Raiders Fire, Jets Hire

Sources indicate that Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been told he will be fired this week, following the unit's disappointing performance in 2007, the Oakland Tribune reported. Ryan, however, appears ready to land on his feet. According to New York-area reports, New York Jets defensive coordinator Bob Sutton is expected to lose his job. And the Tribune reported that according to sources, Ryan will succeed Sutton in New York. Ryan and Jets coach Eric Mangini were defensive assistants together for four seasons in New England under Bill Belichick. Sources indicated Ryan was told before the Raiders' final game, against San Diego on Sunday, that he would not be returning in 2008, according to the Tribune. That could clear the way for coach Lane Kiffin to hire his father, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, as the elder Kiffin's contract with the Bucs expires at the end of their season. ESPN News Services

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Peterson Gets Offensive Rookie Of The Year Award

Adrian Peterson ran away with The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting the same way he surged past opposing tacklers this season. The Minnesota Vikings running back, who set the league mark for rushing in a game with 296 yards in a 35-17 victory over San Diego, also had a 224-yarder in a win against Chicago. The key to Minnesota's improvement to an 8-8 record this season, he led the NFC with 1,341 yards rushing, second only to San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson in the league. His 78 points on 13 touchdowns were second in the conference. Those numbers, compiled in 14 games, and his overall impact -- the Vikings struggled to pass the ball, yet were in the wild-card race until the final game -- earned Peterson 46 1/2 votes Wednesday from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. Cleveland tackle Joe Thomas was the only other player receiving votes, 3 1/2 . AP

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Superbowl Sweepstakes

Here's a chance for you to win a customized jersey of your choice! Comment on this post or send me an email at bam@nflrumorz.com with your picks for who will be in the superbowl, and the final score!

Rules:
1) You may only enter once
2) Please include your name and email
3) Entries will end 5th

Good Luck!

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Nolan To Remain 49ers Coach

Mike Nolan will keep his job as the coach of the San Francisco 49ers but will relinquish final say over personnel decisions, Yahoo! Sports has learned. After two days of deliberation, 49ers owners John and Denise DeBartolo York decided Tuesday to retain Nolan, who has two years left on the five-year contract he signed before the 2005 season. His 16-32 record over three seasons, including a 5-11 mark in '07, put his job in jeopardy, and he will likely make changes to his coaching staff. Nolan, who has also been the 49ers' de facto general manager since joining the franchise, agreed to give up front-office control as a condition of his return. The franchise will hire a general manager to assume those duties, and the leading contender is believed to be current vice president of player personnel Scott McCloughan. With Nolan staying, this likely means the end of the Alex Smith era, and the 49ers will look to trade or release him this offseason. Rumor Update: Nolan will fire offensive coordinator Jim Hostler after only one season, and will look to add Mike Martz who was just fired from being the Lion's O-coordinator.

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Jets Look To Keep Pennington

He was demoted at midseason and spoke openly about the end of this career with the New York Jets, but Chad Pennington may not be done with the organization quite yet according to the New York Daily News. According to the Daily News, the organization is leaning heavily toward retaining Pennington. Pennington is signed through 2011 and, although his 2008 salary ($4.8 million) is steep for a potential backup, the club is prepared to keep him, presumably to battle Kellen Clemens next training camp. Eric Mangini declined Monday to tip his hand on the all-important quarterback decision, except to say he's not ready to anoint Clemens the undisputed starter for 2008, as he did a year ago for Pennington.

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