Las Vegas mayor has interest in the Chargers
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman continues trying to lure the San Diego Chargers to his gambling and entertainment mecca.
Although the Chargers haven’t responded -- yet -- to overtures from cities outside San Diego County, the team’s top negotiator said Goodman called this week to say he’s still interested in having the team move to his city.
It was the second time in less than nine months that Goodman contacted Southern California’s only NFL team, which says it needs a new stadium to remain financially competitive within the league.
Mark Fabiani, who’s heading the Chargers’ stadium effort, said he returned Goodman’s call on Friday, telling the mayor that the team will continue to look for a site within San Diego County “for the time being.”
“He said that he appreciated the update and that he’d be following our progress,” Fabiani said.
Goodman first contacted the Chargers in April, saying, “I’m thirsting for a major league team.”
At the time, the Chargers were barred from talking with cities other than San Diego.
The Chargers effectively became eligible for free agency on Monday, when cities outside the county could begin contacting them.
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The Miami Dolphins’ list of coaching candidates is becoming longer than a Nick Saban speech.
Former Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora, believed to be the first candidate to interview for the vacancy, met with team officials. The Dolphins also received permission to talk to Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and Georgia Tech Coach Chan Gailey, a former offensive coordinator in Miami.
The Dolphins also planned to interview San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, Chicago defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner.
Whisenhunt, who is considered a candidate for the Steelers’ opening, interviewed Friday for the opening at Arizona and Thursday for the opening at Atlanta.
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Cleveland Browns receivers coach Terry Robiskie and tight ends coach Ben Coates won’t be back with the team next season, the first departures in an overhaul of Coach Romeo Crennel’s staff.
The team also announced that offensive quality control coach Carl Crennel II, who is the head coach’s nephew, and strength and conditioning coach John Lott will not be retained for next season.
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Darrent Williams’ family and friends gathered in Fort Worth to remember the Broncos cornerback who was killed after leaving a New Year’s Eve party in Denver.
Thousands of mourners filed past Williams’ copper-colored casket during a memorial service at Great Commission Baptist Church, where Pastor Douglas E. Brown will officiate a funeral today.
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Floyd Reese resigned after 13 seasons as general manager of the Tennessee Titans. Reese has been with the franchise for 21 years.
* INJURY REPORT, D8
