>>Bears Interview Marrone, Austin

Former Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone interviewed for the Chicago Bears' job as did Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.

The team confirmed the interviews Tuesday.

Marrone exercised an opt-out clause in his contract two weeks ago after leading Buffalo to its best finish in a decade, leaving some players stunned and unhappy with him. The Bills went 9-7 for their first winning season since 2004 but extended the NFL's longest active postseason drought to 15 seasons.

They went 15-17 in two seasons under Marrone.

A former NFL offensive lineman, Marrone was the Saints' offensive coordinator from 2006-08 and worked with new Bears general manager Ryan Pace.

>>Bowles Tabbed As Jets Head Coach

(Undated) -- The New York Jets are the latest team to fill their head coaching vacancy. According to ESPN, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles will be the new coach of the Jets. The team has reportedly given Bowles a four-year deal shortly after also hiring new general manager Mike Maccagnan. Bowles takes over for Rex Ryan, who was fired by the team shortly after the regular season ended. The 51-year-old has been with Arizona the past two seasons, and in 2013 had one of the top rushing defenses in the league. Bowles will take over a Jets squad that finished 4-and-12, but had a top-five defense against the run.

>>Schwartz Out As Bills' Defensive Coordinator

(Orchard Park, NY) -- Jim Schwartz is out after just one season as defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills. New head coach Rex Ryan says Schwartz did a great job, but they have released him to give him the chance to pursue other opportunities. Ryan will bring in his own coordinator after replacing head coach Doug Marrone, who opted out of his contract after the season. Schwartz took over the defense after Mike Pettine [[ PET-in ]] left to become the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Prior to the 2014 season, Schwartz spent five years as the head coach of the Detroit Lions.

>>Steelers Name Keith Butler Defensive Coordinator

(Pittsburgh, PA) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are promoting linebackers coach Keith Butler to defensive coordinator. Butler takes the place of Dick LeBeau, who resigned last week after 16 seasons in the Steelers' organization. The 58-year-old coached the linebackers for 12 years under LeBeau, and helped the team to two Super Bowls wins. He has also coached for the Cleveland Browns, the University of Memphis, and served as defensive coordinator at Arkansas State.

>>Cowboys Working To Extend Garrett

Jason Garrett is close to a new five-year contract agreement to remain the Dallas Cowboys' head coach, according to multiple media reports.

Garrett led the Cowboys to the playoffs this season for the first time since 2009. The Cowboys captured the NFC East title with a 12-4 record and then beat the Detroit Lions in the wild-card round before losing to the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round
Sunday.

The 48-year-old Garrett became the Cowboys' interim head coach in the middle of the 2010 season, replacing Wade Phillips, who was fired following the team's 1-7 start.

Dallas finished the season 5-3 under Garrett, earning him the job on a full- time basis.

The Cowboys went 8-8 in each of the next three seasons, losing Week 17 games to division opponents to miss the playoffs each time.

>>Rams' Donald, Gaines, Mason Honored By Pro Football Writers

(New York, NY) -- Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was selected by the Pro Football Writers of America after leading all NFL rookies with nine sacks. Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines and running back Tre Mason were also named to the all-rookie team.