Coaching Carousel (updated March 13th, 2009)

Hiring and Firings. Who's in and who's out in the NFL, we will try to keep you updated on all the latest changes around the NFL.

Arizona Cardinals:

• Offensive coordinator Todd Haley leaves to become KC's new head coach
• (Update) Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast is fired
• Quarterbacks coach Jeff Rutledge has been fired.
• Cardinals have promoted linebackers coach Bill Davis to defensive coordinator

Carolina Panthers:

• Browns quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer will join the Carolina Panthers in the same capacity.
• Defensive line coach Sal Sunseri is leaving to take a job at Alabama.
• Panthers have hired former Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks in same capacity.
• The Carolina Panthers have hired Richard Smith as linebackers coach.
• The Carolina Panthers have hired Ron Milus as secondary coach
• The Carolina Panthers have hired Brian Baker as defensive line coach

Chicago Bears:

• Former Detroit Lions Head Coach Rod Marinelli is hired as Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line.

Cleveland Browns:

• GM Phil Savage is fired after 4 seasons.
• Head Coach Romeo Crennel is also shown the door after 4 season.
• Browns name Eric Mangini new Head Coach.
• Browns have hired 5 new coaches, defensive line coach Bryan Cox, defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson, defensive quality control coach Andy Dickerson, quarterbacks coach Carl Smith and assistant strength and conditioning coach Rick Lyle.
• (Update) Browns name George Kokinis as General Manager
• Browns quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer will join the Carolina Panthers in the same capacity.
• Gary Brown has been hired running backs coach.
• Browns hire ex-Butch Davis assistant Steve Hagen to direct tight ends.
• Browns have hired former University of Missouri assistant Matt Eberflus as linebackers coach

Dallas Cowboys

• Special teams coach Bruce Read has been fired after 2 seasons.
• Joe Decamillis has been hired as new special teams coach.
• Defensive Coordinator Brian Stewart has been fired.

Denver Broncos:

• Head Coach Mike Shanahan is fired after 14 season.
• Broncos have named Josh McDaniels as new Head Coach. Making McDaniels (32 years, 8 months and 20 days old)the fifth youngest Head Coach in NFL History.
• Broncos have hired Mike Nolan as Defensive Coordinator.
• Broncos add Adam Gase as Wide Recievers coach.
• Denver has hired former Panthers QB Coach Mike McCoy as Offensive Coordinator.
• The Broncos have added 3 more to its coaching staff. Mike Priefer as special teams coordinator, Wayne Nunnely as defensive line coach and Ed Donatell as secondary coach.
• Head coach Josh McDaniels hires his younger brother Ben as Offensive assistant.
• The Broncos staff is now complete as they have hired Clancy Barone to coach TE's.
• Broncos have hired Roman Phifer as assistant coach of linebackers. Phifer is a 15-year NFL veteran player who retired in 2005. This is his first pro coaching job.
• The Broncos retained Keith Burns as coaching assistant for special teams.
• Brian Xanders, has been promoted to general manager of the Denver Broncos.

Detroit Lions:

• Tom Lewand is named new Team President.
• Martin Mayhew is the new General Manager.
• Head Coach Rod Marinelli is fired after 3 seasons.
• The following assistants are also fired Joe Barry (Defensive Coordinator), Mike Barry (Assistant Offensive Line) Jimmy Lake (Secondary) and Joe Cullen (Defensive Line).
• Jim Colletto has been re-assigned to offensive line coach.
• Dave Boller (Assistant Director of Pro Personnel) will not be retained.
• Lions have named former Titans Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz their new Head Coach.
• Lions have hired former Chief defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham to the same position.
• New Lions head coach Jim Schwartz on Friday hired Scott Linehan as offensive coordinator.
• Head coach Jim Schwartz has added Matt Burke to his staff as linebackers coach.
• Lions have hired offensive line coach George Yarno.
• Lions have hired defensive backs coach Tim Walton .
• Jeff Horton replaces Scott Loeffler as Lions quarterbacks coach.
• Bob Karmelowicz takes over as defensive line coach.
• James "Shack" Harris is named personnel exective.

Green Bay Packers:

• Special Teams Coach Mike Stock to retire after 44 years in NFL.
• Defensive Coordinator Bob Sanders is fired.
• Defensive ends coach Carl Hairston, defensive tackles coach Robert Nunn, secondary coach Kurt Schottenheimer, cornerbacks coach Lionel Washington as well as strength and conditioning coordinator Rock Gullickson have all been fired.
• Packers have announced that Dom Capers has been hired as defensive coordinator.

Houston Texans:

• Defensive Coordinator Richard Smith has been fired.
• Defensive Backs Coach Jon Hoke also fired.
• Defensive Line Coach Jethro Franklin also fired.
• Texans hire Frank Bush as Defensive Coordinator.
• The Texans have hired Hall of Fame lineman Bruce Matthews as an assistant offensive coach.

Indianapolis Colts:

• Head Coach Tony Dungy announces retirement after 7 seasons with the team.
• Associate Head Coach Jim Caldwell named succesor.
• Former NFL QB Frank Reich is promoted to QB Coach.
• Special Teams Coach Russ Purnell's contract will not be renewed
• Defensive coordinator Ron Meeks has resigned.
• Colts have brought in former Bucs assistant Larry Coyer as defensive coordinator.
• Colts have named Ray Rychleski as special teams coordinator.

Jacksonville Jaguars:

• Jaguars hire former Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker at same position.
• Russ Purnell will be the special-teams coach.
• The Jaguars also filled three more spots on their assistant coaching staff by hiring Charlie Jackson as the defensive line assistant, Luke Richesson as strength coach and Johnny Cox as quality control coach.

Kansas City Chiefs:

• Kansas City has hired former NE Patriots vice president-player personnel Scott Pioli as new General Manager.
• The Chiefs have fired coach Herm Edwards after three seasons.
• (Update) Cardinals OC Todd Haley to become next Head Coach.
• Chiefs have fired tight ends coach Jon Embree.
• Chiefs have fired defensive assistant/assistant linebackers coach Michael Ketchum.
• Chiefs have fired running backs coach Curtis Modkins.
• Chiefs have fired offensive assistant Kevin Patullo.
• Chiefs have fired wide receivers coach Eric Price.
• Kansas City has decided to retain services of Chan Gailey.
• Kansas City has also hired Clancy Pendergast, Gary Gibbs, Bill Muir , Joel Collier, Pat Perles, Steve Hoffman and Dedric Ward to unnamed positions.
• Clancy Pendergast is named defensive coordinator.
• Gary Gibbs is named linebackers coach.

Miami Dolphins:

• Dolphins Offensive line coach Mike Maser has been fired.
• Former Giants Offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo has joined Dolphns staff in same capacity.

New England Patriots:

• Patriots promote Bill O'Brien to quarterbacks coach.
• Newly hired Toledo defensive line coach Patrick Graham resigns to take unnamed position with Patriots.
• Shane Waldron will coach tight ends.
• Jon Robinson director of college scouting.
• Monti Ossenfort a national scout.
• Chad O'Shea hired as receivers coach.
• Jason Licht hired as director of pro personnel

New Orleans Saints:

• Defensive Coordinator Gary Gibbs has been fired.
• Bill Johnson named Defensive Line Coach

NY Giants:

• After losing Spagnuolo to Rams Giants have promoted linebackers coach Bill Sheridan as new defensive coordinator.
• Giants have named former Jets assistant Jim Herrmann the linebackers coach.

NY Jets:

• Head Coach Eric Mangini is Fired after 3 Seasons.
• Jets have named former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan their new Head Coach.
• Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer signs extension with New York Jets.
• Henry Ellard hired as Wide recievers coach.
• Jeff O'Neill is new defensive quality control coach.
• Jeff Weeks hired as new defensive assistant.
• Jets have named Matt Cavanaugh quarterbacks coach.
• New coach Rex Ryan also hired John DeFilippo as assistant quarterbacks coach, and retained Ben Kotwica as assistant special teams coach and Brian Smith as quality control-defense

Oakland Raiders:

• Wide Recievers coach James Lofton has been fired.
• Sanjay Lal has been promoted as Wide recievers coach.
• The Raiders promoted John Fassel to special teams coach.
• The Raiders have hired two more assistants, Kelly Skipper named running backs coach and added Lionel Washington to coach defensive backs.
• The Raiders have finally removed the interim tag and installed Tom Cable as their new Head Coach.
• The Raiders hired former Cal coach Jim Michalczik to be their offensive line coach.

San Diego Chargers:

• The Chargers have fired 4 coaches, secondary coach Bill Bradley, tight ends coach Clancy Barone, offensive line coach Jack Henry and assistant secondary/quality control coach Kevin Ross.

San Francisco 49ers:

• No longer an Interim Head Coach, Mike Singletary signs 4 year extension.
• Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz is fired
• Quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner and running backs coach Tony Nathan have also been released.
• Former 49ers Fullback Tom Rathman has been hired as new running backs coach.

Seattle Seahawks:

• Greg Knapp is hired as new Offensive Coordinator.
• Casey "Gus" Bradley named Defensive Coordinator.
• Dan Quinn named Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line Coach.
• Seahawks have named Tim Lewis their new secondary coach

St Louis Rams

• Rams have hired Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnoulo as new Head Coach.
• The Rams have hired former Eagles QB Coach Pat Shurmur as their offensive coordinator.
• Rams have also hired former Panther linebackers coach Ken Flajole as the new defensive coordinator.
• Henry Ellard no longer wide recievers coach.
• Steve Spagnuolo confirmed Monday the hiring of 3 new coaches: Paul Ferraro on his defensive staff, and also announced the hiring of Dick Curl as assistant head coach-quarterbacks coach and Frank Leonard as an offensive assistant.
• Clayton Lopez was hired as a defensive assistant.
• Andy Sugarman was hired as quality control coach/offense.
• Derius Swinton was added as quality control coach/special teams.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

• Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin to leave Bucs for Job at University of Tennessee.
• DB Coach Raheem Morris is named defensive coordinator to replace Kiffin.
• Assistant Head Coach Larry Coyer has decided to leave team.
• Bucs re-hire Joe Barry as linebackers coach.
• Head Coach Jon Gruden has been fired after 7 season.
• GM Bruce Allen has been fired after 6 seasons.
• Recently named Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris becomes Bucs Head Coach.
• Pro personnel director Mark Dominik is promoted to General Manager.
• The house cleaning continues as 6 more assistant coaches are fired including offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Bill Muir, defensive quality control coach Johnny Cox, defensive quality control coach Ejiro Evero, offensive assistant Coach Jay Gruden, head strength and conditioning Mike Morris and assistant offensive line coach George Yarno.
• Bucs hire Jim Bates as defensive coordinator.
• Bucs hire former Patriots' TE coach Pete Mangurian as O-line coach
• Former Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski has joined Bucs as offensive coordinator.
• Bucs have hired Steve Logan from Boston College to coach the running backs.
• Bucs have hired Alfredo Roberts as their tight ends coach.
• Bucs have hired Chris Mosley assistant offensive line coach.

Tennessee Titans:

• Titans promoted former NFL safety Chuck Cecil from secondary coach to defensive coordinator
• Jeff Fisher has hired Rayna (ruh-NAY) Stewart as his defensive assistant for quality control.

Washington Redskins:

• Tight Ends coach Rennie Simmons has retired after 27 season as an NFL assistant including 18 with Washington.
• Redskins have hired Chip Garber as defensive quality control coach.

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AFC East Ready to Battle it Out for Taylor

RB Fred Taylor, who was recently released by the Jacksonville Jaguars, he is coming off a season where in 13 games he rushed for just 556 yards and a career low 3.9 yard per carry. On the outside it would appear that the 33 year old running back is on the downside of his career and might consider hanging it up.

Not if the AFC East has anything to do with it. Both the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills appear to be interested in the 11 year veteran's services for next season.

Taylor would be good insurance for the Patriots. Laurence Maroney, who played just three games last season, is coming off shoulder surgery, and Sammy Morris, who led the Patriots last season with 727 yards, has missed time with injuries the last two seasons.

The Bills are in the market for a back after Marshawn Lynch was charged last Thursday with three gun-related misdemeanors stemming from an incident in California.

Now it remains to be seen if all of this is a pre-draft smoke screen or if the two teams will battle it out for the running back who ranks 16th in NFL history with 11,271 yards.

Moss Making a Switch

The Broncos have already began discussing the possibility for Elvis Dumerville to change positions to fit the 3-4 defense being implemented by new D-coordinator Mike Nolan, but now another teammate will be joining Elvis in the linebackers meeting room.

Jarvis Moss, the Broncos' first-round pick in the 2007 draft, has learned he'll be moving to outside linebacker in Mike Nolan's new scheme.

"They feel like it could be good for Jarvis, because he hasn't put on the weight you would expect a defensive end to have. And he's athletic enough to do it," Moss' agent, Pat Dye Jr., said on Friday. "My sense is, he'll be an outside linebacker and a big pass rusher, primarily."

Moss has been working with a nutritionist and strength coaches in Gainesville, Fla to add 10 pounds this offseason, but he has had difficulty moving north of the 255 pounds he carried at season's end. He planned to add the weight to become a true 4-3 defensive end.

"He's plenty athletic. My hope was, at this point, he'd weigh 265, 270 and be a prototypical defensive end, but that hasn't happened. So this could kind of be a rebirth for him."


The big hurdle for Moss in his new position is to become proficient in his backpedal and turn in coverage. Proving he can drop back into coverage, which he has done occasionally in zone- blitz situations.

"We actually did some of that before the draft because the 3- 4 teams obviously didn't see him as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme," Dye said. "So the 3-4 teams put him through linebacker drills and he did fine.

Record Numbers of Players Franchised

A record 14 players were given the franchise tag designation from their respective teams. Here is a complete list of all the tagged players. Prior to this season the previous record for taggings was 11 set twice in 2005 and 2008.

• Arizona: LB Karlos Dansby
• Atlanta: P Michael Koenen
• Baltimore: LB Terrell Suggs
• Carolina: DE Julius Peppers
• Cincinnati: K Shayne Graham
• Houston: CB Dunta Robinson
• New England: QB Matt Cassel
• N.Y. Giants: RB Brandon Jacobs
• Pittsburgh: OT Max Starks
• San Diego: RB Darren Sproles
• St. Louis: S Oshiomogho Atogwe
• Seattle: LB Leroy Hill
• Tampa Bay: WR Antonio Bryant
• Tennessee: TE Bo Scaife

QB Quinn Closing in on 100%

Brady Quinn, the Cleveland Browns' QB, who had pins inserted in his right index finger on Dec. 3rd, to repair a damaged extensor tendon and bone chip, has been throwing a football for about two weeks now. He says he is throwing around 60 - 70 balls a day with the same type of power and distance he had pre-injury.

The pins were removed in mid-January, and the rehab process began. He started by throwing foam balls and has worked his way back up to footballs. Quinn says he is pain-free and the surgery was 100% successful.

"Right now, I anticipate being able to participate fully in the off-season program (beginning March 16)," he said. "There's no doubt about it. I'm pretty much in the final phase of my rehab. It's a matter of making sure it's loose before I throw and gradually strengthening my finger as well as my grip."

With rehab going well Quinn is excited for next season and is preparing himself to compete to be the starting quarterback.

Raiders Install Cable...

The Oakland Raiders have finally made a decision on a head coach for the 2009 season, removing the interim tag from Tom Cables title and making him their 5th head coach since 2003.

It took over 5 weeks sincve the season ended for the Raiders to decide on a head coach and interviewed several candidates including NY Giants OC Kevin Gilbride and Green Bay Packers assistant head coach Winston Moss, bu in the end decided to stay in house and install Cable (I hope that it is not Comcast) the former Idaho head coach who joined the Raiders in 2007.

Now that the head coach decision has been made the Raiders have a ton of other coaching positions to fill as several key coaches have left this off-season for greener pastures, including defensive coordinator Rob Ryan (Cleveland), offensive coordinator Greg Knapp (Seattle), special teams coordinator Brian Schneider (Southern California), running backs coach Tom Rathman (San Francisco) and linebackers coach Don Martindale (Denver).

Cable follows Bill Callahan (2002-03), Turner (2004-05), Art Shell (2006) and Kiffin (2007-08) in charge of the Raiders, who haven't had a winning season since Callahan led Oakland to the Super Bowl in his first season after replacing Jon Gruden.

AFC News Blitz

January 30, 2009

AFC

• Baltimore Ravens: Pro Bowl MLB Ray Lewis about returning to Baltimore next season: That's between me and God.
• Buffalo Bills: Bills 2nd year RB Lynch is added to Pro Bowl roster.
• Cincinnati Bengals: In order to make the playoffs Marvin Lewis believes his team needs more discipline.
• Cleveland Browns: Free Agent safety Mike Adams wants to remain a Cleveland Brown.
• Denver Broncos: Former Bronco Shannon Sharpe anxiously waiting for Hall Call.
• Houston Texans: Texans WR eager to take next step: Finds Super Bowl stage appealing.
• Indianapolis Colts: New Colts coordinator can't make many personnel changes.
• Jacksonville Jaguars: New Jaguars GM Smith has control over roster.
• Kansas City Chiefs: Former Chiefs QB Steve DeBerg is a quarterback guru
• Miami Dolphins: The NFL Players Association thinks that Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross made a wise investment.
• New York Jets: Jealous Jet Calvin Pace, rooting for his old team.
• New England Patriots: WR Wes Welker thinks that Bill O'Brien is quite the catch.
• Oakland Raiders: Despite denial it seems inevitable, Cable will become next head coach.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Trophy or not, fans told not to greet returning Steelers at airport.
• San Diego Chargers: Rob Chudzinski to return to Chargers as TE coach and assistant head coach.
• Tennessee Titans: Tians DT Haynesworth not interested in hometown discount.

Tomlinson vows to play in another Pro Bowl

In an interview this week Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson addressed several issues arising from his sub-par 2008 season and the rumors that he might be leaving San Diego. Including one question that he answered with extreme confidence.

If you take the gray area out of it, and you're healthy all the way through at age 30 in 2009, what are you capable of?

"I'm gonna say that I'll be in another Pro Bowl and I'll be an All-Pro," Tomlinson said. "I gotta believe that, because I know me. I'm pretty much a realistic dude, and if I'm starting to get old and I feel like I can't do it anymore, I'm gonna tell the media that. I'm gonna say, 'Yeah, I'm getting old.' But at this point, I'm not. I'm telling you, I'm not."

Tomlinson, who had his worst statistical season since his rookie year averaged 3.8 yards per carry. Combined with the fact that he will turn 30 years old in June and it is no surprise that there are rumors that the only franchise he has ever played for might be interested in moving on without him.

AFC News Blitz

January 27, 2009

AFC

• Baltimore Ravens: Defense in limbo may mean tricky steps for Mattison.
• Buffalo Bills: Making Hall of Fame case for three Bills.
• Cincinnati Bengals: Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh sees the similarities between the Cardinals and the Bengals and it is killing him.
• Cleveland Browns: Kain leaving as adviser to owner Lerner.
• Denver Broncos: D.J. Williams has surgery to fix rotator cuff.
• Houston Texans: John McClain discusses the Texans' offseason needs.
• Indianapolis Colts: Philly man who accused WR Harrison goes on trial.
• Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacksonville's stadium bus service is in jeopardy for 2009 season.
• Kansas City Chiefs: Billboards, dollar bills, long shots and every reason the Chiefs need to trade for Matt Cassel.
• Miami Dolphins: Although a Super Bowl will be in town next year at Dolphin Stadium, the NFL has invited South Florida to bid on the 2013 game.
• New England Patriots: Patriots front office coming together with the hiring of Floyd Reese.
• New York Jets: Rex Ryan is bolstering staff with 2 new members.
• Oakland Raiders: Making a case for Herm Edwards in Oakland.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Steelers fans waiting at airport to catch a glipse of their heroes arriving in Tampa.
• San Diego Chargers: Smith calls L.T. to clear the air.
• Tennessee Titans: Jim Wyatt's Titans' offseason breakdown.

Titans and Haynesworth Begin Contract Talks

The Tennessee Titans have begun preliminary contract talks with All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, and all signs are pointing to the two being able to work out a deal before Haynesworth hits the market.

Haynesworth was the teams franchise player last season, but avoided that this season by triggering a clause in his contract if he was nominated to the Pro Bowl that the Titans could bnot use the franchise tag again in '09.

Though no actual outlines were set, the two sides discussed ideas for the contract extension and the feeling is that Haynesworth would be compensated in a similar fashion as one of the top defensive ends Jared Allen.

Ravens Promote Mattison to D-Coordinator

The Ravens have promoted LB's coach Greg Mattison to defensive coordinator in an attempt to keep some continuity in a unit that has excelled under former D.C. Rex Ryan. Mattison will inherit a fierce unit that ranked 2nd in the NFL this past season. He plans on using the same type of attacking defense used by Ryan.

Mattison, 59, has only 1 year of NFL experience, but has been the defensive coordinator in several college programs including Michigan, Notre Dame and Florida.

"Greg is a guy that I have full trust and belief in, and not just because of his track record," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "He's been successful at every stop, but the job he did this year with our guys, I think he established himself as a premier coach in the NFL. If you talk to our players, they'll tell you the same thing."

"Lights Out" Steps in

Chargers LB Shawne Merriman, who spent the season on IR with a knee injury has emerged to discuss the public Tomlinson/Smith fued. Particularly, he expressed his concern over General Manager A.J. Smith's comments in which he was interpreted as mocking the star running back

“That (stuff) doesn't help bring a Super Bowl to San Diego,” linebacker Shawne Merriman said. “And that (stuff) needs to stop, period. It needs to stop now.”

Although no one else has stepped up publicly Merriman's sentiments seemed to be shared by many of the players players, and one other important member of the organization. Sources say that team president Dean Spanos is "very upset" that this issue has been brought into the public eye, and is particulary bothered by the fact that most of this is based on speculation.

Smith has not spoken publicly since Wednesday, but sources indicated he maintains a deep respect for Tomlinson.

Browns Hire GM

The Cleveland Browns have hired former Baltimore pro personnel director George Kokinis as their General Manager, reuniting him with new Browns head coach and close friend and former roommate Eric Mangini.
Mangini and Kokinis shared an apartment together in 1991 when the two worked, ironically, for the Cleveland Browns. Owner Randy Lerner decided to hire friends this time around as the Head Coach/GM team after seeing the dysfunctional relationship between Romeo Crenell and Phil Savage.

"The Browns are excited to bring George back to Cleveland where he began his NFL career," Lerner said in a team release. "He is a tireless worker that has spent his entire career evaluating talent and knows the type of player it takes to be successful in this league and in our division."

One of the first evaluations of talent facing the Mangini-Kokinis team will be what do with quarterback Derek Anderson, who was benched midway through the season for Brady Quinn. Anderson is owed a $5 million roster bonus in March. If he is deemed expendable, the Browns could trade him for draft picks. Savage dealt several 2009 picks, leaving the Browns with only four selections in this April's draft.

Collins Named Starter in '09

Titans head coach Jeff Fischer informed QB Kerry Collins that he was added to the pro bowl roster as a replacement for Brett Favre last week, he also told him he would be returning as the Starter in '09.

Collins is set to become a free agent, but preliminary talks of a contract extension will begin soon, as nothing more than a philosophical discussions have taken place yet between Collins' representatives and GM Mike Reinfeldt .

Fischer made a public announcement saying that Collins earned the starter spot based on this season performance. This means former first round pick QB Vince Young will become the back-up, but promises to have a good attitude regarding this news.

If L.T. Wants to Come Back, Here is a Solution

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson who's play in recent years no longer justifies his $6.725 million base salary proclaimed he would like to stay in San Diego but has no control over the teams decisions. LT may be ignoring one obvious option, he can volunteer publicly to take a pay cut. He could declare and then demonstrate that dollars are a secondary consideration at this stage of his Canton-bound career.

A move like this would seize the initiative from A.J. Smith, and back the Chargers into a more awkward position than they already occupy, and free up funds to help fill the team's numerous needs. He could execute a tactical retreat and emerge as a triumphant symbol of selflessness.

The framework for a revised deal might be found in Ahman Green's negotiations with the Houston Texans last summer. Green conceded $2 million in base salary and a $500,000 bonus for the chance to make up to $3 million in bonuses for being listed as “active” over the last 15 games of the season.

If his desire is to stay, let him show his sincerity by taking one for the team. Let him take control of the situation while there's still time. So long as the Chargers are in compliance with the salary cap as of Feb. 27, they have no need for a hasty decision. So long as ego doesn't interfere, there's a way to make this work.

Parcells sees alot of Himself in Ryan

When Bill Parcells interviewed Rex Ryan last year for the Dolphins head coaching vacancy he came away impressed. "I saw a little of myself in him," Parcells told the Daily News by phone on his way to hitting some golf balls in south Florida.

"The thing I really look for in this business is there are guys who are into football and there are guys who are in the profession for other reasons," Parcells said. "You know, they get paid well, it's kind of a little bit in the limelight, but they are not the real deal as far as being football guys. I got a real sense that there wasn't too much aside from football that was important to Rex."

But if Ryan wants to really emulate Parcells he has to win. Parcells currently has a 183 career win and 2 super bowl title lead on Ryan, but a Parcells endorsement is a good confidence booster.

Shanahan won't be taking Chiefs job

Peter King on Sports Illustrated reports today that former Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan will "definately" not be coaching the Chiefs in 2009; or any other team for that matter prior to the 2009 season.

Rumors of Shanahan to the Chiefs began to fly when the former Broncos coach expressed admiration for Pioli to a friend and said anyone who would take a coaching job this off-season would love to be able to work with Pioli because he was the best personnel man in the business.

Although the Kansas City Chiefs would be a good team for Shanahan, with a smart GM and an owner willing to spend money to win, it was simply not the right time. Shanahan will enjoy his $7million being to him from Broncos owner Pat Bowlen to not coach this season and spend a year assembling his new staff before returning to the NFL.

Parcells will Return to Miami

Miami Dolphins Football Operation boss Bill Parcells declared that he will return to the franchise he helped turn around in '08. The Miami Dolphins improved from a one win team in '07 to the AFC East Champions under Parcells. Entering his 2nd year of a 4 year contract had the option to walk-away with his full $12 million pay if the team was sold, which it was last week when real-estate developper Stephen Ross bought 95% of the Dolphins from Wayne Huizenga.

"My intention is to do what I've been doing," Parcells told the New York Daily News for Saturday's editions. "I think we will have ample time to figure each other out. I'm very optimistic."

Parcells, GM Jeff Ireland and head coach Tony Sparano all met with Ross on Friday to discuss the future of the Dolphins.

It appears that Parcells will fulfill his contract with the Dolphins. "I will never take another dollar from the Dolphins other than what I am earning," Parcells continued according to the Daily News. "I'm not trying to leverage anything. I got more money than I can spend now."

Steelers TE Arrested in Virginia

Steelers TE Jonathan Dekker who spent the season on Injured Reserve with a knee injury was arrested Saturday . At 3:30am police responded to a complaint near old town Alexandria, upon arriving on the scene Dekker attempted to flee but was apprehended and charged with obstruction of justice. He has been released on $1000 bond and has a court date set for Feb. 2, 2009.

Browns DPP Fired

Browns Director of Player Personnel T.J. McCreight was fired on Friday, Jan. 23, two sources close to the situation told The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer. McCreight's departure paves the way for the hiring of Ravens Pro Personnel Director George Kokinis, who could be named Browns general manager as early as Saturday. For the full story click here.