New York Jets 12/30/2008 8:54 AMThe Star-Ledger reports the New York Jets acted quickly in parting ways with coach Eric Mangini Monday, less than 24 hours after owner Woody Johnson said the club would hold meetings this week to discuss Mangini's fate. Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum embarked on a coaching search immediately after a morning news conference to announce that Mangini had been fired. And by the time the day was done, the Jets had wasted little time zeroing in on a handful of current NFL assistants -- and at least one prominent, proven coaching commodity -- who could replace Mangini, according to someone with knowledge of the organization's preferences. The person, who requested anonymity because the Jets prefer to keep their search and their candidates private, said a yet-to-be-returned feeler was sent to former Steelers coach Bill Cowher to gauge his interest and that Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will be brought in for an interview either Thursday or Saturday.Read more
Baltimore Ravens 12/30/2008 8:52 AMThe Dayton Daily News reports Huber Heights native and Ohio State outside linebacker Marcus Freeman is looking to make a lasting impression when he suits up for the very last time as a Buckeye against the Texas Longhorns in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Monday, Jan. 5. It has been a long journey for the fifth-year linebacker who would like nothing better than to close out his collegiate career on a high note. Freeman is focused on the task at hand and ready to do his part to continue on the legacy of talented linebackers to have graced the playing field at Ohio State. During a phone interview with Freeman over the Christmas holiday, he talked about emotions running high in his final game with the Buckeyes.Read more
Cleveland Browns 12/29/2008 10:54 AMAP reports the Cleveland Browns have fired coach Romeo Crennel following a 4-12 season. The firing came one day after general manager Phil Savage was dismissed. Owner Randy Lerner met with Crennel on Monday morning and the team announced the coach's firing moments before a news conference was to begin. Crennel had three years left on a contract extension he signed in January after the Browns went 10-6 and just missed the playoffs.Read more
Detroit Lions 12/29/2008 10:51 AMESPN.com reports the Detroit Lions' pursuit of at least one victory in 2009 will have to come without Rod Marinelli, who was fired as coach Monday after an historic 0-16 season. The Lions lost to the Green Bay Packers 31-21 on Sunday, making them the first team to go winless through a 16-game season. The 1976 expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-14) were the last NFL team to complete a season without a victory. "No competitor wants to go through something like this," Marinelli said after Sunday's game. "This is not fun to go through, obviously. But there's people going through a lot worse than this."Read more
