In Chicago, Brad Biggs reports the Bears "sent out an internal email Tuesday morning" announcing that GM Jerry Angelo "is no longer with the organization." The team has "yet to announce a move and until chairman of the board George McCaskey has been heard from, speculation will be that the removal of Angelo might just be the first in a series of moves." Rumors circulated "early last month that Angelo would retire at the end of the season." The way this news "came out, it’s likely this decision wasn’t made by him." Angelo had a contract with the team though '13 (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 1/3). Also in Chicago, Sean Jensen notes Angelo has been a "lightning rod figure, widely criticized for his selection in the NFL Draft and even NFL free agency" (SUN-TIMES.com, 1/3).
RAINING BOOS: In Miami, Greg Cote writes under the header, "Make-Or-Break Year For Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross." Cote notes Ross "predictably and with enthusiasm was booed in his own stadium when introduced" during Sunday's game against the Jets. Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria "used to be Miami's most unpopular sports owner, but now he could give lessons on how to remake one's image -- lessons Ross could use." Ross "finds himself not only competing with other NFL teams to win the best coach and best quarterback -- but also competing with the Heat and Marlins to win the trust of South Florida, the faith of the rightly skeptical Dolfans." Cote: "Hunting season has begun, and it will be Ross' litmus test. ... Can Ross succeed as a football owner with the product he puts on the field? This is what the fans want. This is where the doubt lies. This is what we're about to find out" (MIAMI HERALD, 1/3).
SURGE PROTECTOR: Chargers President Dean Spanos has said that he is "taking time to decide the fate" of head coach Norv Turner and GM A.J. Smith. In California, Scott Bair cited a source as saying that Spanos "wants to strip emotion from his decision-making process before making a final call, which is expected this week." Another source said that there is "now a real possibility that Turner and Smith could both be retained." Sources said last week that Spanos "was reluctant to fire either man." The Chargers' "late-season surge, combined with financial factors and the fact Spanos believes the team is close to a return to contention, may have helped justify keeping both" (NORTH COUNTY TIMES, 1/3).
RAIDING THE PACK? NFL.com's Jason La Canfora cited sources as saying that the Raiders "will beef up and restructure their front office, three months after the Oct. 8 passing of former owner Al Davis." Sources have "repeatedly mentioned" the names of two potential candidates "with ties to the organization" -- Packers Dir of Football Operations Reggie McKenzie and Assistant Dir of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf. Sources said that former Packers VP/Personnel Ken Herock, who also had three stints with the Raiders, is advising Raiders Owner Mark Davis "on the process and has been a regular presence at the team's facility" (NFL.com, 1/1).
KEEP HOPE ALIVE: In Charlotte, Scott Fowler wrote the Panthers "have given their fans a reason to hope again." Panthers games "once again became fun to go to this season." Rookie QB Cam Newton "began a tradition in Bank of America Stadium of giving the balls the Panthers scored touchdowns with to kids in the front row." Several teammates "followed suit, helping cement the bond between players and fans." As the "new year begins, the Panthers have hope again, mostly due to Newton" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 1/2).
