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Big Ben's Tuesday Rumors & Notes

Baseball Rumors & Notes

The Mariners are trying to make their holidays happier by signing Rich Aurilia during this normally quiet stretch of the baseball calendar. The situation is made more complex by the linked need to trade Carlos Guillen, with the 2004 player payroll currently at its $95 million limit. Sources say Seattle could be working on a deal that would send Guillen to Colorado, one of the handful of clubs said to be interested in signing Aurilia.

Mike Flanagan's Christmas break lasted one day, an abbreviated trip to New Jersey that ended with him back at the office, still trying to negotiate a deal that would put Vladimir Guerrero in an Orioles uniform. The Orioles believe they still have the most enticing offer on the table for Guerrero - Flanagan wouldn't confirm whether it's been modified - and they are trying to persuade him to visit Baltimore.

The Yanks are looking at players like Eric Karros, former Met Tony Clark and Andres Galarraga to fill their bench spot. The ideal player would provide some power and wouldn't mind starting only 25-30 games at first base. The Yankees no longer appear to be in the market for a big name signing like Rafael Palmeiro or Travis Lee.

The Mets and the agents for former Marlins closer Braden Looper continue to negotiate and appear to be coming closer to an agreement, although several other teams have interest in Looper. According to a baseball official familiar with the situation, the Mets have made Looper their top priority at this point and have some optimism that he will agree to terms with them.

The Rangers want to look at in-house rotation possibilities Colby Lewis, Joaquin Benoit, R.A. Dickey, Ricardo Rodriguez, Ryan Drese and Mickey Callaway; and get some return on their five-year, $65 million contract for Chan Ho Park. Any outside signings reduce the opportunities to look at those pitchers, all of whom are 30 or younger.

The Colorado Rockies moved a step closer to finalizing the signing of shortstop Royce Clayton on Monday. General manager Dan O'Dowd spoke directly with Clayton to explain the Rockies' reasoning for offering Clayton a minor league contract.

The Rays seek a left-handed hitter to complete the overhaul of their bench. Among the available free agents who could fill the need are former All-Star Robert Fick and former Yankees outfielder Karim Garcia.

Texas will likely add one more position player, perhaps Damian Jackson in a versatile infield/outfield utility role.

Cory Lidle, a right-hander, signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract Monday. Given the dearth of starting pitching, he could end up as the Reds Opening Day starter.

Good things happened for Brian Daubach in his days with the Red Sox. After nine long years in the minors, he proved he could play every day in the major leagues. And he found a wife. Soon, he could be back for more. At 32, Daubach will compete for a bench job in spring training, aiming to provide some lefthanded pop while he serves as a reserve first baseman and outfielder.

It has been less than 18 months since Bobby Valentine was fired by the Mets, and already they want his services again. That doesn't mean the former manager is coming back to Shea, but the Mets are considering making Valentine an advisor to the team from overseas, a Far East consultant.

It's official. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein is finally done with his 20s. Young Theo turned 30 yesterday. He'll be 17 years younger than Jesse Orosco this season. In 20 years Theo gets his AARP card.

The Orioles still expect to sign B.J. Surhoff before the Jan. 8 deadline. Surhoff declined the team's arbitration offer, leaving a three-week window to continue negotiations.

Arte Moreno's top priority is selling the Angels as a brand name, similar to the Yankees in baseball, the Lakers in the NBA or the Cowboys in the NFL. He already has removed "Anaheim" from the team's road jerseys in favor of "Angels." He plans to build a lavish training site for the Angels adjacent to his property in the Phoenix suburb of Goodyear, Ariz.

If it seems odd that a 44-year-old lawyer from New York has spent the past nine years methodically documenting each of Roberto Clemente's 3,000 hits, the story gets odder. The idea behind Eliezer Rodriguez's quest to celebrate Clemente, the Pirates' Hall of Fame right fielder who died in a plane crash 31 years ago Wednesday, came from a dream involving Robert De Niro and Oprah Winfrey.

NFL Rumors & Notes

The job status of Vikings coach Mike Tice was left hanging in the balance by a cryptic statement from owner Red McCombs. Tice appears to have the Vikings back on the right track, improving the team to 9-7 after going 6-10 in his first season as head coach. However, the team's failure to win the NFC North Division championship with a victory over also-ran Arizona on Sunday left more questions than answers as players cleared out their lockers and coaches started assessing the season. "I hope I'm the coach here," Tice said, "but I would be foolish if I wasn't concerned about my job."

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson was identified yesterday as a candidate to replace Dave McGinnis as the Arizona Cardinals' head coach.

Jon Gruden believes the Bucs need to reload, not rebuild. Now he is just waiting for the organization to hire a general manager who will help him decide how to do it. Tim Ruskell, Tampa Bay's director of player personnel, is a candidate for the position, according to Gruden. The coach may also want the team to consider Raiders pro personnel director Mike Lombardi, who worked with Gruden in Philadelphia and Oakland. And former Seahawks and Saints general manager Randy Mueller, who also is a candidate for that position with the Dolphins

The Dolphins immediately identified their leading contender for a newly created general manager position by dangling the job to Ron Wolf. "I'm very flattered," said Wolf, who served as Green Bay's general manager and executive vice president from 1991-2001 before retiring. "We had preliminary discussions today. I'm going to weigh some things, talk about some things with people and sleep on this overnight. We are going to revisit this later in the week

Former coach Jim Fassel will interview with the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday in Phoenix. He and his wife, Kitty, are headed to San Francisco today to watch their son, Mike, and his Boston College teammates play in a bowl game.

Terry Donahue said the 49ers are optimistic about retaining most of their key free agents. He is especially confident about securing star linebacker Julian Peterson, with whom talks are moving forward. Donahue was less effusive about the progress made toward re-signing Terrell Owens but said he expects the receiver to be back. Owens' return would represent something of an upset.

Though Jon Kitna has offered to restructure the final year of his contract, it remains unclear if the 31-year-old will be the most reasonable fit to start for the Bengals in 2004. Rookie quarterback Carson Palmer, who was the No. 1 pick in April's draft and the 2002 Heisman Trophy winner, spent the entire season on the sideline watching Kitna excel while learning the intricacies of the Bengals offense.

Dennis Northcutt left no doubt what will entice him to re-sign with the Browns. ``This is going to keep me here,'' Northcutt said Monday, rubbing his thumb and fingers together -- the universally understood sign of money. ``That's plain and simple. Let's be real about it. This is a business.'' Northcutt, who will become a free agent March 3, even gave some parameters for the contract he is seeking -- and those parameters make it sound like he and the team are far apart.

Due $7 million in salary next season, the last year of his contract, Kerry Collins would count about $10 million against the salary cap. His agent, David Dunn, has contacted Accorsi about a more cap-friendly extension. Accorsi said yesterday his first priority is hiring a new coach. And that will supersede all player issues, particularly since the coach will have input.

Jay Fiedler, who turned 32 on Monday, is expected to at least be asked to take a pay cut this offseason, if not be let go altogether. What is done will largely depend on who is hired to run personnel for the Dolphins

Jets GM Terry Bradway made it clear that he wants Vinny Testaverde in a Jets uniform in 2004. "He's back. He'll be our backup quarterback," Bradway said. "He did a good job for us this year, he really did. ... He's definitely a positive influence on this team."

Sources say Gregg Williams, fired by Buffalo on Monday, could be a leading candidate if the Redskins opt to fire or demote defensive coordinator George Edwards.

Dick Jauron, 53, vowed to be back in Chicago, coaching against the Bears, and his name has shown up on the lists of at least two NFL franchises looking for head coaches. "That's my goal and my ambition," he said.

Bolstered by the likelihood of a contract extension next month, Jets coach Herman Edwards will meet with his assistant coaches today and is expected to fire his entire defensive staff.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank and general manager Rich McKay will interview Mike Mularkey in Pittsburgh, possibly tomorrow. It will be the fourth time Mularkey has interviewed for a head coaching job in the past two years, and he could be a candidate for one or two other jobs in the NFL.

Browns President Carmen Policy said recently that he's considered extending Butch Davis' contract and he's maintained that position over the past few days. Davis is under contract for two more seasons.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis hired 14 assistant coaches Jan. 21, and Lewis said Monday he plans to have his entire staff return for a second season.

Fired Bears coach Dick Jauron privately believed that Jerry Angelo made personnel moves—such as trading defensive tackle Ted Washington for draft picks in the preseason—that were designed to make Jauron's job harder this year.

Romeo Crennel remains the hot name on Bill Belichick's staff as teams from around the league line up to interview the Patriots defensive coordinator for head coaching vacancies this week. Yesterday, the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals joined the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants in requesting and receiving permission to talk to Crennel.

Coach Jim Haslett says he saw progress in the Saints' 8-8 season, and what the team lacks is not talent but continuity, which he says is what it takes to become a playoff contender in the NFL.

Buffalo also has an opening after the sacking of Gregg Williams, and general manager Tom Donahoe is said to be very high on Charlie Weis.

Butch Davis did not specify whom he might consider for his next offensive coordinator or give a timetable for a replacement. Speculation has included receivers coach Terry Robiskie and San Francisco quarterback coach Ted Tollner, whom Davis offered the job before he hired Arians.

There seems to be a difference of opinion among the Jets players about offensive coordinator Paul Hackett. Chad Pennington, reiterating his support for Hackett, said he's "tired of talking about it." He believes criticism of Hackett is unjust.

Bills GM Tom Donahoe ripped the media and fans after dumping coach Greg Williams: “I’d also would like to apologize to Gregg,” Donahoe said. “I think some of the personal criticisms that were leveled at him were unfair. I think there are many people in western New York who should be ashamed of themselves for some of the things they said about the coach. You don’t have to like the coach’s ability to coach, but some of the personal attacks I’ve heard over the last three years embarrasses me to be a part of this community.”

Dolphins DE Rob Burnett said Monday he would ''probably'' retire after 14 seasons. ''I think it's time,'' Burnett said. ``It's still early, and I'm not going to make any definite decision right now, but I'm thinking this is probably it. I'm finished playing.

CB Sam Madison acknowledged Monday he might have to take a pay cut or restructure his contract for cap reasons this offseason if he wants to stay with the Dolphins.

The Redskins could make no official moves because Coach Steve Spurrier left town for his home in Florida, apparently without telling his current assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator George Edwards, whether they would be retained for next season.

The Jets' first signing priorities include Chad Pennington and Shaun Ellis, both of whom also have two years remaining on their respective contracts.

Jags coach Jack Del Rio also declined to say whether Hugh Douglas will be returning next year. Quarterback Mark Brunell was the only player he'd identify who won't be back.

The Browns have apparently decided to re-commit to Tim Couch as their quarterback, and yesterday's firing of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is an outgrowth of that decision.

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook visited a specialist yesterday, but he had not yet made a decision on whether to have surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left triceps.

Giants RB Ron Dayne, who was inactive for all 16 games this season, said he did not know if he would repeat the trade request he made last offseason. However, he did say that unlike last year, he planned to attend the Giants' offseason workouts.

Did you know? The 1985 Patriots team were the only team to reach the Super Bowl by winning three road playoff games. The Patriots (11-5) finished tied with the Jets for second in the AFC East behind the Dolphins (12-4). In the playoffs, New England beat the Jets 26-14 at the Meadowlands, the Raiders 27-20 at Los Angeles and the Dolphins 31-14 in the AFC Championship Game at Miami.

Browns coach Butch Davis said he has every intention of keeping CB Daylon McCutcheon and defensive lineman Orpheus Roye by giving them their $1 million-plus roster bonuses on March 1. He said the Browns have talked about extending McCutcheon, who has one year left on his contract.

Corey Dillon "backed up the truck" and cleaned out his Paul Brown Stadium locker Monday. Though he has two years remaining on his contract, Dillon said he expects to be released or traded and would rather not come back for an eighth season with the Bengals.

The Meltdown in Motown apparently has had no impact on Lovie Smith's job resume. Within hours of the Rams' 30-20 loss in Detroit, the courtship of Lovie was underway by NFL teams looking for a head coach.

The Bengals could add depth to their offensive line or get some immediate help on defense. Lewis mentioned the defensive secondary as a position of great need. Oklahoma's Brandon Everage is the top-rated safety by many draft experts. At 190 pounds, he is considered an enforcer who likes to hit runners. He also can cover receivers.

Neither Arthur Blank nor Rich McKay would divulge all the Falcons candidates they have in mind. There is speculation in Nashville that Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, 51, might be a candidate, too, but because Tennessee has a playoff game this weekend, the Falcons are prohibited by NFL rules from requesting an interview.

Former Bears coach Mike Ditka took jabs at Bears management for not supporting Jauron. Ditka offered a spirited defense of Jauron. "Are we not judging everybody?" he said. "Some of the signings in the last couple of years are ridiculous. Signing people for a lot of money who are going to count against the [salary] cap who haven't played and haven't produced and probably will never produce.

Vikings veteran LB Greg Biekert said coach Mike Tice, during a 20-minute postseason meeting with the team Monday, told players he is unaware of his coaching status for next season "He said he doesn't know what will happen," Biekert said. "That's the thing about this league — there's only so much security."

Fired Bears coach Dick Jauron and Steve Mariucci are close friends, but the Lions have no immediate plans to consider Jauron for an assistant's job. There have been indications that Mariucci might try to hire Pat Morris, the offensive line coach in San Francisco. Morris went to the 49ers in 1997 when Mariucci became coach. But other teams could be interested in Morris.

Steve Mariucci -- with Lions president Matt Millen and the coaching staff -- will begin final evaluations of the roster almost immediately. They must finish in time for the start of free agency in early March and the draft in late April.

QB Tom Brady said he's feeling no ill effects of the scary hit he took from Lawyer Milloy on the left knee Saturday against Buffalo. He admitted the soft Gillette Stadium sod probably saved him. Brady also shot down the halftime assessment of CBS analyst Deion Sanders, who claimed Brady might have had an MCL tear.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said re-signing Rudi Johnson was a top priority looking ahead to 2004. The torch appeared to be passing from one running back to the next.

As a part of the two-year contract he signed, NT Grady Jackson will have incentives contingent on his weight. Jackson is listed at 350 pounds, but when he arrived in Green Bay from New Orleans, he was around 370. Weight clauses were a part of Jackson's contract with the Saints, too.

DE John Abraham, who missed nine games this season, will move to strongside linebacker, Edwards confirmed. The Jets want to use Abraham's athleticism and rush him from both sides. Outside LB Victor Hobson is likely to move to the middle.

The Ravens announced a five-year extension to the contract of nose tackle Kelly Gregg, with a signing bonus that sources said was worth $2 million and an average salary of about $1.5 million. The contract offers a significant raise for Gregg, a fourth-year veteran who made $375,000 this season. "My feelings for Kelly are well-documented," Billick said. "That's a tough, nasty, dirty position, a tough one to get recognized."

Bill Callahan could end up with Jon Gruden in Tampa if he is fired by the Raiders.

Jerome Bettis led the Steelers with 811 yards rushing after passing Jim Brown into sixth place on the NFL's all-time list with 12,353 yards. Bill Cowher would not speculate on Bettis' future.

Giants DE Kenny Holmes has exercised a clause in his contract that will make him a free agent. He said he plans to test the market, and it's unclear if the Giants will pursue him.

The Redskins need to rebuild their defensive line by adding a pass-rushing end and a run-stuffing tackle or two. Some NFL talent evaluators consider Ohio State DE Will Smith worthy of a top-five pick. Oklahoma DT Tommie Harris perhaps could be a consideration if the junior makes himself eligible for the draft.

Mike Shanahan doesn't have too many friends in Minnesota, either. Shanahan, after all, treated Sunday's game against the Packers as little more than a preseason game. Once Indianapolis won, which sealed Denver's playoff seeding, Shanahan rested his top stars — Jake Plummer, Rod Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Clinton Portis. Most NFL teams do have the courtesy of putting forth their best effort when the game is meaningful to other teams still fighting for the postseason. Shanahan has a history of ignoring that unwritten rule

Who Knew? Since the NFL expanded its schedule to 16 games in 1978, only 13 teams have won at least three straight division titles. The Eagles became the latest when they wrapped up the NFC East title with Saturday night's win in Washington.

Steelers coach Bill Cowher firmly disputed any notion that WR Plaxico Burress might have underachieved because his 60 receptions for 860 yards did not measure up to his statistics in 2002: "No, not at all, not even close."

Mike Tice did note that his list of potential candidates for his new defensive coordinator grew Monday. Fired coaches Dave McGinnis (Arizona), Dick Jauron (Chicago) and Gregg Williams (Buffalo) are defensive specialists. Another possible candidate could be Chicago defensive coordinator Greg Blache, who likely will be fired by the new Bears' coach. Tice also will look at college candidates. One possible candidate is Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong.

The Rams filled their final roster spot by signing LB-DE Courtland Bullard, whom the Rams had released Dec. 9. Jacksonville picked him up on waivers the next day, only to release him subsequently.

The Chiefs passed on the obvious candidate, Priest Holmes, and voted for Trent Green as this year's recipient of the Derrick Thomas Award, given to the club's most valuable player after a vote of the players. Green is the first quarterback to win the award since Steve DeBerg in 1990.

Cowboys DE Eric Ogbogu ran onto the field during Sunday's loss to New Orleans without his helmet. At his locker yesterday, Ogbogu found a helmet with the words "Don't Forget Me" written in big, black letters on white tape across the top.

Colts place-kicker Mike Vanderjagt, who has converted an NFL-record 41 consecutive field-goal attempts, won't be short of company when he goes to Honolulu for the Feb. 8 Pro Bowl. Vanderjagt is taking his family, holder Hunter Smith and his wife, and long-snapper Justin Snow and his fiancée.

Insiders say Vikings owner Red McCombs, at the team's holiday party, made his autobiography available to employees at a cost of $25. Six employees bought the book.

NBA Rumors & Notes

The Jail Blazers are on the verge of moving Rasheed Wallace, the team's talented frontcourt player who has become the poster child for everything that is wrong in Portland. Toronto is clearly out of the picture, leaving the likes of San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, New York, Detroit and Atlanta in the running for Wallace. So desperate are the Blazers to move Wallace that they have asked his agent, Bill Strickland, to help solicit offers from any team.

With rebounding specialist Dennis Rodman working on a comeback, would Celtics GM Danny Ainge be interested? "No," said Ainge. "He has that right. I really don't have many feelings about it one way or another. It doesn't really excite me or anything. Dennis Rodman wants the chance to play basketball again and he deserves the right like anybody else."

Isiah Thomas wasn't kidding when he said he'd be "unconventional" in rebuilding the Knicks. Troubled Leon Smith, a former first-round pick out of high school who's burning up the CBA, will become Thomas' first player acquisition, possibly by today, sources said.

Injured Magic forward Grant Hill said Monday that he is still planning a comeback this season, but seemed to back off on his original idea of a February return. "I'll say this: I still want to play this season," said Hill, who has not played since undergoing a fourth surgery on his left ankle in March. "At what time, I just don't know."

Magic Chief Operating Officer John Weisbrod said that, "There's absolutely no truth" to a recent item in the New York Post that he has been secretly looking for a general manager to replace GM John Gabriel.

Kenny Thomas had become almost invisible in the first two games of the 76ers' road trip, and he disappeared for the final 17 minutes of Sunday night's loss in Phoenix, where he was relegated to the bench. There was a reason, according to coach Randy Ayers. "A philosophical difference," Ayers said last night. However, the matter between the coach and his starting power forward was resolved during a conversation that followed a team meeting yesterday morning.

Bulls GM John Paxson targeted Miami rookie Dwyane Wade as one of his preferred draft picks and almost pulled the trigger on a trade with Toronto to move up three slots to draft him. Kirk Hinrich is panning out well, as is Wade, who worked out twice for the Bulls. "It'd be a lot different," Wade said about the possibility of playing in his hometown

Isiah Thomas strolled into the Knicks' morning shoot-around yesterday with Mark Aguirre on one arm and George Glymph on the other. And then everybody spent the rest of the day trying to pretend this was no significant development. The arrival of Thomas' last two assistants from his Indiana coaching years -- Brendan Malone and advance scout Jim Stack, a Scott Layden hire, already were with the Knicks -- is probably the first step toward a front-office turnover, starting perhaps with the coaching staff.

Ron Artest had a 30-minute closed door meeting with Pacers brass Monday afternoon to "clear the air." He was glib when questioned about the meeting, in which team president Larry Bird and Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh joined him and Rick Carlisle.

Gary Payton will return to KeyArena as a Los Angeles Laker on Friday, but Sonics coach Nate McMillan is still waiting for a call he made to Payton to be returned. McMillan's call came last season, when Payton was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. The two were close friends and former teammates. Payton even bought McMillan a Rolex watch."I understand that he could be bitter," McMillan said.

Paul Silas has had issues with Zydrunas Ilgauskas' defense. That has been apparent in the last 10 games. Ilgauskas has not been on the floor during crunch time. He spends the fourth quarter on the bench.

Danny Ainge still chats regularly with other teams, but Jim O'Brien's physician might be pleased to know the Celtics will most likely give the current group a chance to find its way. Managing partner Wyc Grousbeck said stability is finding its way into the Celtic vocabulary - at least for a while - and he added that all financial options should be open to Ainge when the summer marketplace opens

Jason Kidd took a significant role in the recruiting of Eddie Griffin, calling him the day before Christmas then talking to him the day after, persuading the 6-10 forward to choose the Nets over several other teams that wanted him, including the Knicks.

Darvin Ham's presence on the Pistons might reduce starter Tayshaun Prince's minutes. Prince, the team's third-leading scorer at 10.8 a game, averages 36.3 minutes. He ranks third behind Ben Wallace (39.9) and Chauncey Billups (37.2).

Earl Boykins agreed to a five-year contract last summer worth $13.7 million. But before any NBA contract is signed, players must pass a physical. When Nuggets team doctor James Benoist gave Boykins a physical Aug. 1, he noticed a hard lump on Boykins' neck that he later diagnosed as a thyroid nodule, a solid mass that could be cancerous.

Not Everyone is LeBron: James Lang, the Hornets' second-round pick who bypassed college to enter last June's draft, was waived by the team Monday. Bob Bass, the Hornets executive vice president of basketball operations/general manager, said the team had hopes of possibly moving Lang off the injured list to the active roster, but he hadn't shown enough potential in the past three months to warrant the move. At Central Park (Ala.) Christian School last season, Lang averaged 21 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks.

The Hawks' roster stands at 14 players, including two on the injured list: Terrell Brandon and Obinna Ekezie. By cutting Lee Nailon, the Hawks secure an extra roster spot should the team decide to make a trade or sign a free agent.

Pacers star Jermaine O'Neal, who was among the league leaders in technicals last season, had not been called for any through the first 27 games. His frustration over what he believes to be a lack of foul calls on his defenders has recently boiled over, however.

Washington Wizards leading scorer Gilbert Arenas practiced yesterday for the first time after aggravating the strained abdominal muscles that forced him to miss 14 games -- of which 11 were losses -- and is likely to start tonight against the Atlanta Hawks at MCI Center.

After concluding the serious part of Monday's practice, Latrell Sprewell went to the sidelines and pulled out a white Green Bay Packers jersey featuring quarterback Brett Farve's name and No. 4. Sprewell, who grew up in Milwaukee, wore the jersey while shooting free throws. Sprewell, a big Packers fan, was celebrating Green Bay's 31-3 victory over Denver Sunday

Vlade Divac is president and managing partner of his former team in Serbia, Partizan Mobtel. Two NBA center prospects are on that team. One is New Jersey draft pick Nenad Krstic, who is expected to play for the Nets next season. The other is 18-year-old Kosta Perovic, who might enter the draft next year. “He’s better than Darko,” Divac said. “I can say that right now.” Ben's Take: Saying a player is better than Darko Milicic is nothing special he's a stiff.

Someone snatched a framed 10-year anniversary Orlando Magic jersey from an empty TD Waterhouse Centre skybox during the team's Christmas Day game. Orlando police think they have an idea who may have done it.

College Rumors & Notes

Kansas City offensive coordinator Al Saunders may speak with Nebraska this week about becoming its next head coach, though Saunders would continue to work for the Chiefs until their season is finished.

USC coach Pete Carroll, who spent four years as an NFL head coach with the New York Jets and New England Patriots, doesn’t sound as if he’s interested in a return to pro football. Already, he and his wife, Glena, shot down the idea that Carroll would consider filling the job vacated by Dan Reeves with the Atlanta Falcons. “I understand where I am right now, what I’m doing, and I couldn’t be having more fun,” Carroll said. “This is the best place for me to be. We’re having about as much success as you can have and we’ve got a great future. This is not a short-run attempt here. We’ve got an opportunity to be good over a long time, and that’s really important to me.”

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has been linked to openings with the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants of late, but the fifth-year Hawkeyes coach would not elaborate much on talks about possibly leaving for the NFL. ''It's out there. It's going to be out there. That's it,'' Ferentz said. ``I'm not going anywhere.'' Ferentz is the only coach in Iowa history to win 20 games over two seasons.

University of Miami CB Antrel Rolle, who has not allowed a touchdown this season, said at a FedEx Orange Bowl news conference Monday that he will petition the NFL to turn pro early only if he is projected as a first-round pick by the NFL College Advisory Committee. ''If I don't go in the first round then I'm not leaving,'' he said. ``I can say that for a fact.''

DT Randy Starks would consider leaving the Maryland Terrapins one year early if a standout performance in the Gator Bowl elevates him to the first round of the NFL Draft.

Florida State junior All-America OT Alex Barron said Monday he may consider entering the 2004 NFL draft. "It's an option," Barron said. "It's crossed my mind a couple of times. How can it not cross my mind with all the stuff going on and the accomplishments I had this year?"

Michael Jenkins is 54 yards away from becoming Ohio State's all-time leader in receiving yardage. If he accomplishes that, he'll bump former Buckeyes great David Boston from the top spot (2,855 yards).

Tennessee Athletics Director Mike Hamilton said yesterday that he expects Coach Phillip Fulmer's contract extension and raise to be finalized prior to Friday's Peach Bowl.

Texas Tech QB B.J. Symons, described as "punk rock" by his coach, leads the nation's top passing offense (473.5 yards per game). Navy quarterback Craig Candeto, often called the "poster boy" for the academy by his coach, is at the controls of nation's top rushing offense (326.1 yards per game).

On one hand, Quincy Wilson is a polished and polite son of a former NFL player. He's chatted with the media this week about his perfect impersonation of his coach, Rich Rodriguez -- complete with the whistle twirling routine. And the West Virginia running back has bragged about memorizing the words to the "Super Bowl Shuffle," the 1985 Chicago Bears' rap song that included a verse by Quincy's father, Otis Wilson, who started at linebacker for the Bears in the Super Bowl.

Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen is back to his mantra of playing for respect. The 30-6 run over three seasons is a grand achievement, but winning a New Year's bowl game would help ongoing recruiting and continue the resurgence.

K-State may have found its quarterback of the future. The future could be 2004. Nick Patton, a senior at Winfield, Kan., told Rivals100.com Monday that he made an oral commitment to the Wildcats. Patton, 6 feet 3, 195 pounds, passed for 1,262 yards, rushed for 339 and is rated the No. 7 dual-threat quarterback in the nation by Rivals100.com. He chose K-State over Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Michigan State.

Pitt senior guard Julius Page has spent the majority of his college basketball career as a No. 1 who plays the 2. With Carl Krauser out indefinitely with a groin injury, Page's position finally matches his jersey number

Odd Notes & Stuff

Boxing writer Bert Sugar says he knows where all the top heavyweight prospects have gone. "The heavyweight has gone north — as in, north of 250 pounds," he said during an Amateur Athletic Foundation online interview. "A kid who's 250 pounds and reasonably coordinated is better off being a football player. He gets a college scholarship, a signing bonus when he turns pro, a pension plan, all kinds of safety nets. "A fighter gets his brains bashed in. Anyone with a quarter of a brain who thinks this out will choose football."

ABC starts "Wild Card Weekend" with its traditional Saturday doubleheader, one that will incorporate ESPN talent. The ESPN Sunday night crew of Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann, Paul Maguire, and Suzy Kolber calls the Titans-Ravens opener (Channel 5, 4:30 p.m.) with Al Michaels, John Madden, and Lisa Guerrero working Cowboys-Panthers (Channel 5, 8 p.m.). Chris Berman and Steve Young host the pregame and between-games shows

Longtime Chiefs announcer Bill Grigsby was finally back at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday for the season finale against the Bears. Grigsby has been gone since undergoing heart surgery in late October.

They haven't forgotten Ken Hitchcock in Big D - only what's happened to him since he left. The Flyers coach went to get a cup of coffee Sunday morning. "One guy says to me, 'So, Coach, what are you doing with yourself since we fired you?' " Hitchcock said yesterday morning at American Airlines Center. Texans might not know that Hitchcock is coaching the Flyers, but they haven't forgotten that he took the Stars to the playoffs in five of his nearly seven years with the team and put hockey on the map in Dallas with a Stanley Cup in 1999.

The Philadelphia Park jockeys refused to ride yesterday over what they consider late payment of their mount fees and their share of the purses. That forced the track to cancel its live races. The track and its six Turf Clubs remained open for simulcasting of races from around the country.

When it comes to the ladies, Derek Jeter plays best at home. The 29-year-old Yankee heartthrob recently held a bash at his upper East Side penthouse, where two of his female fans, "Love Don't Cost a Thing" star Christina Milian and MTV host Vanessa Minnillo, were noticeably absent. But mannequin Bridget Hall, 26, dropped by at about 4 a.m.

The Giants Jeremy Shockey and the Yankees' David Wells, were seen buying custom suits at A.S. Parker with their friend promoter Noel Ashman ...

The NY Post was badly mistaken when they reported that former Mets manager Bobby Valentine had separated from his wife of 26 years, Mary. In fact, while Valentine is going to Chiba, Japan, for eight months to manage a local team there, he is still happily married to Mary, who will keep the home fires burning in Stamford, Conn. "Mary will come visit," Valentine assured us.

Bill Clinton, Broadway star? The slimmed-down former President received his own standing ovation over the weekend when he caught "Avenue Q," the racy puppet musical at the Golden Theater. But some red-faced gal groupies of the ex-Commander in Chief had to stop themselves mid-catcall when they realized that Sen. Hillary Clinton was with him

Happy Birthday: What do Sandy Koufax, Tiger Woods and LeBron James all have in common? At some point today, each will have a slab of birthday cake. Koufax pitches 68, Woods slices 28 and James dunks 19.

Courtney Love shocked her fellow rehab patients last week by wandering around buck naked for three hours. Love is being treated at Wavelengths in Malibu, Calif., in a desperate bid to beat her addictions to painkillers and booze after losing custody of her 11-year-old daughter.

Roy Horn is home, and Siegfried Fischbacher has accepted that nothing will ever be the same for the legendary duo. In a "20/20" interview with Barbara Walters on Friday night, Siegfried for the first time said that the historic professional partnership is finally over. When Walters asked an emotional Siegfried if the Siegfried & Roy show has played for the last time, he looked down and said, "Yes." In several interviews and published reports, Siegfried had previously vowed that their act would return.

Banking $50 million a year would make many people perfectly happy. But Dave Matthews, now touring with his first solo album, "Some Devil," is preoccupied with how he might end it all. He likes "the idea of throwing [myself] off a bridge," Matthews says in the upcoming issue of Rolling Stone, "but I'm afraid of heights. I thought about a gunshot, but it's so violent and messy. Gassing oneself is kind of peaceful."

A legal analyst said Michael Jackson's '60 Minutes' interview should have lawyer Mark Geragos putting a gag order on the King of Pop.

The holidays put Katie Holmes and Chris Klein in a marrying mood. The perky "Pieces of April" star was in her hometown of Toledo, Ohio, over Christmas, hanging out at the local Banana Republic with a childhood pal and sporting a respectably sized diamond engagement ring, a spy tells us. Holmes, who just turned 25, and "American Pie" star Klein, 24, have been dating for five years.

Johnson & Johnson heiress Casey Johnson may have caused further embarrassment to her famous family with an eye-popping profile on friendster.com. The elders of the pharmaceutical dynasty will likely cringe when they learn that 23-year-old Casey lists "sex, pills, pole-dancing, licking lollipops and making fun of desperate debbies" as her "interests" on the wildly popular Web site.

Paris Hilton really likes pepperoni. At least people who called Domino's Pizza claiming to be her do. "Paris Hilton" is the No. 1 fake name used by people calling for pizza deliveries, according to a new survey of drivers for the pizza chain. And 38 percent of those using the name of the socialite model ordered pepperoni for their pies. U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft might want to open an investigation into these findings - he was No. 2 on the list of fake names used by people ordering pizza.

CNN star Larry King will moderate -- or try his best to moderate -- panelists Jerry Springer, Jesse Ventura, Mark Cuban and Roger King, whose King World distributes shows such as "Inside Edition," "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!" The National Association of Television Program Executives meeting hits The Venetian and the adjoining Sands Expo & Convention Center on Jan. 18.

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