Browns hire DePodesta
The Cleveland Browns hired former Dodgers general manager Paul DePodesta, an analytics expert with 20 years of major league experience as a baseball executive, to be their new chief strategy officer.
Team owner Jimmy Haslam, who fired coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer after a 3-13 season, pulled DePodesta away from the New York Mets to help the Browns with decision making. He had been vice president of player development and amateur scouting for a Mets team that won the National League pennant last season.
DePodesta, who will be involved in the search for the Browns’ next coach, was described by Haslam as “an extremely talented, highly respected sports executive who will add a critical dimension to our front office. His approach and ambition to find the best pathways for organizational success transcend one specific sport.”
DePodesta, the Dodgers’ GM in 2004 and 2005, began his baseball career in Cleveland as an intern with the Indians in 1996. He later worked in Oakland alongside A’s GM Billy Beane. Dalton may have role
Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton had the cast removed from his passing hand, and Coach Marvin Lewis hinted he might have a backup role in Saturday’s playoff game against Pittsburgh. The Bengals still plan to start AJ McCarron, who has gone 2-1 as the starter since Dalton suffered a broken right thumb Dec. 13.
Dolphins update
Mike Shanahan, weighing a return to coaching after two years out of the NFL, interviewed for Miami’s head coaching job. The Dolphins also interviewed Detroit defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
Coughlin’s farewell
Tom Coughlin held an emotional news conference a day after resigning as New York Giants coach. “Winning the right way is a very, very important thing to me and all our coaches,” said Coughlin, whose 12-year tenure included two NFL titles. “That’s what motivates and inspires us. Championships are won by teams who love and respect one another, who play for and support one another.”
Ben McAdoo, the Giants’ offensive coordinator, interviewed for Coughlin’s old job on Tuesday. Etc.
Chicago offensive coordinator Adam Gase interviewed for Philadelphia’s head coaching job. . . . The Steelers aren’t ruling out running back DeAngelo Williams for the game against Cincinnati, listing him as day to day after he injured his right leg Sunday against Cleveland. . . . Cornerback Cary Williams, waived by Seattle last month, signed with Washington ahead of Sunday’s playoff game against Green Bay. The Redskins placed safety Kyshoen Jarrett on injured reserve. . . . Jacksonville fired defensive coordinator Bob Babich after three seasons during which the Jaguars ranked 29th in total defense and 31st in scoring defense.