CHARGERS’ HERBERT UNDERGOES SURGERY
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had surgery on his nonthrowing shoulder last week.
However he is expected to be ready for the offseason program in the spring.
The team announced on Sunday that Herbert had surgery on the labrum in his left shoulder on Jan. 25. The Chargers’ offseason program will begin in mid-April.
Herbert showed up on the Chargers’ injury report with a left shoulder injury leading up to the Jan. 8 regular-season finale against the Broncos, but was a full participant throughout the week.
The Chargers made the postseason for the first time in Herbert’s three-year NFL career, but they were eliminated by the Jaguars in the AFC wild-card round after blowing a 27-point, first-half lead.
Moore out in Dallas
Seven days have passed and the reverberations from the Cowboys’ season-ending loss to the 49ers in the NFC divisional playoffs continued to be felt.
Coach Mike McCarthy promised that major changes were in order and the biggest move came on Sunday with the decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, sources confirmed.
Along with Moore, the Cowboys are also moving on from quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, bringing the number coaching changes over the last week to eight.
McCarthy, who has led the Cowboys to back-to-back trips to the playoffs for first time since 2006-2007 and back-to-back 12win seasons since 1992-1995, could be coaching for his job in 2023 and is expected to take over play-calling duties.
McCarthy called plays during his time as head coach of the Packers.
Moore had been the team’s offensive coordinator since 2019 and was considered crucial to quarterback Dak Prescott’s development when McCarthy was hired in 2020.
The Cowboys twice ranked first in yards (2019, 2021) and once ranked first in points (2021) with Moore as the offensive coordinator and play caller.
The Cowboys were 11th in yards and fourth in points this season when Prescott threw a career-high 15 interceptions.
Now, there is a belief within the organization that the Cowboys need a new voice in Prescott’s ear and get him out of his comfort zone to take the next step for himself and the team.
Moore had recently interviewed for the Panthers head coaching position. The Panthers, however, went with former Colts head coach Frank Reich.
Moore has already drawn interest from the Chargers for their offensive coordinator position.
Dolphins hiring Fangio
The Dolphins have reached a deal with former Broncos coach
Vic Fangio to become their defensive coordinator, a person familiar with the hire told The Associated Press.
Fangio, who had been one of the most sought-after defensive coordinator candidates this offseason, was Denver’s head coach from 2019-21, going 19-30.
The Dolphins fired defensive coordinator Josh Boyer after three seasons with the team.
Miami finished the season ranked 18th in total defense, 27th in passing defense and tied for 24th on third downs as the team dealt with various injuries.
The 64-year-old Fangio, a respected defensive mind, figures to mesh well with Dolphins coach
Mike McDaniel and the talent Miami has on defense.
Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins had a career year, totaling 98 tackles.
Linebacker Jaelan Phillips and rookie cornerback Kader Kohou both had standout seasons.
Notable
It’s uncertain if Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will return to the NFL in 2023 for his 24th season.
And if Brady does, it’s uncertain whom he would play for, as he is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.
But if Brady does decide to play another year, the Dolphins are not expected to pursue him in the offseason, ESPN reported.
The latest report comes as Brady has once again been linked to Miami as a possible destination. But GM Chris Grier and McDaniel have publicly backed Tua Tagovailoa as the team’s 2023 starter, despite a pair of diagnosed concussions.