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Here are the latest happenings Tuesday evening in the AFC East:

• Miami Dolphins defensive tackle and pending free agent Paul Soliai was added to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement.
• The New York Jets hired former Dolphins offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo.
• New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks about the dynamic of offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien working with future offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
• The Buffalo Bills look back at tight end Scott Chandler's best game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs.
• Here is a recap of this week's AFC East chat, covering a variety of topics.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots offensive coordinator and new Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien released a statement on the passing of coaching legend Joe Paterno.

Here is O'Brien's statement, courtesy of the Patriots:

"It is with great sadness that I am compelled to deliver this message of condolence and tribute to a great man, husband, father and someone who is more than just a coach, Joe Paterno. First, on behalf of Penn State Football, we offer our sincerest condolences to the Paterno family for their loss. We also offer our condolences to the Penn State community and, in particular, to those who wore the Penn State colors, our Nittany Lion football players and alumni. Today they lost a great man, coach, mentor and, in many cases, a father figure, and we extend our deepest sympathies. The Penn State Football program is one of college football's iconic programs because it was led by an icon in the coaching profession in Joe Paterno. There are no words to express my respect for him as a man and as a coach. To be following in his footsteps at Penn State is an honor. Our families, our football program, our university and all of college football have suffered a great loss, and we will be eternally grateful for Coach Paterno's immeasurable contributions."

O'Brien will be Penn State's next head coach when the Patriots' season is over. New England will host the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game at 3 p.m. E.T.

Someone has to lose Saturday's divisional-round playoff game between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos. But one person will smell like roses this weekend no matter the outcome: Josh McDaniels.

The formers Broncos head coach and current Patriots assistant has cleverly positioned himself in a win-win situation.

On one hand, McDaniels rejoins New England at the perfect time to help the team make a deep playoff run. McDaniels has plenty of inside knowledge on the Broncos' roster and would get a lot of credit if he helped New England win its first playoff game since the end of the 2007 season.

On the other hand, if New England (13-3) were upset by the Broncos (9-8), it would be in large part due to McDaniels' most controversial draft pick in Denver: Tim Tebow. McDaniels was heavily ridiculed for "reaching" to take the former Florida quarterback in the first round. One more win by Tebow would advance Denver to the AFC Championship Game and within one game of the Super Bowl. That would be the ultimate vindication for McDaniels, who believed in Tebow from the start when no one else did.

Obviously McDaniels would prefer the former outcome, not the latter. But both options have McDaniels sitting pretty in this AFC playoff game filled with interesting storylines.

After an ugly two-year stint in Denver, after which he was fired, and one year with the St. Louis Rams, McDaniels was welcomed back in New England.

"I have a lot of respect for Josh, not only as a coach, but as a friend," Patriots director of player personnel Nick Casario said this week. "I’ve known Josh a long time, it’s no secret. I think it’s great to have him back. It’s great to have him a part of our program and our system again. His goal and our goal is for everyone to work as hard as they can in preparation for this game, and that’s what we’ll try to do."

What is McDaniels' role during the playoffs with New England? Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been vague.

McDaniels' title is "offensive assistant." But this week, because of the opponent, McDaniels could serve as more a scout on both sides of the football.

McDaniels, who was head coach of the Broncos from 2009 to 2010, has great intel on many of their key players. He drafted Denver's building blocks on offense -- Tebow and receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. McDaniels also coached defensive stars Champ Bailey and Elvis Dumervil. This is priceless inside info that the Patriots could not get from simply studying tape.

McDaniels also should fit in seamlessly with New England's coaching staff. He spent eight seasons with the Patriots as an assistant and position coach, and three additional seasons as offensive coordinator. The system and terminology is virtually the same. This is a great way to ease McDaniels back into the fold to eventually take over for offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien when O'Brien leaves for Penn State after the playoffs.

"[McDaniels] is a person that I spent a lot of time with in a lot of different situations," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said. "I have a lot of confidence in him, he's smart, he's got great experience and background, and he knows our system. I’ve enjoyed our conversations the past couple days as we’ve gotten caught up on some things and moved forward into the playoffs here. I think that he'll be a good asset to our team for the remainder of the season."

McDaniels is reviled by Broncos fans. He was expected to be the next prodigy at head coach. Instead, he went 11-17 and didn't complete his second season. Joining New England's staff this week in an effort to end the Broncos' season certainly doesn't help his reputation in Denver.

Still, no one can deny first-year head coach John Fox is advancing through the playoffs with a roster McDaniels helped build. Starters Tebow, Thomas, Decker and offensive linemen Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton were all from McDaniels' final draft class in 2010. McDaniels' 2009 draft picks Robert Ayers, who had two sacks in last week's playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and safety David Bruton, also are contributors on defense.

But Tebow and Thomas are McDaniels' greatest parting gifts to the Broncos. The quarterback-receiver tandem connected for one of the greatest plays in Broncos' history last week.

Denver's playoff run probably will end this weekend in New England. The Broncos are nearly two-touchdown underdogs. The matchup is perfect for the Patriots, who won the regular-season meeting in Denver by 18 points.

But if the Broncos pull a monumental upset, players like Tebow, Thomas, Decker (if healthy) and Ayers will have a huge role. For that, McDaniels would still deserve a lot of credit.

Sometimes the stars align.

McDaniels simply can't lose this week.

Here are the latest happenings Monday in the AFC East:

• The NFL Network reports Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is scheduled to interview with the Miami Dolphins.
• New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady says he's excited for a reunion with offensive assistant Josh McDaniels.
• San Francisco 49ers safety and former Buffalo Bill Donte Whitner is on a roll. After ripping Bills coach Chan Gailey, Whitner also tweets his disapproval of McDaniels being allowed to go to New England before the end of the league year.
• Bills receiver coach Stan Hixon reportedly will join Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien at Penn State.
• Guess which player led the New York Jets in penalties this year?

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick released a statement Saturday on offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien becoming Penn State's new head coach.

Here is what Belichick had to say:

"Over the course of his long coaching career, Bill O'Brien has met every personal and professional challenge head on with great passion and competitiveness. I expect Bill to draw on his deep background in college football and the NFL to continue attracting and developing top players. For five years, Bill's outstanding work with our quarterbacks and entire offense has led to record-setting performances. His presence and command before our team has grown into that of a inspirational leader. This is a great match between a storied program and a old-school football coach. Bill will be up to the task and I couldn't be happier for him, Colleen and the O'Brien family."

The New England Patriots need an offensive coordinator who understands the system now that Bill O'Brien is leaving for Penn State.

Josh McDaniels needs to get back in his comfort zone after three underachieving years with the Denver Broncos and St. Louis Rams.

The timing is perfect for a McDaniels-New England reunion. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Patriots are expected to land their former offensive coordinator and have him working immediately on staff.

For now, McDaniels will work under O'Brien for the playoffs. But next season, McDaniels likely will take over the same offensive coordinator job he held from 2006 to '08. The transition should be seamless for McDaniels. New England is running primarily the same offense.

The Patriots will be fine. Truth be told, quarterback Tom Brady -- not the offensive coordinator -- is the biggest key to making New England's offense work. Brady and the Patriots put up great numbers when McDaniels left, and they will continue to do so after O'Brien.

But familiarity is always key with New England. Usually, head coach Bill Belichick likes to promote from within. This pretty much falls in that category despite McDaniels' venturing off to try his luck as a head coach.

McDaniels learned two things in the past three years: The grass isn't always greener on the other side, and it's good to come home. Both McDaniels and the Patriots should benefit from these lessons.

With offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien agreeing to become Penn State's next head coach, New England now is expected to hire Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as an offensive assistant coach, according to an NFL source.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports McDaniels will likely succeed O'Brien as the Patriots offensive coordinator next season, but he was to begin working immediately for the Patriots this season, returning to the team he left to take a head coaching job with the Broncos in 2009, the source said.

O'Brien will work as the Patriots offensive coordinator for the remainder of this season.

More coverage to come.

The dominoes are already starting to fall following the pending departure of New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports New England reached out to the Rams to seek permission to speak to Josh McDaniels. According to the report, it's unknown if St. Louis will grant permission.

McDaniels would make for a natural transition with the Patriots. He was offensive coordinator in New England from 2006-2008 before becoming head coach of the Denver Broncos. A failed stint in Denver brought McDaniels to St. Louis, where the team had an awful, 2-14 season and fired head coach Steve Spagnuolo.

Now, McDaniels' status in St. Louis is in limbo. The new coach -- possibly Jeff Fisher -- might not want to keep McDaniels on the Rams' staff. That would be New England's hope.

Here are the most interesting stories Friday morning in the AFC East:

• New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien will be Penn State's next head coach, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports.

Morning take: I smell a Josh McDaniels reunion in New England. He most likely would come back to the Patriots after a poor year in St. Louis.

• Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin reportedly is next in line to interview with the Miami Dolphins.

Morning take: If Miami can't get Jeff Fisher, the team will have to start looking at assistants. Philbin has done a great job with Green Bay's offense and may be able to lure pending free-agent quarterback Matt Flynn.

• Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey says the team needs to learn how to finish.

Morning take: Buffalo is still a young team learning how to win. I think talent and adding impact players are bigger issues.

• Former New York Jets teammate Kris Jenkins criticized quarterback Mark Sanchez's photo shoot in GQ magazine and not saying what backup Greg McElroy said about the team.

Morning take: Sanchez is being criticized for a lot of things. But I’m not sure the photo shoot has much to do with anything. But I agree Sanchez could have been more vocal internally to get things under control, at least on offense.

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday morning in the AFC East:

• New England Patriots' offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien reportedly could be close to becoming the next head coach at Penn State.

Morning take: This will be a nice step up for O'Brien after the season. If you recall another offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis, also left Bill Belichick to become a head coach in college (Notre Dame).

• It looks like it could come down to the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams for longtime head coach Jeff Fisher.

Morning take: If it comes down to money, the Dolphins have a chance. But Fisher could go for the better organizational setup, which exists in St. Louis.

• Let the mock drafts for the Buffalo Bills begin.

Morning take: The Bills should address their defense. But there are a couple holes such of offensive tackle and maybe a receiver that Buffalo could consider.

• Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw says he would cut New York Jets receiver Santonio Holmes.

Morning take: Bradshaw is on the outside looking in and doesn't understand the financial ramifications of cutting Holmes. He’s also the Jets’ only true receiving threat.

Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday morning in the AFC East:

• Receiver Santonio Holmes will return to the New York Jets next season.

Morning take: The Jets just gave Holmes a huge contract extension. He’s there to stay next season. But what I’m more curious about is whether Holmes can play another season in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense without getting frustrated.

• Former Miami Dolphins starting quarterback Chad Henne says he would love to come back to the Dolphins.

Morning take: Anyone up for a Henne vs. Matt Moore quarterback battle in training camp? I doubt the Dolphins are.

• New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien will interview for the Jacksonville Jaguars' post.

Morning take: O'Brien is a hot commodity. He’s also being linked to Penn State, but for now his main focus is trying to get the Patriots to the Super Bowl.

• Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey says he wants receiver Steve Johnson back, but with stipulations.

Morning take: The coach has to deal with Johnson’s antics, and I think Gailey will if the Bills can get Johnson at the right price. But if Johnson wants too much, Buffalo won’t be afraid to let him walk.

The chances of the New England Patriots losing offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien this offseason are increasing.

Not only is O'Brien being mentioned for head coach openings in the NFL. But according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter, O'Brien is a strong candidate for the Penn State job.

O’Brien's name is on the rise after doing a masterful job working with quarterback Tom Brady and New England's high-powered offense. A recent sideline spat between O'Brien and Brady only raised his profile more nationally.

Many of Bill Belichick's former assistants have gone on to land head coaching jobs at the pro and college level. Among them are Eric Mangini, Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis.

Here are the most interesting stories Friday morning in the AFC East:

• New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson said Sunday could also be the last game of his Hall of Fame career.

Morning take: The Jets-Dolphins game could be the end for two Hall of Famers -- Tomlinson and Jason Taylor. Tomlinson says he would come back next year in the right situation if he can win a championship.

• New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is emerging as a head-coaching candidate.

Morning take: O’Brien has done a great job working New England’s offense with quarterback Tom Brady. O’Brien would be the latest candidate from the Bill Belichick tree.

• This rookie year has been a learning experience for Buffalo Bills first-round pick Marcell Dareus.

Morning take: Dareus has been a bright spot in Buffalo’s struggling defense. He’s young and needs to be more consistent. But he’s showed the ability to take over games.

• The Dolphins would like to end the Jets' playoff dreams with a season-ending victory.

Morning take: Both teams most likely will be watching the playoffs from home next week. But Miami can make sure of it by taking care of business. Even if the Jets won, they need three additional things to fall in place to continue playing.

Here are the latest happenings Tuesday evening in the AFC East:

• New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien says he's moving on after his recent shouting match with quarterback Tom Brady.
• Miami Dolphins players say they were surprised by the firing of former head coach Tony Sparano.
  
• The "Battle of New York" could be huge for the Jets and Giants in two weeks.
• The Buffalo Bills signed right tackle Eric Pears to a contract extension.
  
• Here is a recap of this week's AFC East chat.

This week's Power Rankings took a gander at the NFL's best up-and-coming assistant coaches.

To define the list, ESPN.com's panel of division bloggers decided we would concentrate on assistants who have never been head coaches (we didn't count interim tags) and are approaching their shot to run a staff.

Here's my ballot:

1. Rob Ryan, Cowboys defensive coordinator
2. Russ Grimm, Cardinals offensive line coach
3. Dirk Koetter, Jaguars offensive coordinator
4. Bill O'Brien, Patriots offensive coordinator
5. Rob Chudzinski, Panthers offensive coordinator
6. Perry Fewell, Giants defensive coordinator
7. Brian Schottenheimer, Jets offensive coordinator
8. Winston Moss, Packers inside linebackers coach
9. Mike Waufle, Raiders defensive line coach
10. Pete Carmichael, Saints offensive coordinator

Ryan topped my ballot for two reasons. First, he's a great defensive coach. Second, his twin brother's success with the New York Jets is pushing Rob Ryan even closer and closer to consideration.

In sorting out my list, my dominant criterion was becoming a head coach soon. Grimm has interviewed for jobs, reportedly been close to landing a couple and is highly thought of around the league. If Las Vegas posted odds on the next assistant to become a first-time head coach, Ryan and Grimm would be at the top of the list.

I was one of only three panelists to vote for O'Brien at all. AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky listed him fifth. NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert ranked him eighth.

A high ranking for O'Brien simply is playing the percentages. Bill Belichick coordinators always seem to get an opportunity to be a head coach, and O'Brien certainly is making his mark. A coordinator appointment from Belichick is the ultimate sideline blessing these days. Tom Brady's not a bad reference either.

O'Brien did more than just pick up where Josh McDaniels left off. O'Brien oversaw a restructuring of the Patriots' offense from a shotgun-spread style to a two tight-end approach. He also prevailed in a battle of wills with Randy Moss and then directed the Patriots' offense to great things without him.