New York retains Coughlin
Tom Coughlin was given a one-year reprieve to turn the New York Giants into a legitimate contender.
Co-owners John Mara and Jonathan Tisch gave the 60-year-old coach a one-year contract extension through 2008, an agreement reached Wednesday, just days after the Giants were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season.
It was a disappointing finish for a team that won the NFC East in 2005 with an 11-5 mark and thought it had a Super Bowl shot coming into this season.
Tagliabue, Thomas make Hall list
Retired NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas are among 17 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2007.
Also making the cut are Bruce Matthews, who played offensive line for the Oilers/Titans from 1983-2001, and former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin.
The other 11 modern-era finalists are defensive ends Fred Dean and Richard Dent; guards Russ Grimm and Bob Kuechenberg; punter Ray Guy; wide receivers Art Monk and Andre Reed; linebackers Derrick Thomas and Andre Tippett; cornerback Roger Wehrli; and tackle Gary Zimmerman.
Joining them are senior committee nominees guard Gene Hickerson and tight end Charlie Sanders. The panel will vote Feb. 3, the day before the Super Bowl in Miami.
Tomlinson, Payton honored
San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson and New Orleans coach Sean Payton earned more postseason honors, getting awards from the Maxwell Football Club.
Tomlinson, this year’s NFL MVP, won the Bert Bell Award as professional player of the year and Payton, already the Associated Press Coach of the Year, was the 18th winner of the Earle “Greasy” Neale Award as the top coach in pro football.
Harrison will sit against Chargers
New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison will miss his second straight playoff game Sunday with a knee injury.
Harrison, hurt in the last regular-season game, was the only Patriots player listed as “out” for the divisional playoff against the San Diego Chargers.
Harrison will sit out the game against the team he played his first nine seasons with before spending four with the Patriots. He sprained his right knee in a 40-23 win at Tennessee when he was blocked by wide receiver Bobby Wade.
Steelers interview fourth coach
The Pittsburgh Steelers may be close to choosing Bill Cowher’s successor.
With assistant coaches Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt the front-runners, the Steelers wrapped up their fourth interview in four days by meeting with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.
Martz talks with Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins’ tour of coaches made stops to visit three more candidates, including Detroit offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
Owner Wayne Huizenga and the Dolphins also interviewed New York Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis and New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
Cardinals court Sherman
The Arizona Cardinals are bringing Mike Sherman back today for a second interview for their coaching vacancy.
At least two others are expected to have second sessions, but their names were not revealed.
The Cardinals are believed to be waiting to see what happens in Pittsburgh, where Steelers assistants Whisenhunt and Grimm are leading candidates to replace Cowher.