Patriots offensive coach will stay

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interview with the San Francisco 49ers but says for now he will remain in New England.

He said that the decision was what’s “best for my family and myself” and that he will stay with the Patriots to focus on this year’s playoffs and finish out the season “however it turns out.”

McDaniels, who was a head coach with the Denver Broncos in 2009 and 2010, interviewed with the 49ers during the Patriots’ bye to open the playoffs.

He also interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

McDaniels and Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia have been candidates for teams with open head coaching jobs this offseason after leading the Patriots to the playoffs.

Falcons

Coach Dan Quinn said All-Pro receiver Julio Jones will play in the NFC championship despite a lingering foot injury that limited him in a divisional-round victory against Seattle. Quinn said there’s no chance of the Falcons being without one of his top offensive players when they host the Packers in a game for a trip to the Super Bowl.

Packers

With a 34-31 win at Dallas, Mike McCarthy passed Vince Lombardi and Mike Holmgren on Green Bay’s coaching victory list with his 10th postseason victory.

Seahawks

Coach Pete Carroll said that cornerback Richard Sherman played the second half of the season with an MCL injury in his knee. Carroll did not specify which knee was injured, but said it was similar to Russell Wilson’s sprained MCL suffered early in the season.

Texans

Offensive coordinator George Godsey will not return next season. Houston said that the team and Godsey “have mutually agreed to part ways.” Coach Bill O’Brien said that he is “grateful for the tireless work ethic and contributions George has made to our team over the last three years.”

Redskins

Washington interviewed Rob Ryan for their defensive coordinator position. Ryan was most recently Buffalo’s assistant head coach defense this past season under his brother Rex. Ryan has been defensive coordinator for the Raiders, Browns, Cowboys and Saints.

Jaguars

Jacksonville hired former Michigan standout Tyrone Wheatley as running backs coach. Wheatley spent the past two years coaching running backs at his alma mater.

Jets

New York signed right guard Brian Winters to a four-year contract extension. Winters, who was scheduled to become a free agent in March, missed the final two games of the season when he was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.