Sproles prefers Chargers, but will test market

As if trying to figure out what to do with LaDainian Tomlinson isn't enough, the San Diego Chargers also have to contend with the future of his backup, Darren Sproles.

On Friday, the running back said, to no one's surprise, that he wanted to wade into the free-agent market, but added that his desire was to remain with the Chargers.

Darren Sproles#43 RB
San Diego Chargers

2008 STATS

Rush61Yds330TD1Rec29Yds342TD5

"I'm going to test it," Sproles said Saturday, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. "It makes sense. But I like where I'm at. I want to stay a Charger."

Free agency begins Feb. 27. Sproles was third in the NFL in 2008 in kick-return yardage (53 returns for 1,376 yards). He also set career-highs with 61 carries for 330 yards and 29 receptions for 342 yards and five touchdowns.

Sproles had a coming-out party of sorts in the AFC wild-card game against the Indianapolis Colts, with 328 all-purpose yards and the winning touchdown in overtime in the Chargers' 23-17 victory.

The following week, however, in his first career start in place of the injured Tomlinson, he didn't have nearly the same impact. Sproles was held to 15 yards rushing on 11 carries in the AFC divisional game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had a 62-yard touchdown catch, but the game already was out of reach.

That performance only added to the notion that Sproles, at 5-6, 180 pounds, is not suited to be the featured running back, and there are questions as to whether he could withstand the pounding of 16 games as a starter.

Sproles was in Tampa on Friday doing a series of interviews with radio stations at the Super Bowl media center. Sproles, who has stuttered since childhood, knows his profile is growing, and a marketing team is working with him to get acclimated to high-intensity media situations.

By all accounts, Sproles has little difficulty in one-on-one situations, but enormous clusters of cameras and microphones sometimes hinder his communication during interviews. His appearances on radio this week are part of the learning process.

"It's time for me to do it," Sproles told the Union-Tribune, "so I can do it with more ease."

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Tomlin’s update: Big Ben ‘fine;’ Hines ‘great’

Tomlin's update: Big Ben 'fine;' Hines 'great'

TAMPA, Fla. -- Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said during Friday morning's news conference that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is fine for the Super Bowl.

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Mike Tomlin discusses his relationship with his players and their preparation for SB XLIII.

"Ben's fine. He's going to play," Tomlin said.

Roethlisberger was drilled in the back during the AFC Championship Game, and has spent much of his time stretching his torso during practice this week.

Tomlin said he didn't have anything planned to tell the team before the game against the Arizona Cardinals. The coach says that when it comes to motivational speeches, he prefers to "wing it."

Tomlin, anticipating the media's line of questioning on another of his star players, said: "Hines is great."

Ward "looked pretty good" in Thursday's practice, according to Tomlin, and the team will "see where he is" after Friday's practice.

"We'll continue to push forward towards Sunday, but our mentality regarding Hines has not changed," Tomlin said. "He's intent on playing in the football game."

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Bucs hire Jagodzinski as offensive coordinator

TAMPA, Fla. -- Three weeks after being dismissed by Boston College for pursuing an NFL head coaching job, Jeff Jagodzinski was hired Thursday by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be their offensive coordinator.

Jagodzinski, who led Boston College to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game in each of his two seasons, was fired Jan. 7 after being told he would be let go if he interviewed for the New York Jets' coaching vacancy.

He went on the interview despite the ultimatum and was fired the next day. The Jets job eventually went to Rex Ryan.

NFL.com Video

Raheem Morris hired as Tampa Bay's new head coach.

Jagodzinski also was a candidate to be the San Francisco 49ers' offensive coordinator before accepting the job with the Bucs, who fired coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen two weeks ago.

Raheem Morris, who at 32 is the youngest head coach in the NFL and whose experience lies mostly on the defensive side of the ball, succeeded Gruden and hired Bill Bates as his defensive coordinator last week. The Bucs also announced the hiring Thursday of Pete Mangurian as offensive line coach.

Jagodzinski led Boston College to a pair of bowl appearances and lost twice to Virginia Tech in the ACC title game during his brief stay with the Eagles. He was an NFL assistant for eight years with the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons before moving to BC, where he tutored this year's NFL rookie of the year Matt Ryan.

Technically, he replaces Bill Muir as the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator. In actuality, Gruden -- who was fired after they finished with four consecutive losses to miss the playoffs following a 9-3 start -- ran the offense.

Jagodzinski was a tight ends coach for the Packers from 1999 to 2003, then spent the next two seasons with the Falcons, serving as tight ends coach in 2004 and offensive line coach in 2005. He returned to the Packers as offensive coordinator in 2006.

Despite the 45-year-old's success at Boston College, athletic director Gene DeFilippo didn't hesitate to fire Jagodzinski after telling the coach he would do so if he met with the Jets, who were searching for a replacement to Eric Mangini.

Jagodzinski had three years left on the five-year contract he signed for his first head coaching job.

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Fired coach Gruden ready for next opportunity

In his first public comments since being fired as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 16, Jon Gruden said Wednesday he was rebounding from his shocking dismissal and was in good enough spirits to say "that Chucky will be back and hopefully my teeth will be as sharp as ever."[+] Enlarge

Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesJon Gruden led the Tampa Bay Bucs to a Super Bowl victory in 2003.

Gruden said he had no doubt he would coach again whether "it's the NFL, college, high school or, maybe, I'll just be the best damn flag football coach in the history of Florida. I'm now head of the FFCA -- Fired Florida Coaches Association."

Gruden had not spoken publicly since he was fired and replaced by defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Former players have had mixed reactions, including recent biting criticism by Michael Clayton, Jeff Garcia and Simeon Rice.

"I'm not the first coach to take potshots. Hey, some people were taking potshots at Tony Dungy when I got here," said Gruden. "Jeff Garcia, Michael Clayton, I wish those guys the best. I hope Raheem gets this thing going again."

Gruden conceded he was surprised when he was fired, almost three weeks after a season-ending loss to the Oakland Raiders that cost the Bucs a possible playoff spot.

"It was rough the way it ended, losing three or four games," Gruden said. "This was the first time in my life being on the front line of the firing squad after 11 years. I've just taken a couple days to unwind with my family. A lot of people have called, being very supportive. Some people have taken shots and I understand that not everyone likes or agrees with what I do as a coach."

NFL.com Video

Breaking down the Buccaneers' decision to fire Jon Gruden as head coach.

In a Tuesday interview with Sirius NFL Radio, Rice referred to Gruden as "a scumbag" and took issue with how Gruden treated him after Rice suffered a shoulder injury midway through the 2006 season.

"You know what he told me? 'Simeon, you'll be here in the next five years,' " said Rice, who was released after the '06 season. "I got injured [and] this man's never said one word to me. I won a Super Bowl for you. I got 13 sacks, 12, 15 every year for you. I balled. I got injured [and] you let me go like it was nothing."

Gruden said he was "basically proud" of what he accompished in Tampa.

"We won a Super Bowl," he said. "I got a game ball for winning more games than any Bucs coach in history. I got a game ball for my 100th win [including playoff wins]. There are only six teams [actually seven] in the NFL that had back-to-back winning seasons the past two years and the Bucs were one of them. Again, it was tough the way it ended but we did some good things and I know some people who think we overachieved."

He added: "The reality is we came in with a bad salary cap situation and we left with some $50 million under the cap, so it's not like we went out and spent a lot of money on players."

Gruden said despite the perception he could not work with young NFL quarterbacks, he has not ruled out any potential opportunities at the collegiate level.

"I really only had one young guy to work with in Chris Simms," said Gruden. "I'd love a shot to coach some young college guys. Look, you know me. I'm an addict. I love to coach."

Gruden also suggested he was looking at some immediate job opportunites but not necessarily with pro or college football. He did not rule out some broadcasting jobs, "especially if I actually get to talk about football. Whatever I do, I'm going to show respect for the game. I'm going to use proper etiquette. Whatever I choose to do, I expect people to be demanding. Anything less would be unacceptable."

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Chargers ink LA marketing deal but not moving

SAN DIEGO -- As if the LaDainian Tomlinson-A.J. Smith spat isn't enough for San Diego fans to digest, the San Diego Chargers signed a deal with Wasserman Media Group on Monday to market Southern California's only NFL team in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

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Is LaDainian Tomlinson's time up in San Diego?

Any tie-in between the Chargers and Los Angeles always gets San Diegans wondering if it's a precursor to the Chargers moving up the freeway to the nation's second-biggest market, which has been without an NFL team since the Raiders and Rams bolted before the 1995 season. This one isn't, said attorney Mark Fabiani, who's been trying since 2002 to get the Chargers a new stadium deal in San Diego County. The Chargers must pay a lease-termination penalty of $56.2 million between Feb. 1 and May 1 if they intend to leave San Diego, but Fabiani made it clear to the San Diego Union-Tribune that the team will be playing in San Diego in 2009. "We will not be bringing a termination notice to the City of San Diego between Feb. 1 and May 1," Fabiani told the newspaper. In a deal that was first reported on the Los Angeles Times' Web site, Wasserman Media Group will help the Chargers sell luxury suites and club seats to fans in LA and Orange counties.

"It's a side issue," Fabiani said. "It has nothing to do with a stadium search. We continue to search for a solution in San Diego County. Nothing has changed about that."

Fabiani said he understands why people might read between the lines, much as they did when the Chargers moved their training camp to the LA suburb of Carson for a few summers earlier this decade.

"People should also understand that if they want us to re-sign our top players, if they want us to have enough revenue to be able to pay all of our stars on a long-term basis, to do that you need to generate additional revenue," Fabiani said. "Orange County and Los Angeles County are two of the most lucrative markets in the world. They're both unserved right now by an NFL team and we don't see any reason why we shouldn't try to improve our financial position by marketing there."

Casey Wasserman, the grandson of the late Hollywood mogul Lew Wasserman, is chairman and CEO of LA-based Wasserman Media Group. Casey Wasserman, who owns an Arena Football League team, has wanted for years to bring an NFL team to Los Angeles.

Wasserman Media Group said in a statement that its marketing deal with the Chargers "is unrelated to any prior public speculation involving Casey Wasserman and the Los Angeles football market."

The Chargers say they need a new stadium to replace aging Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley. The team has narrowed its search to two possible sites in suburban Chula Vista, south of downtown San Diego.

From Sunday through May 1, the Chargers are free to move out of the county if they pay the city $56 million to cover the bonds issued for the 1997 expansion of Qualcomm Stadium.

"I want to be clear -- we've been at this for seven years now, we've spent more than $10 million and my judgment is that we're a lot closer to the end of the process than we are the beginning," Fabiani said. "It's not a process that can go on forever, but for the time being we're continuing to focus on San Diego County."

Last Tuesday, voters in Industry, a tiny town about 15 miles east of Los Angeles, approved a bond measure that would provide $150 million for infrastructure improvements at a 600-acre site where a stadium has been proposed to lure an NFL team.

The results support a proposal by billionaire developer Ed Roski's Majestic Real Estate Co. to build an $800 million stadium if an NFL team agrees to move there.

Roski is friends with the Spanos family, which owns the Chargers. The team told Roski last summer that it would continue to search for a stadium site in San Diego County.

The Chargers are currently in the midst of a tiff between Tomlinson, their star running back, and Smith, the hard-nosed general manager, that started when the team said it is debating whether to trade or release Tomlinson because his salary cap number will be $8.8 million next season.

After Tomlinson said on his Web site last week that he wanted to stay in San Diego, Smith mocked the 2006 NFL MVP in comments to the San Diego Union-Tribune, mimicking L.T.'s comments practically word-for-word.

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Study: Late ex-NFL player had brain condition

TAMPA, Fla. -- Researchers at Boston University have diagnosed an ex-NFL player who died last year as having had a degenerative brain condition similar to Alzheimer's disease that has been linked to repeated head trauma. Tom McHale, a nine-year NFL veteran who died in 2008 at the age of 45, was the sixth player examined by researchers connected with the Sports Legacy Institute for chronic traumatic encephalopathy -- and the sixth whose diagnosis was confirmed by a postmortem study of his brain. The Center for Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE) announced Tuesday that McHale was suffering from CTE when he died on May 25 at his Florida home. Police said the cause of death was an accidental overdose of oxycodone and cocaine, according to The New York Times.
NFL Brain Damage

Latest research indicates that damage may accumulate in the brain from repetitive head trauma, even if injuries are allowed to heal, Peter Keating writes. Story His widow, Lisa McHale, said he developed chronic pain in his shoulders and other joints, leading him to start taking large doses of the painkiller OxyContin. That in turn made his depression worse and led him to occasional cocaine use, she said, according to the Times. McHale, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, went through drug rehabilitation three times before his death. His passing shocked former teammates and players who remembered the Cornell graduate as being intelligent and responsible, according to the Times. "Bearing in mind that only six former players, over the age of 25, have been tested for CTE, I find these results to be, not only incredibly significant, but profoundly disturbing. And I just can't conceive of anyone thinking otherwise," Lisa McHale said of the findings, according to the CSTE, a collaboration of the Sports Legacy Institute and Boston University School of Medicine. The condition, which is caused by repeated trauma and can be diagnosed only in dead patients or by an invasive biopsy, is characterized by tangles of nerve fibers in the brain's cortex. The symptoms can include memory loss, depression and dementia similar to Alzheimer's disease and are typically found in elderly people in their 80s and in boxers suffering from dementia.

Players in this year's Super Bowl were asked about their concerns for their long-term health. Pittsburgh's Hines Ward said it's a concern, but not an unexpected one.

"It's just a violent game," the star receiver said Tuesday during Super Bowl media day. "If you run into someone full speed with a head-to-head hit, something's bound to give. Unfortunately, it's your brain."

Ward's teammate, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, has suffered at least two concussions in NFL games and another in a motorcycle accident.

"I'm not going to think about it right now," Roethlisberger said. "I'm going to live this day to the fullest."

A doctor who conducted a postmortem autopsy of former Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Andre Waters, who shot himself to death at age 44, showed his brain tissue resembled that of an 85-year-old man and shared characteristics of early-stage Alzheimer's. In response to the study, the NFL said: "We support all research that would further the scientific and medical understanding of this injury. There continues to be considerable debate within the medical community on the precise long-term effects of concussions. We are currently funding an independent medical study of retired NFL players, which we hope will contribute to the overall understanding of this issue."

Pittsburgh free safety Ryan Clark doesn't remember the hit he put on Baltimore's Willis McGahee that knocked McGahee unconscious in the AFC Championship game. But he doesn't want the sport to be unfairly labeled.

"If they do anything else, we're not going to be able to tackle people," Clark said. "I'd like to see them stop talking about it on TV so much. It gets so much press when you see things like [his hit on McGahee]. People are beginning to believe it's a barbaric sport." The CSTE also announced that it discovered early evidence of CTE in the youngest case to date, an 18-year-old boy who suffered multiple concussions in high school football before his death. The boy was not named at his family's request. "I have 9- and 11-year old boys who are just beginning to play Pop Warner football," Lisa McHale said, according to the CSTE. "In light of Tom's situation and the findings on the high school football player with the initial evidence of CTE, I now question their involvement in a sport that had been so important in our lives." Other former NFL players diagnosed with CTE are former Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Webster, Terry Long and Justin Strzelczyk, along with Waters and John Grimsley. Long also committed suicide, while Strzelczyk led police on a 40-mile high-speed chase on the New York State Thruway before dying in a head-on collision. The CSTE also announced on Friday that a number of living former NFL players -- including Hall of Famers Joe DeLamielleure and Willie Wood -- have recently agreed to join three-time Super Bowl champion Ted Johnson and seven other former NFL players in donating their brains for study upon their deaths. Johnson revealed in 2007 that he has suffered from depression as a result of multiple concussions during his career. The new donors include three members of the NFL's "88 Plan," named for John Mackey, the former Baltimore Colts tight end who suffers from severe dementia.

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Seahawks LB Hill faces marijuana charge

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill faces a misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession after authorities found him passed out behind the wheel at an intersection in suburban Atlanta, according to authorities.

Hill

Hill, 26, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent Feb. 27.

A third-round choice from Clemson in 2005, Hill has led the Seahawks in tackles or tied for the lead five times in seven playoff games. He started Super Bowl XL as a rookie and has started 50 regular-season games in four NFL seasons, all with Seattle.

Hill, arrested at around 4 a.m. Saturday, posted $1,500 bond and was released, Douglas County Sheriff Sgt. Dwayne Taylor said.

"He was at an intersection passed out behind the wheel," Taylor said. "The deputies conducted an investigation and found two bags of marijuana in the car."

Authorities also cited Hill for having a faulty taillight. They did not test Hill for driving under the influence of alcohol, Taylor said.

Hill is the highest-profile Seahawks player scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell recently told reporters the team would consider naming Hill its franchise player.

"All options will be open," Ruskell said. "Obviously, we are starting talks again with his agent. Our priority is to have him back on the team."

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Report: Parcells 'optimistic' on new owner

In his most definitive comments yet about his future with the Miami Dolphins, football operations boss Bill Parcells declared he intends to return to the club he helped rebuild from a one-win season into AFC East champions.

AFC East

ESPN.com's Tim Graham writes about all things AFC East in his division blog.

•Blog network: NFL Nation

"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 signed a four-year contract in December 2007, but a walkout clause allows him to leave the Dolphins with full pay -- a reported $12 million -- in the event owner Wayne Huizenga no longer ran the team. The clause also allows him to work for another NFL team without compensation to the Dolphins.

Manhattan real-estate developer Stephen Ross on Tuesday finalized his purchase of an additional 45 percent of the team and Dolphin Stadium, leaving Huizenga only 5 percent.

The Daily News reported Parcells met with Ross on Friday. Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland and head coach Tony Sparano also attended.

"I've had two or three meetings with Steve Ross and he seems to be a guy who wants to do things the right way," Parcells said, according to the newspaper. "There will be a period of adjustment. He's got to find out about the business. We are going to try and make things work. I'm not doing this forever."

Ross said on a Tuesday conference call with South Florida reporters he was 100 percent sure Parcells would be back for 2009, but when asked when Parcells specifically informed him of that, Ross indicated such a conversation hadn't taken place yet.

There had been speculation Parcells would use the 30-day walkout window as leverage to enhance the remaining three years of his contract or to give him another walkout option after next season.

"I will never take another dollar from the Dolphins other than what I am earning," Parcells said, according to the Daily News. "I'm not trying to leverage anything. I got more money than I can spend now."

Chiefs fire Edwards; is Shanahan next in line?

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards was fired Friday. And former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan may be in line to replace him.

Edwards

Edwards was 15-34 in three seasons with the Chiefs, including 2-14 this season. He had one year remaining on his original four-year, $12 million contract.

"On behalf of my family, I want to thank Herm for his service to the Chiefs," Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a team statement. "After careful deliberation over the last week, Scott and I decided that it was in the best interests of the Chiefs to move forward in a different direction.

"This was not an easy decision. Herm is an outstanding football coach and a man of integrity. We appreciate his leadership over the past three seasons, and we wish him all the best in the future."

ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen reports the Chiefs have targeted former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan to replace Edwards as their next coach, according to league sources.

One source claims there have been negotiations with Shanahan and that a deal was near but another said Chiefs owner Hunt has targeted Shanahan without a clear-cut result. Williamson: Classy to end

Herm Edwards released a statement moments after he was relieved of his duties as Chiefs coach thanking the team for the opportunity, ESPN.com's Bill Williamson writes. Blog Shanahan could not be reached for comment and has not responded to text message inquiries. A Chiefs spokesman had no comment.

An NBC-TV affiliate in Kansas City reported Shanahan as a possibility at midweek but a team source and a source close to Shanahan either denied or downplayed the story. A Chiefs official told Mortensen on Friday night that he did not believe Shanahan would be the team's next coach. The official fell short of entirely ruling it out.

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network, who once covered the Broncos and co-authored a book with Shanahan, is reporting that there is no chance he will be the next Chiefs coach.

A league official noted that there was "no way" the Chiefs could be negotiating or near a deal with Shanahan because the team must comply with the Rooney Rule that requires interviewing minority candidates. The source said Hunt would be the last owner not to comply.

However, a league source said that Hunt has focused on Shanahan after hiring Scott Pioli as the team's general manager. The source said Hunt did research on the last 19 coaches who have been hired in the NFL and determined their average salary to range between $2 million and $3 million, which would be an acceptable proposal by the NFL Management Council. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen would be obligated to pay the balance of Shanahan's three-year contract at approximately $6.5 million per year.

Edwards' status has been in doubt since Pioli was hired on Jan. 13. Asked at his introductory news conference about Edwards' status, Pioli declined to say.

"Since my arrival last week, Herm and I have had several conversations as part of my overall evaluation of the football operation," Pioli said in a statement. "After careful consideration, Clark and I felt that it was best to make a change. What I conveyed last week in the press conference I still believe to be true -- Herm is a great man and a tremendous football coach. He respects the game and the league, and he is passionate about his players and his craft.

NFL.com Video

Herm Edwards recaps the Chiefs' 2008 season and addresses his status with the organization.

"Over the course of this last week, I have also spent time meeting and visiting with most of the assistant coaches, and I will continue to do so over the next several days. All of the coaches from last year's staff, with the exception of one, are under contract through the 2009 season."

Edwards was 41-44 in five seasons as head coach of the New York Jets, including three trips to the playoffs.

Edwards came to Kansas City from the Jets and made the playoffs in his first season, when the team was 9-7. But he was under fire after the team finished 4-12 in 2007. Team management gave him its support, but expected a run at the playoffs. Instead, the team went 2-14.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Hunt Family for the opportunity to spend nine seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs," Edwards said in a statement. "It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve as the head coach of 'Lamar's Team' the past three seasons.

"This is going to be a very good football team. The support of Chiefs fans across the country has been tremendous. They are truly passionate about their football team. Chiefs fans will be proud to cheer for this team for many years to come. With the tremendous nucleus of young talent on this roster, I sincerely believe that his team is poised to do great things. I respect the tough decision that was made to move in a new direction. I wish the players and the organization the very best as they move forward."

In Edwards' three seasons in Kansas City, only three teams had worse records: Detroit, Oakland and St. Louis.

Prior to joining the Jets, Edwards spent five seasons serving as assistant head coach/defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, working under head coach Tony Dungy. Edwards served as a scout for Kansas City from 1990 to '91 before joining Marty Schottenheimer's staff as defensive backs coach ('92-94).

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Schottenheimer to remain Jets O-coordinator

New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, once considered a candidate to replace deposed head coach Eric Mangini, will remain in the role under Rex Ryan, team sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

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Jets reach agreement with Rex Ryan to be team's coach.

Schottenheimer is one of several Jets assistants retained by Ryan, who signed a four-year deal and was introduced by the team on Monday. Offensive line coach Bill Callahan and special-teams coordinator Mike Westhoff also will be back.

Ryan hired Ravens outside linebackers coach Mike Pettine as his defensive coordinator.

Both Callahan and Schottenheimer were beaten out for the job by Ryan in a lengthy interview process by the Jets. Ryan is formerly the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.

The Jets' biggest offseason issue on offense is whether Brett Favre will return. The 39-year-old quarterback is mulling retirement again after tearing a biceps muscle and throwing nine interceptions in the Jets' last five games -- the Jets lost four of them after an 8-3 start and missed the playoffs.

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Steelers' Ward: 'I won't miss' Super Bowl

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is getting tired of the questions regarding his playing status for the Super Bowl.

For the second time in four days, Ward reiterated that he will be ready to play in Super Bowl XLIII Feb. 1 against the Arizona Cardinals despite a sprained right knee.

"I don't like missing games, and I got two weeks to prepare," Ward said in the locker room Wednesday. "It's the Super Bowl, and I won't miss the Super Bowl."

Ward

Ward needs extensive work to rehabilitate his sprained right knee, but he insists he'll play.

Tuesday, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin still expects the wide receiver to play.

"We're definitely not going to count him out," Tomlin said. "We're going to save a seat on the bus for 86."

Ward will skip practice for the remainder of the week but has no doubts that he will play. He described his rehab process as "24 hours" which includes work at the team facility and at home. Ward said he's doing double the assignments at home that's been given to him from Pittsburgh's training staff. The Steelers won't allow Ward to test the knee until next week when they will have a more definitive update on his status. He says it feels better than it did a few days ago and expects continued improvement. "Next week I will go out and get ready to practice," Ward said Wednesday. "If this was probably in season I would probably wait, because you don't want to risk further injury ... But it's the Super Bowl."

Ward, the Steelers' career receiving leader, sprained a medial collateral ligament while making a catch in the first quarter of the AFC Championship Game against Baltimore on Sunday night. If the Steelers played this week, he may not have been ready.

Tuesday was the players' scheduled day off, yet Tomlin observed Ward doing extensive rehabilitation work in the team's practice complex. The Steelers leave Monday for Tampa and the Feb. 1 game against Arizona, but only after they go through a regular week of practice.

NFL.com Video

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin updates the injury status of WR Hines Ward and others.

The schedule will be the same as for any other week, Tomlin said, and the Steelers will draw up a game plan as if they were playing this Sunday. A game plan that is likely to include Ward.

"We're going to do everything in our power so he gets the medical attention he needs," Tomlin said. "In his mind, he's playing, so chances are he is. It's not going to be comfortable between now and game day in terms of making that happen. But it's not about comfort, particularly with Hines."

Ward played in every Steelers game from 2001-04, and he has missed only six games the last four seasons -- none this season. He led the team with 81 catches for 1,043 yards, his fifth career 1,000-yard season and his first since 2004.AFC North

ESPN.com's James Walker writes about all things AFC North in his division blog.

•Blog network: NFL Nation

"I don't plan on missing this game, trust me. So don't worry about my knee, I'll be fine," Ward said following the 24-13 victory over Baltimore.

Ward didn't play much against the Ravens because of the injury, but made catches of 45 yards and 11 yards that set up Jeff Reed field goals. He returned briefly in the second quarter and caught one pass, but did not play the rest of the game

"I just fell on it wrong," said Ward, the MVP of the 2006 Super Bowl. "I just kind of twisted it and it felt weird. ... But I didn't want to go out there and hurt our team if I wasn't 100 percent. I could have played 75 or 80 percent but a championship game, let's put in a bunch of guys who are 100 percent, go out there and run full speed."

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Jets introduce Rex Ryan as new head coach

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Two days after declaring they found the right man for the job, the New York Jets introduced Rex Ryan as their coach.

And Ryan left little doubt about how he will approach his first head coaching job.

"The only way I know how to handle a challenge is to hit that thing head on," Ryan said Wednesday morning at Jets headquarters after being introduced by team owner Woody Johnson.

AP Photo/Mike DererRex Ryan inherits a Jets team that started 8-3 but fell short of the playoffs.

"The message to the rest of the league is 'Hey, the Jets are coming, and we're going to give you everything we got. And I think that's going to be more than you can handle.' "

Hired Monday to replace the fired Eric Mangini, Ryan takes over a Jets team that started last season 8-3 but missed the playoffs with quarterback Brett Favre after a late-season collapse.

He signed a four-year deal, reportedly worth $11.6 million. Mike Pettine, Baltimore's linebackers coach since 2002, is following Ryan to the Jets to become the team's new defensive coordinator.

Ryan also announced that assistant head coach/offensive line Bill Callahan and special teams coach Mike Westhoff were being retained.

Ryan is the 46-year-old son of former NFL coach Buddy Ryan, an assistant on the Jets' only Super Bowl team 40 years ago. The younger Ryan will be charged with getting the franchise back to the playoffs, something Mangini did just once -- as a rookie coach -- in his three seasons.

Ryan was Baltimore's defensive coordinator the past four years.

NFL.com Video

Jets reach agreement with Rex Ryan to be team's coach.

Ryan, the twin brother of Cleveland defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, has no previous head coaching experience, but has been an assistant at the pro and college levels for more than 20 years. Nicknamed 'The Mad Scientist' by his players for his aggressive and unpredictable game plans, Ryan spent the past 10 seasons with the Ravens. His No. 2-ranked unit helped Baltimore reach the AFC Championship Game against Pittsburgh.

Asked if he was in favor of Favre returning for another season, Ryan said, "I would think anybody would want him as their quarterback."

He quickly added: "Everything will be looked at, our coaches' input and everything. Sometimes you don't have your best game for whatever reason and we'll take a look. But certainly I know the respect I have for Brett Favre is great and it comes from firsthand info. I've seen him up close and personal and that's good enough for me."

Ryan also interviewed for the St. Louis vacancy that went to Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Ryan is said to be well liked among his players because of his straightforward, yet colorful and animated approach, which will be a departure from Mangini's stoic, disciplinarian style.

It became apparent Ryan was at the top of the Jets' list of candidates when several other teams filled their coaching vacancies and New York's remained open. The Jets needed Baltimore's season to end -- which happened Sunday with a 23-14 loss to the Steelers -- before offering him the job.

The deal was completed Monday afternoon after Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum flew to Baltimore to iron out the details. The three then flew to New Jersey and Ryan got started on his new job as the Jets' fifth coach this decade, including Bill Belichick's 24-hour stint before abruptly resigning in 2000.

"I'm not a one-hit wonder," Ryan said. "When you look at my background, I think I've been successful at all stops along the way. I know the kind of responsibility it takes to be a head football coach. Again, you got the right guy -- and I plan on proving that each and every week."

Ryan's Baltimore defense has been ranked in the top six in total yardage allowed the past four years and led the NFL this season with 34 takeaways. Ryan prefers to run a 3-4 defensive scheme, which the Jets already have in place. New York spent big bucks last offseason acquiring players that excel in the 3-4, including nose tackle Kris Jenkins and linebacker Calvin Pace.

Ryan inherits a defense that had an impressive start with 29 sacks in its first eight games but just 12 in the last half of the season. The secondary also might need a makeover, ranking 29th overall against the pass despite Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis and playmaking safety Kerry Rhodes.

Although the Jets scored 405 points, the third-highest total in franchise history, the offense still has some glaring needs. Other than determining who's at quarterback, New York needs a tall, speedy receiver to complement Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles.

Ryan was the only remaining assistant from Baltimore's 2000 Super Bowl team. He spent six seasons as the Ravens' defensive line coach before being promoted to coordinator.

The Ravens fired coach Brian Billick and his entire staff, including Ryan, after the 2007 season. Ryan interviewed for the job that eventually went to John Harbaugh, who rehired Ryan and added the title of assistant head coach.

Ryan played football at Southwestern Oklahoma State and got into coaching in 1987, spending two years coaching defensive ends at Eastern Kentucky. After stints as the defensive coordinator at New Mexico Highlands and Morehead State, he spent two years under his father as a defensive assistant with the Arizona Cardinals.

Ryan became the defensive coordinator at the University of Cincinnati from 1996-97 before taking the same job at Oklahoma. He joined the Ravens before the 1999 season, working his way up to defensive coordinator.

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Ryan plans to tackle Jets challenge 'head on'

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Two days after declaring they found the right man for the job, the New York Jets introduced Rex Ryan as their coach.

And Ryan left little doubt about how he will approach his first head coaching job.

"The only way I know how to handle a challenge is to hit that thing head on," Ryan said Wednesday morning at Jets headquarters after being introduced by team owner Woody Johnson.

AP Photo/Mike DererRex Ryan inherits a Jets team that started 8-3 but fell short of the playoffs.

"The message to the rest of the league is 'Hey, the Jets are coming, and we're going to give you everything we got. And I think that's going to be more than you can handle.' "

Hired Monday to replace the fired Eric Mangini, Ryan takes over a Jets team that started last season 8-3 but missed the playoffs with quarterback Brett Favre after a late-season collapse.

He signed a four-year deal, reportedly worth $11.6 million. Mike Pettine, Baltimore's linebackers coach since 2002, is following Ryan to the Jets to become the team's new defensive coordinator.

Ryan also announced that assistant head coach/offensive line Bill Callahan and special teams coach Mike Westhoff were being retained.

Ryan is the 46-year-old son of former NFL coach Buddy Ryan, an assistant on the Jets' only Super Bowl team 40 years ago. The younger Ryan will be charged with getting the franchise back to the playoffs, something Mangini did just once -- as a rookie coach -- in his three seasons.

Ryan was Baltimore's defensive coordinator the past four years.

NFL.com Video

Jets reach agreement with Rex Ryan to be team's coach.

Ryan, the twin brother of Cleveland defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, has no previous head coaching experience, but has been an assistant at the pro and college levels for more than 20 years. Nicknamed 'The Mad Scientist' by his players for his aggressive and unpredictable game plans, Ryan spent the past 10 seasons with the Ravens. His No. 2-ranked unit helped Baltimore reach the AFC Championship Game against Pittsburgh.

Asked if he was in favor of Favre returning for another season, Ryan said, "I would think anybody would want him as their quarterback."

He quickly added: "Everything will be looked at, our coaches' input and everything. Sometimes you don't have your best game for whatever reason and we'll take a look. But certainly I know the respect I have for Brett Favre is great and it comes from firsthand info. I've seen him up close and personal and that's good enough for me."

Ryan also interviewed for the St. Louis vacancy that went to Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Ryan is said to be well liked among his players because of his straightforward, yet colorful and animated approach, which will be a departure from Mangini's stoic, disciplinarian style.

It became apparent Ryan was at the top of the Jets' list of candidates when several other teams filled their coaching vacancies and New York's remained open. The Jets needed Baltimore's season to end -- which happened Sunday with a 23-14 loss to the Steelers -- before offering him the job.

The deal was completed Monday afternoon after Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum flew to Baltimore to iron out the details. The three then flew to New Jersey and Ryan got started on his new job as the Jets' fifth coach this decade, including Bill Belichick's 24-hour stint before abruptly resigning in 2000.

"I'm not a one-hit wonder," Ryan said. "When you look at my background, I think I've been successful at all stops along the way. I know the kind of responsibility it takes to be a head football coach. Again, you got the right guy -- and I plan on proving that each and every week."

Ryan's Baltimore defense has been ranked in the top six in total yardage allowed the past four years and led the NFL this season with 34 takeaways. Ryan prefers to run a 3-4 defensive scheme, which the Jets already have in place. New York spent big bucks last offseason acquiring players that excel in the 3-4, including nose tackle Kris Jenkins and linebacker Calvin Pace.

Ryan inherits a defense that had an impressive start with 29 sacks in its first eight games but just 12 in the last half of the season. The secondary also might need a makeover, ranking 29th overall against the pass despite Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis and playmaking safety Kerry Rhodes.

Although the Jets scored 405 points, the third-highest total in franchise history, the offense still has some glaring needs. Other than determining who's at quarterback, New York needs a tall, speedy receiver to complement Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles.

Ryan was the only remaining assistant from Baltimore's 2000 Super Bowl team. He spent six seasons as the Ravens' defensive line coach before being promoted to coordinator.

The Ravens fired coach Brian Billick and his entire staff, including Ryan, after the 2007 season. Ryan interviewed for the job that eventually went to John Harbaugh, who rehired Ryan and added the title of assistant head coach.

Ryan played football at Southwestern Oklahoma State and got into coaching in 1987, spending two years coaching defensive ends at Eastern Kentucky. After stints as the defensive coordinator at New Mexico Highlands and Morehead State, he spent two years under his father as a defensive assistant with the Arizona Cardinals.

Ryan became the defensive coordinator at the University of Cincinnati from 1996-97 before taking the same job at Oklahoma. He joined the Ravens before the 1999 season, working his way up to defensive coordinator.

Source: Jets to interview Ravens’ Ryan Sunday
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Ravens RB McGahee expected to fully recover

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Willis McGahee joined his teammates Monday at Baltimore's training complex after doctors told him he would make a full recovery from a fierce helmet-to-helmet hit in the AFC Championship Game that had him carted off the field.

McGahee

"I'm all right. Everything is OK," the running back told reporters as the Ravens cleared out their lockers. "The MRI and the CAT scan checked out good. I was scared, but I didn't know how serious it was. It was pretty intense."

The play occurred in the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh's 23-14 victory. McGahee had just caught a pass and taken two steps before being met by safety Ryan Clark, who drove his helmet into McGahee's facemask. McGahee's head snapped back, and he lost the ball as he dropped to the ground.

"I didn't even see him coming," McGahee said.

Clark also collapsed, though it was immediately apparent that his injury wasn't serious. Players from both teams gathered around McGahee, who lay motionless before being taken away.

NFL.com Video

Ravens RB Willis McGahee takes a scary hit from Ryan Clark in the AFC Championship Game.

"I blacked out. I woke up when they were taking my facemask off," McGahee said. "I opened my eyes and I was talking. The next thing I knew I woke up in some room and they were taking me to the ambulance."

According to the Boston Globe, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Clark won't be fined for the hit.

"[McGahee] had completed the catch and was a runner," Aiello said, according to the Globe. "Helmet-to-helmet contact is legal in that situation as it is for any ball carrier [running back, quarterback, or receiver]. Helmet-to-helmet contact is prohibited against defenseless players [defined as a receiver in the process of making a catch or a quarterback in the act of passing]."

McGahee said he has a concussion and his neck is extremely sore. But he said he would be ready to go next season.

He hadn't watched the replay of the hit by late Monday afternoon, but his memory of the aftermath was vivid.

"I felt like I was OK when I was on the ground, regained consciousness and starting moving," he said. "But then they told me not to move, so I started to get a little worried. After we got inside they took X-rays and told me everything was OK."

As a precaution, McGahee was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital for a CAT scan and MRI, then held overnight for observation. He was released early Monday morning and dropped by his home in Baltimore before attending a team meeting.

Starting at tailback in place of the banged-up Le'Ron McClain, McGahee ran for 60 yards and two touchdowns.

"I just wanted to make a difference in the football game. This was my first AFC Championship Game," he said.

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Cards WR Boldin forgos celebration after victory

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals used only one receiver on nine of their final 14 plays in the NFC Championship Game.

Boldin

Anquan Boldin was not that receiver.

Initial evidence suggests Boldin wasn't too happy with the situation.

As teammates streamed into the Cardinals' locker room after the 32-25 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, Boldin was seen leaving out the back door.

The two-time Pro Bowler was asked if an NFC championship helped alleviate any ill feelings he had toward the team.

"That's not an issue," Boldin said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "Like I told you guys at the beginning of the season, my main goal was to do this. I've come through with all of my promises. I fought. I gave my heart to this organization. It's paying off."

NFL.com Video

The Arizona Cardinals defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 32-25 in the NFC Championship Game.

Late in the game, cameras showed Boldin arguing with offensive coordinator Todd Haley on the sideline. Once the game ended, Boldin left the field quickly without celebrating.

In the locker room, Haley dismissed the sideline interaction as part of the game. He described himself as emotional.

"Just the emotions of the game," Haley said. "We're emotional guys. Like I said, I wear my heart on my sleeve and that's the way I go about business and I have to deal with that on a full-time basis."

Cameras also showed Haley and quarterback Kurt Warner in heated conversation, but Warner and Haley have a strong history.

Warner has even joked about spending so much time speaking with Haley that his wife has suspected the quarterback might be having an affair.

But Boldin's relationship with the team has been more contentious, stemming from a contract dispute.

Boldin even requested a trade in August, saying he didn't feel his situation could be resolved and declaring he has no relationship with coach Ken Whisenhunt.

Boldin has three years left on the four-year, $22.75 million extension he signed after the 2005 season that keeps him under contract through 2010. He's making an average of
$4 million a year.

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Ravens' Rolle likely out; Suggs game-time call

The Baltimore Ravens likely will be without their best cornerback in the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

NFL.com Video

A preview of the AFC Championship Game between the Ravens and the Steelers.

Baltimore starting cornerback Samari Rolle is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game with a thigh injury. Rolle got hurt in last week's divisional-round victory over the Tennessee Titans and missed practice all week.

Ravens backup cornerback Frank Walker likely will replace Rolle in the starting lineup. Reserve defensive back Corey Ivy also could play a bigger role in the secondary for Baltimore, which finished No. 2 in total defense in the regular season.

Pro Bowl defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. Suggs will be a game-time decision.

Suggs said he wants to try to play through the injury, but defensive coordinator Rex Ryan told ESPN's Rachel Nichols that Suggs has to prove to trainers before the game that he has enough strength to protect himself.

On Pittsburgh's side, safety Troy Polamalu (calf) and center Justin Hartwig (knee) are both listed as probable.

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Peppers asking Panthers to give him release

Defensive end Julius Peppers let the Carolina Panthers know he is looking for a change of scenery.

NFL.com Video

Watch highlights from the Arizona Cardinals' 33-13 win over the Carolina Panthers.

"The front office has been informed of my desire to explore opportunities with other NFL teams following the expiration of my contract next month," Peppers said in a statement released by his agent Carl Carey. "At this point in my NFL career, I am seeking new challenges that will allow me to grow, develop and reach my personal potential on the football field. "I strongly feel that making a move at this time is in my best interest. I appreciate the entire Panthers organization and am thankful for the seven seasons I've spent with the team." The Panthers would have to pay Peppers, 28, nearly $17 million to franchise him for the 2009 season. Peppers has been in Carolina his entire career, seven seasons. "Julius is firm in his decision that he needs a change," Carey said. "He feels that he can thrive in another system. While he has been selected to four Pro Bowls and designated as an All-Pro during his career, he feels that he has yet to develop to his full potential. This is the case of a great player who seeks to become an elite one."

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Sources: Bucs to announce coach, GM soon

The surprising firings of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen are expected to yield the quick hiring of Raheem Morris as head coach and Mark Dominik as general manager, according to multiple sources.

According to a source, a news conference could be held as early as Saturday. Yasinskas: Bigs Bucs

For Tampa Bay fans who think the Glazer family no longer cares about the Bucs, think again. The Glazers just blew $25 million when they fired coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen, writes Pat Yasinskas. Blog

•Blog network: NFL Nation Morris, 32, has made a meteoric rise from Hofstra's defensive backs coach in 2000-2001 to head coach of the Bucs in 2009. Morris, who coached the Bucs' secondary from 2006 through 2007, interviewed for the Broncos' head coaching position. He had been promoted to defensive coordinator of the Bucs after Monte Kiffin left for the University of Tennessee.

Dominik joined the Bucs in 1995 as a pro personnel assistant. He was a candidate for the Chiefs general manager job that went to Scott Pioli.

The firing of Gruden and Allen came out of the blue. Allen spent the afternoon negotiating a contract to hire Joe Barry as the Bucs linebackers coach. Morris was in the process of hiring former Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs for the defensive staff.

After 6 p.m. Friday, ownership announced Gruden and Allen were out without any indication of replacements. Apparently, a plan was already in place in hiring Morris and Dominik.

Although Bill Cowher and Mike Shananan are available, they were not contacted by the Bucs. Cowher might not have been interested because of the team's uncertainty at quarterback. Shanahan is on vacation and might sit out next season.

Bucs ownership made a costly decision in firing Gruden and Allen. According to multiple sources, their firings cost roughly $25 million in contract commitments. Gruden had signed a three-year, $15.3 million extension and was under contract through 2012. Allen was making more than $2 million a year.

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Cowboys part ways with defensive coordinator

The Dallas Cowboys have relieved defensive coordinator Brian Stewart of his duties after two seasons.

NFL.com Video

Rise and fall of the 2008 Cowboys.

Stewart was let go despite Dallas improving from ninth in total defense in 2007 to eighth in 2008 and finishing fourth overall against the pass and leading the league in sacks, including a league-high 20 from DeMarcus Ware. The Cowboys also gave up 22.8 points per game, which was 20th in the league.

The Cowboys' decision was initiated by owner Jerry Jones but not an attempt to provoke Phillips into quitting in protest, sources told ESPN's Ed Werder. According to a team source, Jones had made the decision shortly after the season but delayed an announcement at Phillips' request to enable Stewart to seek another job in the NFL before he was terminated.

Stewart coached the San Diego Chargers' secondary for three seasons before following Phillips to the Cowboys. Midway through the season, Phillips reportedly became more involved in the defensive play-calling. Later in the year, he publicly stated he was calling the defense. Mosley: Cowboys' Changes

The Dallas Cowboys spent Friday making changes. They fired defensive coordinator Brian Stewart and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is among the top candidates for the Rams job, writes Matt Mosley. Blog

•Blog network: NFL Nation "I hope Mr. Jones and Wade know how much I appreciate the opportunity to work for the Dallas Cowboys," Stewart said. "Of course, I am disappointed and frustrated about this decision. This defense has accomplished so much in two years, individually and collectively. I know that there will be many reasons to celebrate their accomplishments in the future."

More moves may come soon. Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett remained among the finalists for the St. Louis Rams' head coaching job.

If Garrett is offered the the Rams job, Jerry Jones is prepared to permit his departure without a counteroffer that would involve firing Phillips and appointing Garrett the head coach in Dallas, according to multiple team sources.

Jones personally initiated Garrett's return to the Cowboy and last year made him the highest-paid assistant coach in the NFL to convince him to turn down head coaching jobs in Atlanta and Baltimore. Jones did so with the expectation that Garrett would eventually replace Phillips.

According to sources, Jones would do everything short of firing Phillips -- even release wide receiver Terrell Owens, with whom insiders believe Garrett could not co-exist -- to retain Garrett. But those sources say Garrett would never put Jones in the position of deciding whether to fire Phillips and release Owens to keep him in the organization.

Garrett's departure would probably increase the potential of Owens returning to the Cowboys in 2009.

It is not known whom Jones views as potential candidates to replace Garrett, if it becomes necessary. Two in-house candidates are receivers coach Ray Sherman, who has previously been a play-caller in the NFL, or quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson, who has played a key role in the development of quarterback Tony Romo.

Dallas finished a disappointing 9-7 and out of the playoffs after going 13-3 in 2007.

During what has become an annual December decline, the Cowboys suffered a painful loss to the Baltimore Ravens in a game in which Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain ripped off long, record runs each time Dallas got close in the final minutes.

Still, all the Cowboys needed to do was beat the Eagles in the final game and they would at least salvage a playoff berth. Instead, they were stomped 44-6 and finished with a 9-7 record.

The Cowboys have lost nine consecutive season finales.

Before the Eagles loss, Jones was asked about changes that might occur if Dallas failed to make the playoffs again.

"Look, can y'all not understand statements?" Jones said. "The coaching staff is in place. The coaching staff is in place. The building is here. You want to ask the question, what if it blows down?"

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Carroll steamed as USC QB turns pro

LOS ANGELES -- Mark Sanchez made his own call, and it wasn't a big hit with coach Pete Carroll.

Coming off a record-setting Rose Bowl, the Southern California quarterback will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft -- going against the advice of Carroll.

Sanchez, a fourth-year junior, announced his plans at a campus news conference Thursday, the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft. The past three stars who played quarterback at USC under Carroll stayed for their senior seasons, and the former NFL coach thought Sanchez should do the same.

"We've talked at great depth and great length. We've covered this from A to Z ... going until late last night," Carroll said. "We don't see this decision the same. [But] I'm thrilled for Mark. For any of our kids to live the dream and do what they want to do with their football career, this is a great place to do this."

Carroll tried to convince Sanchez that another year of college experience would help him in the pro game, but Sanchez said he had carefully weighed all the considerations before deciding to leave.

"It has been my dream since I was just a little kid to play in the NFL and thanks to this great academic institution and football program, I have the opportunity to realize that dream," said Sanchez, dapperly dressed in a business suit and champagne-colored tie.Miller: L.A. Story

With QB Mark Sanchez declaring for the NFL draft, who will operate the USC offense next season? The battle to replace Sanchez will be one of the marquee position competitions of the offseason, Ted Miller writes. Blog
Complete early-entry list

"It was with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to this university. But I can't tell you how excited I am for this dream to come true," he said.

In the Los Angeles Daily News, Carroll said, "He just wants to. He just wants to go do it. It didn't matter what the facts were, he just wanted to go do it. It was in his heart to go take this challenge on and that just overrode everything that was out there."

Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, along with John David Booty, all returned for their final year of eligibility with the Trojans. Palmer was the first overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft and Leinart was selected 10th in 2005.

Carroll said he considers Sanchez as talented as any of those three, but the coach won't get to see how a fifth year might have benefited the quarterback.

"The facts are so strong against this decision," Carroll said. "After analyzing all the information, the truth is there, he should have stayed for another year. He lost out on a chance to fully prepare himself. The facts are there's a 62 percent failure rate for underclassmen quarterbacks."

Before Sanchez could take questions from media, his former coach patted him on the shoulder and walked out of the room. According to the Daily News, Sanchez was surprised Carroll left because the coach insisted the two appear together at the news conference, sources said.

"I can't promise I'm going in any round or any pick or to a certain team," Sanchez said, according to the newspaper. "All I can promise is that I will work as hard as I ever have. I'll set myself up just fine."

Because 2008 Heisman winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, 2007 Heisman winner Tim Tebow of Florida and Texas star Colt McCoy all plan to return to school next season, Sanchez and Georgia's Matthew Stafford -- another junior coming out early -- will likely be the top quarterback prospects in the draft.

Mitch Mustain, who transferred from Arkansas after going 8-0 in games he started as a Razorbacks freshman in 2006, is expected to compete with Aaron Corp, Garrett Green and incoming freshman Matt Barkley for the Trojans' starting job.

Carroll, a former head coach with the New York Jets and New England Patriots, thinks another year of college experience would have greatly benefited Sanchez, who started at USC for only one full season.

"Mark is going against the grain on this decision and he knows that. He knows that coming out early is a tremendous challenge for a quarterback and the statistics don't back up that it's easy to be successful in the way that he's going about it," Carroll said.

"We've seen successes and we've seen guys come up short on this deal. We hope this works out beautifully for Mark and his family," he said. [+] Enlarge

AP Photo/Damian DovarganesMark Sanchez will likely be one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft. Carroll isn't selling Sanchez short.

"He's a competitive guy, a guy that's willing to take on this challenge in a way that he's going to make it happen," the coach said. "Mark clearly has the potential to be as good as any of those guys we've had. We saw it early on.

"All it is is an experience issue," Carroll said.

Sanchez ended his college career with his finest game. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder went 28-for-35 against Penn State, setting a Rose Bowl record by completing 80 percent of his passes. He threw for 413 yards and four touchdowns and also ran for a score in the Trojans' 38-24 victory.

Sanchez led the Trojans to a 12-1 record and No. 3 national ranking last season after going 2-1 the previous year while Booty was hurt.

A high school star in nearby Mission Viejo who redshirted at USC in 2005, Sanchez finished last season with 3,207 yards passing, 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He threw for 695 yards and seven touchdowns with five interceptions in 2007.

Sanchez said he came to USC to get an education, to compete at the highest college level and earn a chance to play in the NFL.

"I'm proud to say that this spring, I'll have the opportunity to do both," said Sanchez, on track to receive his degree in communications.

His father, Nick, said he had mixed emotions about his son's decision to enter the draft.

"As a parent, I'd like for him to stay in school for another 10 years," he said. "But it's great to see a young man trying to live his dream."

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Schwartz reaches deal to be Lions' new coach

DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions agreed on a four-year deal Thursday with Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to be their coach.

Schwartz will attempt to lead a turnaround for the NFL's first 0-16 team. The Lions fired Rod Marinelli two weeks ago and interviewed several candidates, including Dolphins assistant head coach Todd Bowles.

Schwartz will be introduced at a news conference Friday at Ford Field, the home of the Lions. [+] Enlarge

Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/US PresswireIn his first shot as an NFL head coach, Jim Schwartz will try to reawaken a franchise that just went 0-for-16. The 42-year-old Schwartz just finished his eighth season as the Titans' defensive coordinator and his 10th on their staff. He interviewed for a second time with the Lions on Monday.

"After an extensive search that included several highly qualified coaches, we are thrilled that Jim Schwartz will become our team's head coach," team president Tom Lewand said in a statement. "[General manager] Martin [Mayhew] and I believe that Jim's qualifications and vision will lead this organization on the field toward our goal of becoming a championship football team."

ESPN first reported the hiring.

The chance to lead an infamous team only seemed to motivate Schwartz to get the job. "I don't shy away from a challenge," he said during a news conference earlier this week.

Detroit interviewed Schwartz after the regular season and had to wait for Tennessee to be eliminated from the playoffs to speak with him again. The Titans lost to Baltimore on Saturday.

The Lions also showed some interest in Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

Before being hired by Tennessee, Schwartz spent three years on the Baltimore Ravens' staff. He also was a college and pro scout for the Cleveland Browns and that experience might be valuable in Detroit.

Schwartz's preferred candidates for offensive coordinator are Jeremy Bates of the Denver Broncos and Brian Schottenheimer of the New York Jets, sources told ESPN. Bates signed a three-year contract extension with the Broncos before Mike Shanahan was fired and new coach Josh McDaniels, who will run the offense in Denver, likely would grant Bates his release.

Schottenheimer remains a strong candidate for the Jets head coaching position and may ask out of his contract if he is bypassed for the job in favor of Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan or Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. However, the Jets are not obligated to release Schottenheimer and sources say they would prefer that Ryan or Spagnuolo, if hired, retain much of the offensive staff.

The Lions have the No. 1 pick in April, along with first- and third-round picks from the Dallas Cowboys, and need to find players to spark a turnaround. Seifert: Lions A Disaster

Good luck, Jim Schwartz. You're going to need it. The Tennessee defensive coordinator, who accepted the Lions' offer Thursday and will be introduced Friday at Ford Field, is stepping into one of the biggest messes in the NFL, writes Kevin Seifert. Blog

•Blog network: NFL Nation

Schwartz had an idea of what to do with the first pick.

"It's probably time to find a replacement for Bobby Layne," Schwartz said Monday, showing he knows at least a little about the history of perhaps the NFL's worst franchise.

Lewand doubled over, then composed himself enough to avoid bursting out with laughter.

What isn't a joke, though, is how bad Detroit has been and how often it has failed to draft or acquire a viable, long-term option at quarterback.

Since winning a title in 1957 with Layne under center, the Lions have the same number of playoff victories as Pro Bowl QBs: one.

Detroit will count on Schwartz to use his background to come up with ways to improve a defense that ranked last in the league and gave up 517 points -- threatening the NFL record for points allowed (533) in a season set by the 1981 Baltimore Colts.

"There's no better feeling than turning a situation around," he has said.

Schwartz played linebacker at Georgetown, where he earned a degree in economics. He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Maryland in 1989, later had the same position at Minnesota and went on to become a secondary coach for North Carolina Central and linebackers coach at Colgate.

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After the first 0-16 season in NFL history, the Detroit Lions parted ways with coach Rod Marinelli.

The Baltimore native became a candidate to be a head coach because of what he's done in Tennessee. His resume and style led to interviews in previous years with Miami, Atlanta, Washington and San Francisco.

The Titans ranked in the top seven in yards allowed each of the past two seasons and finished second in points allowed per game at 14.6 in 2008. His 2003 defense ranked first in the NFL in rushing defense and led the league in third down defense at 27.7 -- the lowest since the 1998 Oakland Raiders.

The avid chess player analyzes football-related statistics, looking for tendencies, then has the ability to relay what he has learned to players.

The leading candidate for Schwartz's defensive coordinator post is the Chiefs' Gunther Cunningham. The two coaches once worked together with the Titans.

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For Florida, Harvin, not Spikes, will enter draft

One prominent Florida player is going, another is staying with the BCS champion Gators.

Junior wide receiver Percy Harvin announced Thursday that he will enter the NFL draft, while All-American linebacker Brandon Spikes said he will return for his senior season.
Early entries Which underclassmen are in the NFL draft? Which ones are out? Take a look at players who will be on the edge of their seats in late April. Complete list

College football underclassmen have a Thursday deadline to file paperwork to be included in April's NFL draft.

Harvin, a big-play receiver, had 40 catches for 645 yards and seven touchdowns for Florida.

"I will have a lot of great memories from my time at Florida, but the [BCS] championships we won in 2006 and 2008 will be at the top of my list," Harvin said in a statement released by the university. "When it is all said and done, I wanted to win. I wanted to be a part of championship teams."

Spikes, an all-Southeastern Conference selection the past two years, said he is remaining in school because he wants to ensure his draft position.

"I'm excited to hear that Brandon is coming back," Florida coach Urban Meyer said in a statement. "At the end of the day, I want our players to make educated decisions about their future. Brandon has obviously done that.

"He was the heart and soul of our defense this year. He was the quarterback of our defense and set the tone in many of our victories."

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Spikes also said his friendship with All-America quarterback Tim Tebow, who is also returning to the Gators for his senior season, played a part in the decision.

"It was a tough decision for me and my family," Spikes said. "I just felt like it was the right choice to come back. I love the coaching staff and my teammates and I look forward to playing another year in front of the best fans in America."

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Saints LT Brown replaces Samuels in Pro Bowl

NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans Saints left tackle Jammal Brown was selected to the Pro Bowl as a replacement for injured Washington Redskins tackle Chris Samuels. NFC South blog

ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas writes about all things NFC South in his division blog.

•Blog network: NFL Nation Brown started 15 games last season, missing one because of an ankle injury.

The fourth-year player will be making his second appearance in the Pro Bowl. He also was picked in 2007.

Samuels has a torn right triceps, which caused him to miss the end of the regular season.

The Pro Bowl will be played Feb. 8 in Honolulu.

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Pittsburgh mayor removes 'raven' from name

PITTSBURGH -- What's in a name? If you're the mayor of Pittsburgh and your beloved Pittsburgh Steelers are playing one of their archrivals for the right to go to the Super Bowl, certainly not "Raven." So goodbye, Luke Ravenstahl; hello, Luke Steelerstahl.

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A look ahead to the AFC Championship Game between the Ravens and Steelers in Pittsburgh.

Ravenstahl -- er, Steelerstahl -- says he decided to remove "Raven" from his name just as he predicts the Steelers will remove the hated Baltimore Ravens from contention in Sunday's AFC Championship Game. On Wednesday morning, the mayor began, but did not complete, an official name change petition, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. Civil court staff gave the petition a docket number but said they did not expect to file it, in part because they did not receive the required check for $108 to process the change, the newspaper reported. Ravenstahl said he did not come up with the idea for the name change, according to the report. That honor, he said, belonged to callers to a local radio station's morning show, who "called in and thought it would be a good idea to change from Ravenstahl, given we are playing the hated Baltimore Ravens this weekend, to Steelerstahl. "As soon as I heard it, I thought it was a great idea." Ravenstahl will keep the name at least through Sunday. Coincidentally, "stahl" is German for steel.

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Pioli: Edwards staying with KC not ruled out

If Herm Edwards is on his way out as coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, his new boss isn't saying.

In his first news conference since being hired as the Chiefs general manager, Scott Pioli would go no further Wednesday than to say he intends to visit with Edwards.

"I have a lot of respect for Herm. I had a chance to visit with Herm today," said Pioli, who spent the last nine years helping Bill Belichick build a dynasty in New England.

"I've got a lot of respect for Herm on a professional level and a personal level. This entire thing is going to be a process."

ESPN's Michael Smith first reported Edwards could return for the final year of his contract.

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Herm Edwards recaps the Chiefs' 2008 season and addresses his status with the organization.

Conventional wisdom had been that Pioli will want to hire his own guy, but a source said Pioli is coming in with an open mind. There have been reports that Edwards, 2-23 in his last 25 games, was on his way out.

"Contrary to reports that were out there, we're going to spend some time talking about Herm," said Pioli. "I'm actually looking forward to it."

According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Pioli previously had two coaching candidates in mind: Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.

McDaniels, hired as Broncos head coach early this week, is off the market, and it appears Ferentz is staying put at Iowa, so those are the primary reasons why Pioli could retain Edwards for next season, and reassess the situation in 2010.

The fate of Edwards and his staff is expected to be decided by the end of this week.

Owner Clark Hunt, according to sources, prefers that Edwards remain the coach, but Hunt has gone on record as saying the new general manager would make that decision.

Another possible candidate mentioned to replace Edwards, if the team decides to go in a different direction, is New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

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McDaniels tabs Nolan to fix Broncos defense

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Josh McDaniels went right to work Tuesday figuring out how to fix the dreadful Denver defense that was Mike Shanahan's undoing.

His first order of business: luring former San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan to the cause. Nolan agreed late Tuesday to become the Broncos' fourth defensive coordinator in four years.[+] Enlarge

Michael Zagaris/Getty ImagesFormer 49ers head coach Mike Nolan decided late Tuesday to rejoin a staff he worked on from 1987-92.

Nolan, 49, served as defensive coordinator with the Ravens, Jets, Redskins and Giants before getting his first head coaching job in San Francisco, where he was fired midway through his fourth season last year.

He got his start in the NFL as a special teams and linebackers coach on Dan Reeves' staff in Denver from 1987-92, and team owner Pat Bowlen said Monday he was excited at the prospect of Nolan's return.

Bowlen also would like to see McDaniels keep some of Shanahan's offensive coaches around but he's not going to insist on it.

"I think it would be a mistake for me to say, 'You've got to do this,' because then if it doesn't work out, it's my fault," Bowlen said. "But I think there are some coaches here I'd like to see remain. If the head coach decides he can't do that, then that's going to be his decision."

That sounds like a step toward giving McDaniels a least a sliver of the kind of power Shanahan enjoyed.

"He's the head football coach, that's his job," Bowlen said. "There's no line. I'm going to let him do his job."

On his way out the door, Shanahan suggested the next coach "would have to be crazy" to break up the offensive staff that guided Denver to the No. 2 ranking in the league this year and includes well-renowned assistants Bobby Turner, who has worked with the Broncos running backs for 14 seasons, and wide receivers coach Jedd Fisch.

Jay Cutler publicly criticized Shanahan's firing and begged Bowlen to keep quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates, who called the plays last year when Cutler set several franchise passing records and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

Even though he has three years left on his contract, Bates' status was thrown into question with the hiring of McDaniels, a fellow 32-year-old offensive whiz kid, as his new boss.

McDaniels is the one calling the shots and the plays around here now.

He said he also wouldn't mind luring Dom Capers over from his job on New England's staff to help repair the Broncos' defense.

As for any holdover assistants from Shanahan's staff, McDaniels said he knows only a couple of them informally but will have "no preconceived notion" on the future of those coaches as he begins assembling his team of advisers.AFC West blog

ESPN.com's Bill Williamson writes about all things AFC West in his division blog.

•Blog network: NFL Nation

The Broncos' new coach also began taking a look at the roster Shanahan left behind when he was fired last month after a 14-year run that included two Super Bowls in the 1990s but ended with the team mired in mediocrity.

Although McDaniels is moving from one potent offense to another, one that needs only a bit of tweaking, his toughest task is in repairing a defense that will have its fourth coordinator in four seasons.

That means a new playbook to study, a new scheme to learn, new terminology to memorize.

Now seems like the perfect time for the Broncos, who are built around a 4-3 alignment, to switch to the 3-4 with sprinkles of the 4-3, the same style that McDaniels and Nolan are accustomed to. That would require significant changes in personnel, however, particularly up front.

"Once the coordinator is named we will discuss the personnel that we have here and the direction that we want to go," McDaniels said.

But really, there's nobody they need to build around on defense, no star that dictates what their style should be.

Last season, Denver finished 29th in yards allowed. They couldn't stop the run or pressure the passer, and Champ Bailey questioned their hearts after a 41-7 loss to the Patriots and McDaniels' high-powered offensive scheme at midseason.

It never got much better, and they allowed 52 points in their season finale at San Diego, where a win would have put them into the playoffs and perhaps saved Shanahan's job.

The Broncos managed 13 takeaways in 2008, the second-lowest total in the 30 years since the NFL expanded to a 16-game schedule, and they surrendered a league-worst 448 points. They went through six starting free safeties and a half-dozen linebackers, but Niko Koutouvides, last season's heralded free agent acquisition, wasn't one of them.

Most games, defensive linemen Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, members of Shanahan's 2007 draft class, were sideline spectators, unable to push a pedestrian line for playing time.

It was these types of miscalculations in the draft and free agency that led to Denver's downfall -- a 24-24 record since reaching the 2005 AFC title game -- and, ultimately, to Shanahan's dismissal.

With all these problems on defense, Bowlen gave serious thought to hiring a defensive mind as Shanahan's successor, and he interviewed the Giants' Steve Spagnuolo, Tampa Bay's Raheem Morris and Minnesota's Leslie Frazier before plucking McDaniels from Bill Belichick's staff.

"I looked at that possibility. But the chance to get this young man was very intriguing to me," Bowlen said. "I think he's going to be a great, great coach. I think he can fix our defense."

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