Former Ravens coach Billick reportedly interviews with Eagles

Associated Press The Philadelphia Eagles interviewed former Ravens coach and current Fox analyst Brian Billick for their coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the meeting said. Billick, who led Baltimore to a Super Bowl title in the 2000 season, met with the Eagles last Monday, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to discuss it. The Eagles are known to have interviewed eight other candidates, including three high-profile college coaches who decided to stay at their schools. They were Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly, Oregon’s Chip Kelly and Penn State’s Bill O’Brien. Philadelphia fired Andy Reid on Dec. 31, a day after finishing 4-12 in his 14th season. Billick hasn’t coached since 2007. He was 80-64 in nine seasons with the Ravens, leading them to two division titles and a 5-3 record in four playoff appearances. CSNPhilly.com first reported Billick’s interview. Billick, 58, began his NFL coaching career in Minnesota as a tight ends coach in 1992. After two seasons, he was promoted to offensive coordinator and helped the Vikings set a then-record 556 points in 1998. Billick became the second coach in Ravens history in 1999 and guided them to a Super Bowl victory over the New York Giants in his second season. Known for having a dynamic offense in Minnesota, Billick never came close to that in Baltimore. His offense never ranked higher than 14th in total yards and cracked the top 10 in points just once. Of course, talent had a part in that. The Vikings had Randall Cunningham and Daunte Culpepper as their quarterbacks, along with star wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and running back Robert Smith. Billick’s Ravens were built on strong defenses led by Ray Lewis and Co. They finished in the top six in total yards in eight of Billick’s nine seasons. Billick assembled quite a coaching staff in Baltimore. Six of his assistants became head coaches, including Mike Smith (Atlanta), Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati), Rex Ryan (New York Jets), Mike Singletary (San Francisco), Mike Nolan (San Francisco) and Jack Del Rio (Jacksonville). The Eagles have an interview scheduled with Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden today and are expected to interview Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians this week. They met with Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley on Saturday, according to two people familiar with the meeting. Seattle lost to Atlanta on Sunday, so the Eagles are free to hire Bradley if he’s their choice. Owner Jeffrey Lurie, General Manager Howie Roseman and President Don Smolenski interviewed former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith on Thursday. They previously met with Atlanta assistants Nolan and Keith Armstrong and Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.

Former Ravens coach Billick reportedly interviews with Eagles January 14,2013 05:47 AM GMT Associated Press Copyright � 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,broadcast, rewritten or redistributed..

Patriots injuries

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski left the playoff game against the Houston Texans with an apparent injury to the left arm that kept him out five games during the regular season. Running back Danny Woodhead also went out in the first quarter with a thumb injury.

Gronkowski broke his left forearm blocking for an extra point near the end of New England’s victory over Indianapolis on Nov. 18. He missed five games before returning for the regular-season finale.

He went to the sideline after making an out-of-bounds catch midway through the first quarter Sunday.

Police honored

The Patriots honored members of the Newtown, Conn., police department at the playoff game against the Texans in Foxborough, Mass.

Officers wearing Patriots jerseys with the No. 1 and “Newtown PD” on their backs lined up with the cheerleaders as the team ran onto the field before the game.

They also stood with members of the color guard for the national anthem. Two children wearing Newtown Police caps also went to midfield for the coin toss.

Twenty children and six adults were killed Dec. 14 at the Sandy Hook Elementary school. Patriots owner Bob Kraft owns a factory in the community.