Breaking News and Al's Inside Scoop on the Draft
01/31
NFL Combine List...Pro Football Weekly has published the invitation list for the NFL Scouting Combine which will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from Feb. 25-28. PFW Combine List
Browns/Haskell...Gil Haskell, one of Mike Holmgren's closest friends and advisers in the NFL, is reportedly expected to join the Browns as Holmgrens' advisor. Cleveland.com
Brandon Graham...Michigan DE Brandon Graham was a disruptive force for the North squad as had a pair of sacks, and a forced fumble, in leading the North to a 31-13 victory over the South in front of a sellout crowd at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, in Mobile, Alabama. Graham was named the games MVP for his performance.
01/30
Ravens Hire Zorn...The Baltimore Ravens have hired former Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn to coach their quarterbacks. Baltimore Sun
Patriots...New England Patriots tight ends coach Shane Waldron has left the team to pursue other opportunities. Waldron was a quality control assistant in 2008, having come from Charlie Weis' Notre Dame staff, where Waldron was a grad assistant. Boston.com
Bills/Cortez...Calgary Stampeders offensive coordinator George Cortez has accepted a job as quarterbacks coach for the Buffalo Bills. Globe and Mail
01/29
Bears/Martz...Former St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz interviewed for the Bears offensive coordinator job today. Chicago Sun Times
Palmer Retiring...New York Giants quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer, announced his retirement today after 20 years of coaching in the NFL. NY Daily News
Bills/DeHaven...News 4 Sports in Buffalo is reporting the Buffalo Bills are bringing former Special Teams Coach Bruce DeHaven back to Buffalo. The announcement is expected to be made next week. Wivb.com
Eagles Name GM...The Philadelphia Eagles have promoted vice president of player personnel Howie Roseman to general manager. Lehighvalleylive.com
Senior Bowl/Taylor Mays...USC S Taylor Mays looks the part at 6-3 230, and has great straight line speed, but he struggles to flip his hips in coverage and looks too stiff to play the safety position at the next level. He reminds me a lot of former Cowboy and present Bengals' safety Roy Williams. -Al Fronczak
Senior Bowl/George Selvie...South Florida DE George Selvie looks like a taller version of Everette Brown of FSU, the Panthers second round pick in the 2009 draft. Selvie struggled in space this week and appears to be a one-trick pony as a pass-rusher, with good straight line speed, but no moves in his arsenal. -Al Fronczak
Senior Bowl/Tim Tebow...The expectations for Tim Tebow were though the roof this week at Mobile, but despite some of the negative reports, Tebow didn't necessarily hurt his stock. Tebow has a strong enough arm to make all the throws at the next level and is the ultimate gamer, but he needs to work on the flaws in his mechanics. Tebow is working on his footwork in his delivery and shortening his throwing motion by holding the ball higher than he was used to which made for his elongated throwing motion. When Tebow gets used to adjusting his delivery, his confidence in being able to fit the ball in tight spaces will improve, along with his accuracy. The key, in my opinion, is to see how much progress Tebow makes between now and the Combine. As he stands right now, without the adjustments in his mechanics, Tebow could struggle as an every-down quarterback at the next level. But with that stated, even if he isn't able to speed up his delivery and improve his accuracy in the short period between now and the draft, there will still be several NFL teams that will be willing to take him on board and continue his development, because Tebow is a terrific short-yardage and goal-line runner who would be able to run a teams wildcat formation. -Al Fronczak
Chiefs changes...The Kansas City Chiefs made several changes to their coaching staff on Thursday firing receiver coach Dedric Ward, while Clacy Pendergast came to a mutual agreement that he would no longer coach for the Chiefs. The Chiefs hired Richie Anderson to replace Ward, while Pat Perles will go from defensive aide to assistant offensive line coach and Anthony Pleasant was hired as a defensive assistant.Kansascity.com
01/28
Pendergast/Bills...The Kansas City Chiefs have released defensive backs coach Clancy Pendergast. Pendergast reportedly sought permission from the Chiefs to interview with the Buffalo Bills for the Bills' vacant defensive coordinator position.
-Al Fronczak
Ndamukong Suh...Maximum Sports Management has signed former Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh, for representation for his playing contract work. Roosevelt Barnes, confirmed the information today. Barnes, co-owns the NFL player rep firm Maximum with agent Eugene Parker. Sports Business Daily
Redskins/McCardell...The Washington Redskins will reportedly hire retired wide receiver Keenan McCardell to be their wide receivers coach. Washington Post
Vick/Cold Weather...Rumors are swirling that Vick has played his last down for the Eagles since it's been reported that the Eagles have no intention of picking up Vick's option year for 2010. There are several teams (St. Louis, Carolina, Buffalo and Oakland) that have been rumored to have interest in Vick, with the Rams and Bills reportedly having the most interest. But keep in mind, Michael Vick has never been fond of playing in cold weather, which could eliminate the Bills as a potential landing spot, if he becomes a free-agent. However, If the Eagles trade Vick, then he has no say in the matter of where he plays in 2010. -Al Fronczak
Senior Bowl...QB Quick Hits...Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour has been a bit of a disappointment this week...LeFevour has struggled with his accuracy (especially on long and some intermediate pass routes) and he floats his deep passes...there was talk coming into the week that LeFevour could sneak into the second round of the draft, but the fourth round would be his highest landing spot after this week.
Oregon State QB Sean Canfield has improved his accuracy during the course of the week, but lacks ideal zip on the ball...the hype surrounding Canfield has died down this week, as he has the look of a career backup.
West Virginia QB Jarred Brown spins the ball better than any of the other quarterbacks in Mobile, but has been inconsistent in his accuracy at times...Brown is a good prospect that would benefit greatly from seeing playing time in the World League (because he needs a bunch of reps since he only started for one year at WVU), but that won't happen, since the World League no longer exists.
Cleveland Browns Hires...The Cleveland Browns hired Mark Schiefelbein to serve as the Browns' new vice president of football operations and Kent Johnston as their head strength and conditioning coach.
01/27
Donovan McNabb...There are numerous reports/rumors out there that Donovan McNabb will be dealt sooner than later, which I don't dispute ( in fact I wrote about it several weeks ago) but don't expect the Eagles to deal McNabb to a Conference playoff rival like the Vikings. It just won't happen. If the Eagles deal McNabb, which I believe they will, it will be out of conference to an AFC team, much like the way the Broncos dealt Jay Cutler to the Bears last offseason. -Al Fronczak
Warner to Retire?...Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network is reporting Kurt Warner will announce his retirement from football in a press conference scheduled for Friday. Since that report, there have been several reports that contradict La Confora's report and Warner could announce on Friday that he will return to the Cardinals for the 2010 season.
Bills Hire Five...The Buffalo Bills announced five new hirings Wednesday for their coaching staff. Curtis Modkins as the team’s offensive coordinator/running backs coach, Bob Bicknell as tight ends coach, Joe D’Alessandris as offensive line coach, Kevin Patullo as offensive quality control and Giff Smith as defensive assistant. The Bills also retained two veteran assistants from their previous coaching staff as George Catavolos will remain the secondary coach and Bob Sanders will remain as the defensive line coach. Brown/Bills.com
Niners/Brown...Ray Brown, who spent six seasons with the 49ers as an offensive guard, has been hired as the team's assistant line coach. Maiocco/Press Democrat
Senior Bowl...Quick Hits - Wednesday's North practice...Clemson WR Jacoby Ford beat Boise State CB Kyle Wilson on a deep out and caught a perfectly thrown ball from Cent. Michigan QB Dan LeFevour...LeFevour has a tendency to float his deep passes and did so again today despite the long hook-up with Ford...California CB Syd'Quan Thompson impressed with four pass-break ups in the drills today.
Redskins...Jason Reid of The Washington Post reports the Redskins entire strength and conditioning staff was quietly let go last week, including John Hastings, the head strength and conditioning coach the past four seasons and his assistants, Bobby Crumpler and Harrison Bernstein. Washington Post
Tebow OK...Florida quarterback Tim Tebow doesn't have strep throat, despite reports early Tuesday to the contrary, Senior Bowl public relations director Kevin McDermond said. Press Register
Bears/Rogers...The Chicago Bears have received permission from the Minnesota Vikings to interview quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers for their offensive coordinator vacancy. Chicago Sun Times
Senior Bowl...Stock is rising - Mississippi OG/OT John Jerry, 6-5, 332, has flashed great strength inside at guard, but also displayed quick feet playing right tackle in Tuesday's practice...good bloodlines, the brother of Falcons' first round 2009 pick Peria Jerry...Idaho OG Mike Iupati, has the size and strength to play inside and the quick feet and athleticism to kick out to tackle...Mississippi HB/WR Dexter McCluster is small in stature at 5-8, 165, but he's the ultimate playmaker...USC TE Anthony McCoy, has flashed the ability to get deep and has really impressed with his blocking skills...Boise State CB Kyle Wilson, a first-round cover corner with great ball skills.
01/26
Texans/Knapp...The Houston Texans have hired former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Greg Knapp as their quarterbacks coach.
Bills/Smith...Georgia Tech recruiting coordinator Giff Smith has accepted a job as a linebackers coach with the Buffalo Bills. Smith will be reunited with Chan Gailey, a little more than two years after he was fired as the Yellow Jackets’ coach. Atlanta Journal Constitution
Senior Bowl/Iupati...Idaho OG Mike Iupati is the best offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl. There have been rumblings that the Cowboys have their eye on him, and I believe it. Iupati is a big, powerful long-armed prospect that could play inside at guard for the Cowboys, but has the feet and athleticism to kick outside and eventually replace Flozell Adams at the left tackle position. I'll say it now, he won't get past the Cowboys pick at No 27, if he is still on the board, which I feel is highly unlikely. -Al Fronczak
Pees/Ravens...The Baltimore Ravens announced today that they have hired former Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees to coach their linebackers. ESPN
Tebow sick...ESPN is reporting Florida QB Tim Tebow has a case of strep throat and it's uncertain if he will be able to practice this afternoon at the Senior Bowl...2:27 pm Update...Tebow just came out on the practice field and appears to be ready to participate in practice.
Raiders hire Jackson...Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports the Oakland Raiders have hired Ravens' quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson to be their offensive coordinator. Fox Sports
Senior Bowl Quick Hits...Florida QB Tim Tebow struggled taking the ball from under center and needs to work on speeding up his release...Tebow wasn't present for the Media Night session on Monday...Cincinnati QB Tony Pike had a long throwing motion and sloppy footwork in day one...Michigan DE Brandon Graham can fly off the edge and was very impressive in the one on one pass-rushing drills...Alabama DT Terrance Cody weighed in at 6-4, 370 (heavier than some expected) but has a 34" arm length with 11 1/4" hand size...Massachusetts offensive tackle Vladimir Ducasse and Idaho offensive guard Mike Iupati were very impressive in the one on one lineman drills...As we reported yesterday, Wisconsin DE O'Brien Schofield unfortunately tore his left ACL during Monday's pass-rushing drills....TCU DE Jerry Hughes has decided to skip the Senior Bowl...Texas DT Lamarr Houston and LB Roddrick Muckelroy were late additions to the South roster.
01/25
Falcons/Lewis...The Atlanta Falcons have hired former Seahawks secondary coach Tim Lewis to coach the Falcons' secondary. AtlantaFalcons.com
Senior Bowl/Tebow...Florida QB Tim Tebow stated on Sunday that he plans on practicing as a quarterback and doesn't anticipate practicing as a tight end or an H-back at this week's Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Alabama.
01/24
Raiders/Cable...Adam Schefter of ESPN reports after weeks of speculation, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis has decided to retain Tom Cable as head coach for the 2010 season. Cable will reportedly fulfill the final year of his contract with the Raiders. The Raiders, however, denied the report on Saturday, saying the evaluation process is still ongoing. ESPN
Chicago Bears...Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune reports Chargers tight ends coach Rob Chudzinski, who interviewed with the Bears Thursday for their vacant offensive coordinator position, will not be coming to Chicago.after all. Chicago Tribune
01/23
Raiders/Waufle...The Oakland Raiders hired former Giants' defensive line coach Mike Waufle on Friday to coach the Raiders' defensive line. Waufle was an assistant in Oakland from 1998-2003.
01/22
Shrine Game...Former Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer and former Browns coach and new Chiefs defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel are the head coaches for this weekends Shrine Game. Marty Shottenheimer is coaching the West squad and Romeo Crennel is coaching the East squad.
Raiders/Jackson...Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun reports Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson spent a third straight day in Oakland interviewing with the Raiders for a coaching position. Jackson could replace Tom Cable as the Raiders' head coach, if Cable is fired. Baltimore Sun
01/21
Seahawks...Seattle Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke said head coach Pete Carroll has the final say on all personnel matters at a press conference held to introduce the Seahawks new GM John Schneider. Pro Football Weekly
Wade Phillips...The Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones has confirmed that Wade Phillips has received a contract extension and is signed through the 2011 season. Globe and Mail
Buffalo Bills...The Buffalo Bills have fired their Vice President of Pro Personnel, John Guy, the team announced Wednesday evening. BuffaloBills.com
Oakland Raiders...Steve Corkran of the Oakland Tribune reports Raiders owner Al Davis has received numerous calls from coaches, seeking employment the past two-plus weeks, but has yet to interview anyone for the head coaching position, a team official said Wednesday. Mercury News
01/20
Raiders/Jackson...The Oakland Raiders have received permission from the Baltimore Ravens to interview QBs coach Hue Jackson for an undisclosed position on their coaching staff. ESPN
Raiders/Cable...Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis has reportedly interviewed prospective head coaches for more than two weeks in the event he decides to fire Tom Cable. People on the Raiders' interview list include former Giants coach Jim Fassel and former Raiders offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, Giants' offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, and Packers assistant Winston Moss. The Sanfrancisco Chronicle
01/19
Buffalo Bills...Tim Graham of ESPN reports retired head coach Marty Schottenheimer had a strong desire to return to coaching, and was very interested in the Bills coaching vacancy, but the Bills didn't consider Schottenheimer a candidate, because owner Ralph Wilson wasn't comfortable with him. ESPN
Phillips/Cowboys...The Dallas Cowboys are denying a report on the team's Web site that head coach Wade Phillips was given a contract extension. "There is no announcement and nothing has been finalized," director of public relations Rich Dalrymple said. Dallas News
Dolphins/Nolan...Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports the Miami Dolphins have officially hired Mike Nolan as their defensive coordinator.
Chan Gailey...New Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey stated that he will serve as the teams' offensive coordinator at the Bills' press conference this afternoon.
Steelers...Jerry Dulac of the Post Gazette reports the Steelers are close to hiring a new special teams coordinator Al Everest. Everest spent the past three seasons as the 49ers special teams coach. Post-Gazette
Sam Bradford...University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford expects to resume some light throwing by the first week of February and hopes to be able to throw full tilt for NFL scouts at Oklahomas' pro day in Norman. Bradford won't be able to throw for scouts at the combine in Indianapolis in February, but will interview and submit his shoulder for examinations. -Al Fronczak
Miami/Sheridan...The Miami Dolphins have hired former Giants' defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan to fill their linebacker coach vacancy.
Seahawks GM...Len Pasquarelli of ESPN reports Green Bay Packers director of football operations John Schneider has been chosen as the new general manager of the Seattle Seahawks. ESPN
2:00 pm presser...The Buffalo Bills have scheduled a 2:00 pm press conference this afternoon to announce the hiring of Chan Gailey as their new head coach.
Shrine practice...Chad Reuter of The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com reports Dolphins' VP Bill Parcells, Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley and Packers GM Ted Thompson were among the NFL personnel men to take in the first practice of the East-West Shrine Game on Monday. The game will be televised by ESPN/2 this Saturday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. ET CBS Sports
Broncos/Pees...The Denver Broncos are expected to name former New England assistant Dean Pees as their new defensive coordinator, their fifth DC in five years. Denver Post
Bills/Gailey...The Buffalo Bills are expected to hold a news conference later today to announce the hiring of Chan Gailey as their new head coach.
Turner/Chargers...the San Diego Chargers signed head coach Norv Turner to a three-year contract extension which runs through the 2013 season. San Diego Trubune
01/18
Phillips to return...Ed Werder of ESPN reports Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has decided that Wade Phillips will return next season as the Cowboys' head coach. ESPN
Wade Phillips...Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stopped short of saying he'll bring head coach Wade Phillips back next season, but said Sunday's loss to the Vikings will not impact his decision. USA Today
01/17
Gaines Adams...Chicago Bears defensive end Gaines Adams died this morning after he was taken to the Emergency Room at Self Regional in Greenwood, South Carolina. USA Today
Buffalo Bills...Charley Casserly of CBS reports the Buffalo Bills offered their vacant head coaching position to Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh reportedly turned the Bills' offer down to remain at Stanford.
01/16
Cleveland Browns...Toni Grossi reports the Cleveland Browns fired Mike Keenan on Friday. Keenan was president of the Browns until the arrival of Mike Holmgren. Dawn Aponte, the club's chief contract negotiator and salary cap manager, has left the organization and was reportedly joining the Miami Dolphins. Cleveland.com
01/15
Bears Hire Tice...The Chicago Bears have hired Jaguars' assistant head coach Mike Tice to coach their offensive line. ESPN
Early Entry...SMU HB Shawnbrey McNeal has announced that he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2010 NFL Draft. Dallas News
Early Entry...Alabama cornerback Kareem Jackson decided to forego his senior season at the University of Alabama and make himself eligible for the 2010 NFL Draft. Tide Sports
Early Entry...Stanford halfback Toby Gerhart has announced that he will forgo his final year at Stanford and enter the 2010 NFL Draft. -Al Fronczak
Sooner Staying...Oklahoma Sooners running back DeMarco Murray announced this morning that he plans to return to Oklahoma for his senior season.
Ryan/Raiders...Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator Rob Ryan told the USA Today that he would be interested in coaching the Oakland Raiders if Al Davis were to fire current head coach Tom Cable.
Early Entry...South Carolina defensive end Clifton Geathers has decided to forgo his senior season and enter the 2010 NFL Draft. The Post and Courier
4 PM Deadline...Underclassmen have until 4 PM EST today to officially file paperwork with the NFL to be eligible for the 2010 NFL Draft.
Redskins...The Washington Redskins have released offensive coordinator Sherman Smith. Washington Post
01/14
2011 Draft...University of Pittsburgh DE Greg Romeus and Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones both announced on Wednesday they they will return to school for their senior season.
Quick Hits...Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm has an interview scheduled with the Buffalo Bills for their vacant head coaching position...The Pittsburgh Steelers hired former Bills' offensive line coach Sean Kugler to coach their offensive line...The Miami Dolphins interviewed former Virginia head coach Al Groh on Wednesday for their defensive coordinator vacancy...The Chicago Bears interviewed Jacksonville Jaguars assistant head coach Mike Tice on Wednesday...The Washington Redskins granted the Seattle Seahawks permission to interview defensive backs coach Jerry Gray for the Seahawks defensive coordinator position.
01/13
Redskins/Spanos...The Washington Redskins have signed Steelers' defensive assistant Lou Spanos for their vacant linebacker coach position.
Miami Dolphins...Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker coach Keith Butler has been granted permission to interview for the Miami Dolphins' vacant defensive coordinator position.
Buffalo Bills...New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has turned turn down an interview request from the Buffalo Bills for their head coaching job.
Chiefs/Crennel...Former Brown head coach Romeo Crennel has accepted the Kansas City Chiefs' offer to become their new defensive coordinator.
Lane Kiffin...Lane Kiffin is expected to be named the USC Trojans new head coach at a news conference later today after spending once season at The University of Tennessee. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, and Ed Orgeron are also leaving Tennessee to join Kiffin at USC.
USC/Lane Kiffin...Lane Kiffin is leaving the University of Tennessee to take over the head coaching job at the University of Southern California.
Bears/Zampese...Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese interviewed for the Bears vacant offensive coordinator position on Tuesday. Chicago Tribune
Early Entry...South Florida WR Carlton Mitchell has decided to forego his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.
Redskins/Haslett...Jim Haslett has reached an agreement with the Washington Redskins to be Mike Shanahan's defensive coordinator. Washington Post
01/12
Quick Hits...Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has signed a new three-year contract to stay with the Bengals...Alex Gibbs will reportedly be joining Pete Carroll's staff in Seattle as their offensive line coach....Jack Del Rio is staying in Jacksonville and will remain the Jaguars head coach for the 2010 NFL season.
Redskins/Haslett...Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports the Washington Redskins interviewed Jim Haslett on Monday for their vacant defensive coordinator position.
Jaguars...Jack Del Rio told the media this morning that he has not been offered a contract by USC. News4Jax
Maurkice Pouncey...Florida center Maurkice Pouncey has announced that he will forego his senior season at Florida and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.
Chicago Bears...Sean Jenson of the Sun Times reports the Packers denied the Bears permission to interview QB coach Tom Clements for the Bears' offensive coordinator vacancy, but Mike Martz, Paul Hackett, Mike Tice and Bill Musgrave are considered to be potential candidates for the position. Sun Times
USC/DelRio...Scott Wolf of the Los Angeles Daily News, is reporting the USC Trojans have sent Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio a contract for their vacant head coaching position. Wolf also notes that former Arizona State head coach Dirk Koetter will come with Del Rio and serve as the Trojans offensive coordinator if Del Rio accepts the job. CBS2.com
1/11
Early Entries...Florida DE Carlos Dunlap has announced that he will enter the 2010 Draft...Alabama ILB Rolando McClain, Iowa CB Amari Spievey, South Florida WR Carlton Mitchell, Marshall HB Darius Marshall, LSU FS Chad Jones and Florida S Major Wright also announced today that they will be entering the 2010 Draft.
Dolphins Axe DC...The Miami Dolphins have fired defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni.
Raiders/Cable...David White of the San Francisco Chronicle is reporting Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis is expected to fire head coach Tom Cable later today. SFChronicle
Early Entries...A 1:00 pm est press conference is scheduled at Georgia Tech in which halfback Jonathan Dwyer, defensive end Derrick Morgan, and safety Morgan Burnett are expected to announce whether they will be entering the 2010 NFL Draft. -Al Fronczak
Philadelphia Eagles...Bob Brookover of The Philadelphia Enquirer reports Eagles GM Tom Heckert is expected to leave the Eagles and become the Cleveland Browns' new GM. Eagles' VP/Director of Football Administration Howie Roseman is in line to become the Eagles next GM. Philadelphia Enquirer
01/10
Pete Carroll...Peter King of SI.com reports Pete Carroll will likely be the new coach of the Seattle Seahawks ...but it's not a done deal yet....according to King, Seattle CEO Tod Leiweke will fly to the Los Angeles area to interview Carroll for a second time either Sunday or Monday. King/SI.com
01/09
Seahawks Hire Carroll...Adam Schefter of ESPN reports Pete Carroll has reached an agreement with the Seattle Seahawks on a deal to be their next head coach. ESPN
Pete Carroll...The Baltimore Sun reports USC head coach Pete Carroll has been offered the job as both head coach and president of the Seattle Seahawks at an annual salary of $7 million for five years, according to sources close to the negotiations. Baltimore Sun
Early Entries ...Texas SS Earl Thomas has announced that he will forgo his last two years of eligibility and enter the 2010 NFL Draft...USC WR Damian Williams will forgo his senior year and enter the draft.
Wilson/Cowher...The Associated press reports Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson confirmed the team has spoken to Bill Cowher about the team's coaching vacancy...Wilson is the first person in the Bills' organization to publicly say the Bills have spoken to Cowher. SFGate.com
01/08
Browns/Heckert...Eagles GM Tom Heckert will reportedly be introduced as the Cleveland Browns’ new general manager on Monday.
Seahawks/Carroll...Chris Mortenson of ESPN reports the Seattle Seahawks are targeting USC head coach Pete Carroll to serve as a GM/Head Coach for the team.
Quick Hits...The Washington Redskins are reportedly interested in meeting with former Saints and UFL head coach Jim Haslett for their defensive coordinator position..USC HB Joe McKnight will forgo his senior year at USC and enter the 2010 NFL Draft... Georgia Tech WR Demaryius Thomas has announced that he will forgo his senior year and enter the NFL Draft....Central Michigan WR Antonio Brown will forgo his senior year and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.
Mora Fired!...Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports the Seattle Seahawks have fired head coach Jim Mora after just one year on the job. Glazer/FoxSports
Cameron/Bills...Aaron Wilson of the Carroll Couty Times reports Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron hasn’t been contacted by the Buffalo Bills regarding their head coaching vacancy. Carrollcountytimes.com
Brian Shottenheimer...Rich Cimini of the Daily News is reporting Jets' offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is expected to remain with the team this offseason, despite rumors that he is a candidate for the Bills vacant head coaching position. NYDailynews.com
Ryan Mallett...Robbie Neiswanger of the Arkansas News reports quarterback Ryan Mallett is expected to return for his senior season at the University of Arkansas. ArkansasNews.com
01/07
Mangini/Browns...3:00 pm est...The Cleveland Browns have decided to keep Eric Mangini as head coach of the Browns for the 2010 NFL season.
Snead going pro...2:40 pm est...Jevan Snead has decided to forgo his senior season and will enter the 2010 NFL Draft. Snead had a dissapointing junior season, but has the ability to become a solid starting quarterback at the next level with the proper coaching. -Al Fronczak
Quick Hits...The Seattle Seahawks have an interview scheduled next week with New York Giants college scouting director Mark Ross for their vacant general manager position...The Steelers fired special teams coach Bob Ligashesky today...The Dolphins reportedly contacted the Browns about Josh Cribbs availabilty before last October's trading deadline...The Redskins are reportedly interested in former Bills' special teams coach Bobby April.
Jevan Snead...David Brandt of ClarionLedger.com reports Mississippi head coach Houston Nutt and QB Jevan Snead had a meeting last night regarding Snead's future with the Ole Miss football program, and will meet once again this morning. Snead is reportedly undecided whether he should return to UM for his senior year, or enter the 2010 Draft. Clarionledger.com
Snead might be leaning toward entering the draft because both of his starting guards and his center will be lost to graduation, along with receiver Shay Hodge and their biggest offensive weapon Dexter McCluster. -Al Fronczak
Jason Pierre-Paul...South Florida DE Jason Pierre-Paul will forego his senior season and enter the 2010 NFL Draft. Pierre-Paul is turning pro after just one season with the Bulls. PFW
01/06
Weis/Chiefs...Chris Mortenson of ESPN is reporting former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis has reportedly agreed to become the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Buffalo Bills...Jay Glazer of Fox reports that members of the Buffalo Bills organization will fly to Minnesota on Thursday to interview Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier for the Bills' vacant head-coaching position.
Shottenheimer - Cowher/Bills...Speaking as a host on Sirius NFL Radio this afternoon, retired head coach Marty Shottenheimer stated that "although he doesn't have any inside information", he wouldn't be surprised if Bill Cowher became the new head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
John Fox/Browns...Tony Grossi of The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that Panthers head coach John Fox is "very interested" in the possibility of becoming the Browns' head coach.
Perry Fewell...The New York Giants have an interview scheduled on Thursday with recently fired Bills coach Perry Fewell for their defensive coordinator vacancy. Fewell is considered to be the front-runner to land in Chicago to take over as defensive coordinator for the Bears.
01/05
Bill Cowher...Jason La Canfora is reporting that recent reports that Bill Cowher isn't interested in coaching in 2010 are untrue...Cowher has reportedly been actively working on assembling a coaching staff, and weighing his options for the upcoming season.
Chiefs/Krumrie...The Kansas City Chiefs will reportedly fire defensive line coach Tim Krumrie...Krumrie will be replaced by former Browns head coach Romeo Crennel who worked with Chiefs GM Scott Pioli in New England as a coordinator, but is expected to coach the Chiefs defensive line in KC.
Carolina/Cowher - Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox doesn't want to coach the Panthers in 2010 as a lame duck coach and reportedly wants a contract extension to keep him in Carolina...If Fox leaves the Panthers, look for Bill Cowher to become the Panthers next head coach despite reports that he will stay retired and away from coaching in 2010.
Brian Billick/Bills - Brian Billick is already reportedly contacting coaches to assemble a staff in the event that he is hired as head coach of the Bills...Billick has already reached out to Jaguars offensive line coach Mike Tice about a potential move to Buffalo...If Billick does get hired by the Bills, look for Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to join him in Buffalo if he is let go by the Browns in a coaching staff purge...Jets head coach Rex Ryan (Rob's brother) was Billick's defensive coordinator in Baltimore.
Jimmy Clausen...QB Jimmy Claussen reportedly played the last 10 games at Notre Dame with torn ligaments in his toe and will have surgery to repair them today. Claussen isn't expected to recover in time for February's Scouting Combine, but will throw for scouts in April.
01/04
Bills Clean House...Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports the Buffalo Bills fired their entire coaching staff this morning. Glazer is also reporting that the Bills are expected to interview Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, Cardinals assistant head coach Russ Grimm and Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier for their vacant head coaching position.
Zorn Fired...Pro Football Weekly is reporting the Washington Redskins fired head coach Jim Zorn early Monday morning after their return from Sunday's game in San Diego.
01/03
Jahvid Best...University of California HB Jahvid Best announced that he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.
01/02
Tim Tebow/Senior Bowl...After an outstanding performance by Tim Tebow in the Gators 51-24 shellacking of the Cincinnati Bearcats on Friday, questions still remain whether Tebow can become an every down quarterback at the next level. I love Tebow as a competitor, but I'm still not sure how Tebow's game translates to the next level since the quarterback postition is the toughest position to evaluate in the NFL pre-draft process. In my opinion, Tebow needs to accept his invitation to the Senor Bowl and prove all his doubters wrong with a solid week of practice in front of NFL personnel evaluators in Mobile, Ala. Tebow is on record saying that he wasn't sure if he would accept the invite to the Senior Bowl, which would be a big mistake on his part.
01/01
Buddy Nix...The Buffalo Bills promotion of Buddy Nix to the teams GM position was a very good and (very underrated) hire for a Bills team that has lacked direction since the John Butler era. Nix was hired by the late John Butler in Buffalo in 1993 and shares the same football philosophies as Butler and Colts GM Bill Polian, which will likely mean the Bills could hire a veteran head coach with previous coaching experience in the league. Dating back to the 1986, Bill Polian has had success by hiring coaches with previous head coaching experience (former Chiefs coach Marv Levy as the Bills head coach, former Saints head coach Jim Mora in Indianapolis and former Bucs head coach Tony Dungy to replace Mora in Indianapolis). John Butler shared the same belief in hiring experienced head coaches as Polian, and did the same by hiring former Broncos head coach Wade Phillips in Buffalo and then former Browns and Redskins head coach Marty Shottenheimer in San Diego. Current Chargers GM A. J. Smith took over for Butler in San Diego after Butler passed away in 2003, and after a fallout with Shottenheimer, Smith hired former Redskins and Raiders coach Norv Turner to replace Shottenheimer. Buddy Nix, A. J. Smith and the late John Butler all worked together in Buffalo and in San Diego.
