Oakland fires coach Turner

Al Davis preaches winning, and for three seasons the Oakland Raiders have been losing.

Norv Turner didn’t produce the quick turnaround expected of him in his two seasons as coach of the Raiders, so Davis fired him Tuesday – his third coaching change in five years.

“We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it,” Davis said in a conference call after meeting with Turner earlier in the day. “You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That’s our passion here.

The 53-year-old Turner, who had a year remaining on his contract worth about $1.75 million, knew his job was in jeopardy for the last two months. He struggled to get the most out of star receiver Randy Moss and an offense also including quarterback Kerry Collins, receiver Jerry Porter and running back LaMont Jordan. The Raiders managed only one victory in their division under Turner.

Schottenheimer wants Brees back

Marty Schottenheimer “absolutely” would like to have Drew Brees back, even though the Chargers’ starting quarterback is going under the knife and is not under contract for next year.

Brees traveled to Birmingham, Ala., to get a second opinion on his injured right shoulder from noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

Brees has a torn labrum in his right shoulder, which was dislocated in Saturday’s home loss to Denver when he tried to recover his fumble. Brees said on Monday that he’d like to have surgery this week.

Vikings search for new coach

The Minnesota Vikings launched their search for a head coach, planning an interview with defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell and lining up other candidates from around the league.

Kansas City offensive coordinator Al Saunders arrived in town to talk with owner Zygi Wilf, president Mark Wilf and others in the ownership group and front office who will be part of the process.

Jaguars may be short-handed against Patriots

The Jaguars could be without three defensive starters Saturday night at New England.

Linebacker Mike Peterson and defensive ends Reggie Hayward and Paul Spicer missed practice and were listed as questionable for the wild-card game against the two-time defending champion Patriots.

Peterson sprained his right wrist Sunday against Tennessee and was wearing a cast at practice.

Redskins could open second round in Seattle

If the Washington Redskins beat Tampa Bay on Saturday in an NFC wild-card game, they will open the second round of the playoffs at Seattle on Jan. 14. If the Bucs win that game, they will open that round at Chicago that day.

Lions contact Singletary

The Detroit Lions have contacted Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary about their vacant coaching job.

Singletary, an assistant with the San Francisco 49ers, said the Lions have spoken to him, but an interview has not yet been scheduled.

Collins resigns

John Collins resigned as the Cleveland Browns’ president, ending a late-season power struggle in Cleveland’s front office that outraged already disgusted Browns fans and nearly led to the firing of general manager Phil Savage.

Browns owner Randy Lerner said he hasn’t set a timeframe to bring in another executive.

Around the league

Washington Redskins assistant Gregg Williams signed a three-year contract to remain with the team, a move that solidifies his status as the heir apparent to coach Joe Gibbs. … Browns rookie wide receiver Braylon Edwards had successful surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right knee and faces months of rehabilitation. … The New Orleans Saints were given permission to interview New York Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson for their head coaching vacancy. … Joe Vitt, who served as interim coach of the St. Louis Rams for the last 11 games of the season, has checked into a hospital for treatment of a lingering staph infection. … Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick was given the opportunity to return in 2006 only after agreeing with owner Steve Bisciotti to make significant changes in the way he runs the team. … Nathan Mallett, 24, a fan whose romp on the field at Cleveland Browns Stadium ended in a body slam by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison, was convicted of disorderly conduct charges.