Pats’ assistant Flores is finalist in Dolphins’ search
MIAMI >> The Miami Dolphins are turning to their AFC East nemesis for help. New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores is a finalist in the Dolphins’ coaching search, a person familiar with the decision said Friday, and they’re expected to offer him the job when his team’s postseason ends.
If they fail to reach a deal with Flores, they haven’t ruled out Cowboys secondary coach Kris Richard.
Flores has been a Patriots assistant for 11 seasons and took over defensive play-calling afer the departure of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. In Miami he would replace Adam Gase, who was fired after three seasons and hired as coach of the New York Jets.
Cardinals hire Joseph
PHOENIX >> Former Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph has been hired as the defensive coordinator on new Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury’s staff.
General manager Steve Keim had said he wanted a veteran defensive coordinator to pair with Kingsbury, who has no NFL coaching experience and will focus on offense.
Joseph was fired on Dec. 31 after two seasons as coach of the Broncos. He has 14 years of coaching experience in the NFL, 12 on the defensive side of the ball.
Source: Kubiak not returning to Broncos staff
ENGLEWOOD, COLO. >> A person with knowledge of the breakdown in talks tells The Associated Press that Gary Kubiak won’t return to run the Broncos’ offense for new head coach Vic Fangio as had been expected.
The person, who spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation, said the two longtime NFL veterans couldn’t agree on scheme, philosophy and staffing.
Kubiak remains under contract with the Broncos and will continue in his role as a senior personnel adviser.
Chargers’ Henry questionable
COSTA MESA, CALIF. >> Chargers tight end Hunter Henry is hopeful of playing less than eight months after suffering a knee injury, but it is likely to be a game-time decision.
Henry is listed as questionable on the injury report going into Sunday’s AFC divisional-round game at New England. He was a full participant in all three days of practice leading up to the game.
Henry said following Friday’s practice that he has the mindset that he will be active.
Pettine staying
GREEN BAY, WIS. >> Mike Pettine is staying as defensive coordinator of the Packers. New coach Matt LaFleur announced the decision, answering one of his biggest questions just three days after being hired.
In his first year, Pettine installed a 3-4 scheme and had mixed results.
Parkey off social media
CHICAGO >> Kicker Cody Parkey is staying off social medial after his missed field goal at the end of the Bears’ 16-15 loss to the Eagles.
Parkey told NBC’s “Today” show Friday he feels “worse than anybody about missing that kick.” He also says “football is what I do; it’s not who I am.”
Parkey thought he hit a “pretty good kick” and his 43-yard attempt would go in even as it hit the left upright and crossbar. He wasn’t aware the Eagles’ Treyvon Hester touched it.