Tampa Bay Moves Closer To Hiring Dungy As Coach

Tampa Bay general manager Rich McKay huddled late into the afternoon at Bucs headquarters with the team’s owners Saturday, ostensibly putting the final touches on a contract for their new head coach.

That coach is expected to be Vikings defensive coordinator Tony Dungy, and the announcement of Dungy’s appointment could come today or Monday. McKay met Saturday with Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer and Glazer’s sons Bryan and Joel.

The Tampa Tribune reported in its Saturday editions that Dungy had been offered the job and was expected to accept it. Dungy addressed the issue on One on One Sports Network, a nationally syndicated radio network.

With reports widely circulated that he was the new head coach, Dungy said, “That’s really a bit premature. I think we’re headed in that direction but we don’t have anything finalized yet.”

NFL admits error

Jerry Seeman, the supervisor of officials, admits field judge John Robison missed the call when Pittsburgh’s Kordell Stewart stepped behind the end line and came back into the end zone to catch a touchdown against Indianapolis last week.

And he acknowledges instant replay would have reversed the call. But this was a very quiet year for the pro-replay faction. Hardly any controversy. And in the quiet of the NFL office, with no time constraints and plenty of video equipment, Seeman said that Jack Reader, a member of his staff, found only 70 plays that would have been reversed by replay, many of them inconsequential, and many that would not been found by replay officials working under a time deadline.

Teary-eyed reunion

Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was “stunned” when Johnson walked up to him on the field at Texas Stadium last Sunday before the NFC title game against Green Bay to shake his hand and wish him luck.

Jones was involved in a radio interview and there wasn’t much warmth in the exchange. They met again at the Senior Bowl last week.

“Jerry said he appreciated me wishing him luck before the game,” Johnson said. “We talked about that we had five great years together and let’s put (our differences) behind us.”

Marino approves coordinator

Johnson consulted with Dan Marino before retaining Gary Stevens as Miami’s offensive coordinator, just like he consulted with Aikman before hiring Norv Turner in Dallas.

Marino gave Stevens a positive report. Johnson once tried to hire Stevens in Dallas but says Stevens accepted, then changed his mind. That led to a falling out that Johnson said was resolved long ago. Johnson is expected to promote Dolphins linebackers coach George Hill to defensive coordinator, replacing Tom Olivadotti.

Around the league

Operation No. 3 on the right knee of San Francisco 49ers fullback William Floyd was a success. Doctors are optimistic that Floyd could be ready for the first of September, but that still won’t prevent the 49ers from signing a veteran fullback … Under Johnson, the Miami Dolphins plan to go to an I-formation attack and a defense that features zone blitzes. “We’ll be a zone coverage team and we will look heavily into a zone blitz type of scheme,” Johnson said. “I will be more of a hands-on coach with the special teams and more of a hands-on defensive coach.” … The Broncos will have left tackle Gary Zimmerman back next season. He opted not to retire after he found out he played the season with a torn rotator cuff and a torn biceps muscle. Zimmerman is unsigned but said he will re-sign only with the Broncos. … Saints owner Tom Benson said he will not let coach Jim Mora speak with any other NFL owner about a coaching job next season, apparently putting rumors to rest. … Flood waters poured into Three Rivers Stadium Saturday, forcing the Steelers to hurriedly pack up gear for their trip to the Super Bowl. … The Bears’ Erik Kramer was the only quarterback to take every snap for his team.