Jets' General Manager Mike Tannenbaum said today that quarterback Chad Pennington will be back and battle second-year man Kellen Clemens for the starting job in training camp. It had been widely speculated that the club would look to trade Pennington for a draft picks. "He's under contract," Tannenbaum said. "I expect him to be back." Pennington, benched after week eight, had made it clear that he still felt he was a starter in the league and wanted a chance - either with the Jets or elsewhere.

Sources indicate that Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been told he will be fired this week, following the unit's disappointing performance in 2007, the Oakland Tribune reported. Ryan, however, appears ready to land on his feet. According to New York-area reports, New York Jets defensive coordinator Bob Sutton is expected to lose his job. And the Tribune reported that according to sources, Ryan will succeed Sutton in New York. Ryan and Jets coach Eric Mangini were defensive assistants together for four seasons in New England under Bill Belichick.