McDaniel to Browns: I'm out

NEW ENGLAND offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has removed himself from consideration for Cleveland's head-coaching vacancy, a source told the Associated Press.

McDaniels interviewed with the Browns last weekend, but dropped out when he wasn't guaranteed he was the front-runner, the source said. ESPN first reported McDaniels' decision.

Meanwhile, the Browns interviewed Packers quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo about the job, yesterday in Green Bay, a source said. McAdoo, 36, spent the past two seasons working with Aaron Rodgers.

The Browns' search is in its second week after owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner fired first-year coach Rob Chudzinski following a 4-12 season.

* Tennessee interviewed Baltimore offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell for its head-coaching job. Caldwell, the former Indianapolis head coach, also has interviewed with Washington and Detroit. Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden interviewed Tuesday with the Titans, who reportedly will interview Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer today.

* Team president Art Rooney said the Steelers may hold off on reworking quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's contract this spring. Roethlisberger, 31, has 2 years remaining on his current deal, a time when Pittsburgh typically reaches out to work on a new agreement. But Rooney insists any decision to hold off will have nothing to do with Pittsburgh's intention to lock up the two-time Super Bowl winner for the remainder of his career.

"We look at Ben as somebody who is going to be here for the long-term, hopefully five or more years," Rooney said. "We've got to have Ben retire as a Steeler, no doubt about that."

* A $50,000 fine to Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch was put on hold as long as he continues to comply with league policy on being available to the media. If there are any further violations, the $50,000 fine will be collected and a minimum fine of $50,000 more will be assessed. Lynch had declined all requests for interviews this season and had not spoken to the media until last Friday when he talked for less than 90 seconds.

* San Diego announced that center Nick Hardwick sustained a concussion as well as a stinger Sunday in the team's playoff victory over Cincinnati. It's not known whether Hardwick will be able to play Sunday in the divisional-round game at Denver.

* Running back Pierre Thomas (chest injury) was the only player to miss New Orleans' practice. Defensive end Akiem Hicks (ankle) practiced on a limited basis, as did right guard Jahri Evans (ankle). Cornerback Keenan Lewis, who left last weekend's playoff game to be tested for a concussion, practiced fully but was still listed on the injury report with head and neck injuries.