Jerome Felton Signs With Relativity Sports
Vikings fullback Jerome Felton has officially hired new representation, signing with Relativity Sports, reports Liz Mullen of the Sports Business Journal (via Twitter).
Felton’s new agents at the firm will be C.J. LaBoy, Doug Hendrickson, and Eugene Parker. They will negotiate the terms of his next contract, as Felton is expected to opt out of his deal with the Vikings.
Felton’s former agent Sean Howard released a statement on his time with the Pro Bowl player, through Mullen (via Twitter). “For 7 years I’ve successfully assisted Jerome off the field, as well as guided his NFL career to Pro Bowl status,” said Howard. “I wish him continued success.”
Felton saw his snaps reduced heavily with the team in 2014, although the reason is unclear. It could certainly be due to changes in the coaching staff, with new offensive coordinator Norv Turner preferring a one back system.
It may not have been Turner’s true intention, however, as the team could not commit as much energy to the running game after Adrian Peterson was suspended, which could have also effected his playing time. The team also has fullback Zach Line on the roster, and he could serve as a replacement should the team move on from Felton.
AFC Links: Browns, Phillips, Williams, Jets
New Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo did not study quarterback Johnny Manziel before accepting the position in Cleveland, writes Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
“I’ll be honest with you. I’m going to be flat out honest with you because it’s the only way I know how to be. I have not. I’ve not watched the games from last year with Johnny. Obviously, I studied Johnny coming out of college and spent some time with Johnny,” said DeFilippo. “I wouldn’t say it was a lot of time, but I spent some time with Johnny. He flew out to Oakland and spent a day with him. Can you get an overview on a guy in one day? No, but you can get a grasp of what he thinks and how he’s feeling and those things. I got along with Johnny when we met with him, but I can’t tell you that I’ve watched the games yet. No, I have not.”
This could mean DeFilippo is not convinced that Manziel will be the quarterback of the future in Cleveland. That point is only further confirmed when he admitted during his pressure that the quarterback situation is still in flux. “We’re not sure if our starting quarterback is in the building right now or not,” said DeFilippo. “If he is that’s great. If he’s not, that’s great too.”
Here are some more links from around the AFC:
- The Browns are pursuing former journeyman quarterback Steve Walsh to be their new quarterbacks coach, writes Alex Marvez of Fox Sports 1. Walsh has been coaching high school football for the past six years, but has turned down a number of opportunities to coach at a higher level.
- The Broncos are still looking for a defensive coordinator, and one possibility could be former Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips, writes Gil Brandt of NFL.com (via Twitter). Phillips served as the Texans defensive coordinator for three years under new Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, and the two could reunite in Denver.
- The Broncos have not hired a defensive coordinator, but they have hired Bill Kollar as their defensive line coach, according to USA Today. Kollar spent the last six years coaching the defensive line for the Texans.
- The Jets have a pressing need a cornerback, and new GM Mike Maccagnan will have a number of options to improve the position, writes Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. He writes they could go after Antonio Cromartie or Byron Maxwell in free agency, but an intriguing prospect in the draft could be Quinten Rollins of the University of Miami (Ohio).
- Bills star pass rusher Mario Williams will be playing for a new defensive coordinator for the sixth straight year, writes Kevin Patra of NFL.com. With head coach Rex Ryan and defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, the defense will switching back to a 3-4 base. Williams is excited to play outside linebacker. “I look forward to it,” he said. “So hopefully if (Ryan) hears this, this is my call-in: Will Linebacker. So hopefully it works out.”
- Colts pass rusher Robert Mathis is still recovering from a torn Achilles that forced him to miss all of 2014, but there is no guarantee he will be back in time for next season’s training camp, writes Mike Wells of ESPN.com. “He’s still in recovery,” said general manager Ryan Grigson. “He’s a freak and you hope that he has an athletic genetic freak type of recovery so that he’s ready day one of training camp. But that information is not clear yet or a timeline is not there because it’s a tough injury. Hopefully in a couple months from now, we’ll be able to have some information on that.”
Kris Richard Likely To Become DC
PFR’s Luke Adams has been keeping track of all the defensive coordinators hired and fired as the offseason goes on, but after the Super Bowl there will likely be two more openings that will need to be filled. The currently open Falcons head coaching job is expected to be filled by Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, which will create a need for the Seattle to replace him. Quinn will also have to hire a coach to run his defense in Atlanta, should he get the job.
Seahawks defensive backs coach Kris Richard is expected to fill one of those roles, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Richard came to Seattle with Pete Carroll after spending two years as an assistant coach under Carroll at USC. He also played for Carroll at USC.
Richard was drafted by the Seahawks as a third-round pick in 2002, playing three seasons with the team as a cornerback. Florio believes this connection to Seattle could sway him to choose the Seahawks over the Falcons should he be offered both jobs.
All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman pressed for his coach to get more attention earlier this month, praising what Richard has accomplished in his time with the team, writes Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com.
“He took kind of a ragtag bunch of DBs in 2011 and made them perennial All-Pros and Pro Bowlers, and you don’t hear his name being mentioned as much for D-coordinator jobs and things like that. Which I think it should be,” said Sherman. “We obviously know what kind of coach he is and what he’s done. But obviously everybody else doesn’t.”
Whichever way he decides, Richard will likely be calling a defense for the first time in his career in 2015.
Seahawks GM Talks Wilson, Maxwell, Lynch
Seahawks general manager John Schneider addressed reporters in a press conference today, and Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times transcribed some of the GM’s more notable comments. Here are the highlights from the presser:
On a potential contract extension for Russell Wilson:
We don’t have a timetable. At the appropriate time we are able to speak to his representatives and we’ll do that. We are not in a situation where we can yet.
On being better prepared for a late start to free agency after going to a second Super Bowl:
I’m just saying we’re more prepared for what other people would think about our free agents or how we feel about other people’s free agents. Last year by the time we got to the combine it was just s whirlwind and you’re meeting with agents down there and other teams and so I just feel like we could do a better job this year.
On the potential free agency of Byron Maxwell:
Yeah, it is. That quite frankly is one of our first priorities is to talk to Maxie. Now I think he like a lot of our other unrestricted guys, I think he is going to be highly sought after and he should be. But we would at least like to have the opportunity to retain him.
On Marshawn Lynch‘s status going forward:
He’s under contract next year. He’s a warrior. Goes out there every weekend and lays it on the line. I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better running back in the National Football League.
On if he is tired of Lynch’s “act”:
No. I kind of love his act.
Schneider also spoke on the Percy Harvin trades, both from the Vikings and to the Jets, discusses what it meant to go to another Super Bowl, and reflects on the success he has achieved during his time with the team. It can all be found in Condotta’s write-up.
NFL Investigates Patriots, Deflated Footballs
3:12pm: According to a report from WEEI.com, the 11 Patriots footballs determined to be below the acceptable inflation level were tested and removed from circulation at the half. During the second half, the team’s 12 backup game balls were subbed in — those balls were at an acceptable inflation level. The WEEI.com report indicates that testing was completed just as the second half was getting underway, which is why officials stopped play and swapped out the kicking ball on the first play in the third quarter.
An earlier report from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk confirmed that the 11 underinflated balls were tested before the game and were at an acceptable level of inflation at that point.
In other words, while the inflation level of the balls likely had no impact on the outcome of the game, it seems something happened to that original set during the first half, since they had significantly less air at halftime than they did during the pre-game check.
WEDNESDAY, 7:40am: The NFL has determined that 11 of the 12 game balls used by the Patriots on Sunday were underinflated by about two pounds per square inch of air, reports Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com. According to Mortensen, the investigation is ongoing as the league attempts to determine how the balls became underinflated, but a source described the league as “disappointed” and “angry.” The NFL has not yet determined what, if any, sanctions or penalties will be imposed upon the Patriots.
MONDAY, 9:01am: The Patriots posted an impressive performance against the Colts last night in the AFC Championship, winning 45-7 at home on a rainy, windy Foxboro night. The victory stamped a sixth trip to the Super Bowl for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
Of course, a trip to the Super Bowl without controversy just wouldn’t be the “Patriot way.”
The NFL is currently investigating the Patriots because of their alleged use of deflated footballs during last nights game, reports Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report (via Twitter).
Ben Volin and Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe confirm the investigation (via Twitter). The story was first reported by Bob Kravitz of WTHR in Indianapolis.
According to NFL rules as tweeted out by the New York Daily News for convenience, the home team is responsible for making a number of footballs available for testing prior to kickoff, to assure they meet the specifications required by the league.
Volin writes that the Patriots could be subject to a $25K fine, plus additional discipline for Belichick and any front office personnel involved. He also notes that WTHR reported the Patriots could face a potential forfeiting of draft picks, much like they were forced to following the SpyGate scandal.
The New York Daily News notes that a deflated football would be much easier to throw and catch in inclement weather such as what was experienced last night. They also put together quotes from Brady dismissing these allegations, stating that they are “ridiculous” and “the last of my worries.”
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk confirms that several abnormal footballs were removed from play throughout the course of the game. He also writes that he believes the league will come out with more information on the matter as soon as this morning.
Coach Rumors: Gailey, Bills, 49ers, Cardinals
It has been presumed that the Jets would hire Chan Gailey to become the team’s offensive coordinator, but it may not be a done deal, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. Costello writes that Gailey has drawn interest from three other teams, and that an agreement with the Jets is far from a lock.
- As the Jets have cooled on Gailey, they have reached out to other potential candidates for their offensive coordinator opening, reports Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (via Twitter).
- The 49ers have denied the Bills permission to interview Ronald Curry for an opportunity to join Greg Roman’s staff in Buffalo, reports Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter).
- The Bears wanted to consider Broncos wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert for the same position on their staff, but the Broncos have denied them permission, reports Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- The Cardinals have expressed interest in Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan to replace Todd Bowles as their own defensive coordinator, reports Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. Nolan’s defenses with the Falcons have been underwhelming, and his stint as 49ers head coach was equally unsuccessful.
- With the Cardinals considering options at defensive coordinator, Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean notes that former Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is in the mix as a senior assistant (via Twitter). Wyatt still believes LeBeau could land with the Titans (via Twitter).
- 49ers assistant coach Eric Mangini will interview with the Raiders in pursuit of their defensive coordinator job, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).
- While Mangini is moving closer to the Oakland, former Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver is still expected to rejoin the 49ers, reports Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle (via Twitter).
- Former Cardinals and Chiefs defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast interviewed to be the defensive coordinator in Washington, reports John Keim of ESPN.com.
- The Bears have hired former Broncos assistant coach Jeff Rodgers as their special teams coordinator, reports Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times (via Twitter).
John Fox Introduced As Bears Head Coach
John Fox was officially introduced as the Bears head coach this morning. He was introduced by the man who hired him, new general manager Ryan Pace.
Here are a few highlights from his press conference, all links via Twitter:
- Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune writes that Fox commented on his relationship with Pace, saying that the Bears will be a “we” business.
- Fox hasn’t spoken with quarterback Jay Cutler directly, but mentioned that the embattled quarterback texted him to welcome him to Chicago, writes Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times.
- Campbell also writes that Fox is not revisiting what happened with him in Denver, instead preferring to look forward to his future with the Bears.
- Since being hired, Fox has put all of his energy into the process of hiring his new staff, writes Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com. Expanding on that point, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune notes that Fox has not examined the roster as of yet.
- Fox has not yet decided whether the Bears will play a 3-4 or a 4-3 for their base defense, according to Wright.
- When asked about his input on the offense, Fox remarked “As a head coach, my job is to motivate and manage the football team,” according to Campbell.
- When it comes to current members of the Bears coaching staff, Fox has not decided whether or not he will be retaining their services, writes Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com. Wright does note that they are pursuing candidates to fill their staff.
- The one assistant that has signed a contract is special teams coach Jeff Rodgers, who Fox says is already in Halas Hall preparing for next season, according to Biggs.
- Discussing his age, Fox scoffs at the idea that he is too old to be a longtime coach in Chicago, writes Dickerson. “I’m very healthy. I’m very energetic. I stay away from mirrors. I truly feel 36,” said Fox according to Campbell. A number of reporters including Biggs thought they heard he stays away from beers, not mirrors.
- When asked about what type of quarterback Fox wants in Chicago, he simply stated “one that wins,” writes Dickerson. Cutler’s record under Marc Trestman was a dismal 10-16. “I know everybody makes a big deal about the quarterback, and I get that, but it’s still a team game,” said Fox, according to Campbell.
- Discussing who would have the final say on roster decisions, Fox believed it will be a group effort, according to Campbell. “If we have a building full of good evaluators…typically you come to the same conclusion,” said Fox.
- Speaking on the offensive coordinator search, Fox said, “We will hire an outstanding offensive coordinator. We’re not going to predict how he does. We’re just going to go do it,” according to Biggs.
- Fox also noted he planned on reaching out to two legends of the organization to bring them back in the fold. One is potential Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher, according to Dickerson, and Hall of Fame coach Mike Ditka, according to Biggs.
OC Notes: Rams, Ravens, Gase, Bears
Many teams still have openings for their offensive coordinator position, writes Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). With seven openings still needed to be filled, he notes that there will be a lot of competition for the top candidates.
Of the seven jobs Zrebiec believes still need to be filled, he has not counted the Falcons, who filled their position last night despite not having a head coach, and the Jets, who have been strongly linked to Chan Gailey (via Twitter).
For a full list of all coordinator hirings and firings check out our Offensive/Devensive Coordinator Tracker.
Here are some notes about potential offensive coordinator hires:
- The Rams have requested permission to speak with Colts assistant coach Rob Chudzinski regarding their offensive coordinator opening, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).
- The Rams have also sought permission to interview Packers quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt for the OC opening, reports Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).
- The Ravens are currently interested in a number of candidates, and a list of possibilities has been compiled by Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. The guy he puts as the front runner right now is former Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who has led record breaking offenses in Denver with Peyton Manning.
- Gase is expected to eventually land with either the Ravens or Jaguars, reports Rapoport (via Twitter). He will interview with the Ravens soon.
- The Bears have asked for permission to interview Lions quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter for their open offensive coordinator position, reports Rapoport (via Twitter). Unfortunately for them, the Lions have denied permission.
Broncos Hire Gary Kubiak As Head Coach
MONDAY, 9:53am: The Broncos have officially announced that they have agreed to terms with Kubiak, according to the team’s official Twitter account. Kubiak will become the 15th head coach in team history.
SUNDAY, 8:17pm: The Broncos have seemingly concluded their head coaching search, as they are currently in the process of negotiating a four-year contract with Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak to coach the team, reports Mike Klis of the Denver Post.
Kubiak is expected to be introduced as early as Tuesday, according to Klis. He is likely to bring Ravens quarterbacks coach Rick Dennison along with him to serve as his offensive coordinator, reports Albert Breer of NFL.com (via Twitter). Kubiak could also bring tight ends coach Brian Pariani, writes Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com doesn’t believe that it is a lock for either Dennison or Pariani to head to Denver, and writes that either one could be a candidate to take over as the Ravens offensive coordinator (via Twitter). Former Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase could also be an option in Baltimore, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).
Breer also notes that Kubiak figures to target Bengals secondary coach Vance Joseph (via Twitter).
Before the Broncos job opened up, Kubiak announced that he was not interested in pursuing head coaching opportunities, electing instead to remain with the Ravens as the offensive coordinator. However, things changed when the Broncos and John Fox parted ways, prompting Kubiak to change his mind and make himself available to interview in Denver.
Kubiak has a long history with the Broncos, playing for the team for nine seasons as a backup to Hall of Fame quarterback and current general manager of the Broncos John Elway, and losing three Super Bowls as a player. He returned to Denver as a quarterbacks coach for the 49ers, where he won his first Super Bowl as a coach. Kubiak later became the offensive coordinator for the Broncos under head coach Mike Shanahan, coaching Elway to two Super Bowl victories.
As Kubiak became a clear frontrunner for the job, it was reported that he would accept the position should the Broncos offer it to him.
The Ravens have now lost their offensive coordinator in Kubiak, who lead the team to a record-setting year for the franchise. The team will now look to hire its fourth offensive coordinator in as many seasons, writes Zrebiec (via Twitter).
This also further complicates the issue of whether or not Peyton Manning will return to the Broncos in 2015. Kubiak is a widely regarded offensive mind, and three years ago when Manning was a free agent he was reportedly interested in teaming up with Kubiak and signing with the Texans. The rumor is that Kubiak did not pursue the idea of signing Manning, instead preferring to continue working with Matt Schaub, writes Pro Football Talk (via Twitter).
Kubiak’s attitude towards coaching Manning would likely had to have changed if the team plans on bringing Manning back. Otherwise, Kubiak will be starting from scratch at the quarterback position, possibly with former second-round pick Brock Osweiler.
NFC Notes: Lucas, Bears, Eagles, Cowboys
The Bears have hired Josh Lucas as the team’s new director of player personnel, reports Mike Triplett of ESPN.com. The team has already hired former Saints executive Ryan Pace to be their general manager, and he dipped into the Saints front office to bring Lucas with him.
Lucas was one of the Saints’ top scouts, and was serving as one of the two regional college scouts, working closely with the director of scouting in New Orleans.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC this Championship Weekend:
- The Bears have hired former Broncos and Panthers coach John Fox to be their new head coach, but the team still needs to find an offensive coordinator. John Mullin of CSNChicago.com believes that job will put whoever takes it in a win-win situation. The reasoning for this is because Mullin believes that a coaching staff has been fired because of Jay Cutler for the last time, and that the next offensive coordinator will either be given credit for turning around Cutler’s career or will be given the opportunity to move on from Cutler with whatever quarterback Pace picks to replace him.
- Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie needs to look long and hard at the teams that have had playoff success in recent years in order to turn the team into a consistent winner, writes Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer. While the Eagles are in the top five in the NFL in winning seasons and playoff berths since he took over the team 21 years ago, they are the only member of that prestigious club never to win the Super Bowl. Brookover wants Lurie to study these final four teams’ strengths and weaknesses, including high level quarterback play and great defense.
- The Cowboys had a fantastic ground game in 2014, and with running back DeMarco Murray reaching free agency, the team may have to look to replace their star tail back. Jon Machota of DallasNews.com rounds up a few mock drafts to see who the Cowboys could be interested in, and while most chose to select a defensive player, Machota seems to prefer Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com, who pushes the team to select the nation’s leading rusher and Heisman Trophy Finalist Melvin Gordon of Wisconsin.