Mangini interviews Callahan

Mangini interviews Callahan
New York Jets coach Eric Mangini interviewed former Nebraska coach Bill Callahan on Wednesday for an unspecified position on his coaching staff.

Callahan's area of expertise is the offensive line. The Jets' two line coaches, Tony Wise and Mike Devlin, are thought to be in trouble. Wise could become the line coach at Pitt. Mangini also may be looking to create a new position, a running-game coordinator, to bolster the team's 19th-rated rushing offense.

Callahan, Oakland's head coach in 2002 and 2003, helped build a formidable rushing attack in his years with the Raiders. Callahan has also be rumored to be up for a job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Jones-Drew is an irresistible force
Between the Jags' running game and T.O.'s injury, Jason Whitlock says the two top seeds could be in trouble this weekend.

Giants assuming Owens will play no matter what Dallas says

The New York Daily News reported Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Ownes didn't come close to practicing Wednesday, and coach Wade Phillips, who didn't even set eyes on his star wideout, could offer little hope that he will be able to suit up, a signal the New York Giants interpreted as pure and simple smoke.

As defensive end Justin Tuck put it, they are not buying the head fake.

"He will play," Tom Coughlin said. "There is no doubt in my mind he will play."

Tampa offensive line coach Muir will interview in Miami

With many of the front-running candidates for the Miami Dolphins tied up with the NFL playoffs, the franchise will continue interviews but for potential assistant coaches.

The Miami Herald reported Tampa Bay Buccaneer offensive line coach�Bill Muir, who worked with Bill Parcells on the New York Jets staff, will interview for a job. Muir's contract is set to expire.

Muir has long been one of the most respected offensive line coaches in the NFL. And given the Dolphins' decision to fire highly regarded Hudson Houck, it could mean vice president of football operations Bill Parcells is prepared to grab Muir, just like he snatched up quarterbacks coach David Lee from Ole Miss because of their strong ties.

Pats have pressure to perform in playoffs
The Pats have All-Pros, the league MVP and Coach of the Year. But Adam Schein says there's more to New England's title hopes.

Falcons interested in interviewing Carroll
The Atlanta Falcons are interested in Southern California coach Pete Carroll for their head coaching job. A person familiar with the team's coaching situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the Falcons want to speak with Carroll, who is on vacation in Hawaii. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Falcons have not officially met with Carroll.