NFL notes: Rams want to interview eight coaches
With their lost season and an embarrassing finale behind them, the Los Angeles Rams on Monday went into overdrive to find a new coach.
In what is expected to be the first of several waves, the team has asked for permission to interview at least eight candidates who might lead the franchise after a miserable 4-12 finish.
At this stage, the Rams appear focused on initially speaking with offensive coordinators, some of whom are on the staffs of teams with first-round playoff byes.
The Rams have attempted to set up meetings with New England’s Josh McDaniels, Atlanta’s Kyle Shanahan, Washington’s Sean McVay, Arizona’s Harold Goodwin, Buffalo interim coach Anthony Lynn and Jacksonville interim coach Doug Marrone, a person with knowledge of the situation said. They also have requested permission to interview New England defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and Miami defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, the person said.
The Rams will have competition for those coaches and others.
The San Diego Chargers – who might soon be bound for Los Angeles – San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills also are in the market for new coaches.
Browns get top pick in draft
A 1-15 record earned the Cleveland Browns the top pick in April’s NFL draft.
Since returning to the league as an expansion franchise in 1999, the Browns twice have used the No. 1 overall selection. In their first season, they chose Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch. The next year, they got Penn State defensive lineman Courtney Brown.
San Francisco (2-14) will pick second, followed by Chicago and Jacksonville, both 3-13.
The Rams (4-12), Jets and Chargers, both 5-11, Carolina (6-10), Cincinnati (6-9-1) and Buffalo (7-9) close out the top 10.
O’Brien mum on QB
Coach Bill O’Brien says he doesn’t know who will start at quarterback for the Houston Texans in their wild-card playoff game against the Oakland Raiders on Saturday.
Tom Savage started Houston’s last two games after Brock Osweiler was benched. But Savage’s status for this week is in question after he suffered a concussion in the second quarter of a loss to Tennessee on Sunday.
O’Brien says: “We gave the players a day off (Monday) so I haven’t even seen the quarterbacks. So I’ll have more for you on that (Tuesday).”
Raiders sign Gilbert
The Oakland Raiders have signed quarterback Garrett Gilbert to the practice squad ahead of their first playoff game in 14 years.
Agent Leigh Steinberg announced the move on his Twitter account. Gilbert spent time on the Raiders practice squad last season and was cut by the team in the offseason.
The Raiders were seeking a quarterback familiar with their offense with starter Derek Carr sidelined with a broken leg and backup Matt McGloin’s status in question with an injured left shoulder. That leaves rookie Connor Cook as the only healthy quarterback under contract.
Oakland (12-4) opens the postseason Saturday at AFC South champion Houston (9-7).