NFL Notebook: Cowboys narrow coaching field to two
The Dallas Cowboys’ coaching search has been narrowed to two candidates. San Francisco offensive coordinator Norv Turner and San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips are the two finalists for the vacant head coaching job, a source close to the search said.
Earlier Wednesday, Indianapolis assistant coach/quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell became the 10th man to interview for the position vacated by Bill Parcells on Jan. 22.
According to ESPN.com, league and Cowboys sources said that Phillips will be named head coach.
Phillips reportedly traveled from San Diego to Dallas Wednesday night after being told he was their choice.
A formal team announcement for Phillips could come as early as today.
Romo returns in stride
Though the Pro Bowl is usually short on drama, there’s a good reason to watch until the end this year: Tony Romo will be holding for the NFC’s kicks.
The Cowboys quarterback gets his first chance Saturday to play after his infamous playoff flub on a short field goal late in the Cowboys’ loss at Seattle.
From that moment, Romo couldn’t wait to get back on the field – and he’s been all smiles at practice this week, soaking up the sunshine and his new teammates.
“It’s always good to get that taste out of your mouth,” he said. “You’ve got to move on. Eventually, you’ve got to get on and get ready for the next season, and that’s what I’m doing.”
The Cowboys started 8-4 with a two-game lead in the NFC East before losing four of their last five, including the final three, culminating with a playoff loss in Seattle when Romo couldn’t place the snap. Romo was devastated, sitting near the goal line of Qwest Field, chin buried in his chest and his hands covering his facemask.
But Romo is making his first Pro Bowl appearance after taking over for Drew Bledsoe in late October and passing for 2,903 yards, 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Kiel pleads guilty
Chargers safety Terrence Kiel pleaded guilty in San Diego to felony and misdemeanor drug charges for shipping codeine-based cough syrup to Texas, part of a plea bargain that could allow him to avoid jail time.
One of six Chargers involved in eight run-ins with police since April, Kiel was ordered to do 100 hours of volunteer work, including talking to young people about the dangers of drugs, and undergo counseling for gambling.
Around the league
The Oakland Raiders hired Mark Jackson as director of football development. … The San Diego Chargers hired Clancy Barone as tight ends coach and Matt Simon as their running backs coach.