Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for January 22, 2007

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NBA Rumors & Notes

Monday, January 22, 2007

There are exceptions. If Jason Kidd were to somehow become available or, to a lesser degree, Andre Miller, there would be quite a few interested teams. I'm sure the Lakers would lob a phone call or two as well. Both of those players have two more seasons left on their contracts, Kidd for a total of $41 million, Miller for a more manageable $19 million.

Grizzlies center Pau Gasol won't say as much but his actions and agent have delivered the message. The 7-footer wants out of Memphis. Pronto. Given Gasol's play and the feelers his agent, Arn Tellem, have lobbed around the NBA recently, the Grizzlies are suddenly forced to consider their future without someone they've deemed the franchise player. Gasol, who has four years and more than $60 million left on a maximum contract, is one of the few skilled post players in the league. Still, a Gasol deal with the Bulls could be consummated if they were willing to part with guard Ben Gordon and forward Luol Deng.

Nets management has been very active all season. They turned down offers of Sacramento's Ron Artest and the Clippers' offer of Corey Maggette. They continue to talk to teams and may look for help at swingman now. But if Vince Carter, who has been mentioned in trade rumors, can get on a roll, that would alleviate some of the Richard Jefferson loss.

League sources familiar with the Grizzlies say there hasn't been a specific exchange of names with the Bulls or any trade proposal. But the Bulls, among other teams, have been notified that Pau Gasol is available. Gasol would be an ideal fit for the Bulls, just as Kevin Garnett would be. ... One factor in the Bulls' favor is Gasol is represented by Arn Tellem, who is close with the Bulls and last summer did the Ben Wallace deal. Tellem supposedly has talked for some time about getting Gasol into a better market.

A conspiracy theorist might suggest that the Cavs were showcasing Sasha Pavlovic a little Saturday, as the Warriors might be interesting in making more deals before next month's trade deadline, and the Cavs might have lingering interest in Sarunas Jasikevicius. Pavlovic's talents might be more suited to a Western Conference running team.

If for some reason the injury develops into something worse than the Knicks were expecting, they could always call Steve Francis back from Houston, where the Knicks say he is rehabbing his knees from tendinitis. Francis doesn't appear to fit into the Knicks' long-term plans and he could eventually get bought out of his contract, but he does provide an insurance policy in case something happens to Marbury.

Vince Carter is the most likely chip because he can opt out of the last $16 million year of his contract after this season, but the Nets appear to be standing pat despite Pau Gasol of the Grizzlies asking to be moved to a contender. "We're severely reduced with Krstic and Jefferson being out, but we're reduced in assets in what you have to barter with," Thorn said. "It makes it difficult. "We have three wing players [Adams, Wright and Robinson]; one or all of them is going to have to step up."

Shaun Livingston has missed the past two games because of a sprained right ankle, and his status for Tuesday's game against Milwaukee is questionable. But whenever the Clippers' third-year guard returns, his role will be different from what it has been since December. With veteran point guard Sam Cassell seemingly over his bout with plantar fasciitis, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy has reassembled last season's most successful lineup. That unit of Cassell, Cuttino Mobley, Quinton Ross, Elton Brand and Chris Kaman was 24-12 as a starting group. They are 7-3 this season. Livingston had started 24 consecutive games before sitting out the past two. But upon his return, he will come off the bench with sixth man of the year candidate Corey Maggette and versatile forward Tim Thomas.

Sebastian Telfair is not a happy man at all that he’s gone from the Celtics’ starter at point guard to third on the depth chart. First Delonte West took the spot, then Saturday night coach Doc Rivers put words to what the minutes category has been saying the last three games: Rajon Rondo [stats] has passed Telfair. “Oh, I’m overly pissed,” Telfair said. But it’s not Rivers who’s drawing Telfair’s ire. “I’m pissed at myself,” he said. “I can’t be pissed at nobody else. Me being on the bench now, I can’t possibly see it having to do with anybody besides myself.”

Perry Watson said the relationship with the Pistons might be short because Chris Webber becomes a free agent after this season, but he said it is beneficial for both parties. Watch for New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas to go after C-Webb. "He can definitely help the Pistons," Watson said of Webber. "How much longer can he help them and how many years he has to play, I don't know."

According to a Wizards source, forward Darius Songaila could be cleared to practice within the next two weeks. Songaila has been out since undergoing lower back surgery on Nov. 2.

As for Lakers guard Smush Parker, he might or might not be back with the team. The next several months will be important for him. He makes only $798,000, one of the lowest salaries for an NBA starter, and will almost surely command more than that during the off-season as a free agent. Maybe the Lakers keep him, maybe they don't.

The Nets have inquired about Memphis' Pau Gasol this season, making what one source called a "pretty good offer." The Grizzlies were going through a sale of the team that has since fallen through. Now that Gasol is available, the Nets are expected to try again.

Although Chris Paul has been shooting and going through conditioning drills, there's no chance he will play in New Orleans on Friday night against the Sacramento Kings. Hornets Coach Byron Scott said Paul has made progress in his rehabilitation to recover from a severely sprained right ankle, but he remains a few weeks away from returning. Paul, who suffered the injury in a Dec. 26 game against Seattle, has missed 13 consecutive games. "He's trying to do everything to get it back stronger and get those ligaments healed up," Scott said. "As far along as he has come, he's still got a ways to go." Like Paul, there is no date set yet when starting shooting guard Peja Stojakovic will return after having back surgery last month. Stojakovic has not started rehabilitation yet.

Stephon Marbury told a Knicks official yesterday he still plans on playing tonight against the Heat, but likely will be in pain. That's nothing new. According to a source, there have been very few games this season Marbury has not played in pain. Marbury just doesn't talk about it publicly, and even late Saturday night he gave two-word answers about his condition. The Knicks did not practice yesterday, but Marbury received massage-therapy treatment and was said to be very sore.

Dwyane Wade added that Shaquille O'Neal will likely take time to come back to form after missing more games than he has in his career. ''We're looking forward to it,'' Wade said. ``But at the same time, we're not expecting any miracles. We're not expecting him to come back and be the Shaq he was in '99.''

ABC's Michael Wilbon noted that Miami's Shaquille O'Neal, who hasn't played since the sixth game of the season, says his surgically repaired knee is fine but he's still not playing because he has problems with "his wind" — even though Miami, in today's standings, wouldn't make the playoffs. Hearing about O'Neal's lack of urgency didn't exactly make you want to see if the Heat could win. (Dallas won.)

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle views Troy Murphy as a shot-making center who can put the ball on the floor. His new teammates talk of a player who can pop out after setting picks and hit open jumpers, and take pressure off Jermaine O'Neal by hitting mid-range jumpers when O'Neal is double-teamed. Darrell Armstrong, who played against Murphy frequently the past three seasons in the Western Conference, describes him as "almost a Dirk Nowitzki-type shooter."

Spurs coach Greg Popovich wouldn't directly answer a question on whether he thinks Larry Brown wants to return to coaching, saying: "I make no claim to be a psychologist and have answers to questions that are beyond speculation. I learned that watching CNN."

Hawks forward Josh Smith has seen the replays. He cringes every time he sees the images of himself flashing middle fingers at the crowd as he was ejected before halftime of Saturday's game in Charlotte. Smith still hadn't heard from the NBA office about a fine, which is surely on the way, by the end of practice Sunday. But he wasn't waiting to make amends. "I just wanted to apologize to my teammates, the organization and Hawks fans for acting out the way I did," Smith said. "I know I kind of went out of character a bit, but I was frustrated and let my emotions get the best of me during a crucial time. I'm not making excuses for myself when I say that; I'm just telling you what really happened. "But again, I want to apologize to my teammates, the organization and the fans for what happened. Because that's not the way it's supposed it happen."

Timberwolves assistant GM Fred Hoiberg said that 2005 first-round draft choice Rashad McCants, who has been sidelined by knee surgery, is practicing full-court again. "He's doing 5-on-5, he's back to where we think he needs to be," Hoiberg said. "... We expect Rashad to be back hopefully within the next couple weeks."

According to Bucks general manager Larry Harris, who is accompanying the team on the trip, guard Mo Williams is expected to be the first of the injured Bucks players to return, followed by Charlie Villanueva and Michael Redd. No timetable has been set for Williams' return although there is a remote possibility he could join the team sometime on this trip. "If any of them felt they could play, we would fly them out," Harris said. "But that is very doubtful." Said coach Terry Stotts, "I think when we get back off this road trip we'll kind of evaluate where Charlie and Mo are."

Phoenix insiders say guard Marcus Banks' biggest problem is dominating the ball in an attack that demands movement and sharing. He also has shot poorly and has been less effective on defense than the Suns had hoped.

Reflecting via e-mail last week on the Finals and other topics, Mavs owner Mark Cuban was asked if he agrees with Dirk Nowitzki's earlier comment that Dallas handed the championship to the Heat. ''No question about it,'' he wrote. That doesn't sit well with Heat owner Micky Arison. ''[Nowitzki] should keep saying it and hopefully we'll meet in the Finals and put that up in the locker room,'' Arison said Friday. ``That takes away from . . . an absolutely amazing performance from Dwyane [ Wade].'' Some people who have watched the erratic Heat and steamrolling Mavericks this season probably wonder how Miami won the Finals. Cuban confirmed that thought has come to mind. Said Arison: ``No matter how his team plays, or our team plays, we're still wearing the ring.''

The Clippers certainly are the league's most disappointing team with a lazy defense and perhaps too much faith in Shaun Livingston. Look for them to be trading.

Did You Know? San Antonio is 17-0 in its last 17 games against the Celtics and 23-1 in the last 24

Eddy Curry showed flashes of greatness — a game at a time, a week at a time — during his first five N.B.A. seasons, but he never sustained it. Now it appears he has arrived. Among full-time centers, Curry trails only Houston’s Yao Ming (25.9 points a game) in scoring. Coach Isiah Thomas designated Curry the Knicks’ No. 1 scoring option this season, and Curry has mostly thrived in the role. Based on recent balloting results, Curry will not be voted into the All-Star Game by the fans. But he is sure to receive strong consideration as a reserve when coaches make those selections this week.

The e-mail exchanges with Mark Cuban then turned to Tracy McGrady's ludicrous comment last summer that the Finals look rigged because of Dwyane Wade getting a lot of calls from referees. ''I don't think the Finals were rigged,'' Cuban wrote. ``But you have to wonder why so many people have expressed their opinion about the subject publicly. Also, you have to wonder why the league took no action about comments on the matter from players.''

Hornets coach Byron Scott has made a concerted effort to get 7-foot-1 center Tyson Chandler more shot opportunities. Chandler is starting to show he can handle the role, scoring in double figures in six of the past seven games. In the past five games, he made 64 percent of his shots and has averaged 10.2 points. He had one of his better performances Saturday night when he scored 17 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked three shots.

What was the feeling like for the Mavericks to lose in the NBA Finals? ''Like breaking up with the girl you knew you were going to marry,'' Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. ``Empty like that. And then for a few months all everyone asks you about is her.''

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is a longtime close friend of Larry Brown, which is why he and his staff dined Saturday night with Brown and his wife during which basketball talk was off-limits. "You can imagine that was pretty hard," Popovich said. But Popovich, who got his start in the NBA as an assistant on Brown's staff with the Spurs in 1988, said he had no doubt Brown, named executive vice president of the Sixers earlier this month, would be back in basketball. "He's definitely a lifer," Popovich said. "There's no doubt about that. He's a lifer big-time. Being here [in Philadelphia] has been great for him because his family loved being here and they loved coming back.

Shavlik Randolph still has a way to go in his recovery from a dislocated and fractured left ankle, but he is happy to at least be back in the locker room to cheer on and joke with his teammates on the 76ers. "I'm so happy to be back here and be around the guys," Randolph, the cast off his left ankle, said last night. "I was making my mom so mad just back home [in North Carolina], lying on the couch and doing nothing all day. I'm sure she's happy to see me back up here. I really missed being here." Randolph, a second-year forward, suffered the gruesome-looking injury on Nov. 30 when he landed awkwardly trying to pull down a rebound in practice. He underwent surgery that night as doctors inserted a pin to allow the torn ligament to heal.

Richard Jefferson will be the fifth Nets player to have surgery this season. The most serious injury has been to their starting center, Nenad Krstic, who will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in late December. Krstic was the Nets’ second-leading scorer at the time of his injury.

Dallas owner Mark Cuban, one of the league's most outspoken personalities, owns a condominium in Miami but he's not welcome in the city. Or at least not at AmericanAirlines Arena. "Everybody sitting anywhere near me was screaming and yelling stuff at me," he said. And what were people yelling? "You name it," he said. "This is Miami. Some were yelling in languages I didn't even understand. I think I was even yelled at, sworn at in Yiddish.

It would seem likely the Bobcats would have two and possibly three players chosen for the upcoming NBA Rookie All-Star Game in Las Vegas. Forms to vote to choose the team of first- and second-year players were recently mailed by the NBA to the league’s assistant coaches; Those results won’t be revealed until later this month. The Bobcats’ candidates for the game would be guard Raymond Felton and forward Sean May for the second-year team and Adam Morrison for the first-year team.

The Celtics had the day off yesterday. Doc Rivers remained in the D.C. area to take his son, Jeremiah, a Georgetown freshman and basketball team member, out to dinner after the Bears-Saints game. Rivers, a Chicago native, is a big Bears fan.

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MLB Rumors & Notes

Monday, January 22, 2007

Do the Phillies foresee negotiating a similar hometown discount with Ryan Howard? "We think the world of Ryan. There will be a day when he is rewarded," general manager Pat Gillick said. Howard is not even arbitration-eligible until after next season. Like Utley, that's when Albert Pujols - Howard's most similar peer - was extended by the Cardinals. Then again, the Mets made multiyear multimillionaires of third baseman David Wright and shortstop Jose Reyes in 2006 before either was eligible for arbitration. Will the Phillies do that for Howard? Perhaps, said Gillick: "It might be this year. It might be down the line."

The Cubs have said Jason Marquis can take Sammy Sosa's number 21, which has not been issued since Sosa left after the 2004 season. So far, Marquis is the only player on the 40-man roster who doesn't have a number listed next to his name.

If the Mariners don't add another starting candidate, then Cha Seung Baek and Jake Woods will likely compete for the No. 5 spot in the rotation behind Felix Hernandez, Miguel Batista, Jarrod Washburn and Horacio Ramirez. Free-agent pitchers still unsigned include Tomo Ohka, Tony Armas and Bruce Chen.

2B Chase Utley also was given a limited no-trade clause: He must supply the Phillies with a list of teams to which he can be traded before each season. ... Unlike Pat Burrell, the Phillies did not give Utley a full no-trade clause, which has cost them multiple chances to trade Burrell the past 2 years. Not that they ever expect to try to trade Utley. "There are some similarities [to Burrell's situation]. But there is some flexibility in this contract," Gillick said. "We want him to stay here. We want him to retire as a Phillie."

The Pirates have escalated efforts to sign free-agent starter Tomo Ohka. And they should know soon if there will be a payoff. They had been one of three finalists for Ohka's services entering the weekend -- the Washington Nationals and Toronto Blue Jays were the others -- but the field grew to four yesterday with the addition of a mystery team. In eight years of Major League Baseball, Ohka is 48-57 with a 4.04 ERA.

The Rockies will increase their pursuit of reliever Dan Kolb. Not having a 40-man roster spot available could hinder their chances. The team also likes Rudy Seanez as a fallback plan, but Seanez is progressing in talks with the L.A. Dodgers.

If Kelly Johnson, who will turn 25 in February, is the Braves second baseman, Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz said he'd also be a prime candidate to bat leadoff. That was a deficient area in 2006, when Giles reluctantly filled the role once handled by Rafael Furcal. "He would definitely be considered," Cox said of Johnson, who hit .241 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs in 290 at-bats as a rookie in 2005.

Brian Lawrence desire to return home and a full-court press by Rockies assistant general manager Bill Geivett and special assistant Marcel Lachemann trumped bids by Seattle, Pittsburgh and San Diego. Lawrence will compete for one of two wide-open spots in the rotation behind Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis and Rodrigo Lopez.

It's difficult to predict how fast Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija, who throws in the mid-90s, will take to make it to the big leagues. Samardzija's arm doesn't have a lot of wear and tear because he has played more football than baseball, which could help accelerate the process. "The most fun thing about him coming up here is to see him get into a routine," Cubs scouting director Tim Wilken said. "I wouldn't put anything past him, whether it's going to be a quick arrival here in the big leagues or if he takes the natural progression."

Ruben Amaro Jr. said that the Phils' fruitless pursuit of Alfonso Soriano and other top free-agent hitters did not free up money to sign Chase Utley. He said the Phillies could have done both.

For what it's worth, Mark McGwire might be heartened to know there is plenty of precedent for eventually making the Hall of Fame after receiving less than the 23.5% he got in his first year on the ballot. According to BBWAA secretary-treasurer Jack O'Connell, 26 players have recovered from such a dismal first-year support to eventually attain election. However, since 1968, when the ballot was streamlined with the formation of a screening committee and the creation of the rule that knocks players off who don't receive at least 5%, only two have made improvements of more than 50% to gain election. Duke Snider received 17% in his first year on the ballot in 1970 only to eventually achieve election in 1980. And most recently, Billy Williams gained election six years after he got 23.3% in 1982. Of course, neither of them had any stigmas attached to them.

With the start of the construction season fast approaching, the push to begin building a stadium for the Minnesota Twins now heads into the courtroom. Hennepin County's move to condemn land for the 40,000-seat stadium in downtown Minneapolis will go before a judge today for the first time. With preliminary work to begin in mid-March, and with the stadium projected to open in three years, the county has asked to be given title to the land as early as Jan. 30.

With his earlier deal for hard-throwing righty Rafael Soriano from Seattle, along with holdover Bob Wickman, Braves manager Bobby Cox now has three potential closers at his disposal and, on paper anyway, perhaps the best bullpen he's ever had. But as one NL East scout observed, the Braves are taking a big gamble on rookie Scott Thorman compensating for the loss of Adam LaRoche's bat at first base and Kelly Johnson replacing Marcus Giles at second.

Mark Prior acknowledged some fans might be skeptical about his ability to return to his 2003 form after numerous stints on the disabled list since 2004. "It's been a rough couple of years, but I'm looking forward to this year," he said. "I can't change the reality of what it's been the last three years. "I had some unfortunate things. I'm not making excuses. It hasn't been good. That's what I'm working toward, to have a good '07."

Cubs Hall of Famer Ryan Sandberg is back in the game as manager of the Class A Peoria Chiefs, and he made it perfectly clear he has no love for Sammy Sosa. He told a radio reporter Sosa's decision to return to the major leagues so he can reach 600 home runs is "a little out of sync" with the reason the game is played.

The Phillies newest candidate for setup man, righthander Antonio Alfonseca, will make a base salary of $380,000, which grows to a base of $700,000 if he makes the 25-man roster. Alfonseca is coming off a stress fracture in his right elbow. He could make as much as $400,000 in graduated incentives for pitching in up to 65 games, and could make as much as $400,000 more if he replaces Tom Gordon as closer and manages to finish as many as 55 games.

How About That? Vladimir Guerrero (Los Angeles Angels) swung at the highest percentage of first pitches (50.2 percent) and Jamey Carroll was the most patient (swung at only 8.8 percent of first pitches).

Who Knew? Chicago Cubs manager Dusty Baker set a major-league record by using relief pitchers 542 times in 2006.

Did You Know? The resourceful Minnesota Twins led the majors with 224 manufactured runs. No other team had more than 198 (Colorado). Detroit ranked last with 124. A "manufactured run" is a run at least one-half created by the offense doing something other than playing station-to-station baseball (bunting, stealing, infield hits, advancing on outs and throws, etc.).

Former Twins third baseman Corey Koskie, who suffered a concussion July 5 diving for a ball with the Brewers and didn't play again after that, said he is very hopeful of playing out the final year of his contract with Milwaukee. "I've been doing a lot of rehabilitating of late and I'm starting to feel a lot better," said Koskie, who still resides here. Koskie believes Twins GM Terry Ryan made a great signing when he added former Brewers infielder Jeff Cirillo, who hit .319 with three home runs and 23 RBI as a reserve last season. "The Brewers had extra infielders, otherwise they would have resigned him," Koskie said. "He will help the Twins."

The Rangers train in Surprise, Ariz., and they play the Cubs once this spring on March 21 at HoHoKam Park in Mesa. If Sammy Sosa plays in the road game, as expected, it could be the last time Cubs fans will see their former icon. The Cubs, however, could see Sosa on the road this season. They face the Rangers in Arlington, Texas, on June 19-21.

New Rays special adviser Fred McGriff will be in uniform at times but insists he will have a limited role: "I don't want to be the hitting coach. Steve Henderson does an outstanding job."

How About That? The best baserunner in the majors last season (based on going from first to third on a single, scoring from second on a single, scoring from first on a double and advancing on wild pitches, passed balls and sacrifices) was Chone Figgins of the Los Angeles Angels, followed by Chase Utley, Mark Ellis, Orlando Cabrera and David DeJesus. Surprisingly, Ichiro Suzuki and Derek Jeter didn't make the top 25.

The Cubs have committed more than $300 million on free agents, and they announced Sunday they would raise ticket prices for individual games. There will be a $2 across-the-board increase on most tickets and a $5 increase for premium box seats: dugout boxes, bullpen boxes and bleacher boxes.

From the NY Daily News... The range of pay for major league managers is large, although the trend is to pay them less than even middle relievers (2007 salary):

Joe Torre, NYY $7.5 million
Lou Piniella, CHC $3.5 million
Bobby Cox, ATL $3 million
Tony La Russa, STL $2.8 million
Mike Scioscia, LAA $2 million
Jim Leyland, DET $2 million
Bruce Bochy, SF $1.75 million
Terry Francona, BOS $1.65 million
Phil Garner, HOU $1.5 million
Mike Hargrove, SEA $1.3 million
Ron Gardenhire, MIN $1.25 million
Ozzie Guillen, CHW $1.1 million
Eric Wedge, CLE $1.025 million
Jim Tracy, PIT $1 million
Bob Melvin, ARI $875,000
Buddy Bell, KC $825,000
Ned Yost, MIL $825,000
Clint Hurdle, COL $800,000
Charlie Manuel, PHI $800,000
Willie Randolph, NYM $700,000
Jerry Narron, CIN $600,000
Grady Little, LAD $600,000
Sammy Perlozzo, BAL $600,000
Ron Washington, TEX $600,000
Joe Maddon, TAM $550,000
John Gibbons, TOR $500,000
Manny Acta, WAS $500,000
Bob Geren, OAK $500,000

Freddy Sanchez (Pittsburgh) had the highest batting average in home games (.388) and Robinson Cano (New York Yankees) had the best batting average in road games (.364) last season. Sanchez had the highest batting average against left-handed pitchers (.442) and Joe Mauer (Minnesota) was tops against right-handers (.356).

Detroit relief pitcher Joel Zumaya had 233 pitches of 100-plus miles per hour last season. The next-most was 26 by Kyle Farnsworth (Yankees). Josh Beckett (Boston) led with 1,072 pitches of 95-plus miles per hour. Justin Verlander (Detroit) was second with 992.

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NFL Rumors & Notes

Monday, January 22, 2007

The Oakland Raiders are preparing to make a run at Falcons QB Michael Vick, according to NFL sources. The Raiders package would include receivers Randy Moss and Jerry Porter plus the No.1 overall pick in the 2007 draft for Vick and the Falcons first round pick (10th overall).

Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi stopped short of guaranteeing he’ll return next season, saying he wants to “take inventory” over the next few days. There have been rumors about Bruschi retiring, and the 33-year-old linebacker didn’t commit either way last night. “In my past few years I’ve just gone year to year,” Bruschi said. “I’m really emotional right now, so to say anything right now would be wrong. I need to sit back and reflect on this season.”

So what is in the future for Jake Plummer? If Shannon Sharpe could pull the trade strings, the Broncos' No. 2 quarterback would be in Houston next season, under the tutelage of Gary Kubiak. "Gary is great, working one-on- one with players," said Sharpe, the former Broncos' Pro Bowl tight end. "And he obviously knows quarterbacks, based on his years working with John Elway."

Rejected by USC Trojans assistant head coach Steve Sarkisian on Friday, the Raiders are now bringing back USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin for a second interview today -- this time, to discuss becoming Oakland's next head coach, according to two sources familiar with the search. Kiffin interviewed with Raiders owner Al Davis on Thursday in Alameda, but that was about serving as offensive coordinator if Sarkisian accepted their multiyear proposal. By targeting Kiffin, Davis is sticking to his preferred plan of hiring a young, unproven coach with lots of upside and offensive experience. Davis is also interested in interviewing New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, 30.

While all Steelers assistant coaches are under contract, many of them likely will not be retained by Mike Tomlin. Wide receivers coach Bruce Arians could be the one exception. He could become offensive coordinator under Mr. Tomlin. For sure, Russ Grimm will leave. The Steelers likely will allow him out of his contract under the circumstances. Dick LeBeau, in his second tenure as the Steelers' defensive coordinator, is unlikely to remain in that capacity under a head coach who believes in the 4-3 defense.

Though Dolphins GM Randy Mueller wants to gauge Cam Cameron's thoughts before commenting at length on needs, the GM would like to add speed at receiver (''increasing team speed will make us better'') and a pass-rushing linebacker (``in a 3-4 defense, we need rushers''). Trading Zach Thomas or Jason Taylor and rebuilding from scratch ''would be crazy,'' Mueller said. ``I know how hard it is to get players like that. They're still really productive. I'm interested in getting more of those guys.''

The Lions and wide receiver Mike Furrey have resumed negotiations on a contract extension, and Furrey hopes to have a deal done as soon as today. Furrey, who can become an unrestricted free agent March 2, led the NFC in receptions with 98 and ranked eighth in the conference in receiving yards with 1,086. He hoped to have a deal before the season finale. Had the Lions signed him then, they could have counted part of the contract on the 2006 salary cap.

The Eagles emphatically denied speculation on the Pro Football Talk Web site that Donovan McNabb's news conference was canceled because of a problem with or dispute over his rehab. An Eagles spokesman said McNabb is right on schedule, and ran in a swimming pool last week.

For the seventh time in nine seasons, the Vikings are looking for a new defensive coordinator. The top in-house candidate to replace Mike Tomlin is defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who has drawn raves for his work with defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. Dunbar, 39, has never been a defensive coordinator but served as LSU's assistant head coach/defensive line in 2005. Other candidates could include Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, whom Brad Childress tried to hire as linebackers coach last season, and Philadelphia Eagles linebackers coach Steve Spagnuolo.

The Tennessee Titans began the interview process Friday when former Atlanta Falcons vice president of player personnel Ron Hill spent a good part of the day in Nashville. Indications are that Hill, who has been in the NFL office since being fired in 2005 by the Falcons, apparently has made a favorable enough impression to establish himself as a credible candidate to replace Floyd Reese, who resigned on Jan. 5. That by no means would indicate that the search is over, however. It is actually just beginning, as Green Bay Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie could be next on the list to interview for the vacancy.

The Rams would be wise to pursue a high-profile Jim Steiner client, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Justin Smith, a former Mizzou star and Jefferson City native who is set for free agency.

Bears DT Adewale Ogunleye said Reggie Bush had "no class." "I told Reggie that was unprofessional of him to do that." Ogunleye said. "I think he's going to be a hell of a player in this league. But for him to point back and taunt, that was no class. … I swear, I was a second away from punching him."

Browns special teams coach Jerry Rosburg has left to join the Atlanta Falcons, according to a league source. Soon to follow could be Jeff Davidson, assistant head coach/offensive line, and Rip Scherer, quarterbacks coach. When the Browns promised to make changes on Romeo Crennel's staff after a 4-12 season, they were not expecting to part ways with Rosburg, Davidson and Scherer.

Cam Cameron's Dolphins staff will have at least four assistants from the previous staff -- running backs coach Bobby Williams and quarterbacks coach Jason Garrett will return, according to a person close to the situation. They will join defensive coordinator Dom Capers and offensive line coach Hudson Houck. However, strength and conditioning coach Bert Hill and wide receivers coach Charlie Baggett will not be back with the team. It still remains to be seen what Cameron will do with offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey. Whatever is decided, Mularkey will not be calling offensive plays for the Dolphins next season. Cameron said he would handle those duties.

Can Dolphins GM Randy Mueller enter the offseason assuming Daunte Culpepper will start? ''I don't think we're ready to say anything yet,'' he said. ``We have to evaluate what is best for us. He's a really good player. I'd love to have him here.''

The Steelers chose Mr. Tomlin as head coach yesterday after vacillating between him and Russ Grimm, the team's assistant head coach and offensive line coach. The Steelers decided not to wait for Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, the third finalist for the job, because he would not be available to be hired for another two weeks.

Falcons star Michael Vick will not be charged with wrongdoing after tests indicated that a substance in a water bottle he tried to carry through Miami airport security last week was not illegal, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Vick will be cleared by the Miami-Dade Police Department in an announcement that could come Monday, the person said. Attempts to reach Miami police for comment Sunday evening were unsuccessful. The "Aquafina" water bottle the quarterback tried to carry through security at Miami International Airport on Wednesday drew suspicion after TSA security officers found a hidden compartment that contained "a small amount of dark particulate and a pungent aroma closely associated with marijuana," according to a police report. It was not clear Sunday night what the substance turned out to be.

Who Knew? Based on the cumulative 2006 records of opponents, Buffalo and Oakland will play the most difficult schedules in the NFL. That hardly seems fair. The 2007 opponents for the Bills and Raiders were 138-118 (.539) in 2006. Buffalo also will have by far the NFL's toughest home schedule (opponents were a combined 75-53 this season; the next-toughest home schedule is 70-58 and belongs to the Raiders). Playing one of those "home" games in England would've been an even greater handicap.

There are 32 teams in the NFL, and Troy Aikman said there are not enough excellent offensive coordinators to go around. The problem isn't lack of talented quarterbacks in the league; it's the lack of talented offensive coordinators. Aikman said he used be asked regularly what happened to the great, young quarterbacks? His answer was they were still around, but they need good coordinators. "There's a pretty good stream of (quarterback) talent, but I don't know if there is an abundance of overly talented offensive minds in the National Football League," Aikman said. "I know the guys that are good. I know Norv Turner is good. Mike Holmgren. Mike Shanahan. I'm leaving a few off, I know. But to me there is a real shortage of good offensive minds and offensive coordinators in this game. Sometimes that's to the detriment of a lot of young quarterbacks."

Bears defensive lineman Tank Johnson won't have to worry about a judge slowing his rush to Miami. Johnson, who is required to stay in his home when he's not at work, will be allowed to travel out of state for the Super Bowl. Lake County Associate Circuit Judge Theodore Potkonjak ruled this month Johnson is cleared for takeoff. His next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 16.

Who Knew? The Patriots fell to 15-1 when leading at halftime of the playoffs . . . Quarterback Tom Brady now has a 62-3 career record when leading at halftime.

Asked what Patriots coach Bill Belichick said to the team following the loss, Tom Brady wasn’t forthcoming. “I don’t remember,” he said. “I was just trying to take my crap off.”

Bears QB Rex Grossman is a Bloomington native who is a former Mr. Football in Indiana. Bears coach Lovie Smith and Colts coach Tony Dungy, meanwhile, coached together at Tampa Bay. Interestingly, the two Super Bowl coaches met for dinner in downtown Indianapolis two weeks ago prior to the Colts' home AFC wildcard game with Kansas City.

Did You Know? Mike Tomlin becomes the first black coach of the Steelers, and only the franchise's third head coach in the past 38 years.

The younger Jim Mora always has considered the Seattle area "home," despite a coaching career that has taken him to San Diego, New Orleans, San Francisco and, most recently, Atlanta.

Colts center Jeff Saturday hopes the Colts' 80-yard, game-winning drive ends all talk about whether or not Manning can win the big game. Manning has led the Colts to seven playoff appearances, but the first six ended short of the Super Bowl. "I hope it'll keep the media quiet from now on about legacy or whatever the garbage was that I kept hearing about," Saturday said. "The guy is as good as we've had in our game. He's a class act. He does what he's supposed to do. Guys have to respect him as a person and a player."

Did You Know? Arizona will have the NFL's easiest schedule (.461; 118-138).

Retired Rams offensive line coach Jim Hanifan is in Houston, working with clients of the Select Sports Group, preparing prospects for the NFL scouting combine.

In the wake of Sunday evening's 38-34 AFC championship win over the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy had a rather novel suggestion. Why not play Super Bowl XLI in Fort Wayne? After all, according to Dungy, the two cities involved -- Indianapolis and Chicago -- are just three hours apart and Fort Wayne would make a perfect halfway location for the game.

Longtime Saints linebacker Rickey Jackson, considered by many the best player in Saints history, was the club's honorary captain Sunday and participated in the pregame coin toss.

How About That? Since that 6-14 start under Lovie Smith, the Bears are 25-6 (including playoffs).

New England's Tom Brady is mentioned with Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana as the best postseason quarterbacks since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.

Here's how they compare in the postseason (before yesterday's AFC Title game):

MONTANA — 460 of 734 passing (.626) for 5,772 yards (251 yards per game) with 45 TDs, 21 INTs and a 95.3 passer rating in 23 games.

BRADY — 274 of 452 passing (.606) for 2,985 yards (230 yards per game) with 19 TDs, 8 INTs and an 87.2 average passer rating in 13 games.

The bottom line: Montana has much gaudier passing statistics but Brady's one advantage is a big one — winning percentage. He enters today's AFC title game in Indianapolis with a 12-1 (.923) postseason record. Montana was 15-8 in the postseason (.652).

Brady has been very good in his three Super Bowls (3-0 record and two-time MVP; 71 of 108 passing for 735 yards with 6 TDs, 1 INT, and passer ratings of 86.2, 100.5 and 110.2). But Montana was even better: 4-0 and a three-time MVP, with a spectacular 127.8 passer rating (83 of 122 passing for 1,142 yards with 11 TDs and 0 INTs).

Bears RB Thomas Jones was joined in the jubilant locker room by his father, Thomas Sr., and brother Julius, a running back for the Dallas Cowboys. "This means so much to me to have my father and my brother with me here," said Jones, who rushed for 123 yards on 19 carries and scored two touchdowns.

Here is the projected salary cap room for 2007 for the NFL's four playoff finalists: New England, $30.4 million; New Orleans, $29.9 million; Chicago, $23.4 million; Indianapolis, $4.9 million.

It will be interesting to see which NFL team will pick former Notre Dame WR Jeff Samardzija in this year's draft and how high he'll go. The fourth round might not be worth the gamble.

Here are the 10 most apparent QB mismatches entering the game in Super Bowl history:

Super Bowl II — Hall of Famer Bart Starr (Green Bay) vs. Daryle Lamonica (Oakland). The Packers won 33-14.

Super Bowl III — Hall of Famer Joe Namath (New York Jets) vs. a fading Earl Morrall (Baltimore). The Jets won 16-7. Morrall was 6 of 17 for 71 yards with 0 TD passes and 3 interceptions before being replaced by Johnny Unitas.

Super Bowl IV — Hall of Famer Len Dawson (Kansas City) vs. Canadian Football League import Joe Kapp (Minnesota). The Chiefs won 23-7. Kapp had 0 TD passes and 2 INTs.

Super Bowl XIV — Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw (Pittsburgh) vs. Vince Ferragamo (Los Angeles Rams). The Steelers won 31-19.

Super Bowl XVII — Joe Theismann (Washington) vs.