With the '14 NFL season ending yesterday for teams missing the postseason, several clubs wasted no time addressing the statuses of their coaches and front office execs.
EAGLES: Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie confirmed that GM Howie Roseman "would remain" in his role for a sixth season. Lurie yesterday said of the NFL's youngest GM, "I think Howie's done a great job" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 12/29). Lurie "did not deny that the relationship" between Roseman and coach Chip Kelly is "somewhat strained but said he believes in both" (CSNPHILLY.com, 12/28).
TEXANS: Texans Vice Chair & COO Cal McNair yesterday said there is "absolutely no truth" to a report that GM Rick Smith will be removed from his role after this season (CHRON.com, 12/28). CBSSPORTS.com's Jason La Canfora in the initial report cited sources as saying that Smith is "likely to have an expanded role in the organization in 2015, beyond football operations, with someone else taking over the GM title" (CBSSPORTS.com, 12/28).
RAIDERS: A source said that the Raiders "were truly in the mix" to sign a deal to make Jim Harbaugh the team's next coach, but he "ultimately chose to return to the college ranks" at the Univ. of Michigan. The Raiders are "expected to interview a slew of candidates to fill" their coaching job. Interim coach Tony Sparano "will receive consideration for the position after guiding Oakland to victories in their final three home games" (FOXSPORTS.com, 12/29). Raiders Owner Mark Davis "isn’t tipping his hand" on Sparano's role moving forward, "but Sunday’s game might nudge him in the direction of his likely preference, a big-name, screw-loose coach." If none is available, or if Davis "finds each of them too pricey, Sparano will get a shot" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/29).
GIANTS: Giants President & CEO John Mara, who "was expected to meet with reporters" tomorrow, attended yesterday's games against the Eagles but did not address coach Tom Coughlin's status. Coughlin after the game said, "I’m going to go about my business as I always do until I’m told otherwise. As to anything else, it will have to be initiated by ownership" (N.Y. TIMES, 12/29).
