ESPN NFL

Former Vikings coach Mike Tice was the runner-up, so to speak, to Eric Mangini to coach the Jets. But Tice wowed Jets officials in the presentation he made Monday. Tice brought in a detailed plan of turning New York around, and the suggestions were interesting enough that the team kept copies. Mangini had the edge, though, because owner Woody Johnson has been enamored with Bill Belichick disciples. Plus, Mangini, who spent this season as the Patriots' defensive coordinator, is a close friend of Jets assistant general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Heimerdinger to land on his feet: Mangini's hiring should set the stage for Mike Heimerdinger's departure to the Broncos as their offensive coordinator. That job will open in Denver once Gary Kubiak leaves for the Houston Texans as their next coach. Heimerdinger was a candidate for the Jets' head coaching job. Mangini is expected to consider Saints offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard for the offensive coordinator's job and Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan for the same post in New York.

Rams close to picking new coach: Along with having Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron in for a second interview in Los Angeles, the Rams are also scheduling the same for Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. The Rams want to talk to Rivera about what he would do with the offensive staff. Rivera might have been able to produce Norv Turner as his offensive coach, but Turner accepted that job with the 49ers on Monday night.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider