Updated: Tuesday, 03 Jan 2012, 4:40 PM CST
Published : Tuesday, 03 Jan 2012, 3:43 PM CST
LAKE FOREST (AP) - Mike Martz is out after two seasons as the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator.
The team has confirmed on Tuesday that Martz will not be back. Hours earlier, general manager Jerry Angelo was fired.
The changes come after the Bears finished 8-8 following a collapse marked by season-ending injuries to quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte, along with the arrest of backup receiver Sam Hurd on federal drug charges.
Chicago dropped five in a row following a 7-3 start before closing out the season with a win at Minnesota.
Martz had an expiring contract, and speculation that he might be on his way out mounted as the losses piled up. Quarterbacks coach Shane Day will not be back, either.
AP, NBC to announce awards Super Bowl eve
NEW YORK - The Associated Press and the NFL will announce the annual league awards, including Most Valuable Player, in a two-hour prime-time special "NFL Honors" to air on NBC on Super Bowl eve, Feb. 4.
All seven AP NFL awards will be presented from 8-10 p.m. CST live from the Murat Theater in Indianapolis during a show hosted by "30 Rock" star Alex Baldwin. The show will feature a live performance by Lenny Kravitz and appearances by Hall of Famers Jerry Rice, Barry Sanders, Deion Sanders, Shannon Sharpe and Steve Young.
The awards program will be preceded by a red carpet show on NFL Network from 7-8p.m. CST.
In addition to MVP, the league will announce the winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which recognizes a player's community service as well as playing excellence.
The other AP awards are Coach of the Year, Comeback Player, Defensive Player and Defensive Rookie, and Offensive Player and Offensive Rookie.
Last year, the awards were presented on the NFL Network throughout the week leading up to the Super Bowl.
A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL votes for the awards. The AP tabulates the ballots.
Spanos keeps Turner, Smith for 2012
SAN DIEGO - San Diego Chargers President Dean Spanos has decided to keep coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith despite the team missing the playoffs for the second straight season amid increasing fan discontent.
Spanos made his decision Tuesday, two days after the Chargers finished 8-8 by beating Oakland to keep the Raiders out of the playoffs.
Turner is 49-31 in five years in San Diego but only 3-3 in the playoffs. He is 107-113-1 in three stints as a head coach, including with Washington and Oakland. Both of those teams fired
him.
San Diego went 4-1 at the beginning and end of the season but was undone by a six-game losing streak in the middle. One more win would have earned the Chargers the AFC West title.
Smith has come under fire for the erosion of talent from a roster that at one time was considered among the NFL's best.
AP source: Jeff Fisher interviews with Dolphins
DAVIE, Fla. - A person familiar with the Miami Dolphins' coaching search says Jeff Fisher is interviewing for the job.
The person confirmed the interview to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins hadn't commented.
Fisher arrived at the team complex Tuesday morning aboard owner Stephen Ross' helicopter. He's believed to be the Dolphins' top choice, but competition from other NFL teams may be fierce.
The Buccaneers and Rams fired their coaches Monday, increasing to five the number of top vacancies.
Fisher coached the Titans franchise for 17 years and led Tennessee to a Super Bowl. After stepping down, he sat out the 2011 season.
The Dolphins fired Tony Sparano with three games to go in his fourth season as their coach.
Vikings promote Rick Spielman to GM
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - The Minnesota Vikings have promoted Rick Spielman to general manager.
Spielman became the Vikings' vice president of player personnel in 2006. He also has worked for Detroit, Chicago and Miami during 21 seasons as an NFL executive.
The Vikings say Spielman will oversee all football-related activities for the team.
Owner Zygi Wilf says "This establishes the organizational structure that will lead to the long term success of the Vikings."
Minnesota announced the move on Tuesday.
The Vikings went 3-13 this season and finished last in the NFC North. They have the No. 3 pick in this year's NFL draft.
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