2-minute drill

AWARDS

Smith named NFL coach of year

Mike Smith of the Atlanta Falcons has edged Tony Sparano of the Miami Dolphins by one vote Sunday for the Associated Press 2008 NFL Coach of the Year award.

Both coaches oversaw sensational turnarounds, leading their teams from last-place finishes in 2007 to playoff berths this year. Their achievements were reflected by the closeness of the balloting, with Smith getting 23 1/2 votes and Sparano 22 1/2 from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL.

COACHING

Cowher says he’ll stay at CBS

Bill Cowher doesn’t plan to coach in the NFL next year, and will stay with CBS Sports as a studio analyst.

Cowher was recently wooed by the New York Jets, but said during “The NFL Today” on Sunday that he’s taking it “year to year.”

“It’s a privilege and an honor to be a head coach in the National Football League,” Cowher said. “And I have been flattered about the attention, but the timing right now is not right. I don’t plan on coaching next year.”

COACHING

Raiders talk to Gilbride

Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis had a 90-minute phone conversation with New York Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride about the team’s coaching vacancy.

The two spoke Saturday after Gilbride had expressed interest in the job through his agent, Raiders senior executive John Herrera said Sunday.

Gilbride is the first outside candidate to talk to Davis about the job. Interim coach Tom Cable is also a candidate after running the team for the final 12 games following the firing of Lane Kiffin in September.

Gilbride’s only previous head coaching experience in the NFL came in 1997-98, when he went 6-16 for the San Diego Chargers. The Raiders cannot talk to Gilbride again until the Giants are eliminated from the playoffs.

Record book

Samuel scores fourth TD return

Asante Samuel returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown against the Vikings on Sunday, the Philadelphia cornerback’s NFL-record fourth return for a score in the postseason.

Samuel had three interceptions for touchdowns with the Patriots, and didn’t take long to make an impact in his first chance with the Eagles.

Samuel jumped an out route by Vikings receiver Sidney Rice and got a nice block from defensive end Chris Clemons on Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson at the goal line to get into the end zone.