NFL: Raiders set to fire head coach

ESPN.com reports the Raiders are set to fire head coach Lane Kiffin as early as Monday morning. Chris Mortensen reported in January of 08 that Al Davis had drawn resignation letter for Kiffin and asked him to quit. The Raiders lost to the Denver Broncos 41-0 in week 1. Source: ESPN.com News Wire

NFL: Townsend to miss Sunday’s Game?

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend did not practice for the third day in a row and is not expected to play Sunday night against the Browns. Townsend has been hindered by a heel contusion. Bryant McFadden will start in place of Townsend. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

NFL: Jets targeting Bill Cowher?

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher tells Adam Shefter of the NFL network that he intends to stay retired and can‚Äôt see himself returning to the sidelines until at least 2010. Cowher didn’t rule out coaching in 2009 but said it’s unlikely. Cowher has been linked to just about every team whose coach is on the hot seat. Speculation is rampant that New York Jets owner Robert Wood Johnson IV has been keeping a close eye on whether Cowher intends to return to coaching. Expectations are high in New York and if they fail to make the playoffs head coach Eric Mangini could be on his way out. Sources close to Bill Cowher believe the coach is seeking up

NFL: Dan Rooney to keep control of the Steelers?

KDKA reporter Andy Sheehan reports there are indications that Dan Rooney may be have the money he needs to take control of the Steelers and a third offer may be on the way. Sources tell KDKA that Rooney has assembled a team of investors and appears to be the favorite to keep control of the team. The NFL was very forthcoming in their meeting with the Rooney family last month urging them to find a resolution to keep Dan Rooney in control. Source: KDKA

NHL: Shanahan staying in NYC?

I’m hearing the New York Rangers have a 1year – $1.8 million offer on the table to Brendan Shanahan. Indications are Shanahan is seeking over $2 million per season but he is expected to accept the Rangers offer. Expect an official announcement by the weekend. The New York Post speculates there has been some complications in the negotiations.

NFL: Browns secondary takes another hit

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Browns safety Sean Jones will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and will miss up to four to six weeks. Jones is the Browns most dynamic player in an already shaky secondary. This past Sunday the Browns had to face Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys aerial attack, now they have the task of facing Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers passing attack with their top safety out of action.

NHL: Eric Staal close to signing 7 year extension?

The News and Observer reports Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal is expected to sign a long term extension in the next ten days. The paper speculates Staal could receive a seven-year contract that would pay him between $7 million and $10 million a year. Count on the low number. Could Eric’s brother Jordan be next in line for an extension from the Pittsburgh Penguins? Check out the “Latest Penguins Buzz Segment” for the latest insight. Source: News and Observer

NFL: Titans to part ways with Vince Young?

Could the Tennessee Titans be moving on from Vince Young? According to the Nashville Tennessean that might be the case. The paper reports Vince Young on Monday told close associates of his that he didn’t want to play football any more. Vince Young will be sidelined for 2-4 weeks and the team may be ready to move forward with Kerry Collins. Source:Nashville Tennessean

NHL: Wild resume talks with Marian Gaborik

According to Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune, the Minnesota Wild are expected to resume negotiations with right winger Marian Gaborik. Wild assistant General Manager Tom Lynn and agent Ron Salcer will meet in Los Angeles over the next few days in the hopes of re-signing their star forward. The Wild are expected to make an multi-year offer in the range of 8.5 million per season, according to the paper. Inside Pittsburgh Sports has learned, Wild GM Doug Riseborough has turned down any inquiries about Gaborik but their scouting staff has begun targeting potential trade partners, if the two sides can’t come to an agreement. Source: Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune