NFL

Chiefs positioned to hire Edwards

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Chiefs cleared the way for Herm Edwards to become their coach, agreeing Friday to a compensation deal with the New York Jets.

The Chiefs would give the Jets a fourth-round pick if they hire Edwards, who has ties to the team and general manager Carl Peterson.

Chiefs spokesman Bob Moore said that Peterson was headed to New York to begin negotiations. The breakthrough ended several days of speculation and maneuvering among Edwards, the Jets and the Chiefs, who are looking to replace the retired Dick Vermeil.

Moore said he did not think a deal would be wrapped up right away, but added "that could change."

A news conference has been tentatively scheduled for Monday to introduce Edwards, with newspaper reports putting his expected deal at five years and $20-million. On Thursday Edwards cleaned out his Jets office.

When the Chiefs hired Vermeil in 2000 they gave St. Louis a second- and third-round pick even though he had retired after leaving the Rams.

The Raiders received two No. 1s, two No. 2s and $8-million from the Tampa Bay for Jon Gruden and New England got picks in the first four rounds from the Jets for Bill Parcells.

In five years in New York, Edwards, a former Bucs assistant, was 39-41 with three playoff appearances.

It is believed that the Jets will begin interviewing candidates Sunday, when former Saints coach Jim Haslett is scheduled to arrive in New York. Joe Vitt, who was the Rams' interim coach during Mike Martz's absence, will interview Monday. Also among candidates are the Jets' three top assistants: defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson, offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger and assistant head coach/special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff, along with Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Fassel and former Packers coach Mike Sherman.

IRVING, Texas - Bill Parcells is coming back for at least one more season with the Cowboys, maybe even two, after agreeing to a new contract through the 2007 season.

"I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to continue what we have started here," Parcells said. "The Cowboys organization has been the fairest of fair to me, and hopefully I can repay them with an improved performance."

Parcells, 64, had a year left on the four-year, $17-million contract he signed in January 2003. However, he left three previous coaching jobs mid-contract and there was speculation he might do it again.

Parcells is 25-24 in Dallas.

BILLS: Coach Mike Mularkey will return, but announced that five assistant coaches were fired: Tim Krumrie (defensive line), Don Blackmon (linebackers), Steve Szabo (defensive backs), Frank Verducci (offensive line) and Tom Clements (offensive coordinator).

CARDINALS: Arizona hired Steve Loney as offensive line coach and Larry Brooks as defensive line coach. Loney spent the past four seasons with the Vikings before being fired along with the rest of the staff. Brooks was defensive line coach of the Detroit Lions the past two seasons.

CHARGERS: Quarterback Drew Brees had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He will return to San Diego next week and begin rehabilitation.

PACKERS: Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon met with GM Ted Thompson about the coaching vacancy, and Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera has a meeting scheduled today.

VIKINGS: Eagles assistant Brad Childress was hired as coach. "Coach Childress was the elite NFL head coaching candidate," owner Zygi Wilf said. "He embodies class, character and discipline and is a great family man." Childress, 49, has been the Eagles' offensive coordinator since 2002. The Eagles replaced Childress by making assistant head coach Marty Mornhinweg offensive coordinator.

[Last modified January 7, 2006, 01:15:51]