Broncos axe Shanahan
Mike Shanahan became the latest and most stunning victim of the NFL coaching purge, fired Tuesday by the Denver Broncos after a late-season collapse knocked the team out of the playoffs for the third straight year.
Shanahan joined Eric Mangini, Rod Marinelli and Romeo Crennel on the unemployment line after going 24-24 over the last three seasons, including 3 straight losses in 2008 that turned a 3-game division lead to an 8-8 record.
Shanahan's record was 146-89, but the Broncos remained stuck at only one postseason victory since John Elway retired in 1999 after Denver's second championship.
Ryan reaps rookie reward: Matt Ryan is more than the face of the sensational turnaround by the Atlanta Falcons. He also is the best member of a superb rookie crop, earning The Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award Tuesday.
The quarterback from Boston College, selected third overall in April's draft, was a landslide winner in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. Ryan became the third quarterback in five years to win the award; before that, no QB ever took the honor.
Ryan collected 44 votes, far in front of Titans running back Chris Johnson with 3. Broncos tackle Ryan Clady had 2 and Bears running back Matt Forte got 1.
Favre has torn biceps tendon: Jets quarterback Brett Favre reportedly has a torn biceps tendon in his right arm that will not need major surgery to repair, ESPN said.
Coaching carousel: Bills coach Dick Jauron will return next season. ... Mike Martz has been fired as the Niners offensive coordinator. ... Negotiations between the Jets and Bill Cowher have ended, but the Jets plan to meet Saturday with Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. ... The Browns have scheduled an interview Tuesday with fired Jets coach Eric Mangini. ... The Texans fired defensive coordinator Richard Smith, secondary coach Jon Hoke and defensive line coach Jethro Franklin.
Police blotter: No evidence backs claims that three Houston police officers brutally assaulted the father of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver during a traffic stop last month, the department said Tuesday. In a one-page statement, the Houston Police Department said an internal investigation concluded they "could not prove or disprove" allegations that Marvin Driver Jr., 56, was severely beaten and injured before being taken to jail Nov. 17 for outstanding traffic warrants.
- Falcons running back Michael Turner was involved in a "domestic dispute" Monday night in Atlanta with the mother of his infant child. Police made no arrests and do not plan to file charges.