Misc Rumor - Football Wiretap
Cowboys' Ireland To Interview For Miami GM Job
Bill Parcells is wasting no time in reworking the Dolphins' front office. Shortly after firing GM Randy Mueller and a pair of his assistants, Parcells received permission from the Cowboys to interview Jeff Ireland to be the team's new GM, FOXSports.com has learned.
Dolphins' sources say that Ireland, the Cowboys' VP of College and Pro Scouting, is expected to interview for the job tomorrow.
FOX Sports first reported during the week of Parcells' hiring that Ireland would be his primary target, but there was a question about whether he could get him out before the draft. However, to Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones' credit, he granted permission for the interview despite having Ireland locked up contractually through the draft.
Meyer Dismisses Falcons' Rumor
While there have been some mild whispers that perhaps the Atlanta Falcons would be interested in trying to lure Urban Meyer away from Florida, he stopped that talk before it could get started.
Meyer said after UF's practice Sunday he hasn't been contacted by Atlanta. If the Falcons called, would he listen?
"No," he said. "I'm really happy where I'm at. I'll give you the Coach 101 speech, but mine is from the heart."
Meyer said he didn't know former New York Giants' General Manager Ernie Accorsi, who was hired by Atlanta owner Arthur Blank recently as an advisor.
Falcons To Interview Cowboys 'Assistant Sparano
Dallas Cowboys' Assistant Head Coach Tony Sparano will interview with Atlanta Falcons' officials on Friday for the opening.
Falcons' officials on Monday requested and were granted permission by the Cowboys to discuss their vacancy with Sparano, who has been on the Dallas staff since 2003. Sparano is also a favorite of new Miami Vice President Bill Parcells and would likley receive an interview should a head coaching vacancy open with the team.
Sparano, 46, worked primarily with the Dallas offensive line this season. But under Parcells, he had much broader responsibilities and, while he didn't hold the title of coordinator, called the team's plays in 2006.
Although he has worked in the league only nine seasons, Sparano is widely respected for his offensive acumen and his demeanor with players. Before joining the Dallas staff in 2003, Sparano worked with Cleveland (1999-2000), Washington (2001), and Jacksonville (2002).
Walker Says 'It Might Be Best' If Broncos Trade Him
Javon Walker stopped short of demanding a trade like he did two years ago in Green Bay, but he suggested Monday that it might be best for everyone if the Denver Broncos sent him packing.
"It's not that they don't want me here, but I just don't think it's the best fit for me," Walker said as he prepared to meet with Coach Mike Shanahan for his exit interview.
The Broncos (7-9) expected to compete for a championship, but they lost Walker for two months after he underwent a third operation on his right knee; meanwhile, Denver posted its first losing season since 1999.
Fox Thinks He'll Return As Panthers' Coach
A day after Carolina finished out of the playoffs for the second straight year, John Fox remained confident that he'll return as the Panthers' coach.
He just won't be sure until owner Jerry Richardson says so.
When asked Monday if Richardson would finally address the status of Fox and General Manager Marty Hurney, team spokesman Charlie Dayton said it was unlikely.
In an e-mail later Monday, Dayton would only say that "nothing has changed" regarding Fox and Hurney.
It meant a day of uncertainty at Bank of America Stadium as players gathered for final physicals and a team meeting before leaving with their belongings for the offseason. Not only do many players worry if they'll be back after a disappointing 7-9 campaign that's sure to bring many changes, they don't know about their coach.
"I haven't been told anything," running back DeAngelo Williams said.
Parcells Begins Dolphins' Shakeup, Fires GM Mueller
Bill Parcells' shakeup of the Dolphins began Monday with the firing of GM Randy Mueller.
Assistant Director of Player Personnel Mike Baugh and College Scouting Coordinator Rick Thompson also departed.
Also at risk of being fired was Coach Cam Cameron, who said he would discuss his future with Parcells this week. On Sunday, the Dolphins became only the eighth team to finish 1-15.
Parcells began work Thursday as Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
Vikings Wade: Jackson Should Be QB In 2008
Although the head coach wasn't ready to anoint Tarvaris Jackson the 2008 starter, the young quarterback got a vote of confidence Sunday night from veteran receiver Bobby Wade.
Asked if Jackson should be the starter next season, Wade said, "In my opinion, yes, there's no doubt about it."
"A guy that put that type of work in this year. Fight through injuries. New offense. New players. That's very rare to find, especially at that position. To have that thick skin and that short-term memory and to continue to play, I'm just excited to have Tarvaris, and I'm excited to see where he's going."
Jackson also was optimistic about his play, but their opinions aren't the ones that count.
That decision belongs to Vikings' Coach Brad Childress, who deferred comment for at least a couple of days.
"You know, I'm going to go back and hold off on that," Childress said when asked if he was "comfortable" with Jackson. "You know, I keep getting riveted with that question, and I'm just not going to answer that question, standing here, with the emotions that flow at the end of a game. I'm sure we'll talk about it during the week."
Dolphins' Taylor: 'I Want To Win'
Dolphins' defensive end Jason Taylor didn't have too many answers Sunday evening - not about his future, not about his coach, not about the team's prospects.
The Dolphins fell to 1-15 after being soundly beaten by the Cincinnati Bengals 38-25 in the season finale, and Taylor conceded it might have been his last game with the team that drafted him in 1997.
Walking off the field for the last game today, obviously, was on my mind," said Taylor, 33. "I thought about it. If it is, I'll obviously miss it a lot."
The emotion of the game still fresh in his mind, Taylor wouldn't say if he wanted to come back to the Dolphins.
"I don't know," he said. "I can't answer that question right now. I'd like to win."
What it would take to turn around the Dolphins, Taylor couldn't say.
"Win right now? That's a tough question to answer," Taylor said. "This team is not set up right now to be a championship-caliber football team."
Coughlin Says Effort Against Patriots Worth The Injuries
One day after the Giants nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in their history, Tom Coughlin had no regrets about playing his starters for the entire game in the Giants' 38-35 loss to the undefeated New England Patriots Saturday night.
Along the way, the Giants lost three starters who might not be available when the playoffs open Sunday at 1 P.M. at Tampa Bay.
But even knowing the cost, Coughlin said he'd do it all again.
"As far as whether we'd play it any differently?" Coughlin said yesterday. "No."
His defiance was due to the momentum the Giants (10-6) gained with their incredible effort that saw them build a 12-point lead in the second half, a lead that was cut to five points entering the fourth quarter.
Miami's Cameron Kicked Traylor Off Team
If Keith Traylor's career is over, it ended on a sour note.
The Dolphins banished the starting defensive tackle for the season's final game, the result of an argument he had with teammates on the flight back from New England last week.
According to two sources, the fight was with offensive linemen Rex Hadnot and Vernon Carey. Traylor, 38, did not practice last week, and the team listed him on its injury report with an ankle ailment.
Cam Cameron met with Traylor on Monday,; they argued; and the coach kicked him off the team, one of the sources said.
Teammates pleaded his case, and the team invited him to return but with a fine. Traylor refused.
Source: Dolphins To Fire GM Mueller
The move is hardly a surprise since Bill Parcells is expected to restructure the front office.
Cardinals May Use Franchise Tag On Dansby
The Cardinals don't intend to let big-play LB Karlos Dansby get away after this season.