Coaching Updates Part II

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-The leading candidate for the now vacant Bills job is expected to be former Saints head coach Jim Haslett, writes ESPN.com's John Clayton. Haslett is also under consideration for openings with the Jets and the Lions. Tom Modrak, a close friend of Haslett's, is running the draft and coordinating free agent moves for the Bills. Haslett played for the Bills and remains popular in Buffalo, which makes him endearing to the fans. Former coach and recently appointed GM Marv Levy would also be a popular choice among fans, but the 80-year-old will not return to the sidelines next season. Bills owner Ralph Wilson regards Levy as a much-needed front office confidant and reiterated last week that Levy "would not coach the Buffalo Bills."

-Although the Lions won't confirm it, they appear close to naming Steelers offensive line coach Russ Grimm as their next head coach. Sources have told ESPN.com's Michael Smith that Grimm will be hired once the Steelers' season concludes. The Detroit Free Press also cites a source who claims that Grimm is the Lions' choice. Grimm, a former teammate of Lions president Matt Millen, formally interviewed Thursday night, according to multiple reports. The Lions have interviewed at least six other candidates: interim coach Dick Jauron, Cleveland offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon, former New Orleans coach Jim Haslett, Denver offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, San Francisco linebackers coach Mike Singletary and Tampa Bay defensive line coach Rod Marinelli. Kansas City offensive coordinator Al Saunders and New York Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis are also reportedly on the Lions' list. The Lions have also reportedly inquired about Buffalo defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

-Barring anything unexpected, Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak will be Houston's next head coach. Kubiak met with the Texans on Jan. 6, and club officials came away impressed, reports the Houston Chronicle. Per NFL rules, the team can't hire Kubiak until the Broncos are out of the playoffs.
The Texans have also interviewed San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, Fresno State University coach Pat Hill, Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, Texans wide receivers coach Kippy Brown and Kansas City offensive coordinator Al Saunders.

-The Rams interviewed Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Fassel on Thursday. Fassel is the first candidate with previous head coaching experience to interview with the Rams. Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, meanwhile, told Tampa Bay reporters he's had a long discussion with St. Louis president John Shaw and is contemplating making a run at the Rams' opening. "I love the place [Tampa Bay] and really feel like the future is bright," Kiffin, 65, said. "But I'm still giving [St. Louis] some consideration. I don't think there's a timetable. They want me to come for an interview. You can't just go for an interview for the sake of going for an interview, so I have to decide on some things." The Rams have also expressed interest in Bucs defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, and plan to interview Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. St. Louis has already interviewed Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, Chicago defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, Dallas defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Miami offensive coordinator Scott Linehan.

-Former Rams head coach Mike Martz is scheduled to interview in New Orleans today, according to multiple reports. The Saints first contacted Martz last week and immediately put him high on their list of candidates.
Former Packers head coach Mike Sherman interviewed on Thursday, one day after the Saints hosted Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon and met with Cowboys assistant head coach/passing game coordinator Sean Payton for a second time. Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson wrapped up his two-day formal interview process with the Saints on Tuesday morning. The Saints have also contacted Fresno State coach Pat Hill and are believed to have interest in Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis.

-The Jets are in the process of interviewing many candidates, but New England defensive coordinator Eric Mangini has clearly emerged as the front-runner to become their next head coach. Mangini is expected to meet with Jets GM Terry Bradway on Sunday, the day after the Patriots' playoff game in Denver. Mangini, 34, is latest "hot" Bill Belichick protégé. Mangini's been in the league since 1995 but never more than a position coach until this year. Former Vikings coach Mike Tice, who is scheduled to be interviewed next week, is believed to be a top fallback option if Mangini doesn't work out, reports the New York Post. Also being considered are former Saints head coach Jim Haslett, Rams interim head coach Joe Vitt, and in-house candidates Mike Heimerdinger (offensive coordinator, Donnie Henderson (defensive coordinator) and Mike Westhoff (special teams).