NFL

Chiefs near a deal for Edwards

By wire services
Published January 5, 2006

NEW YORK - Herman Edwards is close to becoming the next Chiefs coach.

Kansas City and the Jets discussed a compensation package for Edwards on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.

The Chiefs, rumored to be interested in Edwards for the past two months, would have to give up draft picks to hire him because he is still under contract with the Jets. The former Bucs assistant coach has ties to the Kansas City organization and general manager Carl Peterson and would replace retired coach Dick Vermeil.

The NFL must approve the deal before it can be official. Nothing was submitted to the league office Wednesday.

Edwards and GM Terry Bradway had scheduled a season-ending news conference for today.

Giving up draft picks is nothing new to the Chiefs. Kansas City surrendered a second- and a third-round pick when it hired Vermeil, who was technically under contract with St. Louis even though he was retired. Peterson was upset about that, and though he declined to discuss Edwards at a news conference Tuesday, he did say, "Any time I have to part with a No. 1 draft choice, it's painful."

But the Chiefs might not have to if the Jets agree to take lower-round selections. That would make sense for the Jets, who need as many picks as they can get to fill holes after a 4-12 season.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Tom Donahoe was fired as Bills president and general manager in a shakeup that could mark Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy's return to the franchise in a management role.

Offensive coordinator Tom Clements was also fired, his agent, Gary O'Hagan, said.

Owner Ralph Wilson announced Donahoe's dismissal a few days after he promised changes for a team that finished 5-11 and missed the playoffs for a sixth straight season.

Levy could play a role in the restructured front office, Wilson said.

"We're going to make that decision in the next few days," the owner said. "Marv is a very qualified individual and I don't know whether that will take place or not."

DEFENSIVE ROOKIE: Shawne Merriman's relentless style made an immediate mark in the NFL, earning him the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

The Chargers linebacker, known as "Lights Out" for his hard hits and aggressive demeanor, received 281/2 votes from a nationwide panel of writers and broadcasters who cover the league. Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu got 161/2.

Merriman, the 12th pick in the draft out of Maryland, had a team-high 10 sacks among his 54 tackles.

COACHING SEARCHES: Miami offensive coordinator Scott Linehan was in Houston to interview for the job left vacant when Dom Capers was fired after the Texans finished an NFL-worst 2-14. ... Ron Rivera, the Bears defensive coordinator, acknowledged he'll meet with the Rams about their head coaching vacancy this week. Other teams, including perhaps the Packers, also are interested in talking to Rivera, who helped develop the league's stingiest defense in his second season in the post. ... Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, a two-time NFL head coach, will interview for Green Bay's coaching job Monday, AP reported. ... The Vikings interviewed defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell as they moved quickly to find a new coach.

VIKINGS SCANDAL: Daunte Culpepper, Bryant McKinnie and Fred Smoot have pleaded not guilty to charges related to Minnesota's bawdy boating party Oct. 6. An attorney for Smoot entered a plea Tuesday in Hennepin County District Court, and pleas for Culpepper and McKinnie were entered late last month.

FALCONS: Quarterback Michael Vick will have a new position coach next season after Mike Johnson was fired. Successors could include third-string quarterback Ty Detmer, a 14-year veteran who may retire.

OBITUARY: Cornelius "Neil" Schmidt, who spent 28 years scouting for the 49ers and other teams, died Dec. 29 at a veterans hospital in Lake City. He was 78.

[Last modified January 5, 2006, 01:19:08]