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Detroit Lions News & Rumors

Coaching Notes: Marrone, 49ers, LeBeau

January 14th, 2015 at 5:46pm CST by Zachary Links

Former Bills coach Doug Marrone is interviewing with the Jaguars, according to Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union. Marrone hasn’t landed a head coaching gig since he left Buffalo and he’s ostensibly interviewing for the Jags’ offensive coordinator opening. Vikings running backs coach Kirby Wilson, Dallas offensive line coach Bill Callahan, Jets running backs coach Anthony Lynn, and Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Olson are also considered candidates for the opening. More coaching news..

  • Vic Fangio is not expected to stay in place as the 49ers‘ defensive coordinator under new coach Jim Tomsula, a league source tells Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group (on Twitter).
  • Jason Tarver is in line to join the 49ers‘ as their defensive coordinator, according to Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News (on Twitter). Former Bears head coach Marc Trestman, meanwhile, is a possibility for the offensive coordinator job.
  • Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians plans to promote an assistant to fill the team’s vacancy at defensive coordinator, Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic tweets. Meanwhile, he hopes to hire Dick LeBeau as a senior assistant.
  • It sounds like Teryl Austin is planning to bring Ravens linebackers coach Ted Monachino with him as defensive coordinator if he gets the Falcons job, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (on Twitter).

Coaching Notes: 49ers, Gase, Marrone

January 13th, 2015 at 10:30pm CST by Zachary Links

49ers GM Trent Baalke is expected to fly back to California tonight without Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who is meeting with the Broncos, tweets Matt Barrows of CSNBayArea.com. That doesn’t mean the 49ers won’t offer Gase their head coaching job — it just means that it’s not expected to be wrapped up tonight (link). More of the latest coaching news from around the National Football League:

  • Now that Todd Bowles is off the market, Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s second interview with the Falcons is expected to take place on Wednesday rather than Thursday, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

Earlier updates:

  • The Jets have cancelled their Wednesday appointment with Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, which could mean that they have their man, as Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer tweets. That could, in theory, signal that they’ve chosen Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.
  • Bowles had dinner with Jets brass tonight, a source tells Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com (on Twitter). He’s staying overnight in the area, but he’ll still be meeting with the Falcons on Wednesday.
  • Bowles and the Jets haven’t started discussing a contract yet, according to Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com (via Twitter).
  • The Bears announced (on Twitter) that they have interviewed former Bills head coach Doug Marrone for their head coaching vacancy today.
  • 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari says he will wait to find out what happens in San Francisco before deciding whether he wants to pursue the Bills job, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter).

Broncos Notes: Manning, Elway, Fox

January 13th, 2015 at 5:49pm CST by Zachary Links

What a difference a few days can make. The Broncos, who were viewed as one of the elite teams in the NFL, are in a state of flux. After being bounced by the Colts, coach John Fox is out and Peyton Manning sounds non-committal about returning to Denver next season. Meanwhile, the Broncos are having some reservations about No. 18 as well, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). The Broncos are worried about Manning’s quadriceps and, perhaps more importantly, his declining arm strength. Manning is owed $19MM for 2015 and some in the organization are wondering if that price tag is worth it for them. More out of Denver..

  • Broncos executive vice president and GM John Elway said that Jack Del Rio and Adam Gase are both candidates for the head coaching vacancy, according to Troy Renck of The Denver Post (on Twitter). However, no interviews are scheduled just yet.
  • Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is a popular man. The Broncos have now requested permission to interview him for their head coaching vacancy, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
  • Elway’s comments made it clear that he has faith in Manning, Renck tweets. He wants him back, wants him involved in the process to get back to contention, and believes that he can play another year in the NFL.
  • However, Elway went on to say that Manning will take the next four to five weeks to think about what he wants to do next, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports (on Twitter).
  • When asked about his friction with Fox, Elway said, “We disagreed on how to get to the next level,” according to Pelissero (via Twitter).

FA Notes: Welker, Panthers, Lions, Eagles

January 12th, 2015 at 10:48pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Let’s look at some news regarding free-agents-to-be…

  • Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker told reporters, including Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post (on Twitter), that he’s not sure if he wants to return to the Broncos next season. “I don’t know. There’s a lot of things I need to figure out,” the veteran said. Back in November it was reported that several former teammates would like to see him walk away from the game altogether for the sake of his long-term health.
  • Assuming the Panthers don’t pursue Greg Hardy after the completion of his Feb. 9th domestic violence trial, their biggest decision will be whether to re-sign left tackle Byron Bell, writes ESPN.com’s David Newton. Bell has had an up-and-down season, but odds are Carolina won’t find a high-level left tackle in the draft at pick No. 25. Besides, the Panthers have other needs they might want to address with their first round selection. Carolina could use a speed receiver, a return specialist, a cover corner, and a defensive lineman.
  • Stephen Hill says he’d like to return to the Panthers next year, per Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter) Based on coach Ron Rivera‘s comments last week, it sounds like the team wants him back as well.
  • The Lions have several free agents to address, including backup quarterback Kellen Moore, who tells Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com that he’d like to return to the Motor City next season. Moore, 25, has yet to take an NFL snap.
  • The Eagles have a lot of decisions to make about their upcoming free agents. In part one of a six part series, Reuben Frank and Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com look at a handful of the Eagles – from Emmanuel Acho to Matt Barkley – who can leave this offseason.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Coaching Rumors: Jets, Falcons, McDaniels

January 12th, 2015 at 3:01pm CST by Zachary Links

The Cowboys have set aside the next three days to sign head coach Jason Garrett and retain his coaching staff, as David Moore of The Dallas Morning News writes. Garrett and key members of his staff are set to have their contracts expire now that the season is over. However, executive vice president Stephen Jones said the club will not grant anyone permission to speak or interview with an interested club over the next three days unless it’s for a head coaching position. The latest head coaching news from around the NFL..

  • The Jets and Falcons are both calling Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles back for a second interview, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Falcons interview will take place on Wednesday, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Bowles is believed to have a major supporter in the Falcons hierarchy in assistant GM Scott Pioli, who’s father-in-law is Bill Parcells. Bowles worked for Parcells in Dallas and Miami.
  • Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has been in high demand for some time as a head coaching candidate, but it sounds like he’ll be leaving a couple of teams disappointed. McDaniels is expected to stay with New England, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.
  • Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott will interview Wednesday with the Jets for their vacant head coach job, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.com (via Twitter). McDermott and new GM Mike Maccagnan both have the same agent, as Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com tweets.
  • Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has a second head coaching interview with the Falcons on Thursday, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter).

Coaching Updates: Bowles, Kubiak, Austin

January 11th, 2015 at 8:02pm CST by Rob DiRe

The 49ers may have lost head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, but they are very interested in Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, writes Eric Branch of SFGate.com. Bowles interviewed for their vacancy on Friday, and although nothing has been scheduled officially, he is expected to be asked back for a second interview (via Twitter).

Here are some more updates on potential head coaches this Sunday:

  • New Bears general manager Ryan Pace’s first task is to find a new head coach, and he plans on pursuing Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, writes Chris Boden of CSNChicago.com. Kubiak had not interviewed for any jobs with the team’s season continuing, but now could be an option to fill vacancies. Reports had it that Kubiak may elect to stay in Baltimore.
  • The Bears are scheduled to interview Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin for their head coaching position on Tuesday, reports Josina Anderson of ESPN (via Twitter).
  • The Raiders have expressed interest in Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, and after the team was eliminated from the playoffs earlier today, the process of landing the former Jaguars head coach may have accelerated, writes Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News.
  • For the 49ers, only two of their potential head coaching candidates are still in playoffs, in Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.

Sunday Roundup: Austin, Ravens, Steelers

January 11th, 2015 at 12:15pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s take a look at some links from around the league as Day 2 of the Divisional Round gets underway:

  • Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune tweets that Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is also on the Bears‘ radar.
  • Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com provides an offseason outlook for the Bears.
  • Manish Metha of the New York Daily News tweets that the Jets, despite their heavy interest in Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, still want to interview Kubiak for their head coaching vacancy.
  • Rapoport tweets that Dick LeBeau‘s departure took the Steelers by surprise, and he adds (via Twitter) that LeBeau likely wanted to leave Pittsburgh with Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor, with whom he had established a close relationship.
  • Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, reiterating what he passed along yesterday, tweets that Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler, whom the Titans attempted to hire last season, is the most likely candidate to be elevated to defensive coordinator.
  • In a series of Baltimore items, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun writes that Ravens outside linebacker Pernell McPhee is expected to cash in on the free agent market and Steve Smith has no plans to retire.
  • Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer describes how the departure of Kyle Shanahan might impact the Browns‘ quarterback situation.
  • Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com writes that, with the Bills‘ hiring of Rex Ryan and the emergence of Dan Quinn as the frontrunner for the Jets head coaching vacancy, Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich may stay put in San Diego.
  • Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News tweets that, had the 49ers hired Ryan, Vic Fangio was likely to stay as the team’s defensive coordinator. However, now that Ryan has been hired by the Bills, Inman believes Fangio will be promoted to head coach. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, though, tweets that San Francisco will conduct a second interview with Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.

Eagles GM Search Notes: Fitterer, Dungy

January 10th, 2015 at 2:25pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Eagles are still searching for their next general manager since announcing new roles for head coach Chip Kelly and executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman.

Kelly will have more control over the roster and the draft, and will also have a hand in choosing the team’s next general manager.

  • The team is expected to interview Seahawks director of college scouting Scott Fitterer sometime next week, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN (via Twitter).
  • Kelly has reportedly reached out to a number of football people for advice as he continues to look for a general manager. One notable name that is advising Kelly is former Colts coach Tony Dungy, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter).
  • McLane also notes that Fitterer was the director of college scouting when the Seahawks selected current stars Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner, Kam Chancellor, and Russell Wilson.
  • Dungy could push Kelly towards Lions general manager Martin Mayhew or someone close to him, based on his ties to him and coach Jim Caldwell, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter).

NFC Mailbags: Brees, Cutler, Suh, Giants

January 10th, 2015 at 12:22pm CST by Ben Levine

We took a look at ESPN.com’s AFC mailbags earlier this morning. Let’s now switch focus to the NFC…

  • With so many veterans on the offensive line, Mike Triplett writes that the Saints need to address that area in their upcoming drafts. Meanwhile, the writer hasn’t seen any real regression out of Drew Brees, leading him to believe the team doesn’t need to draft a quarterback unless there’s a player they really like.
  • Michael C. Wright believes if the Bears want to move on from quarterback Jay Cutler, then they need to have a plan in place. However, there doesn’t seem to be any strategy in handling the embattled veteran, and Wright believes this in an indication that Cutler will return next season.
  • The Lions handling of Ndamukong Suh will have an impact on practically all of the team’s free agency decisions, opines Michael Rothstein. Most notably, defensive tackle Nick Fairley would likely be playing elsewhere in 2015 if the team retains Suh.
  • Alabama safety Landon Collins is as “good a guess as any” to be selected by the Giants in the first round, according to Dan Graziano. Looking for an improvement at safety will be an even bigger priority if the team can solidify it’s pass-rush and offensive line depth via free agency.
  • It wouldn’t surprise David Newton if Panthers veteran running back DeAngelo Williams is cut by the squad in June. The team could pursue a replacement in the draft, but Newton notes that the team likes Fozzy Whittaker.

Minor Moves: Friday

January 9th, 2015 at 6:54pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are Friday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, including a new deal for a would-be exclusive right free agent, a few reserve/futures signings, and a practice squad change….

  • Washington has signed fullback Jordan Campbell to a reserve/futures contract, tweets Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com. Campbell spent some time on the Chiefs’ practice squad earlier in the season and worked out for Washington last month.

Earlier updates:

  • The Bengals have re-signed tight end Kevin Brock to a new contract, the team announced today (via Twitter). Brock, who joined the team in September after injuries to Tyler Eifert and Alex Smith, had been on track to become an exclusive rights free agent.
  • Since being eliminated from the postseason, the Steelers have been adding to their offseason roster, inking seven players to reserve/futures contracts on Monday and signing a couple more yesterday. Pittsburgh continued to bring players aboard today, per PR man Burt Lauten, who tweets that the team has signed linebacker Terence Garvin, wide receiver Brelan Chancellor, defensive end Matt Conrath, safety Alden Darby, tight end Michael Egnew, and linebacker Roosevelt Nix.
  • The 49ers are re-signing linebacker Shayne Skov, who finished the season on the team’s practice squad, to a reserve/futures deal, a source tells Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (Twitter link). The team has now locked up everyone who finished the season on the taxi squad.
  • The Lions signed defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo to a futures contract today, tweets Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. When it appeared last week that Detroit might be without Ndamukong Suh for Sunday’s playoff game, the team brought Cudjo in for a workout.
  • The Seahawks made a small change to their taxi squad today, re-signing defensive tackle Jimmy Staten and releasing linebacker Mike Zimmer, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter). As Condotta points out in a second tweet, Seattle had signed Zimmer and cut Staten just yesterday, so the club is frequently shuffling the two players on and off the unit at this point.
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