NFL notebook: Dungy weighs future
The desire to return as the Indianapolis Colts head coach is strong, but that doesn’t mean Tony Dungy will guide the team into the future.
“I’m hoping to be back, but we’ll see what happens,” he said during a news conference Monday at the team’s West 56th Street complex.
A decision is expected by the weekend after Dungy consults with his wife, Lauren, and their family.
“My wife and I will sit down and evaluate this week and talk about it, talk it through,” he said. “We’ll probably do a lot of praying about what we want to do.
“We’ll probably come to some decision this weekend and be ready to move forward on Monday one way or the other.”
QB Rivers questionable
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has a sprained ligament in his right knee and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s AFC championship game against the undefeated New England Patriots.
Rivers injured his medial collateral ligament when he landed awkwardly after completing a 56-yard screen pass to Darren Sproles for a touchdown on the final play of the third quarter in Sunday’s 28-24 upset of Indianapolis.
Coach Norv Turner compared Rivers’ situation with that of tight end Antonio Gates, who dislocated his left big toe in a wild-card win over Tennessee, sat out practice all week and then played against the Colts.
“Right now it’s probably questionable in terms of playing in the game, but he’s got a chance,” Turner said. “That will be a day-to-day thing and we’ll monitor it as the week goes on.”
Billy Volek took over and led the go-ahead drive, scoring the winning touchdown on a 1-yard sneak.
Chiefs interview Fassel
Jim Fassel, a veteran NFL offensive coordinator and former head coach of the New York Giants, interviewed at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs’ vacant offensive coordinator’s position.
Fassel, 58, went 58-53-1 as head coach of the Giants from 1997 through 2003. He led the Giants to the Super Bowl after the 2000 season, but they lost to Baltimore. Fassel has also served as offensive coordinator for the Giants, Broncos, Cardinals and, most recently, Ravens.
Redskins talk to Williams
Assistant coach Gregg Williams interviewed again for the Washington Redskins coaching vacancy, and the team was also making plans to speak to Indianapolis Colts assistants Jim Caldwell and Ron Meeks.
Owner Dan Snyder met for the third time with Williams, who has been in charge of the Redskins’ defense since 2004. Williams had a preliminary interview Wednesday and his first full session with the owner Saturday.
The interviews were confirmed by a person familiar with the selection process. He spoke on condition of anonymity because the Redskins haven’t publicly stated candidate names.