NFL rumors: Latest news entering the playoffs on injuries and more
By Brian Rauf, Chat Sports
The NFL regular season wrapped up Sunday and the playoff field is now set. The Carolina Panthers are the top overall seed in the NFC with a 15–1 record, while the Denver Broncos clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 12–4 mark.
Black Monday also got a head start on Sunday night. The Cleveland Browns fired head coach Mike Pettine after their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the San Francisco 49ers fired head coach Jim Tomsula shortly after their overtime win over the St. Louis Rams.
Check out the latest NFL news and rumors below:
• The 49ers are expected to explore the option of hiring New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton if he becomes available, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
• Former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly and former Broncos and Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan have expressed interest in the open 49ers job, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
• Chat Sports: Top 10 replacements for Jim Tomsula as 49ers head coach
• Shanahan is also set to interview with the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, reports Alex Marvez of Fox Sports.
• The Dolphins aren’t expected to retain interim head coach Dan Campbell, but he will interview with the team for the permanent job on Friday, reports Rapoport.
• New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is expected to resign, reports Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer.
• Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula won’t interview for any head coaching positions until Carolina's season is over, reports Rapoport.
• Chat Sports: Colts expected to fire head coach Chuck Pagano
• The Philadelphia Eagles will interview interim head coach Pat Shurmur and Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase for their vacant coaching job.
• New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady suffered a sprained ankle in his team’s loss to the Dolphins on Sunday, but is expected to be ready for the playoffs, reports Schefter.
• Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams will have an MRI on his injured ankle Monday to determine if he can play Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals, reports Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. Williams was hurt during Cincinnati’s win over the Browns on Sunday.
