited to the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis next month.

Giants-Patriots Injury Report (Thursday)

2012-01-26T17:58:00.000-05:00

The New York Giants and New England Patriots submitted the following injury and practice participation reports on Thursday.

New York Giants

Did not participate: C David Baas (abdomenm neck), LB Chase Blackburn (calf), CB/KR Will Blackmon (knee), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), WR Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), CB Corey Webster (hamstring), LB Jacquian Williams (foot)

Limited participation: DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee)

Full participation: S Tyler Sash (concussion)

New England Patriots

Did not participate: TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle)

Limited participation: WR Deion Branch (knee), T Marcus Cannon (ankle), S Patrick Chung (knee), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), DT Kyle Love (ankle), G Logan Mankins (knee), LB Rob Ninkovich (hip), LB Brandon Spikes (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (back, foot), WR Wes Welker (knee), LB Tracy White (abdomen)

Full participation: G Dan Connolly (groin), WR Matt Slater (shoulder)

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers Could See Matt Flynn In Miami Or Seattle

2012-01-26T17:55:00.000-05:00

Unless he's franchised, an unlikely scenario given the nearly $15 million price tag, Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn is going to be one of the most sought after unrestricted free agents when the new league year begins on March 13.

Two teams that could have interest are the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks, both of whom have connections to Flynn. Seahawks general manager John Schneider was in Green Bay when Flynn was drafted, while the Dolphins hired former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin last week to be their head coach.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers sees Miami and Seattle as possible landing spots for his understudy.

“I think it’s a strong possibility that they (Miami) would make a run at him," Rodgers told 540 ESPN Milwaukee via a transcript by the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "I think it makes sense, Joe and that system, which I’m sure is going to be very similar to this system, and Matt having a great grasp of that, and playing well in his recent opportunities. I think it would make sense to bring Matt our there.

"I think with a talent like Matt, he would have success in just about any offense you plug him into, but I think you could see a little bit more immediate success in an offense that he’s very familiar with. So, I think you have to look at Miami obviously, Seattle. John Schneider knows Matt and he’s pulling some strings up there with them. I think that would be an opportunity for him up there."

With draft-eligible quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III expected to go in the Top 5 of the 2012 NFL Draft, Flynn would be a logical option for the Dolphins and Seahawks, who need a franchise quarterback, but lack the Top 5 pick or the inclination to package picks to move up to take Luck or Griffin.

Signing Flynn, who turns 27 in June, could involve a contract averaging $8-10 million per season and considerable financial guarantees.

Colts Owner Jim Irsay Calls Peyton Manning A "Politician"

2012-01-26T17:07:00.005-05:00

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay reportedly wasn't very happy with quarterback Peyton Manning's discussion with Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star about his contract earlier this week. Following today's press conference to introduce head coach Chuck Pagano, Irsay commented on the Manning situation

"Look, I have so much affection and appreciation for Peyton. We’re family, you know, we always will be and we are," Irsay told Kravitz before calling the four-time MVP a "politician".

Manning is due a $28 million option bonus between February 7 and March 8 and, in addition to commenting on his health, said last week said that the decision to continue the relation beyond 2011 was Irsay's.

"I don’t think it’s in a good interest to paint the horseshoe in a negative light, I really don’t," Irsay said. "He’s such a big part of that and everything else, but the horseshoe always comes first.

"I think one thing that he’s always known, because he’s been around it so long, is you keep it in the family. If you’ve got a problem, you talk to each other. It’s not about campaigning or anything like that."

With the Colts possessing the No. 1 overall pick in 2012 NFL Draft, and expected to use that choice on Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, Manning's $28 million option bonus was unlikely to be picked up. It's just sad to see the situation deteriorating so quickly, and so publicly.

Steelers NT Casey Hampton To Undergo ACL Surgery

2012-01-26T14:47:00.002-05:00

Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton will undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Hampton suffered the injury in the Steelers' 29-23 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. The 34-year-old nose tackle has undergone two previous surgeries to repair a torn ACL and Friday's procedure will be the second on that knee.

During his 11-year career, all with the Steelers, the 6-foot-1, 325-pound Hampton has 347 tackles and nine quarterbacks, earning two Super Bowl rings and five trips to the Pro Bowl. Hampton is entering the final year of his most recent contract, which calls for a $4.89 million base salary and $1 million workout bonus.

Releasing Hampton would clear $5.89 million in salary cap space for the Steelers, who are over $20 million over the cap for 2012.

Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny Out Until Training Camp Following Shoulder Surgery

2012-01-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

Middle linebacker Paul Posluszny's first off-season with the Jacksonville Jaguars will be spent rehabbing from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union reports.

According to Ganguli, Posluszny already went under the knife and will be out until training camp.

"The only thing it’ll screw up is a training schedule," Posluszny said of his shoulder injury after the end of the season. "When I’ll be able to get back into training 100 percent, but other than that it shouldn't be (a problem). I don’t have vacations planned so it should be okay."

Signed to a six-year, $45 million contract on July 29, Posluszny started all 16 games and had a team-high 119 tackles, adding two quarterback sacks, two interceptions and a career-high nine passes defensed.

Jets Special Teams Coach Mike Westhoff To Return In 2012

2012-01-26T12:40:00.000-05:00

New York Jets special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff will return for the 2012 season, Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger confirms.

Westhoff has spent the last 11 seasons with the Jets, who expect him to retire after the 2012 season. Prior to joining the Jets, Westhoff spent 15 seasons with the Miami Dolphins and three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

Westhoff is regarded as one of the top special teams coaches in the NFL. His blunt style of coaching was captured during the 2010 edition of HBO's "Hard Knocks". There are more "colorful" clips of Westhoff available on YouTube, but I enjoyed his speech on discouragement.

Senator John Kerry Urges Sunbeam, DirecTV To Prevent Super Bowl XLVI Blackout

2012-01-26T12:23:00.002-05:00

Massachusetts Senator John Kerry sent a letter to Edmund Ansin, President of Sunbeam Television, and DirecTV President/CEO Michael D. White urging the two sides to carry Super Bowl XLVI despite their ongoing dispute that has blacked out Boston's NBC affiliate to DirecTV subscribers since January 14.

"To alleviate the anxieties of so many Patriots fans, I strongly urge you both to issue a public statement that your current retransmission consent dispute will not include blacking out the Super Bowl," Kerry wrote. "I want every bar owner and family in our region with a subscription to DIRECTV to know that they will not become collateral damage in a dispute leveraged up against the most important game of the NFL season, and with all that Tom Brady and Coach Belichick have on the line, the most important and historic live event of the year."

According to Kerry's letter, there are over 200,000 DirecTV subscribers in the Boston market. With the New England Patriots participating in Super Bowl XLVI, there's the possibility that one side will attempt to use that as leverage in their negotiations, something Kerry hopes won't occur.

"I cannot force you to reach a resolution, but I can and will strongly urge you not to use the Super Bowl as leverage toward resolution and I will continue to work to urge the FCC to ensure that access to major live events for hundreds of thousands or millions of people not become a recurring tool for leverage in these negotiations," Kerry wrote.

Full transcript of Senator Kerry's letter is available on his website.

Buccaneers Hire Greg Schiano

2012-01-26T10:18:00.005-05:00

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to fill their head coaching vacancy with Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

According to Schefter, the two sides have finalized a five-year contract.

The 45-year-old Schiano has spent the 11 seasons at Rutgers, compiling a 68-67 record that includes a 5-1 mark in bowl games. Over the last seven seasons, the Scarlet Knights are an impressive 56-33 and have gone to all six of their bowl games under Schiano.

Schiano has three years of NFL coaching experience, all as a defensive assistant/position coach with the Chicago Bears from 1996-98 before spending two seasons as the defensive coordinator at the University of Miami.

According to the ESPN report, the Buccaneers have done extensive research on Schiano, who they have been in contact with throughout their search for a new head coach. One of the current NFL head coaches who spoke highly of Schiano was New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

Schiano was also a finalist for the St. Louis Rams' head coaching position. Considering the connections between the Buccaneers and Rams, whose CEO Kevin Demoff worked for the Buccaneers for a number of seasons, it's no surprise that he was a candidate in both cities.

Other candidates included former NFL head coaches Brad Childress and Marty Schottenheimer, Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin was also a candidate, but was offered and accepted the Miami Dolphins' head coaching job. University of Oregon head coach Chip Kelly was offered the Bucs' job, but opted to remain in Eugene.

Bears Used $9M Of 2011 Cap Space On In-Season Extensions

2012-01-26T10:16:00.004-05:00

Flush with salary cap room after the lockout, the Chicago Bears biggest free agent acquisition in 2011 was punter Adam Podlesh as they worked towards a long-term contract with running back Matt Forte. No deal between Forte and Bears materialized, and in late October, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that they Bears had over $18 million in salary cap space remaining that was likely to be used on contract extensions players other than Forte.

About half ($9.1 million) of that $18 million-plus in cap space went towards extensions for wide receiver Earl Bennett and offensive linemen Roberto Garza and Edwin Williams.

Less than a week after Biggs' report, the Bears signed center Roberto Garza to a two-year, $6.25 million extension. That extension increased Garza's 2011 base salary from a rate of $2.175 million to $7.086 million for the final nine weeks of the season, a net increase of $2.6 million in both base salary and cap dollars. That still left the Bears with over $15 million of cap space for 2011, as ProFootballTalk.com reported in the middle of November.

The following month, the Bears extended the contracts of Bennett and Williams.

Bennett was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2012 and received a $6 million signing bonus as part of his four-year, $15 million contract, which has a maximum value of $18 million. With just two accrued seasons, Williams was scheduled to be an exclusive rights free agent in 2012 and a restricted free agent in 2013 before signing his two-year, $2.265 million extension that included a $500,000 signing bonus and a 2013 base salary escalator increasing the maximum value of the contract to $3.09 million.

The Bears could have prorated Bennett's signing bonus over five seasons (2011-15) at an annual rate of $1.2 million and Williams' $500,000 bonus over three seasons (2011-13) at $166,666 per season. However, according to a league source, the Bears included language that gives Bennett and Williams the right to terminate their contracts in any year. Regarding signing bonus proration, the collective bargaining agreement states that "any contract year in which the player has the right to terminate based upon events within his sole control shall not be counted as a contract year for purposes of proration".

By giving the players the right to terminate the contracts, the $6.5 million in signing bonuses for Bennett and Williams were applied to the Bears' 2011 salary cap, increasing Bennett's cap number from $1.405 million to $7.405 million and Williams' cap number from $525,000 to $1.025 million.

Whether Bennett or Williams can afford to void the deal is another matter. In order for Bennett to terminate his agreement with the Bears and become an unrestricted free agent, he would be required to repay the team $20 million. Considering Bennett has earned $3.352 million in signing bonus, base salary and performance-based pay from 2008-11, and that the maximum value of his extension is $18 million, it's unlikely that Bennett will have the financial means to void his contract at any point before it expires on its own. As for Williams, who received $15,000 to sign with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2009, and has played for the league minimum the last three seasons, he would have to repay the Bears $8 million to void his contract.

With the franchise tag for Forte projected to be worth nearly $8 million in 2012, it's fair to question why the Bears spent so much of that cap room on a No. 2 receiver and a turning 33-year-old center and reserve guard on an offensive line that ranked 24th in Adjusted Line Yards and 31st in Adjusted Sack Rate in 2011. Even without that $9.1 million, though, the Bears can carry over $8 million in cap space into 2012 and will have around $25-30 million in total cap space to franchise or re-sign Forte, cornerbacks Zack Bowman and Corey Graham, and defensive lineman Israel Idonije.

Rutgers HC Greg Schiano Emerges As Buccaneers Head Coach Candidate

2012-01-26T10:04:00.001-05:00

While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers set up second interviews with head coaching candidates and inform others that they're out of the running, a dark horse has emerged for the job.

According to 620 WDAE, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is a candidate for the position. That report has been confirmed by Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network.

The 45-year-old Schiano has three years of NFL coaching experience, all as a defensive assistant/position coach with the Chicago Bears from 1996-98. Schiano coordinated the University of Miami defense from 1999-2000 before becoming Rutgers' head coach in 2001.

In 11 seasons under Schiano, the Scarlet Knights are just 68-67, but he inherited a very down program and has turned into a program that, with the exception of 2010, perennially wins eight or more games and goes to bowl games. Since 2005, the school is 56-33, including 5-1 in bowl games.

Eagles TE Brent Celek A Passenger In DUI Crash

2012-01-26T09:06:00.004-05:00

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek was a passenger in an early Thursday morning car accident that has resulted in the arrest of the driver for driving under the influence of alcohol.

No injuries were reported in the accident, which occurred at 2:30am ET on a highway off-ramp near Lincoln Financial Field.

"Thankfully, no one was injured and, to our knowledge, Brent is not facing any legal charges," an Eagles spokesman said in an email to the Philadelphia Daily News.

Celek turned 27 on Wednesday and is coming off a season where he caught 62 passes for 811 yards and five touchdowns. In 80 career games with the Eagles, the 2007 fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati has 223 receptions for 2,789 yards and 19 touchdowns and signed a six-year, $29.25 million contract extension in December of 2009.

Jerry Gray No Longer A Candidate For Buccaneers Head Coaching Job

2012-01-26T08:57:00.003-05:00

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the league's lone remaining head coaching vacancy and have begun the process of eliminating candidates.

According to the Tampa Tribune, Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray was informed that he is no longer a candidate for the job.

"Told me they were going in a different direction," Gray told the paper on Thursday morning.

Gray was one of the first candidates to interview for the position, meeting with the Glazer family and general manager Mark Dominik in Texas on January 4. That the was the same the Buccaneers reportedly interviewed Mike Sherman, who will have a second interview with the team this week.

Other candidates include former NFL head coaches Brad Childress and Marty Schottenheimer, Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, and Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin was also a candidate, but was offered and accepted the Miami Dolphins' head coaching job. University of Oregon head coach Chip Kelly was offered the Bucs' job, but opted to remain in Eugene.

Super Bowl XLVI News and Notes - January 26, 2012

2012-01-26T08:38:00.000-05:00

New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes' wife had to look away when she saw the low snap on the game-winning field attempt in the NFC Championship Game.

Three Giants would have been held out of practice had they actually practiced on Wednesday.

A broken shoulder is unlikely to keep Ann Mara from being in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl.

New York's defense will need to put pressure on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

The Giants knew that Eli Manning was capable of playing at an elite level and taking them to the Super Bowl.

Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz's roller coaster ride of a season has led him to a good place.

Former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor discussed his problems managing life on Showtime's "Inside the NFL" on Wednesday night.

Rookie defensive back Sterling Moore is making an impact for the New England Patriots.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski was the only Patriots who theoretically would not have practiced on Wednesday.

Together, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady make magic, writes Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald.

Brady will grace the cover of Sports Illustrated for the 15th time in his career.

Patriots running back Kevin Faulk went back through DVDs from his high school days.

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston examines the factors that will determine if Chad Ochocinco is active for the Super Bowl.

Today's NFL birthdays: Ravens second-round wide receiver Torrey Smith (23), Browns punter Reggie Hodges (30), Cowboys rookie kicker Dan Bailey (24), free agent wide receiver Zeke Markshausen (25) and linebacker Pat Thomas (29).

Hall of Fame defensive end Jack Youngblood turns 62. Late Hall of Fame defensive tackle Henry Jordan was born 77 years ago.

Former NFL cornerback Eric Davis (44), wide receiver Curtis Duncan (47), running backs Nick Goings (34) and Merril Hoge (47), defensive end Ben McGee (73), center Dennis Norman (32), linebacker Gary Plummer (52), offensive tackle John Tait (37), and guard Maurice Williams (33).

Vikings Sign CFL Linebacker Solomon Elimimian

2012-01-25T22:15:00.002-05:00

The Minnesota Vikings have signed CFL linebacker Solomon Elimimian, Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com reports.

According to Pelisserio, Elimimian and the Vikings have agreed to a two-year contract.

Undrafted out of Hawaii in 2009, Elimimian had a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills before crossing the border and spending the last two seasons with the B.C. Lions. In helping the Lions to a Grey Cup in 2011, Elimimian earned All-Star honors and was voted the league's "Hardest Hitter" in a TSN player poll.

Elimimian drew interest from the NFL and began his U.S. tour with the Vikings on December 28. Elimimian also worked out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars and St. Louis Rams before agreeing to terms with the Vikings.

During last year's CFL signing window, which runs through mid-February, the Vikings signed wide receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux. The Vikings have also expressed interest in Elimimian's teammates Khalif Mitchell and Jovan Olafioye.

20 Current And Former NFL Players Selected For Business Of Music Boot Camp

2012-01-25T18:58:00.003-05:00

Twenty current and former National Football League football players have been selected to participate in the first "NFL Business of Music Boot Camp", the league announced on Wednesday.

The program will be run from February 27-March 1 at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music in New York and offers professional training for creative entrepreneurs in the music industry. Faculty members include Clive Davis, who is the chief creative officer of Sony BMG. Danny Strick (Sony), Jonathan Daniel (Crush Management), songwriter Sam Hollander, Al Branch (Hip Hop), Michael "Blue" Williams (Family Tree Entertainment) and Michael Solomon (Musicians on Call).

Participating in the workshop are current players Marvin Austin (NY Giants), Antoine Bethea (Indianapolis), Chris Kluwe (Minnesota), James Lee (Tampa Bay), Brandon Lloyd (St. Louis), Bryant McKinnie (Baltimore), Chris Pressley (Cincinnati), Bryan Scott (Buffalo), and Ashton Youboty (Jacksonville).

Retired or free agent players participating include Keary Colbert, Justin Fargas, Al Harris, Torry Holt, Darren Howard, Dustin Lyman, David Macklin, Ryan McNeil, Chukky Okobi, L.J. Shelton and Craig Terrill.

Giants-Patriots Bye Week Injury Report (Wednesday)

2012-01-25T17:32:00.002-05:00

Though neither team practiced on Wednesday, the New York Giants and New England Patriots were required to submit injury and practice participation reports on Wednesday. These reports are considered "estimations".

New York Giants

Did not participate: RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), WR Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), S Tyler Sash (concussion)

Limited participation: DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee)

New England Patriots

Did not participate: TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle)

Limited participation: WR Deion Branch (knee), T Marcus Cannon (ankle), S Patrick Chung (knee), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), DT Kyle Love (ankle), G Logan Mankins (knee), LB Rob Ninkovich (hip), LB Brandon Spikes (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (back, foot), WR Wes Welker (knee), LB Tracy White (abdomen)

Full participation: G Dan Connolly (groin), WR Matt Slater (shoulder)

Harbaugh Dismisses Talk That Scoreboard Contributed To Missed Field Goal

2012-01-25T17:21:00.004-05:00

After the Baltimore Ravens missed a game-tying field goal in the final seconds of their 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots, reports began to surface that the Gillette Stadium scoreboard was showing the wrong down, which contributed to the missed field goal.

Ravens kicking consultant Randy Brown commented on the malfunctioning scoreboard on WIP radio in Philadelphia, while kicker Billy Cundiff said his pre-kick routine was thrown off by the scoreboard.

Head coach John Harbaugh isn't buying it.

"The scoreboard was not a factor for us," Harbaugh said on Wednesday. "Any suggestion that the wrong down information was a deliberate effort to affect the outcome of the game is nonsense."

PFT: Colts To Hire Chuck Pagano

2012-01-25T16:22:00.002-05:00

The Indianapolis Colts will hire Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano to be their head coach, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports.

Pagano interviewed for the position on Tuesday.

Pagano, 51, has been with the Ravens since 2008, serving as the team's defensive backs coach before being named defensive coordinator in 2011. Pagano spent 2007 as the defensive coordinator at North Carolina after coaching defensive backs with the Oakland Raiders (2005-06) and Cleveland Browns (2001-04).

In addition to Pagano, the Colts have interviewed New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, Montreal Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman, former Ohio State head coach and Colts consultant Jim Tressel, and San Francisco 49ers special teams coach Brad Seely for the position.

Steelers NT Chris Hoke Announces His Retirement

2012-01-25T13:03:00.003-05:00

Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Chris Hoke has officially announced his retirement, the team announced on Wednesday.

Hoke will conduct a press conference on Thursday.

Signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent out of BYU in 2001, Hoke did not appear in a game until 2004 and has totaled 83 tackles and two quarterback sacks in 114 games over the last seven-plus seasons.

The 35-year-old suffered a "stinger" on October 16 and was placed on injured reserve on December 8. Hoke underwent surgery on his neck the following week that was expected to end his playing career.

NFL Extends Contract Of Commissioner Roger Goodell

2012-01-25T12:04:00.008-05:00

The National Football League has extended the contract of Commissioner Roger Goodell, Daniel Kaplan of the SportsBusiness Journal reports.

The NFL has confirmed the extension.

"I speak on behalf of 32 NFL club owners in saying we are fortunate to have Roger Goodell as our commissioner," Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said. "Since becoming commissioner in 2006, the NFL – already the leader in professional sports – has gotten even stronger. As evidenced by this contract extension, we have great confidence in Roger’s vision and leadership of the NFL. Our clubs, players and fans could not ask for a better CEO."

Goodell's NFL career began in 1982 working as an intern in the league office before joining the public relations department in 1984. Goodell became an assistant to AFC President Lamar Hunt in 1987 and was promoted to Executive Vice President and COO in 2001 before he was selected by the owners to replace a retiring Paul Tagliabue as the league's Commissioner in 2006.

"It is a privilege for me to serve the NFL," Goodell said. "It is the only place I have ever wanted to work. I am grateful for the contributions and counsel of NFL owners in managing our league, the talented staff that supports us, and the players and coaches that perform their magic on the field. It is truly a team effort. I am eagerly looking ahead to the challenge of building on our momentum and doing all we can to improve our game for the fans and everyone that is part of our league."

Goodell's deal, which is reportedly worth $10 million per season, was set to expire after 2014, but the five-year extension will keep him in his position through the start of the 2019 season.

Goodell turns 60 a month before his latest contract expires.

Lions OL Johnny Culbreath Arrested On Marijuana Charge

2012-01-25T11:56:00.003-05:00

Detroit Lions offensive lineman Johnny Culbreath was arrested for possession of marijuana in South Carolina on Monday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

According to the report, Culbreath appeared before a country magistrate and paid a $412 fine.

"We are aware of the very disappointing reports involving Johnny Culbreath. This matter has been referred to the National Football League. Further comments will be made when appropriate," the Lions said in a statement to the Free Press.

The 23-year-old Culbreath played his college ball at South Carolina State and was a seventh-round pick (209th overall) in the 2011 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5, 322-pound Culbreath spent his rookie season on injured reserve.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells Underwent Knee Surgery

2012-01-25T10:10:00.003-05:00

Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells tweeted that he underwent surgery on his knee on Tuesday.

"Time to go under the knife wish me luck !!! These Meds are gonna be lovely lol," Wells wrote.

The team confirmed that Wells underwent arthroscopic surgery, which was performed by Dr. James Andrews in his Florida office.

Oft-injured dating back to his college days, Wells had a career year in 2011, battling through nagging injuries to run for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns in 15 games. In 29 games over his first two seasons in the league, Wells had 1,190 yards and nine touchdowns.

Wells is signed through 2013 and is expected to be fine for training camp.

Jack Del Rio A Possible Defensive Coordinator Candidate In Denver

2012-01-25T09:24:00.002-05:00

With Dennis Allen agreeing to become the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio could replace Allen as the defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos, Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports.

As La Canfora notes, prior to his eight-plus year stint as the Jaguars head coach, Del Rio spent one season as Broncos head coach John Fox's defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers.

1-15 and boasting the league's 31st-ranked defense in 2001, the addition of Fox and Del Rio (and Julius Peppers) led to the Panthers allowing the second-fewest yards in the NFL (290.4 per game) and ranking fifth in scoring defense in 2002.

Marc Trestman Joins List Of Candidates In Indianapolis

2012-01-25T09:13:00.002-05:00

Montreal Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman has joined the list of candidates for the Indianapolis Colts' head coaching vacancy.

According to the report, Trestman interviewed for the position last weekend.

Trestman, 56, has been the Alouettes head coach the last four seasons and has won a pair of Grey Cups and was named the CFL's Coach of the Year in 2009. Including playoffs, Trestman is 53-26 as the Alouettes head coach.

Prior to his CFL head coaching stint, Trestman was a longtime assistant coach/coordinator in NFL stints with the Minnesota Vikings (1985-86, 90-91), Cleveland Browns (1988-89), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1987), San Francisco 49ers (1995-96), Detroit Lions (1997), Arizona Cardinals (1998-2000), Oakland Raiders (2001-03) and Miami Dolphins (2004).

The Colts interviewed Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano on Tuesday and are scheduled to interview San Francisco 49ers special teams coordinator Brad Seely on Wednesday. The Colts have already interviewed New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and former Ohio State head coach and Colts consultant Jim Tressel.

Steelers S Ryan Clark Added To AFC Pro Bowl Roster

2012-01-25T08:45:00.004-05:00

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark has been added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster, the team announced on Tuesday.

Clark will replace Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed, who is bowing out of the game with an injury. Clark will be the third safety on the AFC roster, playing behind starters Eric Weddle and Brian Dawkins. Clark's teammate in Pittsburgh, Troy Polamalu, was selected to start, but will not participate in the game due to an injury.

Undrafted out of LSU in 2002, this will be Clark's first appearance in a Pro Bowl. The 32-year-old had a career-high 100 tackles with one quarterback sack and one interception in 16 games. In a 10-year career with the New York Giants (2002-03), Washington Redskins (2004-05) and Steelers, Clark has 621 tackles, 3.5 quarterback sacks, 11 interceptions and 36 passes defensed.

Super Bowl XLVI News and Notes - January 25, 2012

2012-01-25T08:29:00.002-05:00

New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford doesn't do calmness, Steve Polito of The Star-Ledger writes.

Unlike in their Week 9 game against New England, the Giants will have David Baas, Ahmad Bradshaw, Henry Hynoski and Hakeem Nicks in the rematch against the Patriots.

Fifteen players on the Giants were on the team that won Super Bowl XLII.

Giants safety Antrel Rolle has been on the losing side of a Super Bowl.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning doesn't want his teammates to be overwhelmed by the Super Bowl stage.

Manning does not regret his comments about "elite quarterbacks" from before the season.

Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes feels for Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady didn't play well in the AFC Championship Game, but he got the job done, writes Greg Bedard of The Boston Globe.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was full of praise for Tom Coughlin and the Giants.

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston provides additional comments from Belichick's Tuesday press conference.

With Bill O'Brien juggling duties, Belichick is happy to have Josh McDaniels on staff.

Revenge is a real factor for the Patriots, writes Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.

The loss to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII was the most painful moment in franchise history.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's injured left ankle is being compared to Ben Roethlisberger's injury.

As the league takes over Lucas Oil Stadium, the Patriots will take over the Indianapolis Colts' headquarters and the Giants will train at the University of Indianapolis.

Today's NFL birthdays: Bills fullback Corey McIntyre (33) and linebacker Reggie Torbor (31), Bengals right tackle Andre Smith (25), Dolphins nose tackle Isaako Aaitui (25), Patriots running back Danny Woodhead (27), Eagles tight end Brent Celek (27), Steelers wide receiver Jimmy Young (25), Chargers third-round wide receiver Vincent Brown (23), 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (27), free agent cornerback Woodny Turenne (25).

Hall of Fame wide receiver Don Maynard turns 77. The late Hall of Fame kicker Lou Groza would have turned 88 today.

Former NFL wide receivers Mark Duper (53) and Alfred Jenkins (60), running backs Justin Fargas (32) and Allen Pinkett (48), punter Jeff Gossett (55), guard Mark Schlereth (46).

The late Jack Snow, who played wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, would have turned 69 today.

Gregg Williams Promises Culture Change With Rams Defense

2012-01-24T22:24:00.002-05:00

During an introductory conference call with the St. Louis media, newly-hired St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is promising a culture change on defense.

"That's why people hire me. People want to figure out when they bought stock in particular players, when they drafted them and they paid them money enormous amounts of money, who's at fault? Is it the decision makers who chose them or the young men that haven't figured out what it takes to play in the National Football League?," Williams said according to Kathleen Nelson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

"I've been able to do that everywhere I go and get way too much credit for the X's and Os. My specialty is handling people, especially difficult people.

"I look forward to the opportunity to mold these guys in some of the way I have in other places. From what I looked at on film, Steve Spagnuolo did a good job. These guys played really hard here.That's a huge part of changing any culture."

For more from Williams, who also confirmed that his son Blake is joining his coaching staff, click here.

Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland Looking For A Quarterback

2012-01-24T22:23:00.000-05:00

With journeyman Matt Moore and undrafted rookie free agent Pat Devlin as the only quarterbacks signed for 2012, finding a franchise is clearly a top priority for the Miami Dolphins this off-season.

"We need a quarterback that can get us over the hump," Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland told Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel on Tuesday at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

2008 second-round pick Chad Henne opened the 2011 season as the starter, but injured his non-throwing shoulder in Week 4 and was placed on injured reserve. Henne is an unrestricted free agent this off-season and is not expected back.

Moore replaced Henne in the starting lineup and completed 60.5 percent of 347 pass attempts for 2,497 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions for a passer rating of a respectable 87.1. The 27-year-old Moore is scheduled to earn $2.75 million in base salary in 2012, the final year of his two-year contract.

The other quarterback who is signed for next season is Pat Devlin, an undrafted rookie from Delaware who spent most of the 2011 season on the practice squad.

Miami holds either the eighth or ninth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Raiders Reach Agreement With Dennis Allen

2012-01-24T20:41:00.004-05:00

The Oakland Raiders have reached an agreement with Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen that will make Allen their next head coach, Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reports.

According to Glazer, Allen has informed the Broncos that he will be joining the Raiders, where he will become the 18th head coach in franchise history and seventh head coach in the last 10 seasons.

Allen emerged as the leading candidate this week, with the Raiders canceling a scheduled interview with Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice and informing other candidates such as Green Bay Packers assistant head coach/inside linebackers coach Winston Moss and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg that they were no longer candidates.

Allen, 39, spent one season as the Broncos defensive coordinator after spending the previous five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where he was the secondary coach from 2008-10. Allen was an assistant coach with the Atlanta Falcons from 2002-05.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch Added To NFC Pro Bowl Roster

2012-01-24T18:06:00.003-05:00

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has been added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster, the Seahawks announced on Tuesday.

Lynch is going as an injury replacement for San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore.

In 15 games in his second season with the Seahawks, Lynch had 285 carries for 1,204 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. In 27 games since joining the Seahawks in October of 2010, Lynch has 1,777 yards and 18 touchdowns after running for 2,765 yards and 17 touchdowns in three-plus seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

For Lynch, who will be an unrestricted free agent in March, this will be a second Pro Bowl appearance. Lynch represented the Bills in 2008.

Lynch is the fifth Seahawks player in the Pro Bowl, joining fullback Michael Robinson, cornerback Brandon Browner and safeties Earl Thomas (starter) and Kam Chancellor.

Jets Hire Offensive Line Coach Dave DeGuglielmo

2012-01-24T16:14:00.002-05:00

The New York Jets announced that they have hired Dave DeGuglielmo to coach their offensive line.

DeGuglielmo, 43, was with the Miami Dolphins the last three seasons and will re-join former Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano, who is now the Jets offensive coordinator. Prior to working for the Dolphins, DeGuglielmo spent five seasons as an assistant offensive line coach with the New York Giants.

A former offensive lineman at Boston University, DeGuglielmo began his coaching career at Boston College before coaching at his alma mater. DeGuglielmo spent two seasons as the University of Connecticut before coaching tight ends and offensive tackles at the University of South Carolina from 1999-2003.

DeGuglielmo replaces Bill Callahan, who left the Jets to become the offensive line coach/offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.

Dolphins NT Paul Soliai Added To Pro Bowl Roster

2012-01-24T15:27:00.003-05:00

Miami Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai has been added to the AFC's Pro Bowl roster, David Canter, Soliai's agent, announced on Twitter.

Soliai will replace Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.

A 2007 fourth-round out of Utah, Soliai has emerged as one of the league's top nose tackles the last two seasons as the Dolphins improved from 18th against the run in 2009 to seventh in 2010. The Dolphins placed the one-year franchise tag on Soliai in 2011, paying him $12.476 million in base salary. The Dolphins were third in the NFL against the run in 2011.

Over the last two seasons, Soliai 66 tackles with two quarterback sacks and four passes defensed, but his 6-foot-4, 344-pound presence in the middle of the defense allowed for Dolphins inside linebackers Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett to each top 100 tackles with each recording 10 tackles for a loss last season.

Unless the Dolphins reach a contract extension or place another franchise tag on Soliai, the 28-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent in March. To franchise Soliai again would cost the Dolphins $14.971 million in guaranteed salary.

Dolphins Director Of Player Personnel Brian Gaine To Interview With Rams

2012-01-24T12:28:00.002-05:00

Miami Dolphins Director of Player Personnel Brian Gaine will interview for the St. Louis Rams general manager vacancy next week, Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas reports.

Gaine worked for the New York Jets from 1999-2004 before spending three seasons as the Assistant Director of Pro Scouting for the Dallas Cowboys. Gaine followed Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland to the Miami Dolphins in 2008, initially working as the Assistant Director of Player Personnel.

Prior to last year's entry draft, Gaine was promoted to Director of Player Personnel.

In addition to Gaine, the Rams' list of general manager candidates includes rizona Cardinals Director of Player Personnel Steve Keim, New York Jets Vice President of College Scouting Joey Clinkscales, Atlanta Falcons Director of Player Personnel Les Snead.

Baltimore Ravens personnel executive Eric DeCosta was also on the Rams' wishlist, but he's signed a new contract to remain in Baltimore. Tennessee Titans personnel executives Ruston Webster and Lake Dawson were also on the list of candidates and have already received promotions to stay with the Titans.

Dennis Allen Emerges As Lead Candidate For Raiders' Head Coaching Job

2012-01-24T12:18:00.003-05:00

Denver Broncos defensive backs coach Dennis Allen is the leading candidate for the Oakland Raiders' head coaching job, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

According to Schefter, the team two sides are negotiating a contract.

Allen, 39, joined John Fox's Broncos coaching staff last January after spending the previous five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where he was the secondary coach from 2008-10. Allen was an assistant coach with the Atlanta Falcons from 2002-05.

Raiders first-year general manager Reggie McKenzie has moved on to the second phase of his interview process this week, with Allen at the top of list. Miami Dolphins interim head coach Todd Bowles, Green Bay Packers inside linebackers/assistant head coach Winston Moss and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg have also interviewed for the position.

49ers Special Teams Coach Brad Seely To Interview For Colts Head Coaching Job

2012-01-24T11:29:00.003-05:00

San Francisco 49ers special teams coach Brad Seely will interview for the Indianapolis Colts' head coaching vacancy, Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports.

Regarded as one of the best special teams coaches in the league, Seely began his NFL coaching career with the Colts, serving as a tight ends/special teams coach from 1989-93. Seely coached with the New York Jets (1994), Carolina Panthers (1995-98) before a ten-year stint with the New England Patriots.

Prior to joining the 49ers, where he also has the title of "Assistant Head Coach", Seely spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

According to Marvez, Seely's interview with the Colts is scheduled for Wednesday. The Colts are scheduled to interview Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano today. New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and former Ohio State head coach and Colts consultant Jim Tressel have already interview for the Colts' head coach position. The Colts are also believed to be interested in Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, former NFL head coach Brad Childress.

Colts owner Jim Irsay has stated that a decision on a head coach is expected to be made this week.

Chargers Hire Ron Meeks To Coach Secondary

2012-01-24T11:17:00.002-05:00

The San Diego Chargers announced that they have hired Ron Meeks to coach the team's secondary.

Meeks spent 2011 as the Carolina Panthers defensive backs coach after being that team's defensive coordinator the previous two seasons. The Panthers replaced Meeks with Steve Wilks, who had been the Chargers defensive backs coach.

The 57-year-old Meeks spent seven seasons (2002-08) as the Indianapolis Colts after shorter stints with the St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys.

Meeks and head coach Norv Turner were on the same coaching staff with the Cowboys and Meeks coached under Turner with the Redskins in 2000.

Dolphins To Interview Bengals DBs Coach Kevin Coyle For Defensive Coordinator Position

2012-01-24T10:28:00.004-05:00

Cincinnati Bengals defensive backs Kevin Coyle will interview for the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator position, Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports.

According to Marvez, Coyle will interview later this week. Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports that Coyle has left the Senior Bowl to interview with the Dolphins.

Coyle, 56, has spent his entire 11-year NFL coaching career with the Bengals, spending the last nine as the team's defensive backs coach. Croyle spent 15 years as a defensive coordinator in college stops with Fresno State, Maryland, Syracuse and Holy Cross.

The Dolphins defense has been coordinated the last two seasons by Mike Nolan, who left for the same position with the Atlanta Falcons. Dolphins secondary coach Todd Bowles was believed to be the front office's choice for the coordinator opening, but Philbin will have final say on his staff.

49ers WR Kyle Williams Accepts Blame For Mistake

2012-01-24T09:42:00.003-05:00

One day after his two errors on punt returns led to 10 points for the New York Giants, including the game-winning field goal in overtime, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver/punt returner Kyle Williams took responsibility for the loss.

"You have to take full responsibility for it, which I do," Williams said on Monday according to Matthew Barrows of The Sacramento Bee. "It's something I made a mistake on. I'll move through it. I promise you that."

Williams did not use the plural form of the word "mistake", as the 2010 sixth-round pick out of Arizona State doesn't think the first muffed punt touched him.

"I didn't think it hit me," said Williams. "I still don't think it hit me."

Peyton Manning Believes Jim Irsay Will Decide His Future With Team

2012-01-24T09:06:00.007-05:00

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning believes that owner Jim Irsay, not general manager Ryan Grigson, will make the final determination on his future with the team.

Manning made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star.

"One thing he (Grigson) kind-of, sort-of told me, without really wanting to tell me, was that Irsay will be the guy I’m going to sit down and talk with," Manning said. "That’s going to happen at some point, but we haven’t had that conversation yet because we really don’t need to have that conversation yet."

Manning, who is coming off three neck operations in the two years, is due a $28 million option bonus, which the Colts have between February 7 and March 8 to exercise and kick in the final four years of Manning's five-year, $90 million contract extension. With the Colts also holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, and likely to use that pick on Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, it would be a surprise if the Colts paid Manning $35.4 million (option bonus plus $7.4 million base salary) and Luck over $15 million (signing bonus and base salary) in 2012.

"I don’t want to get into some kind of fan campaign with the owner, but I think it’s well documented that I want to play in the same place my whole career," Manning said. "It’s been a privilege to play here. I love the fans, the city, the transformation of the fans, how our place has become the toughest stadium to play in, the fact our fans wear more jerseys to games than anybody else. It’s been fun to be a part of that.

"But I understand how it works. I understand tough decisions have to be made. There’s personal and there’s business and that’s where we’ve got to separate the two."

For much more from Manning's interview with Kravitz, click here.

Paul Brown Stadium To Get New Surface

2012-01-24T08:23:00.000-05:00

The Cincinnati Bengals will be installing new surfaces at Paul Brown Stadium and an adjoining practice field, Carl Weiser of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Upgrades to the facility, which is owned by Hamilton County, also include structural repairs and new sound system processing equipment. The good news for Hamilton County taxpayers is that the Bengals will be picking up 70 percent of the cost of their new fields.

What kind of playing surface the Bengals will be installing was not disclosed.

The team originally used a grass surface when the stadium opened in 2000, but maintenance issues and poor surface rankings -- the grass field was voted a Top 5 worst surface in 2000 and 2002 -- prompted a change to FieldTurf in 2004.

The new FieldTurf surface ranked 22nd overall in 2004. When the NFLPA split the bi-annual survey between grass and artificial surfaces, Paul Brown Stadium ranked seventh among 12 artificial surfaces in 2006, 10th among 13 artificial surfaces in 2008 and 2010.

In the latest survey, 53 percent of the 47 Bengals responding to the survey attributed the condition of their team's playing surface to ownership, the highest percentage in the league.

Super Bowl News and Notes - January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T07:38:00.002-05:00

Before celebrating on Sunday, New England Patriots punter Zoltan Mesko sought out his friend, Billy Cundiff.

The Patriots will return to on-field practices on Thursday.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's injured left ankle won't keep him from playing in Super Bowl XLVI, Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald reports.

Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork had a dominant performance on Sunday.

Patriots players are being inundated with ticket requests, writes Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston.

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin appears to have no plans to retire, writes Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger.

Coughlin expects wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (shoulder) to be fine for the Super Bowl.

"We got hot at the right time," Giants general manager Jerry Reese said of the team's Super Bowl run.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning is happy to have an extra week to prepare for the Super Bowl.

Giants defensive end Justin Tuck is hoping for a repeat performance against the Patriots.

Today's NFL birthdays: Texans linebacker Brian Cushing (25) and second-round cornerback Brandon Harris (22), Giants tight end Travis Beckum (25), 49ers linebacker Parys Haralson (28), Buccaneers wide receiver Edward Gant (27), free agent punter Danny Baugher (28), linebackers Rocky Boiman (32) and Michael Okwo (27), and wide receiver Justin Gage (31).

Buccaneers To Interview Mike Sherman A Second Time

2012-01-24T07:25:00.002-05:00

After being spurned by Oregon head coach Chip Kelly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a second interview with former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Sherman, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Including a 2-4 record in the post-season, the 57-year-old Sherman was 59-43 in his six seasons (2000-05) as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. Sherman spent two seasons as an assistant with the Houston Texans before taking over the Texas A&M program in 2008. Sherman has also coached tight ends with the Packers (1997-98) and was the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator in 1999.

In addition to Sherman, the Buccaneers have interviewed longtime NFL assistants/coordinators such as Jerry Gray (Tennessee Titans), Mike Zimmer (Cincinnati Bengals), Rob Chudzinkski (Carolina Panthers), Joe Philbin and Tom Clements of the Packers, as well as fellow former NFL head coaches Marty Schottenheimer and Brad Childress.

Seahawks CB Brandon Browner, S Kam Chancellor Added To NFC Pro Bowl Roster

2012-01-24T00:12:00.004-05:00

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner and safety Kam Chancellor have been added to the NFC's Pro Bowl roster, the team announced on Monday night.

Signed as a CFL free agent last January, the 6-foot-4, 221-pound Browner earned the team's starting right cornerback position in 2011, recording 54 tackles, six interceptions and 23 passes defensed. Browner returned two of his interceptions for touchdowns.

A 2010 fifth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, the 6-foot-3, 232-pound Chancellor had 97 tackles, one quarterback sack and four interceptions with two forced fumbles and 12 passes defensed in 15 games in 2011.

Browner and Chancellor become the third and fourth Seahawks in the Pro Bowl, joining fullback Michael Robinson, an injury replacement for Green Bay's John Kuhn, and Earl Thomas, a 2010 first-round pick who was selected as a starter. Browner and Chancellor are replacing San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers and safety Dashon Goldson, who backed out of the game following Sunday's loss to the New York Giants in the 2011 NFC Championship Game.

Mike Tice Will Not Interview For Raiders' Head Coaching Job

2012-01-23T20:51:00.003-05:00

Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice will not interview for the Oakland Raiders' head coaching position, Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com reports.

Scheduled to interview with the Raiders on Tuesday, the Raiders informed Tice that they were moving on to the next phase in their search for Hue Jackson's replacement. A second interview with Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will take place this week in Mobile, Alabama.

"I would've loved to go through the process," Tice told ESPNChicago.com.

"It is what it is; they had a process and a timeline," Tice said. "I was disappointed I wasn't able to complete the interview process. But let me say this: I'm very excited about the opportunity and the new position I have with the Bears. We've got big fish to fry here. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Tice compiled a 32-33 regular season record and 1-1 mark in the playoffs in his four-plus seasons as the Minnesota Vikings head coach from 2001-05. The Bears promoted Tice to offensive coordinator on January 6.

Colts To Interview Ravens Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano

2012-01-23T20:17:00.004-05:00

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano will interview for the Indianapolis Colts' head coaching job, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

According to Schefter, the interview will take place on Tuesday.

Pagano, 51, has been with the Ravens since 2008, serving as the team's defensive backs coach before being named defensive coordinator in 2011. Pagano spent 2007 as the defensive coordinator at North Carolina after coaching defensive backs with the Oakland Raiders (2005-06) and Cleveland Browns (2001-04).

In addition to Pagano, the Colts have interviewed New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and former Ohio State head coach and Colts consultant Jim Tressel for their open head coaching position. They're also believed to be interested in Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, former NFL head coach Brad Childress and reached out to Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, but were denied.

New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell is also a candidate in Indianapolis.

Titans Add Keith Millard To Help With Pass Rush

2012-01-23T19:25:00.002-05:00

The Tennessee Titans announced the hiring of Keith Millard as a defensive assistant who will specialize in improving the team's pass rush.

A 1984 first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings, Millard was a two-time Pro Bowler and NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1989) in a career that also included stints with the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, and Philadelphia Eagles. Millard has spent the last eight seasons coaching defensive lines with the Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders and last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"We are bringing Keith in to help all of our players with their pass rush skills, whether that is the d-line, Akeem Ayers and the linebackers or even the defensive backs," said Titans head coach Mike Munchak. "His position is actually one that I considered for the staff when I took over last year, but the timing didn’t allow for it. Keith brings a great deal of energy and passion in addition to a great demeanor.

"Unfortunately, I can personally attest to his ability as a player, but he also has the rare ability to teach the game within the game and the art of the pass rush."

The Titans also confirmed the hiring of Steve Brown as their assistant secondary coach.

Bears' GM Search Down To Phil Emery, Jason Licht

2012-01-23T19:04:00.000-05:00

The Chicago Bears have narrowed down their search for a general manager to two, Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

According to Jensen, Kansas City Chiefs Director of College Scouting Phil Emery and New England Patriots Director of Pro Personnel are the finalists who will go through a second round of interviews.

Multiple reports on Monday indicated that Emery had been offered the job, but the Bears deny that any offers were made. Emery worked in the Bears' scouting department from 1998-2004 before spending five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and has been with the Chiefs for the last three seasons.

Over the last 16 seasons, Licht has working with the Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals personnel and scouting departments. New England has begun preparations for Super Bowl XLVI, but the Bears have received permission to interview Licht a second time.

Jensen also notes that Emery and Licht emerging as finalists eliminates New York Giants Director of College Scouting Marc Ross, San Diego Chargers Director of Player Personnel Jimmy Raye and Bears Director of Player Personnel/interim general manager Tim Ruskell as candidates.

Patriots To Wear Blue Uniforms In Super Bowl XLVI

2012-01-23T16:23:00.003-05:00

The New England Patriots are the home team for Super Bowl XLVI and have elected to wear their home blue uniforms, the team announced on Monday.

New England also wore the blue jerseys in Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII and Super Bowl XLII.

As the road team, the Giants will wear their white jerseys, the same uniform they wore when they upset the Patriots to win Super Bowl XLI in Glendale, Arizona.

Rams Add Dave McGinnis To Coaching Staff

2012-01-23T15:01:00.003-05:00

The St. Louis Rams have hired Dave McGinnis to be the team's assistant head coach, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

McGinnis, 60, has spent the last eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans, coaching the team's linebackers while also carrying the title of assistant head coach under both Jeff Fisher, who is now the Rams head coach, and Mike Munchak.

Before joining the Titans, McGinnis coached for the Arizona Cardinals from 1996-2003, first as the defensive coordinator before being named head coach midway through the 2000 season. The Cardinals went 17-40 in three and a half season and he was fired after back-to-back last place finishes in the revamped NFC West.

McGinnis also coached the Chicago Bears linebackers from 1986-95.

The Rams have also confirmed that offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams have been hired by Fisher.

Browns Add Tim Hauck To Coaching Staff

2012-01-23T14:02:00.002-05:00

The Cleveland Browns announced that they have hired Tim Hauck to coach the team's defensive backs.

Hauck replaces Jerome Henderson, who left the Browns to join Rob Ryan with the Dallas Cowboys. The Browns ranked second in the NFL in pass defense and were sixth in passing yards allowed per play in 2011, but only got seven interceptions from the secondary and none from 2010 first-round pick Joe Haden, who had a team-high 19 passes defensed.

A former NFL safety, Hauck began his coaching career at the University of Montana, his alma matter, before coaching at UCLA in 2008. Hauck was an assistant defensive backs coach for the Tennessee Titans in 2009-10, but was not retained by first-year head coach Mike Munchak.

Falcons DBs Coach Alvin Reynolds Will Not Return In 2012

2012-01-23T13:36:00.002-05:00

Atlanta Falcons defensive backs coach Alvin Reynolds will not return for the 2012 season, head coach Mike Smith announced on Monday.

"We would like to thank Coach Reynolds for his dedication and hard work over the last four seasons," Smith said. "We wish him all of the best."

Reynolds joined the Falcons after spending five seasons coaching under Smith with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-07). In addition to the Falcons and Jaguars, Reynolds has coached with the Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos.

Last week, the Falcons replaced departed defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorder with Mike Nolan, who will likely bring in some assistant coaches who he is familiar with.

Dennis Allen To Have Second Interview With Raiders

2012-01-23T12:25:00.003-05:00

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will have a second interview for the Oakland Raiders' head coaching vacancy, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Allen's second interview will take place in Mobile, Alabama, where most NFL coaches and personnel executives are attending the Senior Bowl.

The Broncos' defensive coordinator is one of several candidates on the Raiders' list of candidates. Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, Miami Dolphins interim head coach Todd Bowles and Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers are former NFL head coaches the Raiders are interested in. Packers assistant head coach/inside linebackers coach Winston Moss and quarterbacks coach Tom Clements are also in the mix for the job.

CFL All-Star Jovan Olafioye's NFL Tour Reaches 15 Teams

2012-01-23T11:14:00.001-05:00

B.C. Lions All-Star Jovan Olafioye's NFL tour reached a 15th NFL team when the 6-foot-6, 325-pound offensive tackle worked out for the Carolina Panthers last Friday, a league source confirmed.

Undrafted out of North Carolina Central in 2010, Olafioye signed with the B.C. Lions and is regarded as being the CFL's best NFL prospect since Miami Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake. Perhaps it's no coincidence that Olafioye's tour of NFL teams began with the Dolphins on December 15.

In addition to Miami, the 2011 leg of Olafioye's U.S. tour included workouts with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, New York Giants, and concluded with a workout for his hometown team, the Detroit Lions. This month, Olafioye has had workouts or visits with the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers and the Panthers.

The CFL signing window expires in mid-February, giving Olafioye and his representatives, REP1 Sports, a few weeks to make a decision.

Other CFLers getting looks in the NFL include defensive tackle Khalif Mitchell and linebacker Solomon Elimimian, a pair of Olafioye's teammates with the B.C. Lions. Mitchell had workouts with the Dolphins, Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles, while Elimimian worked out for the Vikings, Jaguars, Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers cornerback Jovon Johnson, who was the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2011, had workouts this month with the Jaguars and Bengals. Linebacker Jerrell Freeman of the Saskatchewan Roughriders signed a three-year contract with the Colts last week after working out for the Jets, Steelers, Jaguars and Buccaneers.

Bears DE Julius Peppers Added To Pro Bowl Roster

2012-01-23T10:49:00.000-05:00

Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers has been added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster, the team announced on Monday.

Peppers replaces New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.

In 16 games in 2011, his second with the Bears, Peppers had 37 tackles and 11 quarterback sacks with four passes defensed and three forced fumbles.

This will be the fourth straight and seventh overall Pro Bowl for Peppers, who has 472 tackles, 100 quarterback sacks, eight interceptions and 36 forced fumbles in his 10-year career.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski's Ankle Injury Won't Keep Him Out Of Super Bowl XLVI

2012-01-23T10:19:00.002-05:00

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's left ankle injury will not keep him from playing in Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, Ian Rapoport of The Boston Herald reports.

Gronkowski needed to be helped off the field after being dragged down by Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard following a 23-yard reception late in the third quarter. Gronkowski exited the playing field, but returned with a freshly taped left ankle.

The second-year Pro Bowler was seen wearing a hard walking boot after the game.

Gronkowski led all NFL tight ends and ranked fifth among all pass-catchers with 90 receptions in 2011, while ranking sixth and setting a single-season tight end records with 1,327 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, the latter leading the NFL this season.

In two games this post-season, Gronkowski leads the Patriots with 15 receptions for 232 yards and three touchdowns.

Panthers QB Cam Newton Added To NFC Pro Bowl Roster

2012-01-23T10:13:00.002-05:00

Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton has been added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster, the team announced on Monday.

As first alternate, Newton replaces New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who will be preparing for Super Bowl XLVI.

Selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Newton passed for a single-season rookie record 4,051 yards with 21 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, adding 706 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, setting an NFL single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.

Newton will join Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers and New Orleans' Drew Brees as the third quarterback on the NFC roster.

Brandon Moore, Ben Grubbs Replace Pair Of Patriots Guards On AFC Pro Bowl Roster

2012-01-23T10:05:00.004-05:00

New England Patriots guards Logan Mankins and Brian Waters were selected to start the 2012 Pro Bowl next Sunday, but will obviously have to back out with the Patriots advancing to Super Bowl XLVI.

Replacing Mankins in the starting lineup will be Baltimore Ravens guard Marshal Yanda, who made the Pro Bowl on the Original Ballot. Replacing Mankins on the roster will be Ravens guard Ben Grubbs, who as the first alternate will likely join Yanda in the starting lineup.

Grubbs, a 2007 first-round pick, was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2009 and 2010, but was not added to the roster. The 27-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this off-season.

Last night, the New York Jets announced that Brandon Moore would take Waters' spot. The 31-year-old Moore has spent his entire career with the Jets, starting 126 of 128 career games, including a streak of 121 straight starts, and will be appearing in his first Pro Bowl.

Ravens LB Ray Lewis Will Return In 2012

2012-01-23T08:43:00.003-05:00

Following Sunday's 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis said he will return in 2012, The Baltimore Sun reports.

"Is this my last game as a Raven? Absolutely not," Lewis said. "Let me answer that question before somebody asks it."

Lewis missed four games with a foot injury in 2011, but still totaled 95 tackles, two quarterback sacks and an interception to earn a sixth straight and 13th overall trip to the Pro Bowl. The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Super Bowl MVP and the only player with 40 quarterback sacks and 30 interceptions turns 37 in May and is signed through the 2014 season.

Lewis is scheduled to earn $4.95 million in base salary next season.

Two veteran Ravens who are expected to be considering retirement are center Matt Birk and safety Ed Reed. Birk turns 36 right before training camps typically open and is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Reed, who has battled injuries the last few seasons, turns 34 in September and has one-year and $7.2 million remaining on his contract.

NFL Playoffs News and Notes - January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T08:42:00.000-05:00

New England Patriots 23, Baltimore Ravens 20

Quarterback Tom Brady's one-yard touchdown plunge gave the Patriots a three-point lead, but their ticket to Indianapolis wasn't punched until Billy Cundiff missed a 32-yard field goal.

The Patriots have now won 16 playoff games with Brady under center, though Brady was highly critical of his own performance.

A much-maligned defense came to the rescue.

The late Myra Kraft was an inspiration to the players and fans.

The Ravens squandered three opportunities to tie or take the lead late in the game.

Wide receiver Lee Evans took the blame for the loss after his dropped touchdown pass before the missed field goal.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was surprised that Evans' near touchdown wasn't reviewed.

Cundiff said the timing of the missed field goal seemed off.

The Ravens secondary had done a good job against the Patriots passing offense.

New York Giants 20, San Francisco 49ers 17 (OT)

Lawrence Tynes' 31-yard field goal sets up a Super Bowl XLII rematch.

The Giants defense came up big on third downs.

Giants rookie linebacker Jacquian Williams and wide receiver Devin Thomas are instant heroes for their play on special teams.

Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz was unstoppable in the first half.

The Giants responded to head coach Tom Coughlin's message.

The 49ers fumbled away an opportunity to play for the Super Bowl.

49ers wide receivers were missing in action, catching one pass for three yards against the Giants.

Opportunistic throughout the season, the 49ers defense failed to create a takeaway against the Giants.

The 49ers defense was all over Giants quarterback Eli Manning, posting six sacks on Sunday.

Sunday's loss won't define 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Today's NFL birthdays: Cardinals running back Alfonso Smith (25), Browns kicker Phil Dawson (37), Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer (28), Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (24), Jaguars cornerback Dwight Lowery (26), Patriots cornerback Antwaun Molden (27), Raiders wide receivers Derrick Jones (26) and Edward McGee (24), Redskins linebacker Keyaron Fox (30), free agent running back J.J. Arrington (29), quarterback Jarrett Brown (26), offensive tackle Brandon Frye (29), safety Tuff Harris (29), defensive tackle Derrick Jones (26), and cornerback Ken Lucas (33).

Former NFL quarterback Pat Haden (59) and center Kevin Mawae (41) and Frank Winters (48), guard Jerry Kramer (76) and running back Eric Metcalf (44)

Chip Kelly To Remain At Oregon

2012-01-23T08:05:00.004-05:00

After being offered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coaching job, and working on a contract to finalize the deal, University of Oregon head coach Chip Kelly has had a change of heart and will remain in his current position, Adam Jude of The Register-Guard reports.

"His heart is with college football and Oregon and he's no longer being considered," Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik told the Tampa Bay Times on Monday.

The 48-year-old Manchester, New Hampshire native has spent the last five seasons with the Ducks, two as offensive coordinator before taking over as head coach in 2009. Under Kelly, the Ducks are 34-6, including a 1-2 mark in BCS bowl games. Earlier this month, the Ducks won the Rose Bowl for the first time in 95 years.

Kelly signed a six-year, $20.5 million contract extension in 2010 that included a $3.5 million buyout.

Kelly's decision puts the Buccaneers in the position where the person will know that they were not the first choice for the job, and that the person the Buccaneers wanted had zero NFL coaching experience. The Buccaneers have interviewed longtime NFL assistants/coordinators such as Jerry Gray (Tennessee Titans), Mike Zimmer (Cincinnati Bengals), Rob Chudzinkski (Carolina Panthers), Joe Philbin and Tom Clements (Green Bay Packers) were interviewed, as were former NFL head coaches Marty Schottenheimer, Brad Childress and Mike Sherman.