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Texans Promote Brian Gaine

January 17th, 2015 at 9:02pm CST by Luke Adams

9:02pm: Right on cue, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle confirms (via Twitter) that Gaine’s new title will indeed be director of player personnel. Gaine receives a new contract and a raise from the Texans, per McClain.

9:00pm: The Texans will give director of pro personnel Brian Gaine a promotion within the team’s front office, according to a report from SportsRadio 610 in Houston (link via CBS Houston). Ian Rapoport of NFL.com has since confirmed (via Twitter) that the team is promoting Gaine, with the intention of keeping him from joining the Eagles’ front office.

Gaine had been one of the Eagles’ targets for a general manager type role in Philadelphia, having interviewed with the club earlier this week. Rapoport suggests (via Twitter) that Gaine had already interviewed twice with the Eagles, though the CBS Houston report indicates that the promotion is coming before Gaine can meet with the Eagles for a second time.

Following Philadelphia’s front office shuffle, head coach Chip Kelly has been tasked with bringing aboard an executive for a GM-like position, though the executive wouldn’t have the power of a traditional general manager, since Kelly has the final say on roster decisions for the Eagles. It would still likely represent a promotion for Gaine from his current director of pro personnel role though, so the Texans are giving him a promotion of his own to ensure that he remains in Houston.

It’s not immediately clear what Gaine’s new title will be, though director of player personnel seems like a logical next step. That would be a promotion similar to the one that Eliot Wolf received from the Packers earlier this month. Wolf had been another potential target for Kelly and the Eagles.

NFC Notes: Bucs, Bears, Fangio, Washington

January 17th, 2015 at 8:14pm CST by Luke Adams

The Buccaneers have been willing spenders in free agency in recent years, but those dollars have not equated to wins. General manager Jason Licht has vowed that this experience only confirms that the best way to build a team is through the draft, writes Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

“We went out and got a lot of pieces and even though there was a lot of money going out the door and equal to the money coming in,’’ Licht said. “Nonetheless, we spent a lot of money on free agents and some didn’t work out and it was very disappointing. It’s further proof that free agency is not the safest way to build your team. We’re not hiding from the mistakes.’’

This year, the Bucs will have the opportunity to start drafting for the future, armed with the number one overall selection. Here’s more from around the NFC:

The Bears asked the Titans for permission to interview Mike Mularkey for their offensive coordinator vacancy, but were turned down, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter). Tennessee previously rebuffed the Buccaneers when they wanted to talk to Mularkey about the OC job in Tampa.
Vic Fangio‘s interview with Washington is taking place tonight, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, adding that the club has “very serious intent.” The former 49ers defensive coordinator looks like Washington’s top choice for the same position in D.C.
The Vikings want to get younger as the 2015 season nears, but that approach to roster-building shouldn’t cost linebacker Chad Greenway his spot on the team, writes Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune.
While running backs have been devalued in modern NFL offenses, DeMarco Murray is the exception, according to Tim Cowlishaw of DallasNews.com, who thinks the Cowboys need to re-sign him.

Rob DiRe contributed to this post.

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January 17th, 2015 at 7:45pm CST by Luke Adams

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AFC Notes: Jaguars, Gase, Bills, Jets

January 17th, 2015 at 6:13pm CST by Luke Adams

On the eve of championship Sunday, let’s take a look at a few items from across the AFC….

We heard yesterday that the Jaguars were looking to speak to Adam Gase about their offensive coordinator job, and Michael Silver of NFL.com reports today (via Twitter) that Jacksonville will indeed get a chance to interview the Broncos OC.
The Bills have reached a two-year deal with former Jets assistant Sanjay Lal to become their wide receivers coach, a source tells ESPN’s John Clayton (link via Mike Rodak).
Seth Walder of the New York Daily News lists six moves that new general manager Mike Maccagnan must make in order to point the Jets in the right direction.
The Chiefs narrowly missed the playoffs in 2014, and are watching as Andrew Luck and the Colts – a team they nearly beat in the postseason a year ago – advance to the AFC Championship game. Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star uses the opportunity to compare the Chiefs to the Colts, taking a look at how the right offseason moves could help Kansas City take the next step in 2015.
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN has projected Oregon star and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota to be selected by the Titans with the second pick of the draft. However, the fit would be awkward, as head coach Ken Whisenhunt traditionally prefers pocket passers in order to run his offense, writes Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com.
The Browns could use receiver help next season, especially with Josh Gordon playing inconsistently since returning from suspension this season, and the team could target Jaguars pass catcher Cecil Shorts this offseason, writes Steve Doerschuk of CantonRep.com. Shorts would be an affordable option, and could relish the opportunity to move closer to home in Cleveland.

Rob DiRe contributed to this post.

Patriots Promote Joe Vellano To Active Roster

January 17th, 2015 at 4:32pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Patriots have promoted defensive lineman Joe Vellano from the practice squad to the 53-man roster in anticipation of the AFC Championship game against the Colts on Sunday, reports Shalise Manza-Young of the Boston Globe (via Twitter). The team has released tight end Steve Maneri in order to make room for Vellano.

Vellano is in his second season with the Patriots, having been active in all 16 games last season and starting eight games, mostly replacing Vince Wilfork who was on injured reserve for most of 2013. However, the Maryland product has spent most of this year on the practice squad, only appearing in five games and starting in one.

Maneri is in his fifth NFL season, playing for five different franchises since originally being signed by the Texans in 2010. He was originally an offensive tackle, but became a tight end upon signing with the Chiefs during the 2012 offseason.

This was his second stint with the Patriots. Maneri has played sparingly, only catching six passes in his career, and only appearing in more than six games in a season once. His 2012 season with the Chiefs was his most successful, as he appeared in 13 games and started eight times.

Teryl Austin Narrows Choices to Falcons, Lions

January 17th, 2015 at 4:01pm CST by Rob DiRe

Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has been one of the top options for a number of head coaching opportunities, but with the Bills, Jets, Bears, and 49ers already filling their vacancies, it seems to be Falcons or bust for Austin, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

There is serious interest from the Falcons, as they have likely narrowed their own options down to Austin and Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, although our own Luke Adams writes that there might be one other candidate still in the mix. The team is expected to interview Quinn once more after the NFC Championship game next week.

Austin decided to remove himself from consideration for the Broncos’ opening as it became more clear that Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak is the number one option in Denver. Doug Marrone followed Austin’s lead, canceling his interview with the Broncos as well.

With the Falcons his last hope for a head coaching job this offseason, Austin is prepared to return to the Lions as defensive coordinator should Atlanta decide to go in a different direction. 2014 was Austin’s first season as a defensive coordinator, and he led the charge for a team that was among the top defenses in the league, and one of the best at stopping the run in recent history.

Trent Richardson Not Travelling With Colts

January 17th, 2015 at 3:10pm CST by Rob DiRe

Colts running back Trent Richardson will not be making the trip to New England with the team for personal reasons, and will be inactive during tomorrow’s AFC Championship game against the Patriots, reports Kevin Bowen of Colts.com (via Twitter).

Richardson was a healthy scratch last week as the Colts elected to activate special teams player Michael Hill for the game against the Broncos in Denver. In reaction to last week’s benching, Richardson vowed it would be the last time it happens, according to Zak Keefer of IndyStar.com. “That situation will never happen to me again,” Richardson said. “Anybody can quote me, today, because it’s never going to happen again.”

Dan Herron has taken over as the top back for the Colts over the last few games, with Zurlon Tipton backing him up. Herron was a Bengals sixth round draft pick in 2012, lasting one year with the team before signing with Indianapolis, and Tipton was signed as an undrafted free agent this year.

This suddenly public battle between Richardson and the team puts his future in Indianapolis in jeopardy. General manager Ryan Grigson notoriously traded a first-round draft pick to acquire Richardson from the Browns only 17 games into his pro career. Since then, Richardson has never caught on as a productive NFL running back. He has been consistently disappointing, barely amassing 2,000 yards in three seasons and only averaging 3.3 yards per carry over the course of his short career.

As a top three pick in 2012, Richardson is viewed as one of the biggest busts in recent history. Albert Breer of NFL.com compares the back to former Raiders’ quarterback JaMarcus Russell, Rams’ offensive tackle Jason Smith, and Raiders’ offensive tackle Robert Gallery (via Twitter).

Richardson has one more year on his contract, and is due $3.184MM in base salary for 2015. That number is guaranteed, and the team will not save a cent by releasing him this offseason, according to OverTheCap.com. Still, if he is unable to contribute in any facet, including special teams, he will hardly be worth a valuable roster spot to sit on the bench.

The Colts would get out from under Richardson’s contract with no dead money on their cap if they are able to trade the underwhelming ball carrier, but that would be unlikely at this point, even for just a late-round pick.

While some may speculate that this has something to do with Richardson’s unhappiness after possibly being benched again, Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star cautions against such assumptions, writing instead that it could very well be a personal matter that is keeping him away from the game (via Twitter). Holder notes that the only time players do not travel with the team are in the case of being ruled out be injury or due to extenuating circumstances (via Twitter).

Coach Updates: Spagnuolo, 49ers, Shanahan

January 17th, 2015 at 1:59pm CST by Rob DiRe

New Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has a huge task ahead of him, writes Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. While Vacchiano believes that head coach Tom Coughlin made a great decision going into his past to hire his best defensive coordinator. The tough part is that Spagnuolo will have to match his past success without stars such as Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, and Osi Umenyiora.

There are a number of Giants players who could improve under Spagnuolo’s tutelage, writes Nick Powell of NJ.com. Howell picks out Johnathan Hankins, Antrel Rolle, Jason Pierre-Paul, Robert Ayers, and Jameel McClain as guys who may benefit.
The 49ers are looking for a new offensive coordinator after Greg Roman joined the Bills, and Colts offensive assistant Rob Chudzinski is well positioned to take over, writes Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (via Twitter).
Other candidates for the offensive coordinator position with the 49ers include former head coaches Mike Shanahan and Lane Kiffin, reports Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News. Shanhan was once thought of in the mix for head coaching jobs, and Kiffin would be coming from the University of Alabama.
49ers offensive assistant Ronald Curry will have an opportunity to stay with the team as the wide receivers coach, reports Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter). Curry has not been given permission by the team to interview for the Bills, where he could have rejoined offensive coordinator Roman (via Twitter).
Former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan almost was hired in Baltimore a year ago, and if Gary Kubiak leaves the Ravens to take the Broncos head coaching job, the team could revisit Shanahan, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. The team is still impressed with his strong interview last year.

NFC Links: Cutler, Cromartie, 49ers

January 17th, 2015 at 12:49pm CST by Ben Levine

Washington general manager Scot McCloughan believes the roster he’s inherited at his new stop is better than the team he had when he joined the 49ers.

“This roster, from what I know, was much more improved than the 49ers,” McCloughan said (via John Keim of ESPN.com).

“Things just weren’t meshing, but you could see each year we were adding good players, and you could see it in the offseason, how hard they worked and how important it was for them to be a family and grow together. All of a sudden, they hit a peak and Coach [Jim] Harbaugh came in there and then took off.”

Let’s take a look at some assorted notes from around the NFC…

With the front office and coaching staff stabilized, Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com says it’s time for the Bears to focus on Jay Cutler‘s future with the organization.
Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie spoke on the NFL Network about his impending free agency. “I’m leaving the door open,” Cromartie said (via Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com). “Right now, until the Super Bowl is over, I’m still an Arizona Cardinal. Until they come to me about a conteact, I’m still an Arizona Cardinal. Once March 10 at 4 o’clock hits, March 12 at 9 a.m. hits, and no one’s offered me a contract, then I’m free game. And I’m open to anything to go out and try to win a championship and help any organization.”
A friend of 49ers defensive end Justin Smith told Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee that there’s a 50-50 chance the veteran will return next season (Twitter link).

Coach Notes: Capers, Fangio, Bills, Kubiak

January 17th, 2015 at 12:23pm CST by Ben Levine

Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers is not planning on retiring anytime soon. The 64-year-old has had to work some overtime since he joined the organization in 2009, as the team’s made the playoffs in each of his six seasons. However, the former Panthers and Texans coach isn’t tiring.

“I would like to coach as long as I enjoy it and feel I have something to offer,” Capers told Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel. “If I didn’t feel I have something to offer I wouldn’t do it anymore.

“I’m enjoying it. My health’s excellent. You can talk to anybody here… who spends the most hours here? And I’d like to think (I have something to offer).”

Other coaching notes from the around the league:

Following reports that the Bears had requested permission to interview Vic Fangio, Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 in D.C. tweets that the team will indeed meet with the former 49ers defensive coordinator. Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee tweets that Fangio will then travel to meet with Washington this evening.
In the same tweet, Barrows notes that former 49ers defensive backs coach Ed Donatell will likely follow the coordinator wherever he goes.
Aaron Kromer has signed a two-year deal with the Bills to become the team’s offensive line coach, according to ESPN’s John Clayton (via ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak on Twitter). The former Bears offensive coordinator was fired in late December.
Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post says Gary Kubiak is the right choice for the Broncos head coaching opening. The writer believes the coach’s communication abilities will allow him to flourish with Peyton Manning. Reversely, if Manning decides to retire, the coach would also be the “perfect man” to groom a young, developing quarterback.