Newsmakers

Signed Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, who had been working under a memo of understanding, has signed a six-year, $14.25 million contract. As agreed to when he was hired in November, Kiffin will earn $2 million in 2009, which includes pay for broadcasting responsibilities and endorsements.

•Defenseman Chris Chelios, 47, who spent 25 years in the National Hockey League, signed with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League. Chelios, who played last season with the Detroit Red Wings, will make his debut with the Wolves on Friday during a home game against Manitoba. Terms were not disclosed.

Honored For a record-breaking sixth time, Landon Donovan has won the Honda player of the year award as the best player on the U.S. national soccer team. Donovan has scored a leading 42 goals during his 120 games with the U.S. national team.

Died Russian police say gymnast Yury Ryazanov died in a car crash near his home, just days after taking the bronze medal at the world championships. The 22-year-old Ryazanov died after a head-on collision near the city of Vladimir, about 125 miles east of Moscow.

Released The New England Patriots released receiver Joey Galloway and tight end Michael Matthews. Galloway signed with the Patriots as a free agent after 14 seasons. He played in three games and had seven receptions for 67 yards. Galloway was a first-round draft pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 1995.

Agreed The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a long-term extension with general manager Ned Colletti. Under him, the team has reached the postseason in three of his four seasons, the first time a Dodgers GM has accomplished that feat. Colletti joins New York’s Brian Cashman and Boston’s Theo Epstein in doing so among active GMs.

Acquired The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired forward Nathan Jawai from Dallas. The Timberwolves also received cash from the Mavericks for a second-round draft pick in 2012. The 6-foot-10 Jawai is a native of Australia, drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the second round last year.