Taylor named defensive player of the year

If Jason Taylor calls it quits, he’ll leave at his peak.
The Miami Dolphins’ defensive end, who is contemplating retirement at age 32, was honored Friday as the league’s defensive player of the year.
He had 13 1/2 sacks, forced 10 fumbles, recovered two, intercepted two passes and returned both for scores.
Taylor earned 22 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters. Denver cornerback Champ Bailey received 16, and San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman finished third with six.
Williams mourned
Darrent Williams’ family and friends gathered to remember the charismatic Denver Broncos cornerback who escaped the tough streets but never forgot his roots.
Investigators also have obtained a warrant to search a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe seized Thursday. Police believe the SUV might have been used in the early New Year’s day shooting.
It had been partially spray-painted black, and the Tahoe’s license plates also matched the one sought by investigators.
A person close to the investigation told the Associated Press the SUV is registered to Brian K. Hicks of Denver, who is jailed on unrelated drug and attempted murder charges.
Sin City seeks Bolts
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman continues to roll the dice trying to lure the San Diego Chargers to his gambling and entertainment mecca.
Mark Fabiani, who’s heading the Chargers’ stadium effort, said he returned Goodman’s call, telling the mayor the team will continue to look for a site within San Diego County, “for the time being.”
Shockey still questionable
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey made it through his second straight full practice, but his coach remained noncommittal about whether the Pro Bowl player would be on the field Sunday.
Shockey injured his ankle in the fourth quarter against New Orleans on Dec. 24 on a hit by Saints safety Jay Bellamy.
Seeking Saban successor
The Miami Dolphins’ list of coaching candidates is becoming longer than a Nick Saban speech.
Former Atlanta coach Jim Mora, believed to be the first candidate to interview for the vacancy, met with the Dolphins. They received permission to talk to Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey, a former offensive coordinator in Miami.
The Dolphins also planned to interview San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, Chicago defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner.
Players favor Ryan
It took Al Davis more than five weeks to hire Art Shell as Norv Turner’s replacement as head coach of the Oakland Raiders last off-season. The Raiders are hoping to complete the search for Shell’s successor in a much shorter time frame.
Many of the defensive players are pushing for coordinator Rob Ryan to get the job. The son of former Philadelphia and Arizona coach Buddy Ryan, Rob Ryan was the architect of the league’s third-ranked defense, one of the team’s few bright spots.
Browns fire coaches
Wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie, tight ends coach Ben Coates, offensive quality coach Carl Crennel II and strength and conditioning coach John Lott won’t be back with the Cleveland Browns next season. They’re the first departures in an overhaul of coach Romeo Crennel’s staff.
Around the League
The Kansas City Chiefs signed defensive back Michael Bragg from the practice squad. … After 13 seasons on the job, Tennessee Titans general manager Floyd Reese has resigned, a month before his contract was set to expire. … Tampa Bay’s Jon Gruden and San Francisco’s Mike Nolan and their staffs will coach the Senior Bowl on Jan. 27. Gruden will coach the north while Nolan will lead the south.