HEADLINES

Month: January 2025

FA Notes: Welker, Panthers, Lions, Eagles

January 12th, 2015 at 10:48pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Let’s look at some news regarding free-agents-to-be…

  • Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker told reporters, including Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post (on Twitter), that he’s not sure if he wants to return to the Broncos next season. “I don’t know. There’s a lot of things I need to figure out,” the veteran said. Back in November it was reported that several former teammates would like to see him walk away from the game altogether for the sake of his long-term health.
  • Assuming the Panthers don’t pursue Greg Hardy after the completion of his Feb. 9th domestic violence trial, their biggest decision will be whether to re-sign left tackle Byron Bell, writes ESPN.com’s David Newton. Bell has had an up-and-down season, but odds are Carolina won’t find a high-level left tackle in the draft at pick No. 25. Besides, the Panthers have other needs they might want to address with their first round selection. Carolina could use a speed receiver, a return specialist, a cover corner, and a defensive lineman.
  • Stephen Hill says he’d like to return to the Panthers next year, per Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter) Based on coach Ron Rivera‘s comments last week, it sounds like the team wants him back as well.
  • The Lions have several free agents to address, including backup quarterback Kellen Moore, who tells Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com that he’d like to return to the Motor City next season. Moore, 25, has yet to take an NFL snap.
  • The Eagles have a lot of decisions to make about their upcoming free agents. In part one of a six part series, Reuben Frank and Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com look at a handful of the Eagles – from Emmanuel Acho to Matt Barkley – who can leave this offseason.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Extra Points: Fox, Bears, Ogbuehi, Gurley, Colts

January 12th, 2015 at 10:23pm CST by Dallas Robinson

There’s been plenty of speculation linking deposed Broncos coach John Fox to the Bears vacancy, and now a source tells Rich Campbell and Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune that Fox would indeed have some interest in coaching in Chicago. As previously noted, Fox has a personal relationship with Bears advisor Ernie Accorsi, and shares a mutual friend in Saints head coach Sean Payton with new Chicago GM Ryan Pace. Here are some more notes from around the league:

  • Although Fox will probably be a candidate for the Bears job, don’t expect him to enter into the Falcons’ pool of options, tweets Alex Marvez of FOX Sports, who notes that Atlanta is already well along in its coaching search. We’ve heard previously that the Falcons are focusing on defensive coaches, and have zeroed in on Todd Bowles.
  • Sad news from the college front, as Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports reports (Twitter link) that Texas A&M tackle Cedric Ogbuehi has tore his ACL in the Liberty Bowl on December 29. Ogbuehi was projected to be among the best lineman available — ESPN’s Todd McShay had him going No. 11 in his most recent mock draft. Needless to say, this injury will likely push him down draft boards.
  • Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports has signed Georgia running back Todd Gurley as a client, according to Darren Rovell of ESPN.com (via Twitter). It’ll just be Roc Nation representing the standout tailback, not a split with CAA. Ari Nissim will be the lead agent for Gurley (link).
  • After the Colts‘ playoff victory over the Broncos, Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay took the opportunity to gloat a little bit. “I knew it was the right thing to do for the Colts,” Irsay said of his decision years ago to move on from Peyton Manning and replace him with top pick Andrew Luck (via ESPN.com).
  • The Titans should look to hire Dick LeBeau as a consultant, opines Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, who argues that the veteran DC could help the club in its second year as a 3-4 unit.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Coach Rumors: Fox, Bowles, Browns, Morris

January 12th, 2015 at 8:43pm CST by Dallas Robinson

We’ve already posted one roundup of the latest news on the coaching front, but even more items have surfaced. Let’s dive in…

  • Correcting an earlier report, ESPN’s Adam Schefter says (via Twitter) that the Jets have not in fact requested an interview with ex-Broncos coach John Fox. That doesn’t mean a request won’t be made at some point soon, but as of yet, New York hasn’t been in contact with Fox.
  • Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is set to have a busy week — he’ll meet for a second time with the Falcons and Jets on Wednesday, and now the Bears are seeking a second interview with Bowles sometime this week, sources tell the Chicago Sun-Times. Bowles first interviewed with Chicago on Thursday, on what was new general manager Ryan Pace’s first day.
  • The Browns have requested permission to interview two Cowboys offensive assistants — OC/offensive line coach Bill Callahan, and passing game coordinator Scott Linehan, tweets Schefter. Callahan, who doesn’t call the plays in Dallas (Linehan’s duty), has a relationship with Cleveland head coach Mike Pettine. The Browns tried to hire Callahan last year but Jerry Jones blocked the move, per Schefter (Twitter link). According to Schefter, the Jaguars have also requested to meet with Callahan, but Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union speculates that Jacksonille wants Callahan for its line coach position, not as an OC.
  • We heard earlier that Raheem Morris would interview for the Washington defensive coordinator job sometime this week, and John Keim of ESPN.com reports that the meeting will take place on Tuesday (Twitter link).
  • Before the news broke that Adam Gase was the frontrunner for the 49ers head coaching job, league insiders believed that defensive line coach Jim Tomsula was the favorite for the gig, tweets Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Meanwhile, if Gase does secure the San Francisco position, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle doesn’t believe that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will stick around (via Twitter).

49ers To Make A “Final Push” For Adam Gase

January 12th, 2015 at 8:06pm CST by Dallas Robinson

8:06pm: Gase’s interview with the 49ers will take place tomorrow, not tonight, clarifies Rapoport (Twitter link).

5:25pm: Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase is now free to explore other opportunities after being let go by Denver, along with head coach John Fox and the rest of the coaching staff. Although his contract has not officially been terminated, he is able to look for other options, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Though three clubs with head coaching vacancies have interviewed Gase, the 49ers appear to have the most serious interest, and will make a “final push” at a meeting tonight in an effort to hire the 36-year-old as their head coach, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Gase originally interviewed with San Francisco in early January during the Broncos’ playoff bye week.

Though it may seem that Denver letting Gase leave is something of an indictment, Jeff Darlington of the NFL Network notes (Twitter links) that general manager John Elway was simply following protocol, clearing out the entire staff in addition to the head coach. As such, the Broncos’ next HC will be allowed to name his own assistant coaches, and determine whether Gase (and others) is a fit for the new regime. Likewise, in the event that Gase is promoted to head coach, he’ll be able to hire his own staff.

Gase has been Denver’s play-caller for the past two seasons; he’s been on the Broncos staff since 2009, serving as both a quarterbacks and receivers coach. He’s drawn interest from the Falcons, Bears, Bills (before they hired Rex Ryan), and the 49ers. Per Rapoport (on Twitter), Peyton Manning has been calling other teams and acting as an advocate for Gase. San Francisco, meanwhile, has been linked to a number of candidates, interviewing eight, but it seems like they now zeroing in on Gase.

Minor Moves: Monday

January 12th, 2015 at 7:52pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s minor moves..

  • Three days after being cut from the Seahawks practice squad, linebacker Mike Zimmer is back on it, re-signing with Seattle’s taxi squad, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (Twitter link). He takes the place of quarterback B.J. Daniels, who was promoted to the 53-man roster earlier today.
  • The Steelers announced that they have re-signed offensive guard Chris Hubbard, according to Scott Brown of ESPN.com (via Twitter). It’s a one-year deal for the 6’4″, 286 pound lineman. Hubbard, who appeared in two games in 2014, spent all of his rookie year on the Steelers’ practice squad in 2013. Hubbard originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent out of UAB in April 2013.

AFC East Notes: Fox, Jets, Schwartz, Bills, Fins

January 12th, 2015 at 7:41pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Ex-Broncos head coach John Fox has declined to interview for the Jets’ head coaching vacancy, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN (Twitter link). As Schefter notes, Fox probably wouldn’t turn down a chance at a HC job unless he another opportunity already lined up. Such an opportunity might exist in Chicago, where Fox friend Ernie Accorsi is advising the Bears’ head coaching search. The Jets will presumably remain focused on Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is believed to be their top choice. Here’s more from the AFC East…

  • Jim Schwartz won’t return as the Bills defensive coordinator, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (via Twitter). Schwartz, who led a Buffalo defense that finished second in DVOA, was expected to be offered a spot on the club’s coaching staff by incoming head coach Rex Ryan, but apparently that fell through. The news coincides with Rich Cimini of ESPN.com’s report (Twitter link) that Ryan will look to bring many of his Jets assistants with him, including defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman. It’s just my speculation, but two NFC East teams — the Cowboys and the Giants — could be among those with interest in Schwartz.
  • Defensive coordinator isn’t the only Bills position that will be filled by a new face in 2015, and Mike Rodak of ESPN.com looks at the changes in store for the Buffalo staff next season.
  • There aren’t any legitimate candidates for the franchise tag on the Dolphins’ roster, opines James Walker of ESPN.com. Walker points to tight end Charles Clay and defensive lineman Jared Odrick as two options who might be franchised, but ultimately concludes that the price tag ($8.2MM for Clay, $11MM for Odrick) is too steep.
  • The Dolphins‘ chain of command following the addition of former Jets exec Mike Tannenbaum is a bit complicated, as Mike Tanier of Bleacher Report writes.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Coach Updates: Spags, Quinn, LeBeau, Tucker

January 12th, 2015 at 6:57pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Giants will interview Ravens assistant (and former employee) Steve Spagnuolo for their defensive coordinator position this week, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN (Facebook link). Spagnuolo, 55, was New York’s DC from 2007-08. Per Schefter, the club also spoke with its own defensive backs coach, David Merritt, about the job. Here’s more news on the coaching front…

  • After parting ways with John Fox earlier today, the Broncos want to interview Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, tweets Schefter. Quinn is viewed as the favorite for the Jets head coaching position, and has also been linked to the vacancies in Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco.
  • We heard earlier today that the Jets wanted to bring in Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles for a second interview, and now Brian Costello of the New York Post tweets that the meeting will take place on Wednesday, the same day Bowles will speak with the Falcons for a second time. The Atlanta interview will happen first, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
  • Cowboys offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Bill Callahan is a popular man, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). He’s drawing interest elsewhere, which could lead to a promotion of Scott Linehan. Bills head coach Rex Ryan is among those with interest, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (on Twitter).
  • LSU has been in contact with Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker about their opening at the same position, according to Ross Dellenger and Scott Rabalais of The Advocate. Tucker, who was rumored to be on the hot seat in Chicago, remains under contract with the team.
  • While ex-Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has discussed joining the Cardinals coaching staff (Twitter link via Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette), it will not be as DC, tweets Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910, who adds that LeBeau could be brought aboard in something of an advising capacity.
  • Meanwhile, the Steelers have not met with any outside candidates to replace LeBeau, meaning it’s increasingly likely that linebackers coach Keith Butler will be promoted to DC, writes Scott Brown of ESPN.com. Butler has been in his current role since 2003.
  • The Giants met with Washington secondary coach Raheem Morris on Friday about their open DC position, but will go in another direction, according to Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 (Twitter link). Per Russini, Morris will now interview for Washington’s defensive coordinator job.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Fallout From John Fox, Broncos Parting Ways

January 12th, 2015 at 6:08pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Broncos general manager John Elway and ex-head coach John Fox have released a statement in the wake of the news that the two parties would be parting ways. “John Fox and I met for more than an hour on Monday afternoon to discuss the 2014 season and our goals for the future,” said Elway, via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. “During our open and candid conversation, it became clear that it was best for both the Denver Broncos and Coach Fox to move on and make this change.” Like Elway, Fox was thankful and complementary, but also gave a hint about his plans for the future. “I am eager to continue my coaching career and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Fox, indicating that he’s open to other jobs.

Let’s take a look at the fallout from and reaction to the shakeup, and how it affects the Broncos, Fox, and the rest of the team’s coaching staff.

  • The Broncos had not considered moving on from Fox until a report surfaced yesterday from Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, a friend of Fox’s, indicating that Fox could be out, per Klis. The club worried that Fox was “keeping his options open” with regard to other coaching vacancies, which led to today’s meeting.
  • Elway was reportedly unhappy with the Broncos’ mental toughness, and was especially disappointed with how the club performed in the postseason, writes Klis. For his part, Fox wanted more control over personnel, and preferred to have a say over the draft and the roster.
  • Fox could be an option to replace Marc Trestman with the Bears, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link). The link between Fox and Chicago is clear, as Fox has a close relationship with Ernie Accorsi, who is advising the Bears’ head coaching search, tweets Greg Gabriel of the National Football Post. Additionally, Fox’s best friend in the NFL is Saints head coach Sean Payton, who worked with new Chicago GM Ryan Pace, meaning Fox should be well-informed about where the Bears stand, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).
  • Appearing on The Michael Kay Show, Jets advisor Charley Casserly declined to speak on whether Gang Green would be interested in Fox, according to Kimberley Martin of Newsday (Twitter link).
  • On the Broncos side, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com doesn’t expect the club to hire a big-name coach, noting that Denver’s coaching budget “is far from expansive” (Twitter link).
  • Gary Kubiak was the Broncos offensive coordinator from 2003-05, and Ed Werder of ESPN speculates (via Twitter) that the club could be interested in a reunion. However, in response to a report that the Bears were pursuing him, Kubiak released a statement yesterday saying he would remain with the Ravens, and a Baltimore source tells Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (on Twitter) that he’d be shocked if Kubiak now reversed course.
  • The most obvious candidate for the Broncos job could be offensive coordinator Adam Gase, whom the 49ers will meet with tonight in an effort to hire him as their head coach. There are conflicting reports on whether Gase will be a candidate for Denver’s top job, however, as Florio tweets that Gase will in fact be an option, while Klis writes that the OC is not considered likely to be promoted.
  • Given Mike Shanahan’s relationship with Elway, it would’ve been fair to wonder if a reunion was in order. However, Klis reports that Shanahan is not a candidate for the Broncos vacancy.
  • Meanwhile, one candidate who probably will garner an interview is Broncos running backs coach Eric Studesville, who was the club’s interim head coach in 2010 following Josh McDaniels’ firing, per La Canfora (Twitter link).

Broncos, John Fox To Part Ways

January 12th, 2015 at 4:58pm CST by Zachary Links

4:58pm: Vic Lombardi of CBS4 (via Twitter) hears that the entire Broncos coaching staff has been let go. That would include offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who was presumed by many as a candidate to fill Fox’s old position.

4:18pm: The Broncos and coach John Fox will part ways, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The decision came after Fox and team president John Elway met earlier this afternoon, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports (on Twitter).

On Sunday, the Broncos’ playoff run ended at the hands of Andrew Luck and the Colts. Immediately after the game, speculation began to fly about the job security of Fox. The phrasing of today’s news, however, would lead one to believe that this was something of a mutual decision. After all, with a number of vacancies around the NFL, including intriguing teams like the Falcons and Bears, Fox could be very open to a change. Peyton Manning had a quality season on the whole, but his performance in Sunday’s defeat could signal that the aging quarterback is in the decline phase of his career. On top of that, the Broncos have several key players set to hit the open market, including wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas.

John Fox (vertical)

Meanwhile, Elway will have many interesting options to choose from as he looks to replace Fox. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who has earned a strong reputation around football in recent years, could be a top candidate for the position. There are also a pair of veteran options with ties to the organization out there: Mike Shanahan and Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. Kubiak has already said that he’ll remain in Baltimore, but one has to wonder if the opportunity to take over as the head coach in Denver would change his mind.

In four seasons as the head coach on the Broncos, Fox recorded an impressive 46-18 record. His previous stint with the Panthers produced a 73-71 mark.

With the new head coaching vacancy in Denver, there are now six teams looking for a head coach.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Ravens Sign Nine To Reserve/Futures Deals

January 12th, 2015 at 3:39pm CST by Zachary Links

Earlier today, the Ravens announced that they have signed nine players to reserve/futures deals. Here’s the full list, courtesy of Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (via Twitter)..

Several of those players spent time on Baltimore’s taxi squad, but Renner is a new addition to Baltimore after going undrafted last year. The QB was initially signed by Denver as a UDFA before being cut in late August.

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