NFL Notebook: McKillop reunited with his ex-coach

The Buffalo Bills signed seven players to reserve future contacts, including free-agent linebacker Scott McKillop of Pitt.

Selected in the fifth-round of the 2009 draft by San Francisco, McKillop hasn't played since his left knee was injured in training camp in 2010. He has been out of football since being waived by the 49ers in August. McKillop is reunited with Buffalo's newly promoted defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt, who previously was McKillop's coach at Pitt.

The team also formally announced the signing free-agent receiver David Clowney, who had agreed to his contract this week. The Bills also re-signed five players who finished the season on their practice squad: offensive linemen Jake Vermiglio and Keith Williams, linebacker Robert Eddins, defensive back Prince Miller and defensive end Jay Ross.

Bears

Chicago promoted offensive line coach Mike Tice to offensive coordinator, replacing the departed Mike Martz. The move comes less than a week after the Bears completed a disappointing 8-8 season. They parted with Martz, who had an expiring contract, on the same day general manager Jerry Angelo was fired. This will be the first coordinator job for Tice, who just completed his second season as the Bears line coach. He spent the previous four seasons as an assistant in Jacksonville and was the head coach in Minnesota for four years after serving as the Vikings offensive line and tight ends coach.

Raiders

Oakland landed a new personnel man, who faces the daunting task of helping fill the void left by late owner Al Davis. The Raiders reached an agreement with Packers director of football operations Reggie McKenzie to become their new general manager. They scheduled a news conference for Tuesday to introduce McKenzie, who will fulfill many of the duties handled by iconic owner Davis until his Oct. 8 death at age 82.

Packers

Vice president Jason Wied resigned from the team's front office, citing health issues. In a statement, Wied said he has been dealing with sleep apnea and insomnia and developed a dependency on one of the herbal remedies he was using.

Elsewhere

Packers linebacker Erik Walden was fined $15,000 by the NFL for roughing the passer on Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, and Chargers linebacker Antwan Barnes was docked $25,000 for unnecessary physical contact with an official. Barnes was ejected after being called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

First published on January 7, 2012 at 12:25 am

Source: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12007/1201931-66.stm?cmpid=news.xml

ifl joseph gordon levitt