It’s not to say that the Raiders will not reach out to interview Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride for Oakland’s head coaching job. But as of midday on Tuesday, they still hadn’t, despite multiple reports that they had.

If Cleveland succeeds in hiring New England’s vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli, then one of the names that would vault to the top of the Browns coaching search would be University of Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz.

The Texans announced three defensive coaches — defensive coordinator Richard Smith, defensive backs coach Jon Hoke and defensive line coach Jethro Franklin — were fired on Tuesday.

San Francisco brought back head coach Mike Singletary but it decided today not to retain offensive coordinator Mike Martz, a league source said.

Kansas City has no playoff games. But it will get to play a numbers game. The numbers game involves standout running back Larry Johnson, who wants out of Kansas City, and the cost of granting him his wish.

Especially at this time of year, reporters and fans must sift through what NFL owners say and decide what’s fact and what’s fiction. There certainly are some facts, but sometimes it seems there’s more fiction.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin confirmed Monday that the broken ankle suffered by CB Sam Madison in the season-finale loss at Minnesota will keep him out of the playoffs and end his season.

Add one more name to the list of candidates the St. Louis Rams are considering as their next head coach.

St. Louis asked for and received permission Monday from Green Bay to interview Packers linebackers coach Winston Moss.

Anyone who has any questions about how Raheem Morris will fare as the new Buccaneers defensive coordinator needed to only listen Monday to Monte Kiffin, the old Buccaneers defensive coordinator.

The Chargers anticipate RB LaDainian Tomlinson will be able to practice this week and play against the Colts after suffering a strained groin in the season finale.

Since the start of the season there have been six coaching changes. There will be more. It brings hope to some fans, but it brings sadness to NFL families.

The Lions have asked for and received permission to interview Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, once viewed as the successor to coach Wade Phillips, league sources confirmed Monday.

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is drawing interest from around the league.

While football’s focus continues to shine on former Steelers coach Bill Cowher despite the fact that he will not be back on the sidelines in 2009, another proven veteran NFL head coach is ready and willing to return to the game.

The Lions requested and received permission Monday to interview New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who is regarded as one of the pre-eminent coaching candidates this offseason.