PRO FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : AROUND THE NFL : Patroits Hire Joe Collier

Joe Collier, out of football the past two years after serving seven seasons as Denver’s assistant head coach for defense, was named defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.

The Patriots also named Charlie West defensive backfield coach. West held the same position with the Broncos from 1982 through 1988. Stan Jones, a longtime Denver assistant who was on Cleveland’s staff last season, is the leading candidate to become defensive line coach.

Under Rod Rust, fired after one season, Charlie Sumner was defensive coordinator and secondary coach. He resigned Dec. 12. Dale Lindsey coached the defensive linemen.

None of Rust’s assistants has been officially fired.

Kicker Matt Bahr of the New York Giants is doubtful for Sunday’s NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers because of a neck injury suffered Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Bahr was injured making a tackle on a kickoff return by Dennis Gentry.

If Bahr can’t play, the Giants have Raul Allegre, whose groin injury earlier this season created a job for Bahr.

June Jones, an assistant for the Detroit Lions the past two years, was hired as the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator.

Jones, 37, a former Falcon quarterback, coached for two seasons, 1987-88, under Atlanta Coach Jerry Glanville, when both were with Houston.