NFL News and Notes

The New York Giants hired Jerry Reese as their general manager, making him only the third black GM in NFL history.

Reese, who served as the team's director of player personnel the last four years, will succeed Ernie Accorsi, who held the post for nine seasons.

Reese, 43, will formally be introduced as general manager and senior vice president at a news conference today, the team said on its website.

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The Baltimore Ravens promoted Rick Neuheisel to offensive coordinator, although Coach Brian Billick said he'll continue to call the plays next season.

Billick fired Jim Fassel as offensive coordinator Oct. 17 and took over the position himself, a move that rejuvenated the coach and the Ravens' attack.

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Assistant head coach Russ Grimm has emerged as the front-runner for the Pittsburgh Steelers' coaching job, a search that was narrowed to three finalists after offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt left for Arizona.

The Steelers identified Grimm, a Pittsburgh assistant for six years, and defensive coordinators Mike Tomlin of the Minnesota Vikings and Ron Rivera of the Chicago Bears as the finalists.

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The Carolina Panthers fired offensive coordinator Dan Henning and two other assistants, two weeks after finishing a disappointing 8-8 season.

Offensive line coach Mike Maser and secondary coach Rod Perry were also let go.

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Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck revealed that he played the final eight games of Seattle's season with two broken fingers on his non-passing hand.

Hasselbeck said he sustained the injury in a Nov. 27 game.

Also Monday, Seahawks center Robbie Tobeck announced his retirement. Tobeck played in 176 games in 13 seasons — the first six in Atlanta.

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The Green Bay Packers promoted Joe Philbin to succeed Jeff Jagodzinski as the team's offensive coordinator.

Philbin is in his fifth season with the team. He previously was Green Bay's assistant offensive line coach and tight ends/assistant offensive line coach.

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London was chosen Tuesday to stage the first NFL regular-season game outside North America.

The NFL received interest from several German cities, but settled on London for the first game.

The venue and teams for next season's game will be announced later.

NFL owners voted in October to play up to two games outside the United States every season for the next five years. The international series will kick off with the game later this year in London.

Britain, Germany, Canada and Mexico have been identified as the top markets for NFL games outside the United States. China and Japan were ruled out of the running.


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