NFL News from Pro Football Weekly

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Sources tell us the Falcons are eyeing a free safety with their first pick in April’s draft. We’re told Atlanta plans to move last year’s starter, Chris Crocker, who was solid against the run but struggled in pass coverage, to backup strong safety behind Lawyer Milloy.

Word is the Dolphins will be moving their home game against the Giants in the 2007 season to London, England. We hear that owner Wayne Huizenga wasn’t thrilled to give up a marquee home game against a team that hasn’t played in Miami since 1996, but he was willing to go along with the move for two reasons: to support the league’s efforts to grow the international market and to gain exposure for his franchise.

Although takers may be few in number, the Raiders will make a real effort to move WR Jerry Porter in the offseason, as owner Al Davis is believed to have had as much of an issue with his antics as departed coach Art Shell did.

Lions RB Kevin Jones’ recovery from surgery on his left foot to repair a Lisfranc injury is on schedule thus far. He will soon move from his cast to a walking boot, and he remains optimistic about his recovery. The more telling milestone, however, will come in 8-10 weeks, when he is able to begin rehabilitation.

Bears WR Muhsin Muhammad led the Bears in receiving for a second straight year, but we’re told he’s not more than a complementary piece at this stage of his career.

The Vikings’ WR overhaul is already under way, with position coach Darrell Wyatt losing his job. We’re told Wyatt was simply overmatched in his first season on the NFL level. Experience will not be a problem for 18-year NFL assistant George Stewart, tabbed to replace Wyatt last week.

Losing Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie, who was given permission to interview for the Titans’ GM vacancy, would be a setback for the team. However, Green Bay is in a position to absorb it with two other full-time, veteran scouts focused on pro evaluation.

We hear Panthers WR Keyshawn Johnson will be in Mobile, Ala., for the Senior Bowl to meet face to face with head coach John Fox. We’re told Johnson, who threatened to retire if offensive coordinator Dan Henning was fired, wants Fox to convince him to return in 2007 without Henning. Sources tell us Johnson doesn’t want to participate in offseason workouts in Charlotte, and he doesn’t want to have to learn a new offense, so he’ll push for an in-house candidate to fill Henning’s job.

Falcons RB Warrick Dunn had arthroscopic shoulder surgery after the season. We’re told Dunn talked about his shoulder pain late in the season, but it is unknown when the injury first occurred. We hear Dunn will be back with the Falcons in 2007, but he won’t necessarily be the starter.

Chargers president Dean Spanos on the icy relationship between head
coach Marty Schottenheimer and GM A.J. Smith and the importance of them getting along better: “I don’t really care. Honestly, I don’t care as long as they do their jobs and they act professionally in this organization. That’s all I care about. You’re not in business to make friends. If you’re friends, that’s great, but that’s not the primary reason that they’re here. They do their jobs, and they do them adequately.”

Cam Cameron’s departure for the Miami head-coaching job is considered a significant loss for the Chargers. Cameron is credited with helping Drew Brees emerge as an elite quarterback and getting Philip Rivers up to speed in his first season as a starter, but insiders really appreciated his ability to exploit opponents’ weaknesses and spread the ball around with creative play-calling. The first two in-house options who will be considered to replace Camerson are RB coach Clarence Shelmon and WR coach James Lofton, but Marty Schottenheimer is likely to take a look around the league before making a decision.

After seeing him slow down this season and eventually take a backseat to second-year WR Vincent Jackson, the Chargers may not bring back veteran WR Keenan McCardell.

Insiders in Oakland suggest that the most important thing the Raiders’ new head coach can do in his first month on the job is establish his own voice within the organization and make it clear to the players that he is the one they answer to.

With a WR corps lacking for big plays, the Chiefs are focusing on incorporating Jeff Webb, a sixth-round pick in 2006, into the offense more during the offseason, as he provides the size (6-2, 211) and aggressiveness needed.

Jim Mora has ended up in the state of Washington after all. Mora — whose ouster as the Falcons’ head coach was, in part, triggered by his statement made in jest on a radio interview that he was interested in becoming the head coach at the University of Washington — has joined Seattle’s coaching staff as assistant head coach/secondary. That could set him up to become head coach Mike Holmgren’s heir apparent, while immediately replacing departed Seahawks DB coach Teryl Austin, who left Seattle to take the same job with the Cardinals.

The Niners realize it would behoove them to give ace RB Frank Gore a healthy raise before his contract expires after the 2007 season. However, the way we hear it, negotiations with Gore’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, will hardly be cut and dried, since, regardless of Gore’s great success, they still consider him a 24-year-old running back in a 30-year-old’s body. Another valued young Niner with the same contract situation as Gore, starting ORG Justin Smiley, is a good bet to be re-signed first.

Even though Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson enjoyed a strong season, leading the team in receptions and touchdowns, we hear it’s far from a slam dunk that the team will retain his services in ‘07 after obtaining both Deion Branch and Nate Burleson last offseason and benefiting from the improved play of underrated D.J. Hackett.

New Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said he would consider one of his mentors, recently fired Panthers offensive coordinator Dan Henning, for a position on his staff. Yet, our sources believe Henning would prefer staying closer to his grandchildren, who live in the South, than moving so far west.

Don’t be shocked if Colts LB Gilbert Gardner’s days are numbered in Indy. Gardner, who was replaced by Rob Morris at strong-side linebacker, has been on the inactive list in the Colts’ first three playoff games.

A hot name in the Giants’ search for a new defensive coordinator is New England DL coach Pepper Johnson, who played on both of the Giants’ Super Bowl-winning teams.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that the team has started talking to C Andre Gurode, and sources in Dallas indicate that Gurode is very interested in returning. But he also knows that he will be among the more coveted free-agent centers on the market, so he won’t come cheap.

Expect to see a lighter, slimmer Jeremiah Trotter next season. The Eagles want their middle linebacker to lose some weight to increase his range after a poor season, especially in pass defense. Don’t be surprised if Omar Gaither, who played well on the strong side after replacing Matt McCoy, takes some snaps away from Trotter inside next season.

Redskins officials would like to bring back free-agent OLG Derrick Dockery, if for no other reason than to continue the rapport he has with OLT Chris Samuels, but there is a fear among the team that Dockery is looking for a big payday. Typically, Redskins free agents who have hit the open market rarely return.

Don’t be surprised if the Titans look for an upgrade at defensive tackle. They are young at the position but could use a run stuffer. Albert Haynesworth had a disappointing season that included a five-game suspension, and Randy Starks did less than expected. Jesse Mahelona remains an unknown, and Rien Long is coming off a season-ending injury.

The Texans have promoted Kyle Shanahan, son of Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, to QB coach. Shanahan drew raves for his work with the Texans’ wide receivers last season. Head coach Gary Kubiak, who also works closely with the team’s quarterbacks, thinks highly of Kyle Shanahan, who is entering only his fourth season as an NFL assistant.

The way we hear it, don’t expect Ravens OLT Jonathan Ogden to make a decision on his playing future any time soon. One potential scenario: Ogden makes the call after free agency and the draft as he gets a sense of how competitive the Ravens will be in 2007.

The Bengals are expecting big things from MLB Ahmad Brooks in his second NFL season. Brooks contributed as a rookie, but he didn’t have a major role in the defense. That figures to change in 2007.

The Browns have finally hired an offensive coordinator, tabbing Chargers TE coach Rob Chudzinski on Jan. 20. Chudzinski worked in Cleveland under head coach Butch Davis, and he finished the 2004 season as the interim head coach after Davis’ resignation. The way we hear it, the speculation in league circles is that the uncertainty about head coach’s future in Cleveland hampered the Browns’ coordinator search at times.

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Little drama in changes on Packers’ staff of assistants
Green Bay

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy made a few notable changes to his coaching staff this past week, filling his vacant offensive coordinator position with former OL coach Joe Philbin and giving LB coach Winston Moss the added title of assistant head coach. According to our sources, there is little surprise or drama to either move. We’re told that Philbin is a bright, impressive guy who will allow the Packers to stick with the zone-blocking scheme they implemented in the first year of McCarthy’s tenure. And while QB coach Tom Clements has previous coordinator experience and may have been considered, a ground-game specialist makes more sense because McCarthy calls the plays and directs the passing game. On the other side of the ball, some viewed the Moss promotion as an indictment of defensive coordinator Bob Sanders, but we hear Moss’ new role is more of a macro-level sounding board for McCarthy and will have little to do with the defense specifically.

Chicago

One potential controversy that has not come to a head in Chicago is in the backfield, where the ongoing soap opera between veteran starter Thomas Jones and former first-round draft pick Cedric Benson seems to have dissipated over the course of the season. “When you get to the playoffs, it’s all about winning football games,” Jones told PFW. “All three of us together (including Adrian Peterson) make a nice combination of backs with different styles that make it hard for defenses to game-plan for us. So having three good running backs definitely is an asset to your team.” It proved to be a huge asset in the Bears’ 39-14 win over New Orleans for the NFC championship. Chicago outrushed the Saints 196-56, led by Jones’ 123 yards (on 19 carries) and Benson’s 60 yards (on 24 carries). Benson actually had more carries and yards than Jones in the final five weeks of the regular season, but only because Jones was being held back for precautionary reasons. “I probably could have had 20 carries in all those games (down the stretch), but the coaches just wanted to rest me pretty much each time. We need all of our starters to be physically ready to go.”

Detroit

Detroit lost the rights to the No. 1 overall pick in the draft by defeating Dallas in an otherwise meaningless season finale, and it appears they will also miss out on their rightful opportunity to get up close and personal with the top pro prospects during Senior Bowl week in Mobile, Ala., which began the day of the NFL conference championship games. A 3-13 season earned the Lions the right to coach one of the two Senior Bowl squads, but Detroit has passed up the opportunity because of head coach Rod Marinelli’s recent hip-replacement surgery. Marinelli will not attend the weeklong festivities, although the remainder of the Lions’ coaching and scouting staffs will be present. We’re told the head coach will evaluate the prospects on film.

Minnesota

Whether Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin lands a head-coaching job this season remains to be seen, but either way, it’s apparent that he’s not long for a mere coordinator position. That represents a potential concern for Minnesota, considering that owner Zygi Wilf characterized last year’s hiring of Tomlin and head coach Brad Childress as a “package” — a nod to Childress’ offensive background and Tomlin’s defensive prowess. However, we’re told that there are a couple of quality replacement candidates on Tomlin’s staff. DL coach Karl Dunbar and LB coach Fred Pagac are both smart coaches who performed well in their first seasons in Minnesota. Dunbar presided over an interior combination of Pat Williams and Kevin Williams that inspired the NFL’s best run defense, and Pagac made dramatic strides at the second level — where Minnesota had really struggled in 2005.

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Cowboys' assistants slip away; then, so does Parcells
Dallas

The list of former Bill Parcells assistants is growing now that defensive coordinator Mike Â*Zimmer has taken the same job with the Falcons, special-teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven has left for Seattle, and David Lee, a former offensive assistant and trusted cohort of Parcells, has taken the Arkansas offensive coordinator job. Parcells, who had a soft deadline of Feb. 1 to make a decision, but he surprised some observers when he announced Monday that he was retiring from coaching after four years at the helm of the Cowboys. That leaves owner Jerry Jones looking for another head coach. There had been a sense that the coach was leaning toward returning, but that sense obviously was not in tune with Parcells. RB Julius Jones told PFW last week that he believed Parcells’ postseason body language indicated he was coming back. “My gut feeling is that he’ll be back,” Jones said. “He didn’t say anything that would lead me to think he was (walking away). He was really disappointed after the (Seattle) game, just like everyone else. You didn’t get any hint that he was giving up or going to retire or anything.”

NY Giants

New general manager Jerry Reese comes into a pretty good situation in terms of contracts. Ernie Accorsi did a very nice job not only stocking the roster with much better talent than was there when he originally wanted to retire three years ago, but he also sealed up most of the Giants’ core free agents. Left to deal with are C Shaun O’Hara and PK Jay Feely — reportedly the only unrestricted free agents the team will talk to about coming back next season. Neither is essential, though Feely might be the tougher to replace; O’Hara might ask for too much money in a center-depleted market and could be supplanted by Rich Seubert, whom the Giants have already signed to an extension. Grey Ruegamer also can play center. Though defense is expected to be the area the team tries to upgrade the most in the offseason, don’t overlook the effect that two critical injuries may have on the team’s plans. WR Amani Toomer (knee) and OLT Luke Petitgout (fractured fibula) both suffered serious injuries that put their 2007 seasons in doubt, so replacements may be needed at both spots.

Philadelphia

The Eagles will head into the offseason with 11 unrestricted free agents, but only one of them is an expected starter — WR Donté Stallworth. The other key guys include QB Jeff Garcia, CB Rod Hood, RB Correll Buckhalter and DE Juqua Thomas. Stallworth is an interesting case because he played well when he was out there, but he was nagged for half the season with injuries, and the market might outprice him in Philly. Because the free-agent market is especially thin at receiver, Stallworth’s value has gone up significantly, and the Eagles might not get into a bidding war to keep him. That said, he and Reggie Brown made a pretty formidable pair, and though the Eagles like reserves Hank Baskett, Greg Lewis and Jason Avant, none might be capable of filling Stallworth’s shoes full time. Either way, the team is likely to draft another receiver, though don’t forget about ’06 fifth-round pick Jeremy Bloom, whom the team would like to see win the return job next season and double as a receiver.

Washington

If there’s an area that likely will be overhauled this offseason, it’s the defensive line. So much is up in the air. DE Renaldo Wynn makes too much money for a backup and likely will be cut. DE Phillip Daniels struggled to stay healthy, battling a sprained ankle and a wrist injury much of the season, and could be let go. DT Cornelius Griffin probably will return, but it’s likely he’ll be asked to redo his cap-unfriendly deal. The team might bring back Joe Salave’a, but he’s little more than a try-hard backup. Rookies Kedric Golston and Anthony Montgomery have places on the roster, especially Golston, who earned a starting spot. But sources in Washington indicate that the team would love to improve enough inside to use Golston as a third tackle, where he’d be ideal. Word is the team is looking long and hard at using its first pick on a defensive lineman, and the Skins can’t go wrong with either an end or a tackle.

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Panthers shake up coaching staff after disappointing year
Carolina

Our sources tell us not to read too much into the fact that offensive coordinator Dan Henning, OL coach Mike Maser and secondary coach Rod Perry were fired two weeks after the season, other than they had been on vacation and head coach John Fox wanted to wait until they got back before he delivered their pink slips. We hear reports that ownership suggested Fox make the moves are erroneous. Henning’s dismissal doesn’t come as much of a surprise. His offense dropped from eighth in scoring in 2005 to 27th in ’06, and he came under fire for conservative play-calling. Maser’s and Perry’s units both struggled last season, but our sources thought Maser would get a reprieve because of all the injuries on the line. We hear there are two in-house candidates to replace Henning: assistant head coach/RB coach Jim Skipper and QB coach Mike McCoy. One outside candidate being mentioned is former Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Fassel, who was the head coach with the Giants when Fox was the defensive coordinator.

Atlanta

Michael Vick’s relationship with new head coach Bobby Petrino has gotten off to a rocky start. Vick is under investigation for an incident at Miami International Airport, where he allegedly was carrying a water bottle with a secret compartment that contained traces of a substance that smelled like marijuana. The Miami-Dade Police Department is investigating the incident, and no charges had been brought against Vick as of Jan. 21. Vick met with team owner Arthur Blank, GM Rich McKay and Petrino the following day, and sources tell us Vick was scolded in the meeting. We’re told the no-nonsense Petrino was particularly angered by Vick’s latest actions to bring negative national attention to the Falcons (Vick flipped off the home crowd after a loss to the Saints on Nov. 26). We hear Vick is still Atlanta’s No. 1 quarterback, but the team no longer feels married to Vick being the face of the franchise for the rest of his career, and it will be more reluctant to part with backup QB Matt Schaub, who is a restricted free agent.

New Orleans

We hear the Saints have two major issues facing them in the offseason: They must decide what to do with WR Joe Horn and DE Charles Grant. Horn has four years remaining on a six-year, $42 million contract, but he is no longer playing at an elite level. Horn has missed nine regular-season games in the past two seasons due to injury, and he even sat out the Saints’ playoff games against Philadelphia and Chicago because of a groin injury. The Saints beat the Eagles, anyway, but then lost to the Bears. Horn, who turned 35 on Jan. 16, is no longer the team’s top receiving option; he’s third behind two rookies, WR Marques Colston and RB Reggie Bush. We hear Horn will have to accept a pay cut or he could be released. As for Grant, he is an unrestricted free agent whom the Saints would like to re-sign. Grant had one of his best seasons in 2006 and forms a dynamic tandem with third-year DE Will Smith. If the Saints can’t re-sign Grant, finding a starting defensive end will become their top priority.

Tampa Bay

Sources tell us the Buccaneers feel like they got a steal in hiring ex-Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer last week to replace Jethro Franklin as the team’s DL coach. We hear Coyer is a master motivator, much like Rod Marinelli, who served as the Buccaneers’ DL coach from 1996 through 2005 before leaving last winter to become the Lions’ head coach. We’re told the Buccaneers felt Coyer was the scapegoat for the Broncos’ late-season collapse, and the Buccaneers appreciate his four decades of coaching experience and familiarity with the cover-2 defense. In other coaching news, general manager Bruce Allen released TE coach/assistant special-teams coach Ron Middleton from his contract so Middleton could be closer to his wife, who is receiving treatment for an illness in Alabama. Middleton was hired by Nick Saban to serve as an assistant at the University of Alabama.

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Hasselbeck’s health continues to be a concern for Seahawks
Seattle

After missing four games with a sprained right knee and playing the second half of the season with cracks in the index and middle fingers of his left (non-throwing) hand, Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck may have to wait longer than he’d like to get back on the field. It turns out Hasselbeck was also hassled much of the season by an injury to his non-throwing shoulder initially suffered in a mid-October victory over the Bears in 2003. After being diagnosed with a torn labrum in that shoulder, he underwent surgery on Jan. 18. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews, who repaired Drew Brees’ dislocated throwing shoulder last offseason. There are concerns Hasselbeck will miss the team’s May and June minicamps, which he had hoped to take advantage of in an effort to get a jump on improving his rapport with WRs Deion Branch and Nate Burleson, both of whom struggled to get in sync with Hasselbeck in their first seasons as Seahawks. But the team said it expects Hasselbeck to be able to participate in at least some minicamps. However, another key player on the other side of the ball, 330-pound DT Marcus Tubbs, will not only miss all of the team’s minicamps while he continues to recover from risky microfracture knee surgery but could also miss the start of training camp. Seattle’s run defense was significantly better in the five games this season when Tubbs was in the lineup.

Arizona

The way we hear it, new Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt drew rave reviews in his first official press conference with the local media. Unlike Buddy Ryan, who immediately proclaimed, “You’ve got a a winner in town,” after he was hired as head coach, or Dennis Green, whose first order of business was to predict a winning season, there were no bold pronouncements from Whisenhunt, who was careful to avoid the topic of how quickly the team could start contending. Word is the Bill Cowher lookalike’s low-key but self-assured demeanor made a particularly strong impression on S Adrian Wilson, who was interestingly the only Cardinals player present at Whisenhunt’s introductory press conference. Wilson previously admitted to team insiders that he had become very frustrated by what he believed were unreasonable expectations in the desert, and when Whisenhunt cautioned that the first-year playoff bids produced by first-year coaches Sean Payton and Eric Mangini were the exception to the rule, the Pro Bowl safety’s smile spoke volumes.

San Francisco

On the TE front, we hear the Niners would like to re-sign unrestricted free agent Eric JohnÂ*son, preferably to a one-year deal, but that Johnson would likely leave if a legitimate starting opportunity was offered elsewhere. The Niners believe Johnson is of more value to them than any other team. Not only would the team like to employ more two-TE sets featuring Johnson and promising 2006 first-round pick Vernon Davis — something they were seldom able to do this season because of injuries to both players — it also views the cerebral Johnson as a valuable tutor/mentor for Davis, who still has a long way to go in terms of fully understanding what’s expected of the tight end in the Niners’ system.

St. Louis

While the back end of the Rams’ receiving corps is expected to be dramatically revamped, with both Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald good bets to leave as free agents, the front end remains rock solid with the reputable 1-2 punch of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. Interestingly, Bruce, who was facing a very hazy future entering the ’06 season, actually looks more stable for the time being than Holt, who will be undergoing knee surgery this offseason for the second time in his eight-year career after playing at less-than-full strength the final month of the season because of the knee. Bruce, meanwhile, was as good as ever, increasing his yards-per-catch average for the fourth straight season (to an impressive 14.8 ) and convincingly showing that opposing teams still need two really good cover corners every time they play the Rams. That said, with Bruce turning 35 next November and Holt turning 31 in June, it would not be a shock if the Rams went after a wide receiver with their first pick (No. 13 overall) in the draft.

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Brady deserves credit for improvement in Patriots’ receivers
New England

We hear the tireless work of QB Tom Brady is the biggest reason for the remarkable improvement of journeymen WRs Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney, particularly in the postseason. Word is Brady began building up Caldwell, an offseason free-agent signee, in training camp by repeatedly encouraging him and talking him up to the media and to his teammates. Once Gaffney was signed during the team’s Week Six bye, he joined his former University of Florida teammate in working hard to build a rapport with Brady. In fact, we hear that Brady even took Caldwell and Gaffney aside and ran pass routes to show them how he wanted them run and when he wanted them to break so that they knew where he was going to throw the ball. Hundreds of passes later, the confidence shown by the trio began showing up in games. Although Caldwell had a couple of costly drops in the AFC title-game defeat, both receivers appear to have played themselves into prominent roles for the 2007 season. We also hear that much credit goes to WR coach Brian Daboll, a young, hungry assistant who has also worked tirelessly to coach up the newcomers.

Buffalo

Following on the heels of some uncomplimentary comments about Buffalo in an interview in the current issue of Penthouse magazine, and the news that McGahee has fathered three children with three different women in the past two years, it appears as if RB Willis McGahee has further alienated a Bills brain trust that places a big emphasis on high character and morals. Add in the fact that agent Drew Rosenhaus has mentioned the desire to extend McGahee’s deal, which expires following the 2007 season, and word is the Bills are going to make addressing their RB situation a top priority this offseason. We hear the Bills are not likely to shop McGahee but that they would consider a trade offer if it were proposed to them. To give up McGahee, Buffalo would expect a first-round pick plus one of the following: a player, a late-round draft pick this year or a future draft pick.

Miami

Though owner Wayne Huizenga would have preferred to give his head-coaching hire the power over personnel, as he did with previous Dolphins head coaches, we hear that the Miami brain trust was not sold that their top candidates for head coach were worthy of having that kind of power. As a result, GM Randy Mueller, who was very unhappy working in a limited role for Nick Saban, has risen in stature throughout the interview process and may stay on as personnel chief going forward. Mueller went from being left out of the mix during the first round of coaching interviews, to spearheading the search during the second round of interviews, to giving his stamp of approval on the hiring of new head coach Cam Cameron. Word is, once Saban departed, Mueller went to work selling himself to management, something he effectively did to climb the ladder in Seattle. He has a reputation around the league as a good listener who understands the value of a good scouting department and is more of a consensus-builder than a talent evaluator.

NY Jets

We hear the Jets will miss DB coach Corwin Brown, once he officially leaves to become the new defensive coordinator at Notre Dame under Charlie Weis. Brown, a 36-year-old Chicago native, has vast experience as a player and a coach in the multiple 3-4 schemes preferred by Bill Parcells and two proponents of his coaching philosophy, Bill Belichick and Eric Mangini. Weis, also a Parcells-Belichick disciple, clearly wants to institute a similar type of defense at Notre Dame. Word is Brown was extremely well-liked in New York and a trusted aide who was very well-respected for his work with the secondary. He also has a reputation for relating well to younger players, with his prized pupil being FS Kerry Rhodes, who had a breakout season in 2006. Brown also was lauded for his work with a hodgepodge of flawed cornerbacks such as Hank Poteat, David Barrett and Justin Miller, all of whom delivered solid contributions to a serviceable secondary.

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Ravens extend Billick’s deal, nip speculation in bud
Baltimore

The Ravens extended head coach Brian Billick’s contract on Jan. 17. The team did not disclose the length or terms of the contract. However, the extension does ensure that there will be less speculation about Billick’s job security than there was last offseason. Billick was publicly criticized by owner Steve Bisciotti in the wake of the the Ravens’ 6-10 2005 campaign, but Baltimore rebounded to win 13 games this season, and the Ravens extended Billick for the third time since 2001. Billick’s contract has been extended after each of the last three times the Ravens made the playoffs. In other Ravens coaching news, Billick promoted QB coach Rick Neuheisel to offensive coordinator. Billick will continue to call the plays, but Neuheisel, who also will keep the title of QB coach, will have a major role in game-planning. Neuheisel’s responsibilities increased after Jim Fassel was fired in October.

Cincinnati

The Bengals have hired veteran NFL assistant Mike Sheppard as WR coach. Sheppard replaces Hue Jackson, who left to become Atlanta’s offensive coordinator. Sheppard and Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis’ relationship dates back to Idaho State, when Lewis was a player and Sheppard was a coach. Sheppard hired Lewis as an assistant at Long Beach State and New Mexico. The men also worked together on the Ravens’ coaching staff. Sheppard has coached receivers for only one professional season, but he has served as the offensive coordinator in San Diego, Buffalo and New Orleans. The way we hear it, Sheppard’s stay at WR coach could be a short one if the Panthers hire Bengals QB coach Ken Zampese as offensive coordinator. Should that happen, Sheppard would likely be a contender to replace Zampese. Sheppard coached quarterbacks in Seattle and New Orleans.

Cleveland

The Browns re-signed ORT Kelly Butler on Jan. 12, a move that gives the team more options at right tackle. The 6-7, 334-pound Butler started five games last season. The way we hear it, the Browns are intrigued by Butler’s potential. Originally a sixth-round pick of Detroit, Butler will only be 25 at the start of next season. Butler does have a ways to go in his development; he surrendered six sacks in only six games in 2006. But he does have 21 career starts to his credit. If the Browns don’t add another offensive tackle in free agency or the draft, Butler figures to be in the mix to start at right tackle. However, Butler is most likely to end up as the top reserve on the right side, especially if the Browns sign or draft a left tackle. In that scenario, starting OLT Kevin Shaffer would move to the right side.

Pittsburgh

The Steelers signed P Mike Barr to their reserve/future list, a move that could easily be lost in the transactions if not for the fact that Barr is expected to push veteran Chris Gardocki. The 6-2, 230-pound Barr has been in Steelers camp for each of the last three seasons but was cut each time. The team has thought enough of Barr to allocate him to NFL Europe in each of the last three seasons, and he will again be going to NFL Europe this offseason. The way we hear it, don’t discount the possibility that the Steelers will draft a punter to compete for the job. Gardocki averaged a net of 36.7 yards on 65 punts this season, which ranked in the middle of the pack, and his 41.3 gross average ranked 30th out of 32 NFL punters.

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Titans searching for GM candidates with personnel experience
Tennessee

The Titans’ GM search has taken a clear turn. There was some speculation that chief operating officer Steve Underwood was interested in talking to a wide variety of candidates for the job, including personnel men whose specialty is evaluating players as well as candidates whose expertise comes in contracts and salary-cap knowledge. But PFW has learned that the focus of Underwood’s interviews has veered more toward the personnel side of things. The team has spoken with Saints director of player personnel Rick Mueller, Jaguars director of pro personnel Charles Bailey and Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie, none of whom has significant cap or contract experience. Of the three, sources say Mueller might be the least qualified but that his stock has risen with the Saints’ rise this season. Titans director of player personnel Rich Snead is the only in-house candidate for the job, but sources say he isn’t considered a front-runner despite being asked to handle the team’s current scouting operations until a new GM is selected.

Houston

As expected, the Texans promoted Mike Sherman to offensive coordinator once it became apparent Sherman was not going to be hired for any of the remaining head-coaching vacancies. Sherman had two interviews with Arizona, and he was regarded as one of the favorites for the job, but the Cardinals hired Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt instead. The way we hear it, head coach Gary Kubiak wanted to give Sherman a promotion if he were to remain on the staff. Sherman, whose title last season was assistant head coach/offense, also worked closely with the offensive line, and he will continue to work with the line. Kubiak will continue to call the plays.

Indianapolis

It is indeed accurate to say that a healthy Bob Sanders really does make a major difference in a defense that seemed as though it was almost magically transformed into a powerhouse unit in the first two playoff games. However, there is a host of other Colts defenders who team insiders believe also deserve credit for the stunning turnaround. For starters, CB Nick Harper, a very steady performer in Indy’s secondary the entire season, elevated his game a notch higher in the playoffs. The same goes for rookie SS Antoine Bethea, whose pivotal interception near the Colts’ goal line in the playoff victory in Baltimore was heralded by one Colts daily observer as “the best defensive play of the year.” Two other players worthy of special mention are LB Rob Morris, who has proven to be a major improvement over Gilbert Gardner at strong-side linebacker, and DT Anthony McFarland, who has become increasingly comfortable in the middle of the Colts’ D-line.

Jacksonville

While uncertainty remains at several positions on offense, including quarterback, the Jaguars locked up another player from their No. 2-ranked defense to a long-term contract. LB Daryl Smith signed a five-year extension in the $25 million range last week to become the seventh Jaguars defender with a contract worth $20 million or more. Smith, who had one year remaining on his rookie contract, won’t see his new deal kick in until the 2008 season. Smith started all 16 games in each of the past two seasons, and he led the team in tackles for the first time in 2006. He started the final 11 games at middle linebacker after Mike Peterson suffered a season-ending injury. We hear Smith’s strong play in the middle sets up an interesting dilemma for the Jaguars next season. Smith could stay inside, and Peterson could be moved outside, where he played with the Colts before coming to Jacksonville. We’re told Smith — a very mild-mannered, cooperative player — is fine with playing either position.

[motife]

Schottenheimer with Chargers beyond 2007? Not likely
San Diego

More than one source has indicated to PFW that the chances of Marty Schottenheimer returning to coach in San Diego beyond next season are at “less than 20 percent.” Some people consider the one-year extension offered to Schottenheimer for 2008 (which he declined) as a slap in the face of sorts, considering he has won 35 games in the last three years and the contract had a miniscule $1 million buyout option (compared to a $4.5 million base salary) if the team decided to go in another direction after next season. In essence, anything short of a Super Bowl title in ’07 will mean the end of Schottenheimer’s tenure in San Diego, and even that may not guarantee his return. Schottenheimer received plenty of support from his players, both publicly and privately, and general manager A.J. Smith sought some of their opinions to get a “pulse for the organization” and a “feel for morale.” Smith also spoke with his front-office personnel and several people around the league to gauge their thoughts on the progress of the franchise. It’s believed Schottenheimer, who at age 63 said he feels as good as ever, has no intention of retiring and would command significant attention on the open market a year from now if — or, more likely, when — it comes to that.

Denver

The Broncos’ defensive line has been a weakness for some time, and it will be a primary focal point in the draft this April and in free agency, as well. The recent firing of DL coach Andre Patterson, who came over from Cleveland and was a big factor in luring former Browns DLs Gerard Warren, Courtney Brown, Ebenezer Ekuban and Michael Myers to Denver two years ago, was a telling sign to many, suggesting that Mike Shanahan’s experiment with the “Browncos” had lost steam. While that foursome made a difference in 2005, its impact this past season was significantly less. Brown missed the entire season with more knee trouble and likely has played his last game in Denver. Warren’s effort was not the same after he got his big contract last offseason, and Ekuban and Myers are dime-a-dozen blue-collar guys who are nice to have on the roster but don’t make many game-changing plays. Fortunately for the Broncos, there is a nice collection of talented defensive linemen available in the draft. Don’t be surprised to see Denver use two picks, including one in the first or second round, on D-linemen who can help right away.

Kansas City

Chiefs first-year LB coach Don Blackmon admits the defense leaned heavily on MLB Kawika Mitchell in 2006, and Mitchell’s improving maturity, after years of getting hounded as the pet project for defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham, was a big factor. Blackmon describes “line-of-scrimmage procedure” as the ability to rely on a player to recognize different offensive formations and get the defense correctly aligned to combat them. “These days, you’ve got to change your call from the sideline or have a guy there who can make the adjustments for you, and Kawika has gotten us out of some situations that wouldn’t have been the best for us,” Blackmon told PFW. “Based on the adjustments we gave him, he was able to make the right calls. So, I think he’s growing in that sense and really taking more of a leadership role.”

Oakland

With USC assistant head coach Steve Sarkisian pulling his name out of contention for Oakland’s head-coaching job and Chargers WR coach James Lofton doing the same (or being told he’s no longer considered a candidate, depending on whom you ask) last weekend, the Raiders now are believed to have turned their focus toward Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who will be able to sit down for an interview this week. Owner Al Davis has been known to favor young offensive minds who are sometimes a year or two away from really hitting the NFL radar, and the 30-year-old McDaniels would certainly qualify. The problem is, while Davis can still spot coaching talent (he has shown interest in Ken Whisenhunt, Sean Payton and Bobby Petrino in the past few years), he can no longer seem to get that talent to come to Oakland. A big reason for that is Davis’ reluctance to give the head coach more control, a likely sticking point for Sarkisian. Jim Fassel and current defensive coordinator Rob Ryan are still in the mix in what has been a confusing search filled with mixed messages from candidates and the usual smokescreens from the Raiders. Oakland is said to be leaning toward McDaniels due to the franchise’s need for a fresh face to shake up the offense with energy and creativity.