Buffalo selects Ryan as new head coach

Rex Ryan is switching teams — not divisions — after reaching an agreement to coach the Buffalo Bills. A source said the former New York Jets coach accepted in principle the Bills’ contract offer to replace Doug Marrone who stepped down abruptly Dec. 31. The offer came a day after the Bills identified Ryan as a finalist and met with him for a second time in South Florida, where new owners Terry and Kim Pegula live. Ryan was one of 12 candidates to interview for the job since last weekend. Ryan was chosen ahead of other notable candidates, including two-time Super Bowl winner Mike Shanahan, Cincinnati offensive coordinator Hue Jackson and former Bills backup quarterback Frank Reich, who is San Diego’s offensive coordinator. The Bills are also negotiating to hire Greg Roman as offensive coordinator. Roman, a finalist for the Bills’ coaching job, spent the past four years as the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator. Roman’s future is uncertain in San Francisco after coach Jim Harbaugh left to coach Michigan. Roman is regarded as a good fit under Ryan, because the two share a similar runfirst philosophy. The 49ers’ running attack ranked among the NFL’s top 10 under Roman. The Bills are coming off a 9-7 finish, but missed the playoffs to extend the NFL’s longest active playoff drought to 15 years. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie took his orange sweater to Lambeau Field Sunday to cheer on his beloved Dallas team. Christie exchanged a hug and handshake with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during warmups for the playoff game in Green Bay. Jones has referred to Christie as his team’s “mojo” because Dallas has won the past five games Christie has attended while wearing his orange sweater for good luck. Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. cleared up any doubts about his plans for next season after the team’s loss to New England Saturday night. The five-time Pro Bowl selection said he plans to fulfill the second year of his three-year, $11 million contract. Cowboys Ravens