NFL notebook: Ravens' Reed plans to play next year
BY Associated Press
Friday, January 25, 2013
1/25/13 at 2:48 AM
Ravens safety Ed Reed isn't planning on joining teammate Ray Lewis in retirement after the Super Bowl.
"I'll be playing next year," Reed said Thursday before Baltimore hit the practice field in preparation for their Feb. 3 Super Bowl matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
There was speculation that the 34-year-old Reed might retire after this season.
Earlier this month, in announcing his intention to step down after the playoffs, Lewis spoke of taking a "last ride."
To which Reed said Thursday: "No, it's not my last ride. I just bought a bike."
Reed has been selected to play in nine Pro Bowls, including each one since 2006.
Saints fire D-coordinator Spagnuolo: The New Orleans Saints have fired defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo after one season.
New Orleans ranked last in the NFL in total defense and run defense. Head coach Sean Payton, who returned to work this week after a season-long suspension, announced Thursday that Spagnuolo was being released.
Payton also fired special teams coordinator Ken Flajole.
The Saints went 7-9 this season and allowed 454 points; only Tennessee gave up more. New Orleans also yielded the most yards (7,042) ever in a single season.
Pro Bowl players practice amid Pearl Harbor troops: Thousands of military service members and their families crowded a small field at Pearl Harbor to catch a glimpse of their favorite NFL stars as they practiced in the rain in preparation for Sunday's Pro Bowl.
Downpours didn't stop kids and adults Thursday from shouting toward their favorite stars like Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson.
New Orleans punter Thomas Morstead toyed with spectators as he punted balls from a far sideline in the direction of fans behind a barrier on the other side of the field.
Fitzgerald said the practice served as a reminder of why the Pro Bowl is important to keep around.
Earlier Thursday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated that the Pro Bowl won't continue if the quality of play doesn't go up.
Hackett to take over Bills offense: Bills offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is just 33 years old, but feels a lifetime of football experience has prepared him to turn around Buffalo's inconsistent offense.
Two weeks after he was hired away from Syracuse, Hackett was officially introduced by the Bills on Thursday. The son of longtime coach Paul Hackett plans on installing a balanced, multiple-look system in Buffalo that is based upon his scheme with the Orange.
The Bills finished 6-10 last season and scored just 344 points under former coach Chan Gailey. Doug Marrone, who worked with Hackett at Syracuse, took over for Gailey earlier this month.
Jets announce Mornhinweg, Thurman as coordinators: New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has officially announced the expected hirings of Marty Mornhinweg as his offensive coordinator and Dennis Thurman as the team's defensive coordinator.
Ryan also announced Thursday that David Lee was hired as the team's quarterbacks coach, replacing Matt Cavanaugh, and Tim McDonald will be the Jets' defensive backs coach.
Mornhinweg, who replaced the fired Tony Sparano, was an assistant for 10 years with the Philadelphia Eagles, including the last seven as offensive coordinator.
Thurman was promoted from defensive backs coach and replaces Mike Pettine, who was hired as Buffalo's defensive coordinator.
Browns add linebackers, tight end coaches: Browns coach Rob Chudzinski has added assistants Brian Baker and Jon Embree to his staff.
Baker, who spent the past two seasons as defensive line coach in Dallas, will coach Cleveland's outside linebackers. Embree, the former head coach at Colorado, will be in charge of tight ends.
N.J. announces sites for 2014 Super Bowl events: Both teams that reach next year's Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium will stay at hotels in New Jersey and train at the New York Giants' and New York Jets' practice facilities, Gov. Chris Christie and the NFL announced Thursday.
Other venues announced included Newark's Prudential Center, which will host Super Bowl media day, and the Meadowlands Racetrack, which will host the NFL's pre-game tailgate party.
The Super Bowl will be held next Feb. 2, the first time the NFL's championship game will be played outdoors at a cold-weather site.
Associated Images:
Reed
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