Misc Rumor - Football Wiretap
Jets Receive Permission To Interview Rex Ryan
The New York Jets have asked for and are expected to receive permission to interview Ravens' defensive coordinator Rex Ryan for their head coaching job.
Ryan has been with the Ravens for nine years.
The Jets have not contacted Mike Shanahan yet. They've had preliminary talks with Marty Schottenheimer but did not schedule an interview.
Broncos Owner: It Was Time For Change
In a tear-filled news conference the day after firing Mike Shanahan, Broncos' owner Pat Bowlen said that it was simply time for a change.
Bowlen said there is no timetable for when the team will find a replacement for Shanahan.
Polamalu: Bye Isn't A Mental Advantage
Steelers' defender Troy Polamalu doesn't believe that having a week off provides teams with a mental advantage but says that it helps physically.
"I think people may think there may be an advantage in a bye week, mentally," Polamalu said. "I don't think there is at all. I think physically there is."
Vikings' Longwell Credits Tiger Woods For Improvement
Minnesota kicker Ryan Longwell is enjoying one of his best professional seasons,and has credited Tiger Woods for the improvement.
Longwell lives near Woods, and they sometimes work out at the same gym.
"He's already the best in the world, but he's trying to get better, so I kind of looked at that," Longwell said. "On top of that, because we are around each other, I get to see how hard he works."
The kicker has adapted Woods' work ethic.
"People don't realize that he goes out and runs three or four miles on a Tuesday of a tournament week, before his knee injury. I watched him, and I realize I can get better at what I do. Just because I've done it for 10 years doesn't mean you don't want to change because it's worked. I took that approach, and it can either work or it doesn't, and luckily it has."
Plax Jerseys Aren't Selling Despite Price Cuts
Merchandisers in the New York area have marked down Plaxico Burress jerseys as much as 75%, but fans still aren't interested in buying them.
"We marked them down because he's not playing anymore. I don't think I've sold one since the shooting," one Sports Authority worker said.
"All of a sudden they just stopped selling," she said. "They used to be really hot."
Cowher Didn't Want Favre As His QB
Bill Cowher has clearly stated that he is not interested in becoming the head coach of the Jets and sources close to Cowher said he did not want to have Brett. Favre as his quarterback. He also wanted to bring in people he was familiar with to handle personnel.
A source familiar with Cowher's thinking said before last night's decision came down that he would have had to receive assurances from the Jets that Favre no longer was in the picture before agreeing to take control.
"There's no way he's taking Brett Favre as his quarterback," said one person close to Cowher.
Shanahan And Jerry Jones 'In Love With Each Other'?
With Mike Shanahan now effectively a free agent, speculation has popped up that he could be a candidate for the Dallas job.
'After making several calls around the league this morning,' writes Matt Mosley, 'here's what you need to know about Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Mike Shanahan:
They're in love with each other.'
RealGM Note: The Cowboys will also visit Denver in 2009.
Browns Will Stop At Nothing To Get Pioli
According to a source, Browns' owner Randy Lerner was not pleased when former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher spurned his advances so he is prepared to make what was described as ?a huge? financial offer to Scott Pioli.
The offer would include not only millions but, more importantly, full control of the organization and the funds necessary to bring in Pioli?s first choice as head coach, Iowa?s Kirk Ferentz, or perhaps his longtime friend Eric Mangini.
Although it has been widely speculated Pioli might try to create a package deal that would include Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as his head coach, that is not the case, according to several league sources.
Pioli favors Ferentz, with whom he first worked under Bill Belichick when both were with the Browns 15 years ago, with Mangini as a possible fallback choice.
Pacers Move Game To Accommodate Colts
The Pacers announced Tuesday that Saturday's game against the Kings at Conseco Fieldhouse has been moved from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. so Indianapolis fans can watch the Colts.
"Thanks to the Sacramento Kings' willingness to make this change," the Pacers said in a statement. "The Pacers join the entire community's excitement as the Colts begin the 2009 playoffs and wish them great success."
The Colts play the Chargers at 8 p.m. in an AFC playoff game.
Bills Announce That Jauron Will Coach In 2009
The Bills on Tuesday announced that Dick Jauron will remain the coach heading into next season.
It had been widely speculated that Jauron may be fired after directing the team to a 7-9 record for the a third straight season.
Titans' Fisher A Shoe-In For Coach Of Year?
FootballGenerals.com's intricate statistical system has predicted that Titans' coach Jeff Fisher is far-and-away the leading candidate for the NFL's Coach of the Year award.
Cutler On Firing: 'I'm Not Pleased With It'
Broncos' quarterback Jay Cutler was very unhappy on Tuesday afternoon when he learned that coach Mike Shanahan had been fired.
Jets Haven't Ruled Out Shanahan
The Jets haven't completely ruled out Mike Shanahan, but they're not likely to pursue him, an NFL source said.
Browns To Interview Mangini
The Browns will interview fired New York Jets' coach Eric Mangini soon, possibly Tuesday or Wednesday, a league source said.
Vikings' Peterson Earns Additional $11.5M
Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson's performance during the 2008 regular season has earned him quite a bit of money thanks to incentive triggers in his contract.
Saints To Show Interest In Raiders' Asomugha
The Saints are expected to show interest in Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha if he becomes available.
Jackson To Quarterback Vikings In 2009?
Sources close to the Pioneer Press believe that the Vikings may have already decided that Tarvaris Jackson will be the team's starting quarterback in 2009.
Raiders List Gilbride, Hackett, Harbaugh As Candidates
The Raiders' list of coaching candidates is expected to include Giants' offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, Raiders' scout Paul Hackett, and Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh.
Cowboys' Garrett Allowed To Talk With Lions
The Lions have reportedly been granted permission to interview Cowboys' offense coordinator Jason Garrett for their head coaching vacancy.
Cowher Uninterested In Cleveland Job
The Browns fired coach Romeo Crennel on Monday, and former Steelers' coach Bill Cowher has already told the team he isn't interested.
Owens: If Jones Needs Advice, I'll Be Honest
Cowboys' receiver Terrell Owens says that he'll be there for team owner Jerry Jones if he needs advice making personnel decisions.
Mangini's Firing Catches Players Off Guard
A number of Jets' players were caught off guard when news broke that coach Eric Mangini had been fired.
Report: 2010 Pro Bowl To Precede Super Bowl
The Pro Bowl will reportedly be played one week before the Super Bowl in 2010 and both games will be staged in Dolphin Stadium.
McNabb Will Return To Philly With Cap-Friendly Deal?
Sources close to the Eagles claim that quarterback Donovan McNabb will return to the team next season and that he could agree to a more cap-friendly contract.
Cowboys' James Confronts Fan
Dallas linebacker Bradie James got into an altercation with a fan outside the team's training facility in the wake of the team's season-ending loss to Philadelphia.
Bears Endorse Orton As Starting QB
The Bears have already begun making player personnel decisions for next season as quarterback Kyle Orton has been proclaimed the incumbent starter heading into training camp.
Vegas Odds Favor Giants Vs. Titans Super Bowl
Las Vegas sports books favor the Giants to win the Super Bowl, giving 2-to-1 odds on the NFC's No. 1 seed to repeat as champions.
Raiders Hope To Speak With Giants' Gilbride
The Raiders are reportedly in the process of requesting permission to speak with Giants' offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride about their vacant head coach position.
Phillips Vows Change In Dallas
Cowboys' coach Wade Phillips has acknowledged that things need to change in Dallas.
Crennel Fired After Browns' 4-Win Season
The Browns have fired coach Romeo Crennel following a 4-12 season.