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NFL

Mariucci takes job with Lions

DETROIT -- Cast aside by the 49ers, Steve Mariucci found his services in strong demand back in his home state.

Mariucci was hired as coach of the Lions on Tuesday, taking over one of the league's worst teams less than three weeks after he was fired by San Francisco.

"We are thrilled. This is a huge step for our team and organization," Lions chief executive Matt Millen said. "I have known Steve since he got into the NFL as an assistant, and he has continually impressed me with his knowledge of the game and his ability to handle players and people."

Terms were not disclosed, but ESPN.com reported that Mariucci will earn $25-million over five years.

Mariucci, born and raised in Iron Mountain, was scheduled to be formally introduced today.

After compiling a 60-43 record and guiding the 49ers to four playoff appearances in six seasons, Mariucci becomes the Lions' fourth coach in four seasons. He replaces Marty Mornhinweg, who was fired last week after the Lions went 5-27 in two seasons.

Mariucci clashed with San Francisco owner John York and was fired three days after a 31-6 loss Jan. 12 at Tampa Bay. His postseason record was 3-4.

Colts settle differences

The players told the Indianapolis Star that they apologized to each other during a series of phone conversations

"Mike and I have settled this, and we both want to move on," Manning told the newspaper. "We both know we screwed up."

Vanderjagt said the two players spoke "as friends."

"We both said things we shouldn't have said and certainly in the forum we shouldn't have said them in," he told the Star.

Manning was in Hawaii preparing for the Pro Bowl last week when Vanderjagt said in an interview Manning should show more emotion, coach Tony Dungy is too nice to be effective, and many other Colts players lack a passion for the game.

Stung by the comments, Manning called Vanderjagt an "idiot kicker," despite Vanderjagt's quick apology and his explanation that he was just frustrated with losing.

BUCCANEERS: Practice squad linebacker Idris Price was among four free agents who signed one-year contracts. The Bucs also signed receiver Ramondo North, center/guard Jason Scukanec and guard Mitch White.

BILLS: Cornerback Scott Turner, who spent four seasons with the Chargers, signed with Buffalo. Turner appeared in 51 games with the Chargers, mostly as a special-teams player, before he was released in August.

BRONCOS: Three-time Pro Bowl player Jason Elam signed a five-year, $9-million deal. His $2.6-million signing bonus is one of the biggest ever for a kicker.

49ERS: Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel was dropped from the list of coaching candidates. General manager Terry Donahue also plans to consider college coaches for the job soon, he said. Donahue waited to open the college portion of the search until after today's deadline for national letters of intent.

RAVENS: Phil Savage was hired as player personnel director after a breakdown in negotiations with the Jaguars three weeks ago. He has been the Ravens' college scouting director since 1996. The Jaguars talked with Savage about becoming vice president of player personnel but were not willing to pay him the $800,000-$900,000 salary common for such a job.

STEELERS: Linebacker Larry Foote dislocated his thumb during a fight near the Michigan campus. Foote, a former Wolverines player, apparently was hurt during a fight outside a restaurant early Monday in Ann Arbor.

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