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We're Black and Blue All Over:

Monday's scheduled adjournment of the Minnesota state legislature came and went without resolution on any significant issue, meaning the session will continue on. That gives the Minnesota Vikings stadium bill a chance to be heard and approved at some point between now and May 21, the constitutionally required day to adjourn.

As the Star Tribune explains, there are at least two other issues -- business-tax relief and bonding -- that legislators appear to have put ahead in line of the stadium bill.

It's impossible to know how long those issues will take to resolve, and there's no sense trying to project the timetable. We'll keep you updated on any progress.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Vikings coach Leslie Frazier thought the team's depth was "abysmal" in some areas last season. Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com has more.
• Vikings general manager Rick Spielman to Bob Sansevere of the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "I have to admit, my wife had to wake me up at 8 this morning because I was physically and mentally exhausted."
• Former Vikings and Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre will have to testify in court about sexually suggestive text messages he allegedly sent while with the New York Jets in 2008, according to the Associated Press.
• Tackling skills were a big part of the Packers' draft evaluation, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com wonders if Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie will hire any former Packers scouts.
• The Packers' unsettled safety position means that rookie Jerron McMillian will have a legitimate opportunity to play, writes Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• The Detroit News has video of Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson's Top 10 list on "Late Show with David Letterman."
• New Lions quarterback Kellen Moore on draft weekend, via Chad Cripe of the Idaho Statesman: "Very frustrating process, but a great outcome in the end."
• Kick returner Stefan Logan might face a roster challenge this summer, writes Justin Rogers of Mlive.com.
• ESPN analyst Mel Kiper backed the Chicago Bears' choice of defensive end Shea McClellin, notes Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune speaks with former Bears running back Rashaan Salaam.

We can say with some confidence that the Green Bay Packers' coaching staff is getting a thorough once-over from the NFL this season.

Cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt is reportedly a candidate for the Oakland Raiders' defensive coordinator job, bringing the total to at least five Packers assistants who have been sought after for at least seven different jobs in the past three weeks. New Raiders coach Dennis Allen had been pursuing Greg Manusky for the job, but as my AFC West colleague Bill Williamson points out, Manusky is expected to join the Indianapolis Colts instead.

Whitt, 33, is one of two defensive assistants who survived the Packers' staff overhaul after the 2008 season. Packers coach Mike McCarthy promoted him from quality control coach to his current role, where he has received credit for his work with young cornerbacks Tramon Williams and Sam Shields.

His presumed connection to the Raiders is general manager Reggie McKenzie, a longtime Packers executive.

Despite the attention, the only Packers assistant to depart thus far is offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, who is now the Miami Dolphins' head coach.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

The Oakland Raiders' apparent decision to hire Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as their head coach will result in some stability among the Green Bay Packers' coaching staff.

Packers assistant head coach/inside linebackers Winston Moss and defensive coordinator Dom Capers were both candidates in the Raiders' job search, which was run by former Packers executive Reggie McKenzie, now the Raiders' general manager. Moss had been considered by many media members to be a favorite for the job, but McKenzie conducted a wide search.

To this point, offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is the only assistant to depart the staff. Philbin is the Miami Dolphins' new head coach. Coach Mike McCarthy hasn't announced a replacement yet. Quarterbacks coach Tom Clements remains a candidate for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' head-coaching job.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "It might be a little premature to declare Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy out of the woods completely, but any predictions about his staff being ravaged by outsiders seem to be overblown."
• Former Packers coach Mike Holmgren doesn't wonder what might have happened if he had stayed with the team rather than bolt for the Seattle Seahawks. Mike Vandermause of the Green Bay Press-Gazette has more.
• Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton will meet Wednesday with Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf to discuss the Metrodome stadium site. Mike Kaszuba of the Star Tribune details the political infighting currently in play on that site.
• Vikings general manager Rick Spielman allowed four reporters to sit in on an interview with Auburn long-snapper Josh Harris at the Senior Bowl. Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press has more.
• The Vikings plan to find more work for running back Toby Gerhart, regardless of Adrian Peterson's health, writes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• Detroit Lions vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. spoke positively in rare public comments about the team. Tom Walsh of the Detroit Free Press has more.
• Lions receiver Calvin Johnson is sitting out the Pro Bowl because of an Achilles injury, but he is still heading to Hawaii this week and is bringing the Lions' entire receiving corps, notes Dave Birkett of the Free Press.
• Two Lions assistant coaches, Tim Walton (secondary) and Shawn Jefferson (receivers) are close to signing new contracts to stay with the team, according to Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com.
• ESPNChicago.com has a rundown of Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher's comments on using the pain-killer Toradol.
• Urlacher expanded on those comments with Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune.
• Kansas City Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli endorsed his director of college scouting, Phil Emery, for the Bears' general manager job. Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times explains.
• The Bears' new general manager will have the flexibility to change as much of the scouting staff as he wants. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the team's six college scouts and three pro scouts all have expiring contracts.

I was away from the blog today for some unexpected reasons, but I want to pop in now that Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin has been hired as the next head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Some thoughts:

• [+] Enlarge
  AP Photo/Mike RoemerFormer Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is heading to Miami. Will backup quarterback Matt Flyn and QB coach Tom Clements follow?
  Philbin's life has changed dramatically in the past two weeks. He first interviewed with the Dolphins on Jan. 7, the day before the death of his 21-year-old son, Michael. I can't imagine the range of emotions he and his family are feeling Friday evening. To my knowledge, Philbin hasn't spoken publicly since the tragedy.
• Philbin was an offensive coordinator who didn't call plays, a combination that left him largely unknown to fans outside of the NFC North. But NFL teams clearly were aware of his even temperament and impeccable character, not to mention his connection to the most successful team of the past two seasons. In addition to the Dolphins, Philbin also interviewed with the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Oakland Raiders were also reported to be interested, largely because their new general manager is former Packers executive Reggie McKenzie. It's nice to see teams take notice of an assistant who is neither a self-promoter nor one whose qualifications are easily measured in public.
• The obvious question is whether Philbin will push the Dolphins to pursue Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn, either in free agency or in a sign-and-trade. The biggest knock on Flynn is that his two career starts provide a small sample size for teams looking for a starting quarterback. But Philbin has coached almost every practice Flynn has taken part of in Green Bay. If anyone has the background and institutional knowledge to take a measured risk on him, it's Philbin. On the other hand, Philbin also has a larger body of work to conclude that Flynn might not be ready to take the next step. So the Philbin-Flynn connection could work both ways here.
• It will be interesting to see if Philbin wants to take highly-regarded Packers quarterback coach Tom Clements with him to be his offensive coordinator/play-caller. The Packers could block him from going, as they did when the Chicago Bears wanted to interview him for their offensive coordinator job in 2010. But even if the Packers promote him into Philbin's old job as offensive coordinator, it still wouldn't be a play-calling role unless coach Mike McCarthy gives that up.
• Another candidate for the Packers' offensive coordinator job would be receivers coach Edgar Bennett, who moved from running backs coach last season to broaden his horizons.
• Success has its challenges, and one is replacing the inevitable brain drain that occurs as opponents try to replicate. This month, the Packers have lost a top front office talent in McKenzie and one of their top coaches in Philbin. The pressure is on the Packers to continue to develop qualified successors.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Half of the NFC North will now be impacted by the Oakland Raiders' wide search for a new head coach.

We already knew that new Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie would have his eyes on multiple candidates from the Green Bay Packers, where he spent the past 17 seasons. But he is also interested in speaking with Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice. The Raiders requested permission Tuesday to speak with Tice, a story first reported by Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Tice was promoted to his current job earlier this month, but by NFL rule the Bears can't deny permission to interview. He spent four seasons as the Minnesota Vikings' head coach from 2002-05 and is one of perhaps a dozen candidates linked to the first round of Raiders interviews; he is one of the few with previous head-coaching experience.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Bears have now interviewed two of their five candidates for their general manager job, the team announced. San Diego Chargers executive Jimmy Raye III was the latest through the door.
• Former Bears receiver Sam Hurd has a Jan. 25 arraignment set in Dallas after being indicted on federal drug conspiracy and possession charges. ESPNChicago.com has the story.
• Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers would consider moving cornerback Charles Woodson to safety next season if Nick Collins (neck) doesn't come back. Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has more.
• Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is a finalist for the Miami Dolphins' head-coaching job and will receive a second interview, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Former Packers coach Mike Holmgren will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame this summer, notes Kareem Copeland of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Both of the Detroit Lions' backup quarterbacks, Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton, will be free agents this spring, notes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. One or both could move on.
• Justin Rogers of Mlive.com review the appearance of Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh on "Jimmy Fallon."
• Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is moving closer to naming a preferred site for the Vikings' new stadium, according to Mike Kaszuba of the Star Tribune.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers have confirmed that offensive coordinator Joe Philbin has rejoined the team and returned to his coaching duties Sunday, a week after his son Michael drowned in nearby Oshkosh, Wis. So I guess it's now appropriate to begin discussing the delicate position this tragedy has left a pair of NFL teams.

Last weekend, Philbin interviewed for the Miami Dolphins' head-coaching job. The position remains open, and Philbin remains high on the Dolphins' list, reports ESPN's Chris Mortensen. According to Mortensen, the Dolphins are maintaining contact with Philbin's agent to gauge whether he is prepared to consider outside opportunities.

Philbin could also garner interest from new Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, a longtime Packers executive. Whether Philbin would pursue either job is a complete unknown at the moment. We'll keep you updated.

The Oakland Raiders' decision to fire coach Hue Jackson seems likely to impact the NFC North in a substantive way. The move confirms that new general manager Reggie McKenzie has been granted substantial authority by owner Mark Davis, and makes it likely that several Green Bay Packers assistant coaches will be candidates for the job.

There is no guarantee that McKenzie will hire someone from the Packers organization, but he spent the past 17 years in Green Bay and established some deep relationships as a matter of course. The Packers have two assistants with ties to the Raiders -- assistant head coach/inside linebackers Winston Moss and safeties coach Darren Perry -- and my understanding is that McKenzie also has a strong friendship with offensive coordinator Joe Philbin.

It's not clear how Philbin's family tragedy this week would impact his availability if McKenzie is interested. But Moss, who played for the Raiders from 1991-94, has long been considered a future head coach. Perry, a Raiders assistant from 2007-08, is also well regarded.

We'll keep you updated. McKenzie is scheduled to have his introductory news conference later Tuesday.

As the NFC North blogger, my job is to provide analysis and reaction on the daily happenings in this division.

That means I need to write something about the death of Michael Philbin, the 21-year-old son of Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin.

Reaction? Analysis?

Sorry. I've got nothing.

Is there any tragedy more jarring and unspeakable than sudden death? By nature, it defies explanation and crushes perspective. There are no words, at least not for me.

Packers guard T.J. Lang found a few, days after burying his own father, who died last week following an illness. Via Twitter, Lang said: "As children we all have to someday say goodbye to our parents, but a parent should never have to say goodbye to their child."

According to reports, Michael Philbin fell through ice early Sunday morning in Oshkosh, Wis., and drowned. His body was recovered Monday afternoon, and ESPN confirmed the identity Monday night.

The Philbins have lived in the Green Bay area since 2003, when Joe first joined the Packers as an assistant offensive line coach. He is one of the nicest and most gentle men you'll meet in football, and his career has ascended rapidly in recent days. The Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins both interviewed him for their head coaching jobs, and he is probably on the short list of candidates that Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie would pursue to replace incumbent Hue Jackson.

It would be crass to consider how this tragedy might affect Philbin's career, much less the Packers' preparations for Sunday's divisional playoff game against the New York Giants. Suffice it to say, the organization will move forward this week knowing that one of their longest-tenured and most loyal football employees is going through the cruelest of tragedies.

That of, course, is easier said than done. Go ahead and watch coach Mike McCarthy struggle to make it through his Monday news conference if you don't believe me. (Video via Packers.com.)

We've spent some time on this blog discussing the Packers' community ownership and sense of family. It's no joke. I suspect the Packers will be comforted knowing that the Philbins' private tragedy will be mourned by neighbors they don't know and friends worldwide they've never met. If strength can be found in numbers, the Philbins are in excellent hands.

Let's all hope for a positive ending to this story from the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

The son of Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin was reported missing Sunday night. Police in Oshkosh, Wis., are seeking information on the whereabouts of Michael T. Philbin, 21, who was last heard from early Sunday morning.

Joe Philbin has been a Packers assistant coach since 2003 and their offensive coordinator since 2007. He has been named as a candidate for multiple NFL head coaching jobs recently, and interviewed for openings last week with the Kansas City Chiefs and on Saturday with the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins job remains unfilled. It's also possible that Philbin could be a candidate for the Oakland Raiders' job if incumbent Hue Jackson is fired by new general manager Reggie McKenzie, a longtime former Packers executive. The Packers will reconvene Monday at Lambeau Field to begin preparations for Sunday's divisional playoff game against the New York Giants.

This is a private issue that will play out partly in public due to police involvement. We'll do our best to respect both sides of that.

It's been an interesting day in the Green Bay Packers' front office. While players enjoy a three-day weekend, the franchise bid farewell to a pair of long-time executives.

We already noted that Reggie McKenzie, a Packers talent evaluator since 1994 and most recently their director of football operations, would be hired as the Oakland Raiders' general manager. The Raiders and Packers confirmed the move Friday afternoon, and it appears that McKenzie will begin his new job immediately.

Whether McKenzie brings anyone else from the Packers' front office or coaching staff remains to be seen. There has been some speculation that assistant director of player personnel Eliot Wolf could go with McKenzie, but Bob McGinn of the Milwauke Journal Sentinel reports the Packers are likely to promote Wolf to the lead position of their pro personnel department.

Meanwhile, the resignation of Jason Wied -- the Packers' vice president of administration/general counsel -- was announced in the most startling news release I think I've seen. Wied, who has been with the Packers since 2000, revealed that he took a leave of absence Nov. 7 in order to enter a treatment facility for dependency on an herbal remedy he tried for sleep apnea and insomnia.

"While there," Wied said in the statement, "I realized that I needed to make some changes and some tough choices -- and I feel that moving on from my employment with the Packers will allow me to make the changes I need in my life right now."

Among other things, Wied had taken a lead role in the Packers' efforts current efforts to expand Lambeau Field and the stadium complex through purchases of adjoining land. There was no immediate word on how the Packers would replace him.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

It appears the Green Bay Packers' success will cost them at least one prominent member of their organization. Reggie McKenzie, the director of football operations who has been a key talent evaluator for the team since 1994, is set to become the general manager of the Oakland Raiders. ESPN's Adam Schefter has the story.

McKenzie was originally hired by former Packers general manager Ron Wolf, who has been advising the Raiders on their search. He will be the second member of Packers general manager Ted Thompson's front office to be hired in a similar role elsewhere; two years ago, executive John Schneider became the Seattle Seahawks' general manager.

McKenzie had been linked to the Chicago Bears' job because of his friendship with Bears coach Lovie Smith, but it appears the Raiders swooped in first.

The Packers are also monitoring the interviews of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, who has drawn interest for the head-coaching job in Kansas City and Miami. Quarterbacks coach Tom Clements was a candidate for the Penn State job, but it appears he will be staying after reports that New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien will be hired.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The father of Packers guard T.J. Lang passed away Thursday, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Being the top seed in the playoffs is no guarantee of postseason success, notes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Packers cornerback Tramon Williams: "But, bottom line, Williams' hasn't been the same shut-down, no-trespassing cover man of a year ago. For the Packers to return to the Super Bowl, they may need him to be. Williams remains confident."
• Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press: "We've got a quarterback. No matter what happens Saturday night in New Orleans, no matter what unfolds in this first Lions playoff season since the last millennium, Detroit fans can say that sentence and take comfort in it."
• Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams appears to have the following plan for dealing with Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, via Carlos Monarrez of the Free Press: "But we do play very physical, and one of the things that we do is guys that are 6-5 end up being 5-5 when they get flipped over on their head. They didn't say that the rule says that the ground couldn't hurt their head. So we've got to find ways to make the ground be a part of it. We won't make helmet-to-helmet contact."
• Lions safety Louis Delmas has been silent this week as he prepares to return to the field. John Niyo of the Detroit News explains.
• Last year, the Minnesota Vikings began interviewing potential replacements for offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell before firing him. It appears they're doing the same in 2011. They have scheduled former Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant Raheem Morris for an interview Friday, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Current defensive coordinator Fred Pagac remains employed.
• Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton wants all stadium proposals from all sites in his hands by Jan. 12. More from the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com looks at four candidates for the Chicago Bears' general manager job.
• The Bears stack up well against other teams seeking general managers, writes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• The only candidate believed to have been contacted for the job is Baltimore Ravens executive Eric DeCosta, according to Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

As most of the NFL moves into the offseason, everyone, it seems, wants a piece of the Green Bay Packers.

As we noted Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs interviewed offensive coordinator Joe Philbin for their head-coaching job Wednesday. Although interim coach Romeo Crennel is the favorite for the job, AFC West colleague Bill Williamson reports that Philbin is a serious candidate as well. Philbin has another interview scheduled with a second team as well, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Meanwhile, the Oakland Raiders interviewed Packers director of football operations Reggie McKenzie for their general manager job, and McKenzie is considered a top candidate for the job. He could also emerge as a candidate for the Chicago Bears' general manager opening.

Director of college scouting John Dorsey turned down an opportunity to interview for the Indianapolis Colts' general manager job, according to Schefter. Finally, quarterbacks coach Tom Clements remains a candidate for the Penn State head-coaching job.

Coaches of teams on a bye can interview until this weekend. Front office executives aren't bound by those rules.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Packers receiver Greg Jennings (knee) returned to practice Wednesday and is set to play in the Packers' divisional playoff game on Jan. 15.
• Could Brad Jones emerge as one of the Packers' starting linebackers in the playoffs? Silverstein looks into it for the Journal Sentinel.
• Packers coach Mike McCarthy needs to brush up on his overtime playoff rules, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• The Detroit Lions have been holding receiver Calvin Johnson (Achilles) out of practice this week, but he will play Saturday night against the New Orleans Saints. Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com has more.
• Lions receiver Titus Young has matured over the past month, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• Lions center Dominic Raiola wasn't happy to hear that San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh is preparing to face the Saints in the second round of the playoffs. Chris McCosky of the Detroit News explains.
• Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune reviews some possible general manager candidates for the Bears.
• Former Bears receiver Sam Hurd was indicted on two drug-related counts Wednesday, reports Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
• Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune looks at coach Lovie Smith's search for his next offensive coordinator.
• Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that Smith should promote offensive line coach Mike Tice to the job.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com has a list of every Minnesota Vikings player's contract situation.
• The Vikings are hoping to negotiate a truce with their Metrodome landlords, who say their lease should extend another year because of a little-known clause. Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press has more.
• Vikings coach Leslie Frazier hasn't ruled out a 3-4 defense for 2012, notes Dan Wiederer of the Star Tribune.

» NFC decision-makers: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: decision-makers.

Chicago Bears

General manager Jerry Angelo is preparing for his ninth draft with the Bears, and his approach has changed significantly during that time period. He had a number of hits early in his career, from cornerback Charles Tillman and linebacker Lance Briggs in 2003 to receiver Bernard Berrian in 2004 to kick returner Devin Hester in 2005. But a few stumbles since then -- defensive end Dan Bazuin in 2007 among them -- have coincided with a move away from the draft focus; Angelo has gutted the 2009 and 2010 drafts to acquire veteran players. Angelo takes into account the opinion of coach Lovie Smith but has final say on the entire draft approach.

Detroit Lions

General manager Martin Mayhew emerged from the staff of former president/CEO Matt Millen with a strong understanding of the failures in that regime. Mayhew revamped the draft process, added more people to internal conversations and listens carefully to coach Jim Schwartz. It's hard to find a trend for Mayhew's thinking so early in his career, but his first draft produced nine players who saw action in 2009. At least four -- quarterback Matthew Stafford, tight end Brandon Pettigrew, safety Louis Delmas and linebacker DeAndre Levy -- will be starters at some point in 2010. Private as a player, Mayhew operates in near secrecy with the Lions.

Green Bay Packers

General manger Ted Thompson is entering his sixth draft as the Packers' top football decision-maker. All personnel men value the draft, but you would be hard-pressed to find one who puts such unequivocal faith in it as the sole avenue for stockpiling the roster. Thompson has signed only a handful of notable free agents during his tenure and none in the past three years. On the other hand, the Packers' regular starting lineup in 2009 included 18 players originally drafted by the team. Thompson lost a valued adviser in new Seattle general manager John Schneider, but he also leans on director of college scouting John Dorsey and director of football operations Reggie McKenzie.

Minnesota Vikings

Rick Spielman doesn't have the title of general manager, but as vice president of player personnel, he has run the Vikings' past three drafts. Spielman uses an intricate numbering system that places players in groups by their potential and then assigns a number -- sometimes carried out to decimal points in the ten-thousandths -- to rank each of them within that group. The approach led Spielman to choose receiver Sidney Rice over Dwayne Jarrett in 2007, among other decisions. He has also been willing to take injury and/or character risks in the first round if he's comfortable with his staff's research and evaluation.

New Cleveland president Mike Holmgren spoke highly Monday of a Green Bay executive who could be on his list of candidates to be the Browns’ new general manager.

Speaking with Cleveland-area reporters, Holmgren said that Reggie McKenzie, one of the Packers’ directors of football operations, could be a candidate. Another possibility is John Schneider, the Packers’ other director of football operations.

Asked specifically if he would interview McKenzie as part of the NFL’s requirement to consider minority candidates for such jobs, Holmgren said: “I think Reggie McKenzie is a good man and a good friend. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I think I have made a lot of good friends and know a lot of good people in this league. By rule, we really can’t get started on any of this stuff until the final regular season game. At which point, obviously we will comply with the ‘Rooney Rule’ and interview African-American candidates as part of the process. … Reggie would certainly be in that category.”

Holmgren made clear he hasn’t yet spoken with McKenzie or any other candidate for the job. Another Packers executive whose name has been mentioned prominently is director of football operations John Schneider.