Associated Press
The NFL notebook …
DETROIT ó A Detroit News sports columnist has left the paper, two weeks after he was criticized for asking Lions coach Rod Marinelli if he had wished his daughter married a better defensive coordinator.
Rob Parker resigned last week, managing editor Don Nauss said.
Joe Barry is Marinelli’s son-in-law and was defensive coordinator during Detroit’s 0-16 season. On Dec. 21, after a 42-7 loss to New Orleans, Parker asked Marinelli about his daughter’s decision to marry Barry.
“Anytime you attack my daughter, I’ve got a problem with that,” Marinelli said.
Parker said he wasn’t trying to hurt the coach or his family. He wanted to “lighten the moment” after a rough loss.
Nauss, however, said the question was “inappropriate and unprofessional.”
Marinelli and his son-in-law were fired after the Lions’ winless season.
Parker’s question drew on-air fire from Fox football analyst Terry Bradshaw, who called him a “total idiot.”
COACHING ROUNDUPEric Mangini didn’t waste much time finding a job after being cut loose by the New York Jets, agreeing to a four-year deal Wednesday to coach the Cleveland Browns.
A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that Mangini will be introduced Thursday at a news conference at the team’s headquarters in Berea, Ohio. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Mangini’s contract has not been finalized.
The 37-year-old Mangini began his NFL career as a ballboy with the Browns in 1994 under then-coach Bill Belichick. Mangini was fired after going 23-25 and making the playoffs once in three seasons with the Jets, who stumbled down the stretch to lose four of their last five games and miss the playoffs after an 8-3 start.
– New Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora made his first big hire, tabbing Oakland Raiders assistant Greg Knapp to be his offensive coordinator.
– The New Orleans Saints are looking for a new defensive coordinator after coach Sean Payton fired Gary Gibbs after three seasons on the job.
– Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has interviewed a half-dozen candidates to replace Mike Shanahan, after meeting with Minnesota Vikings assistant Leslie Frazier on Wednesday.
STEELERSBen Roethlisberger is dealing with a swollen head, an issue that has troubled many NFL quarterbacks. Only this time, it’s not the result of too many commercial endorsements, a big contract or too much fan praise.
When the Steelers quarterback resumed practicing this week, he realized his helmet didn’t fit right. He sustained a concussion Dec. 28 against Cleveland, and spent last week getting over headaches associated with the hit.PACMAN RELEASED
Troubled cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones must look elsewhere in the NFL for another chance. The Dallas Cowboys are done with him.
Jones was released Wednesday by the Cowboys following a turbulent season in which he was suspended six games for an off-field scuffle and made little impact on the field.
CHARGERS
LaDainian Tomlinson confirmed Wednesday that he has a torn tendon in his groin and listed himself as doubtful for the San Diego Chargers’ playoff game at Pittsburgh on Sunday.
PANTHERSThe Carolina Panthers should have starting defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis back for Saturday’s NFC divisional playoff game against Arizona.