Huizenga gives Saban special visit
Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga flew to Baton Rouge, La., on Friday, then returned to South Florida nine hours later without Nick Saban.
But the LSU coach might yet join the Dolphins.
Still weighing an offer the Dolphins made Wednesday, Saban met with Huizenga and team president Eddie Jones, then huddled with LSU athletic director Skip Bertman, then said he needed more time.
“In the next 24 to 48 hours we’ll make a decision,” Saban said in a statement released by LSU. “We certainly appreciate everyone’s support, patience and understanding during this very difficult process.”
Before Huizenga departed Baton Rouge, Saban briefly boarded the plane, then got in his car and drove away. Saban and the Tigers are scheduled to fly today to Orlando for their Jan. 1 bowl game against Iowa.
The coach’s hesitancy in making the leap to the NFL is nothing new. He previously turned down overtures from at least five NFL teams, including Atlanta and Chicago a year ago.
Huizenga, a billionaire businessman renowned for his ability to close a deal, arrived in Baton Rouge by private plane to make another pitch.
McGahee practices for Bills
Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee practiced for the first time this week, and his status is unclear for Sunday’s game at San Francisco.
McGahee is listed as questionable after bruising and hyperextending his right knee in Buffalo’s win over Cincinnati last Sunday. Coach Mike Mularkey said that McGahee’s availability will be a game-time decision.
Backup Travis Henry ruled himself out of Sunday’s game because of torn ligaments in his right ankle that forced him to miss the last three games.
McGahee has started nine games this season, with the Bills going 8-1 in those starts. Buffalo is also undefeated (6-0) when he rushes for 100 yards. McGahee has helped lead the Bills (8-6) into the thick of the AFC wild-card race after a 0-4 start.
Around the league
Miami middle linebacker Zach Thomas is expected to return to the Dolphins lineup on Sunday against Cleveland. Thomas missed most of the previous four games because of a strained hamstring, but he returned to practice this week. … The New England Patriots released safety Je’Rod Cherry, who primarily played on special teams during four seasons with the team. Cherry has been a key member of New England’s kick coverage teams, which had a tough Monday night in a loss to Miami, allowing a 71-yard punt return to Wes Welker that set up the Dolphins’ first touchdown. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been unhappy all season with that aspect of special teams play. … The Kansas City Chiefs placed veteran defensive end Vonnie Holliday on injured reserve (groin) and promoted rookie wide receiver Richard Smith from the practice squad. … Jacksonville running back Fred Taylor missed his third straight practice because of a sprained knee and remained questionable for Sunday’s game with Houston. … Former Pro Bowl center Barret Robbins was arrested for hitting a security guard at a night club in San Francisco. The ex-Oakland Raiders lineman was arrested about 7 a.m. after he was told the bar he was trying to enter was closed, according to the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department.