It was announced a few days ago he will be the DC in TEN as expected (reunited and reprising their roles in ARI).They didn't block Norv from going to MIN, either. Not sure, but think they were actually motivated to let them move on. If for whatever reason they weren't wanted back and the front office wants to wipe the slate clean with a new HC and staff, I think this gets them off the hook for remaining money left on their contracts?What's the hold up with Horton? Cleveland just being sore losers in the Whiz - hunt?
probably, rumor is Horton was going to be fired regardless and Norv being tied at the hip to Chud would be a casualty too.It was announced a few days ago he will be the DC in TEN as expected (reunited and reprising their roles in ARI).They didn't block Norv from going to MIN, either. Not sure, but think they were actually motivated to let them move on. If for whatever reason they weren't wanted back and the front office wants to wipe the slate clean with a new HC and staff, I think this gets them off the hook for remaining money left on their contracts?What's the hold up with Horton? Cleveland just being sore losers in the Whiz - hunt?
Well the rumours keep saying they need to fix something with his CLE contract so, question remains, why ain't it fixed?probably, rumor is Horton was going to be fired regardless and Norv being tied at the hip to Chud would be a casualty too.It was announced a few days ago he will be the DC in TEN as expected (reunited and reprising their roles in ARI).They didn't block Norv from going to MIN, either. Not sure, but think they were actually motivated to let them move on. If for whatever reason they weren't wanted back and the front office wants to wipe the slate clean with a new HC and staff, I think this gets them off the hook for remaining money left on their contracts?What's the hold up with Horton? Cleveland just being sore losers in the Whiz - hunt?
Coach Jim Caldwell confirmed the Lions will continue to work in Wide-9 defensive concepts.
Ex-coach Jim Schwartz and DL coach Jim Washburn popularized the Wide-9 while with the Titans. Washburn was brought over to Detroit, and Caldwell has retained him and Kris Kocurek as DL coaches. The Wide-9 requires defensive ends to line up outside the tight ends and changes the angles opposing offensive tackles have to block at. RE Ziggy Ansah led all rookies with eight sacks in 2013.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Lions hired Saints QBs coach Joe Lombardi as offensive coordinator.
Lombardi is the grandson of Vince Lombardi. He's been with the Saints since 2007, spending the past five seasons as QBs coach working with Drew Brees. Prior to that, Lombardi worked as an offensive assistant for the Falcons for one season and coordinated the offense at Mercyhurst College for four years. He played tight end at Air Force. Lombardi interviewed for the Jets OC opening last winter. He'll be another quality mind for Matthew Stafford to work with.
Related: Saints
Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter
The Detroit Free Press confirms the Lions interviewed Bengals QBs coach Ken Zampese for their offensive coordinator vacancy.
ESPN's Adam Caplan reported yesterday that the Lions might be interested in Zampese for their OC opening. Beat writer Dave Birkett confirmed the interview took place on Monday. Zampese has coached the Bengals QBs for the past 11 seasons. He also worked with Kurt Warner and the Rams in the early 2000s. Lions coach Jim Caldwell says there's no timetable for Detroit to name an OC.
Related: Bengals
Source: Dave Birkett on Twitter
The Baltimore Sun reports the Ravens interviewed ex-Lions OC Scott Linehan for their offensive coordinator vacancy.
Linehan, 50, spent the past five seasons coordinating the Detroit offense but was let go with coach Jim Schwartz. Previously, Linehan was the head coach of the Rams for three seasons. He's also coordinated offenses for the Vikings and Dolphins in the past. There are plenty of candidates reportedly interested in the Ravens OC opening, but Baltimore is taking its time with the process.
Related: Lions, Ravens
Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter
ESPN's Adam Caplan reports the Lions may be interested in Bengals QBs coach Ken Zampese for their offensive coordinator vacancy.
Caplan says Zampese could wind up interviewing for the job, "if he hasn't already." The Lions have taken their time to find an OC since coach Jim Caldwell was hired, but there's no need to rush. Zampese has been the Bengals QBs coach since 2003. Prior to that, he was the passing game coordinator for the Rams under Mike Martz during the Greatest Show on Turf days.
Related: Bengals
Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter
Scapegoat for Hightower/Spikes underwhelming?http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/10327391/pepper-johnson-new-england-patriots-assistant-coach-leaving-team
Pepper Johnson leaving the Pats.
The Browns have scheduled a second interview with Bills DC Mike Pettine regarding their head-coaching vacancy.
With Broncos OC Adam Gase withdrawing his name from consideration for the Browns job, Pettine and Seahawks DC Dan Quinn are believed to be the frontrunners. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports there are "other candidates," as well. Pettine had his first interview last Thursday and was reportedly impressive. If the Bills lose Pettine, it's believed that DBs coach Donnie Henderson and LBs coach Jim O'Neil are the strongest in-house candidates to replace him as DC.
Related: Bills
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter
The Ravens will interview Steelers RBs coach Kirby Wilson for their offensive coordinator vacancy.
Wilson, 52, has never been an OC at any level. He's coached running backs at the NFL level since 1997, making a detour to USC to coach receivers for the 2001 season. Wilson has been with the AFC North rival Steelers since 2007. His role increased this past season following an 0-4 start with OC Todd Haley underwhelming. Wilson joins ex-Redskins OC Kyle Shanahan, ex-Lions OC Scott Linehan, and in-house WRs coach Jim Hostler as known candidates to interview in Baltimore. Coach John Harbaugh wants to make a hire shortly.
Related: Steelers
Source: baltimoreravens.com
Broncos OC Adam Gase has withdrawn his name from the Browns head-coaching search.
Not a surprise. Reports all along have been that Gase planned to remain with the Broncos through 2014. He called the Browns and informed them that he's going to focus on the Super Bowl, and they can move on without him. It never really made sense for Gase, 35, to go to a dysfunctional organization like Cleveland after just one season of OC experience. The Browns will now likely set their sights on Seahawks DC Dan Quinn and Bills DC Mike Pettine, but we really have no idea where this search is headed. The Browns don't seem to, either.
Related: Browns
Source: Mike Klis on Twitter
I haven't' read/heard anything, but I think Johnson is leaving on his own accord and additionally I would suspect that Belichick doesn't want him to go. He's part of the silent consistency of the Pats coaching staff. Everyone knows about Weiss/Crennel/everyone else leaving, but some guys have been with Belichick forever, like Pepper and Dante Scarnecchia.Scapegoat for Hightower/Spikes underwhelming?http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/10327391/pepper-johnson-new-england-patriots-assistant-coach-leaving-team
Pepper Johnson leaving the Pats.
FOX Sports' Alex Marvez reports the Browns will interview Falcons OC Dirk Koetter for their head-coaching vacancy.
Koetter, 55 next month, has head-coaching experience; he was the head coach at Boise State from 1998-2000 before coaching the Arizona State Sun Devils from 2001-2006. He had a 66-44 career record at the college level. Koetter has been the Falcons OC the past two seasons. He was previously the OC for the Jaguars from 2007-2011. The Falcons fielded the league's No. 14 offense in terms of yards in 2013 and played the majority of the season with a shoddy offensive line, minus Julio Jones, a hampered Roddy White, and a broken-down Steven Jackson. Atlanta had the No. 8 offense in 2012.
Related: Browns
Source: Alex Marvez on Twitter
Eagles hired ex-Vikings OC Bill Musgrave as quarterbacks coach.
It's Mugrave's second stint with the Eagles; he was an offensive assistant in 1998. Most recently, Musgrave, 46, oversaw one of the least imaginative offenses in the league in Minnesota from 2011-2013. He struggled mightily to find ways to use Percy Harvin and took an absurd amount of time to get rookie Cordarrelle Patterson involved this past season. Musgrave replaces Bill Lazor as Philadelphia's quarterbacks coach. Lazor left to take the Dolphins' OC job.
Related: Vikings
Source: Alex Marvez on Twitter
The Buccaneers hired Cardinals vice president of player personnel Jason Licht as their general manager.
Licht, 42, was a finalist for the job, along with Lionel Vital, Marc Ross, and Lake Dawson. He has a scouting background, which is something coach Lovie Smith desired in a new GM. Smith will have final say over the 53-man roster, but Licht was a key piece in Arizona's front office and is a solid hire for the Bucs. He'll reportedly have control of the draft in Tampa Bay and will make other personnel decisions. Licht was also a candidate in Miami, where he began his front-office career. The Dolphins remain the only organization without a GM.
Related: Cardinals
Source: Jay Glazer on Twitter
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns might decide to "look no further" if Bills DC Mike Pettine's second interview for the team's head-coaching vacancy goes well on Tuesday evening.
The Browns are getting desperate after Broncos OC Adam Gase withdrew his name from consideration Tuesday, and Pettine seems to be the only man truly interested in the job. Seahawks DC Dan Quinn is also a candidate, but can't return for a second interview until Seattle's Super Bowl run is through. Pettine reeks of a desperation candidate, but he's not a poor one. A Rex Ryan disciple, Pettine's swarming, aggressive Bills defense was one of the most underrated in the league this season.
Related: Browns
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
The Buffalo News reports Bills DC Mike Pettine is "going to get the Browns job," and that a deal is "close."
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the sides parted without an agreement Tuesday evening, but it sounds like there are only minor details left to be worked out. It's quite possible a deal is finalized within the next 12-24 hours. After weeks of embarrassment, it appears the Browns finally have their man, and a good one at that.
Related: Browns
Source: Mark Gaughan on Twitter
On the radio, they mentioned he's likely going to be a DC somewhere.MoveToSkypager said:I haven't' read/heard anything, but I think Johnson is leaving on his own accord and additionally I would suspect that Belichick doesn't want him to go. He's part of the silent consistency of the Pats coaching staff. Everyone knows about Weiss/Crennel/everyone else leaving, but some guys have been with Belichick forever, like Pepper and Dante Scarnecchia.Scapegoat for Hightower/Spikes underwhelming?http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/10327391/pepper-johnson-new-england-patriots-assistant-coach-leaving-team
Pepper Johnson leaving the Pats.
Getting Licht from AZ as GM to pair with Smith just about seals it as the Bucs having the best off season and reset of their front office going forward.Quick ranking so far for me of the new hires at HC...
1. Tampa Bay-Got a proven winner and a guy who has a SB trip on his resume, also links to the former Tony Dungy, solid hire by the Buccos.
I can't find anything from the last few days on it, everything is old info.any update on the Dolphins GM? Is Zanders from detroit the front runner?
Falcons hired Scott Pioli as assistant general manager.
Pioli was fired by the Chiefs as they cleaned house following a two-win 2012 campaign. After spending a year in the media, he's reunited with old friend Thomas Dimitroff in Atlanta. The duo became close friends while working in New England's front office together. Pioli deserves more credit than he's gotten for helping put together a talented Chiefs roster that went 11-5 in 2013 and produced five first- or second-team All-Pros (Jamaal Charles, Dontari Poe, Tamba Hali, Eric Berry, Dexter McCluster). It's a nice get for the Falcons.
Source: Jay Adams on Twitter
ESPN Falcons blogger Vaughn McClure reports Falcons OC Dirk Koetter has already had his interview for the Browns head-coaching vacancy and is viewed as a "long shot" for the job.
Koetter is one of, if not the only candidate to interview with the Browns who has previous head-coaching experience at some level; he coached Boise State from 1998-2000 and Arizona State from 2001-2006. Bills DC Mike Pettine appears to remain the front runner for the Cleveland job. The Browns may still want to talk to Seahawks DC Dan Quinn before making a decision.
Related: Browns
Source: Vaughn McClure on Twitter
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports Packers RBs coach Alex Van Pelt is high on Bills DC Mike Pettine's list as a potential OC candidate should Pettine get the Browns head-coaching job.
Van Pelt, 43, played quarterback in the NFL from 1993-2003 and has coached mainly quarterbacks before becoming Green Bay's running backs coach in 2012. He was the OC for the Bills back in 2009 under **** Jauron and Perry Fewell. There's some speculation that Van Pelt could shift to QBs coach in Green Bay because Ben McAdoo left to become the Giants OC.
Related: Packers
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter
Interesting points and I had not thought about Pioli and the Chiefs' success this year, but he certainly should get some credit.Rotoworld:
Falcons hired Scott Pioli as assistant general manager.
Pioli was fired by the Chiefs as they cleaned house following a two-win 2012 campaign. After spending a year in the media, he's reunited with old friend Thomas Dimitroff in Atlanta. The duo became close friends while working in New England's front office together. Pioli deserves more credit than he's gotten for helping put together a talented Chiefs roster that went 11-5 in 2013 and produced five first- or second-team All-Pros (Jamaal Charles, Dontari Poe, Tamba Hali, Eric Berry, Dexter McCluster). It's a nice get for the Falcons.
Source: Jay Adams on Twitter
How do the Dolphins still not have a GM!? Is the team even aware that Senior Bowl week is this week?any update on the Dolphins GM? Is Zanders from detroit the front runner?
I was thinking the same thing. He stockpiled some talent, and they were primed once they got a competent HC and QB. The luster may have been off after being fired, but if you factor in his body of work in NE, very good get for ATL (as noted, Dimitroff was his protege).Interesting points and I had not thought about Pioli and the Chiefs' success this year, but he certainly should get some credit.Rotoworld:
Falcons hired Scott Pioli as assistant general manager.
Pioli was fired by the Chiefs as they cleaned house following a two-win 2012 campaign. After spending a year in the media, he's reunited with old friend Thomas Dimitroff in Atlanta. The duo became close friends while working in New England's front office together. Pioli deserves more credit than he's gotten for helping put together a talented Chiefs roster that went 11-5 in 2013 and produced five first- or second-team All-Pros (Jamaal Charles, Dontari Poe, Tamba Hali, Eric Berry, Dexter McCluster). It's a nice get for the Falcons.
Source: Jay Adams on Twitter
Rotoworld:GroveDiesel said:How do the Dolphins still not have a GM!? Is the team even aware that Senior Bowl week is this week?bicycle_seat_sniffer said:any update on the Dolphins GM? Is Zanders from detroit the front runner?
The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins plan to interview at least two finalists for their general manager vacancy this coming weekend and could have a GM in place by Monday.
The Dolphins brought in seven candidates in their first round of interviews -- Cleveland's Ray Farmer, Arizona's Jason Licht, Tennessee's Lake Dawson, Pittsburgh's Omar Khan, Tampa Bay's Dennis Hickey, Detroit's Brian Xanders, and their own Brian Gaine. Licht has since been named the GM in Tampa Bay, but one of the other six will eventually be Miami's next general manager.
Source: Miami Herald
don't know anything about Farmer, huh?Hiring Cleveland's assistant GM seems to me to be hitting rock bottom if the Phins end up with Farmer as their GM.
doneLocal radio has Cowboys chatting with Pope to be their TE coach
This is the only article I can find suggesting it
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/01/are_cowboys_eyeing_former_giants_te_coach_mike_pope.html
He's 71 BTW
He wasn't there last year. He was there from 2010-2012 when they underperformed as a unit.Buffalo had the 2nd most sacks. Why did Buffalo not re-sign Smith?
The 49ers considered moving Eric Mangini from senior offensive consultant to quarterbacks coach in the event they lost OC Greg Roman to a head-coaching job.
It was a contingency plan, with QBs coach Geep Chryst ticketed to succeed Roman as coordinator. As Roman never emerged as a serious HC candidate, Jim Harbaugh has no plans to shake up his staff. Still, it's a reminder Mangini is very much an active part of what's happening in San Fran. We wouldn't be shocked to see Mangini resurface in a prominent coaching role in a year or two.
Source: CSN Bay Area
ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi reports the Browns had "more conversations" with Patriots OC Josh McDaniels this week.
The "conversations" ostensibly concerned Cleveland's head-coaching vacancy, as Grossi reports McD is "possibly back in (the) mix" to succeed Rob Chudzinski. Bills DC Mike Pettine continues to be viewed as the favorite, but there's been more than one indication the Browns aren't in love with that idea. GM Mike Lombardi does love McDaniels, and we suspect he'd prefer him to Pettine.
Related: Browns
Source: Tony Grossi on Twitter
Cowboys hired Mike Pope as tight ends coach.
They're stealing him from the division-rival Giants, where Pope was widely considered the NFL's premier tight ends coach, and some even viewed him as the single most effective position coach in all of football. It's good news for rising second-year TE Gavin Escobar, who struggled to earn playing time as a rookie. Assuming Escobar is on board, Pope will whip him into shape.
Related: Giants
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter
The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Akron Beacon Journal, and NFL Network are all reporting Greg Schiano will not be the Browns' next head coach despite his Wednesday interview with the team.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora simultaneously reported late Wednesday that Schiano is very much alive in Cleveland, but it sounds like the Browns are trying to throw water on the fire that erupted when word leaked of Schiano's interview. Multiple reports now indicate Bills DC Mike Pettine is the favorite, with Seahawks DC Dan Quinn not a serious candidate. So signs point toward Pettine getting the job. The NFL couldn't have handled another year of Schiano anyway.
Related: Browns
Source: Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter
Bills DC Mike Pettine will fly to Cleveland on Thursday for his third head-coaching interview with the Browns.
Pettine is a definite finalist for the Cleveland job, apparently along with ex-Bucs HC Greg Schiano. The Cleveland Plain Dealer also reported Wednesday that Seahawks DC Dan Quinn isn't out of the mix, though the Browns have no interview set with Quinn at this time. The Browns seem to have moved on from Falcons OC Dirk Koetter's candidacy. Pettine would be an easy choice over Schiano if it comes down to those two, but we're dealing with the Browns here.
Related: Browns
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
I heard that they are the only team not in attendanceGroveDiesel said:How do the Dolphins still not have a GM!? Is the team even aware that Senior Bowl week is this week?bicycle_seat_sniffer said:any update on the Dolphins GM? Is Zanders from detroit the front runner?
Ross could be pulling a Constanza. We could see a Super Bowl season if he stays disciplined.I heard that they are the only team not in attendanceGroveDiesel said:How do the Dolphins still not have a GM!? Is the team even aware that Senior Bowl week is this week?bicycle_seat_sniffer said:any update on the Dolphins GM? Is Zanders from detroit the front runner?
Browns assistant GM Ray Farmer has removed himself from consideration for the Dolphins' general-manager vacancy.
Maybe you could be the next GM of the Dolphins. The Dolphins have now swung and missed on their top two candidates to replace Jeff Ireland. Jason Licht took the same job with the Bucs, while Farmer has decided he'd rather work for a team with an owner under federal investigation. Candidates clearly aren't liking the power "structure" they're encountering in Miami. Owner Stephen Ross has made a hot mess of things by refusing to let his candidates have final say on the head coach, and making it unclear who indeed has final say on anything. Internal candidate Brian Gaine is now the Dolphins' only legitimate option. Maybe they'll re-hire Ireland.
Related: Browns
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter
Packers promoted RBs coach Alex Van Pelt to QBs coach.
It's notable because Van Pelt was reportedly the top candidate to oversee new coach Mike Pettine's offense in Cleveland. A career backup as a quarterback, Van Pelt has been an NFL assistant since 2006, overseeing the Pack's running backs since 2012. Working with Aaron Rodgers will help to burnish his credentials for future promotions.
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter
Browns hired Bills DC Mike Pettine as head coach.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer broke the news, and the Browns confirmed it moments later. "Mike is the epitome of what we want Browns to be," owner Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. "Tough, aggressive and innovative, with a blue-collar, team-first mentality." Pettine has zero head-coaching experience above the high-school level, but has been an NFL coordinator since 2009. A Rex Ryan product, Pettine oversaw one of the league's most aggressive, havoc-creating defenses his lone year in Buffalo. He'll be the Browns' third head coach since Haslam took control of the team in 2012. Cleveland's search was messy, and full of public rejection, but they've backed into a strong hire. That being said, it's absolutely critical Pettine makes the right hire at offensive coordinator to oversee the Browns' broken, in limbo offense.
Related: Bills
Source: Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter
Ex-Redskins OC Kyle Shanahan has been brought back for a second interview for the Ravens' offensive-coordinator vacancy.
The same is true of Steelers RBs coach Kirby Wilson. Shanahan is interviewing on Thursday, while Wilson will visit on Friday. It's the last coordinating job Shanny Jr. is in the running for. Although 2013 was an abject disaster for Shanahan's Redskins offense, he has a mostly strong six-year track record of calling plays. He'd be a good hire for the Ravens.
Related: Ravens, Steelers
Source: Baltimore Sun
CEO Joe Banner confirmed the Browns signed new head coach Mike Pettine to a five-year contract.
A five-year deal for a coach is a rarity in the NFL. On the heels of firing Rob Chudzinski after only one year with the organization, the Browns may be trying to send a message of stability with this contract. The contract could also be a sign of the Browns' desperation after striking out on several other candidates.
Source: Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter
NFL Network's Albert Breer confirms Dolphins VP Brian Gaine is a finalist in the team's general manager search.
He's getting a second interview. Gaine has been the only in-house candidate considered by Miami since the start of owner Stephen Ross' search. With Browns exec Ray Farmer pulling his name out of the hat, Miami's GM pursuit looks to be down to Gaine versus Titans VP of player personnel Lake Dawson.
Source: Albert Breer on Twitter
The Browns have requested permission to interview Bills LBs coach Jim O’Neil for their defensive-coordinator vacancy.
2013 was O'Neil's first year as the Bills' LBs coach. He spent the previous four years coaching under new Browns head man Mike Pettine for the Jets, serving as DBs coach from 2010-12. According to BuffaloBills.com, O'Neil played for Pettine's dad in high school. In other words, their connection runs long and deep. O'Neil will be the heavy favorite to coordinate Cleveland's defense if the Bills grant permission.
Related: Bills
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter
The Dolphins will conduct a third interview with Titans VP of player personnel Lake Dawson for their general-manager vacancy.
There's some debate over whether this is Dawson's second or third interview with the Dolphins, but both ESPN's Josina Anderson and NFL.com's Ian Rapoport report it's his third. A former player, Dawson has spent the past seven years in the Titans' front office, and currently serves as GM Ruston Webster's top assistant. He'd be a solid get for a team that's bungled its general-manager search in disastrous fashion. According to the Miami Herald, four candidates have declined to even be interviewed by Miami, with a fifth declining a follow-up talk.
Related: Titans
Source: Josina Anderson on Twitter
The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins "remain in conversations" with Bucs director of player personnel Dennis Hickey regarding their general manager vacancy.
It's unclear if Hickey will receive a second interview, but the Dolphins are keeping tabs on him. In-house assistant GM Brian Gaine and the Titans' Lake Dawson appear to be the lead dogs for Miami's GM post. Owner Stephen Ross will fly into Miami this weekend. The tentative plan is to have a new GM by Monday.
Related: Buccaneers
Source: Barry Jackson on Twitter
ESPN Bills blogger Mike Rodak thinks DBs coach Donnie Henderson could be an option to replace Mike Pettine as Buffalo's defensive coordinator.
Henderson has coordinating experience; he was the Jets DC from 2004-2005 before running the Lions defense in 2006. He's been with coach Doug Marrone the past two seasons but also could follow Pettine to Cleveland. Rodak also mentions Gregg Williams as a potential Pettine replacement. Williams was in Tennessee this past season but was let go when Ken Whisenhunt was hired.
Source: ESPN.com
The Ravens interviewed in-house WRs coach Jim Hostler for their offensive coordinator vacancy a second time on Thursday.
Hostler, ex-Redskins OC Kyle Shanahan, and Steelers RBs coach Kirby Wilson all received second interviews, while ex-Lions OC Scott Linehan wasn't brought back. Hostler would be an underwhelming hire, but he knows the personnel. Expect the Ravens to make a decision on their new offensive boss shortly.
Source: Baltimore Sun
According to wiki, yes.bicycle_seat_sniffer said:Is Lake Dawson the former Chiefs WR? cant imagine two guys named that in the NFL biz
I don't know, but I hope and think he does well wherever he goes.On the radio, they mentioned he's likely going to be a DC somewhere.I haven't' read/heard anything, but I think Johnson is leaving on his own accord and additionally I would suspect that Belichick doesn't want him to go. He's part of the silent consistency of the Pats coaching staff. Everyone knows about Weiss/Crennel/everyone else leaving, but some guys have been with Belichick forever, like Pepper and Dante Scarnecchia.Scapegoat for Hightower/Spikes underwhelming?http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/10327391/pepper-johnson-new-england-patriots-assistant-coach-leaving-team
Pepper Johnson leaving the Pats.
Reiss wrote "He'll likely be moving to a different franchise as a defensive coordinator, or at a location with more upward mobility."
What's left? Cleveland?
Bills hired Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator.
After his firing in Detroit, Schwartz was a rumored candidate to coordinate Marvin Lewis' defense in Cincinnati, but the Bengals stayed in-house with LBs coach Paul Guenther. Although 47-year-old Schwartz couldn't control his Lions teams, he was an effective defensive coordinator in Tennessee from 2001-2008 under Jeff Fisher. Schwartz has background in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes dating back to the Titans and Ravens in the 1990s. The Bills have personnel fit for either kind of alignment. He's inheriting a very talented young group, and we like the hire for Buffalo. Losing Pettine was a big blow, but Schwartz softens it.
Related: Lions