NFL | Eric Mangini to coach Browns

CLEVELAND — Eric Mangini, fired by the New York Jets after a 9-7 season, reached agreement on a contract to become the fourth coach hired by the Cleveland Browns since 1999.

Owner Randy Lerner, although he interviewed some of the brightest coordinators in the league, was seeking prior coaching experience. That swung the decision in Mangini's favor, along with his reputation as a disciplinarian who works his team hard and reportedly a vow to Lerner that Mangini can win with quarterback Brady Quinn.

Mangini, 38, compiled a 23-25 record in three seasons with the New York Jets, including a 10-6 playoff season in his first year in 2006. After a 4-12 season in 2007, the Jets started this season 8-3 but finished 9-7 as quarterback Brett Favre faded down the stretch. Mangini was fired the morning after the season's final game.

Mangini received a four-year deal, according to ESPN.

L.T. doubtful

SAN DIEGO — LaDainian Tomlinson confirmed he has a torn tendon in his groin and listed himself as doubtful for the San Diego Chargers' playoff game at Pittsburgh on Sunday.

"It's definitely torn," said Tomlinson, who didn't practice. "I can't really elaborate on it because I don't want to give too much information away."

Cowboys release Pacman

IRVING, Texas — Troubled cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones must look elsewhere in the NFL for another chance. The Dallas Cowboys are done with him. Jones was released after a turbulent season in which he was suspended six games for an off-field scuffle and made little impact on the field.

ESPN reported Wednesday that three Atlanta-area men have alleged Jones arranged for someone to shoot at them two months after he was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in June 2007.

The ESPN story said NFL security and the Cowboys didn't know about the shooting before Jones joined the team or was reinstated by the league.

Jones angrily denied the report, calling it "stupid."

Notes

• New York Giants leading rusher Brandon Jacobs returned to practice and pronounced himself ready to go for the NFC semifinal against the Philadelphia Eagles.

• Tennessee Pro Bowl center Kevin Mawae said he is day to day for the Titans' divisional playoff game against Baltimore because of an injured elbow.

• Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin rested his injured hamstring and said he's not sure he'll play in the divisional playoff at Carolina. The Panthers, meanwhile, should have starting defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis back.

• The New Orleans Saints have confirmed that running back Reggie Bush had surgery on his left knee, and will require months of rehabilitation. Gary Gibbs, the Saints' defensive coordinator for three years, was fired.

• Two felony charges against Vikings great Carl Eller were dropped in Minneapolis as part of a deal that calls for a judge to rule on two lesser charges stemming from Eller's clash with police last April.