Carroll denies interest in Rams

For a Rams team beginning its search for a new coach, this is a time to dream. Unless it involves Pete

Carroll, apparently. The Seahawks coach, a California native who famously resurrected USC’s program, said on Tuesday’s conference call that he had “no comment” to reports that the Rams would love to hire him to replace Jeff

Fisher, who was fired Monday. Asked if he would like to rule the possibility out entirely, Carroll laughed and said, “Yes.”

The 65-year-old Carroll is in the first year of an extension that runs through 2019. He is in an envied spot as the coach of a team that recently made back-to-back trips to the Super Bowl. County grants approval: Alameda County supervisors approved opening negotiations with an investment group on a proposed $1.3 billion stadium project that backers hope will convince the Raiders to stay in the city. Three of five supervisors voted yes after more than three hours of testimony and discussion.

The Oakland City Council was to consider the issue Tuesday night. If the council approved as well, the parties can start negotiating a formal agreement for a stadium project that includes $350 million in public money by way of land and future revenue.

The push for a new stadium project is being led by Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, who played for the Raiders and 49ers, and former quarterback Rodney Peete.

Earlier this year, Raiders owner Mark Davis said he was committed to moving the Raiders to Las Vegas, where a $1.9 billion stadium project has been approved. Oakland Mayor Libby

Schaaf vowed to continue working on a counterproposal for the Raiders to stay at the Oakland Coliseum. Ravens release Hester: The Ravens released Devin

Hester, perhaps ending the career of one of the best returners in NFL history.

The 34-year-old Hester, whose 14 punt-return touchdowns and 20 return TDs overall are NFL records, was signed to a oneyear deal in September but has struggled with injuries and a hesitancy to field punts. He ranks 18th in the league with a 7.2 yard average.

Extra points: The Dolphins placed C Mike Pouncey on injured reserve, ending the three-time Pro Bowler’s season. In other moves, the Dolphins signed QB T.J. Yates and will keep DE

Dion Jordan, who returned in November from surgery and a 15-month suspension, on the reserve non-football injury list for the rest of the season . ... The NFL announced the teams that will be heading to London next season for a record four regular-season games. The matchups are Ravens-Jaguars, Saints-Dolphins, Vikings-Browns and Cardinals-Rams . ... Former Ravens TE Konrad Reuland died at the age of 29 following a brain aneurism. ... The Bengals released K

Mike Nugent and acquired former Steelers K Randy

Bullock off waivers. Nugent was 23 of 29 on field-goal attempts and had missed five of his last nine extrapoint tries . ... The 49ers placed C Daniel Kilgore on season-ending IR with a knee injury.