Chiefs hire Pats' Pioli to be general manager
nfl
Scott Pioli, who helped build and lead a dynasty in New England, is now in charge of a Kansas City franchise that hasn't won a playoff game in 14 years. Pioli, 43, will be introduced today as Chiefs general manager, replacing Carl Peterson. "He will have complete charge of football operations," said Ryan Petkoff, an assistant to Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt. "He will report only to Clark." The fate of coach Herm Edwards and his staff was not known. Pioli became vice president of player personnel for the Patriots in 2002 and spent nine years working with coach Bill Belichick. He inherits a young team coming off a 2-14 season.
Broncos: : Former 49ers coach Mike Nolan agreed to become Denver's fourth defensive coordinator in four years. Nolan is a former Ravens defensive coordinator.
Colts: : Associate head coach Jim Caldwell, 53, was introduced as head coach Tony Dungy's replacement. Caldwell has a four-year deal, but team owner Jim Irsay would not disclose the financial details.
Giants: : A civil trial is scheduled to begin today in Pennsylvania to determine how much receiver Plaxico Burress will have to pay in damages for a car he leased before it was impounded by New York City police. Court papers say Burress leased a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche worth more than $36,000 from a Lebanon County car dealer in exchange for promises to appear at publicity events. But the civil complaint filed by car dealer Frederick Laurenzo says Burress didn't return the car or show up to sign autographs.
Et cetera:: A federal judge upheld a jury award of $28.1 million to retired football players who sued the NFL Players' Association for allegedly failing to properly market their images. ... Bears coach Lovie Smith will take over defensive play-calling responsibilities from defensive coordinator Bob Babich next season. ... The Lions interviewed Miami defensive backs coach Todd Bowles for their vacant head coaching job. ... Houston promoted Frank Bush, the team's senior defensive assistant, to defensive coordinator.
Crabtree, Maybin to enter NFL draft
col. football
Two-time All-America receiver Michael Crabtree is leaving Texas Tech to catch passes in the NFL next season. Crabtree announced his decision at a news conference, with teammate and Big 12 sack leader Brandon Williams also announcing his plans to turn pro. Crabtree is expected to be a top 10 draft pick. In two years, he has 231 catches for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns.
