NFL roundup: Shanahan, Chudzinski reportedly will be fired
The ax is starting to fall on NFL head coaches as Cleveland Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski and Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan both will be fired, according to reports.
Chudzinski will be fired after just one season with Cleveland, ESPN reported Sunday. The Browns are expected to announce the firing sometime early this week, according to the report.
Chudzinski, who was hired last January to replace fired Pat Shurmur, finished with a 4-12 record in his one season with the Browns, including a 20-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Shanahan will "definitely" by fired, the Washington Post reported, and the firing could come Sunday night.
He has one season remaining on the five-year, $35 million contract he signed in 2009. Owner Daniel Snyder is reportedly planning to withhold most or all of the $7 million remaining on Shanahan's deal, citing "breach of contract."
Per the Post, Shanahan's recourse would come in the form of a grievance.
After the surprising 10-6 record and postseason appearance in 2012, the Redskins slipped to 3-13 this season, with Kirk Cousins starting the final two games at quarterback in place of Robert Griffin III.
---Rex Ryan will return to the New York Jets as head coach in 2014. Ryan said he was told prior to Sunday's game he would be back.
Ryan said this week he expected to coach the Jets next season because, well, that is what his contract with the team stipulates.
Following a 20-7 win at Miami that bumped the Dolphins from the AFC wild-card spot and capped an 8-8 season, there were positive signs for Ryan that management will have him back in 2014.
"Great end to the season. Looking forward to more success with this guy," owner Woody Johnson posted via Instagram with a picture of a smiling Ryan.
---The expectation inside the Detroit Lions' headquarters is that Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz will be fired, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported on NFL Network.
According to the report, the Lions' entire front office may be replaced.
The Lions' 14-13 loss to Minnesota left them with a 7-9 record this season.
---Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson may need knee surgery, ESPN reported.
Doctors recommend that Johnson undergo arthroscopic surgery on his sprained knee this offseason to ease swelling and to clean out loose bodies, according to the report.
---Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin may be headed to injured reserve, NFL Network reported.
According to the report, Harvin is doubtful to play for the rest of the season because of hip soreness that has not shown improvement.
---With their 14th consecutive loss to end the season, the Houston Texans are officially on the clock with the top pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Houston lost to the Tennessee Titans to lock up the top spot in the May draft.
