Packers bring back Philbin to run offense
A familiar face on offense and a fresh voice on defense headline the changes to Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy's revamped staff in the wake of the team's first losing season since 2008.
Joe Philbin, a Packers assistant from 2003 until 2012, was hired Wednesday as offensive coordinator, a job he held for his final five seasons before being named the Miami Dolphins' head coach in January 2012.
On defense, the Packers tabbed Mike Pettine, the ex-Cleveland Browns head coach who built successful defenses with the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills but was largely out of football the last two years, serving as a consultant with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.
McCarthy has also installed run- and passgame coordinators on each side of the ball. On defense, former cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt was promoted to pass-game coordinator, while new inside linebackers coach Patrick Graham will serve as the run-game coordinator.
On offense, longtime offensive line coach James Campen will be the run-game coordinator, while new hire Jim Hostler, who coached wide receivers with Philbin in Indianapolis the past two seasons, will serve as the pass-game coordinator.
The changes come on the heels of a 7-9 season that led to defensive coordinator Dom Capers, offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett and multiple position coaches being let go.
Incognito still mum about Ngakoue accusation
Buffalo Bills guard Richie Incognito jogged off the practice field Wednesday, started signing autographs for kids and then declined all interview requests.
Incognito's version of what happened during a wild-card game at Jacksonville earlier this month remains unclear.
Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue accused Incognito of using "weak racist slurs" during the game. They ended up as Pro Bowl teammates this week, and Ngakoue said Wednesday they cleared the air and are good to go.
Ngakoue declined to get into specifics about their conversation at ESPN's Wide World of Sports complex, preferring to move on.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Wednesday the exchange "remains under review."
Bell optimistic about contract progress
Pittsburgh Steelers star running back Le'Veon Bell says he and the team are making progress on a contract extension.
The team has presented an initial offer, and Bell says "we are a lot closer than we were last year."
Bell spoke Wednesday at the Pro Bowl. He says he doesn't believe talks will drag on. He says "I think we'll get something done and it will be exciting for both sides, for the fans and everybody."
The 25-year-old turned down a long-term contract in 2017, skipped training camp and then signed a one-year, $12 million franchise tender.
The Steelers could franchise him again in March, a move Bell told ESPN would force him to consider retiring or sitting out the 2018 season. A second tag would be worth around $14.5 million.
Rams hire former UCLA offensive coordinator
The Los Angeles Rams have hired former UCLA interim head coach Jedd Fisch as a senior offensive assistant.
Rams head coach Sean McVay announced the move Wednesday.
Fisch was the Bruins' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach last season, markedly improving the Bruins' offense during his only year in charge.
Fisch then took over for fired head coach Jim Mora for UCLA's regular-season finale, and the Bruins secured bowl eligibility with a victory over California. Fisch will bolster the Rams' offensive coaching staff after the departure of quarterbacks coach Greg Olson, who is the Oakland Raiders' new offensive coordinator.