NFL ROUNDUP: Edwards close to coaching Chiefs

Herman Edwards is close to becoming the next coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs and New York Jets discussed a compensation package for Edwards on Wednesday, a person close to the situation said. Another person familiar with the negotiations said talks were almost completed.

Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.
The Chiefs, rumored to be interested in Edwards for the past two months, would have to give up draft picks to hire Edwards because he is still under contract with the Jets. Edwards has ties to the Kansas City organization and general manager Carl Peterson, and would replace retired coach Dick Vermeil.

The NFL must approve the deal before it can be official, but nothing was submitted to the league office Wednesday, both sources said.

Atlanta: Quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson was fired.



Buffalo: Tom Donahoe was fired as president and general manager. Offensive coordinator Tom Clements was also fired. The Bills were 31-49 during Donahoe's tenure.

Green Bay: San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will interview for the Packers' head coaching job Monday.

Houston: Miami offensive coordinator Scott Linehan interviewed for the head coaching job.
Minnesota: Daunte Culpepper, Bryant McKinnie and Fred Smoot have pleaded not guilty to charges of indecent conduct, disorderly conduct, and lewd or lascivious conduct related to a boating party Oct. 6 on Lake Minnetonka. Teammate Moe Williams also was charged, but was expected to enter a plea of not guilty today.

San Diego: Linebacker Shawne Merriman won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He received 28 1/2 votes. He easily beat Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who got 16 1/2 .
St. Louis: Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera acknowledged he'll meet with the Rams about their head coaching vacancy this week.

Tampa Bay: Running back Carnell Williams won the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Williams, who rushed for 1,178 yards and six touchdowns, drew 47 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL
source : freep.com