Washington Redskins set to hire Mike Shanahan as coach | NFL

Mike Shanahan, the Denver Broncos' coach from 1995 until he was fired after the 2008 season, has reached an agreement in principle to coach the Washington Redskins, according to two sources familiar with the negotiations.

The Redskins are making plans for Shanahan to sign his contract and announce his hiring today.

Shanahan, who succeeds the fired Jim Zorn is to receive a five-year contract at about the same salary ($7 million a year) he had during his final contract with the Broncos.

Bears keep Lovie, but clean house

Lovie Smith will return as head coach for the Chicago Bears next season, but he won't be calling defensive plays and he'll have a new offensive staff. Coordinator Ron Turner and five other coaches on that side of the ball were fired after the team regressed despite the acquisition of high-profile QB Jay Cutler.

Also fired were coaches Pep Hamilton (quarterbacks), Rob Boras (tight ends), Harry Hiestand (line), and assistants Luke Butkus and Charles London.

Notes

• Cleveland coach Eric Mangini's future with the team could come today when he meets with new Browns president Mike Holmgren. "I met with Eric briefly (Tuesday)," Holmgren said. "But not 'The Meeting.' "

As for his own situation, Holmgren said, "I'm very, very excited to be here. I'm excited about the possibilities of what we could do and understanding that any organization that has changed like this, can expect some change."

• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are keeping Raheem Morris as their coach, despite a 3-13 record in his first season.

• Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin has a sprained ankle and underwent an MRI exam Monday, according to the team's Web site. The results were not immediately available. And DE Calais Campbell underwent surgery for a fractured thumb but reportedly still could play in Sunday's first-round NFC playoff game against the Green Bay Packers.

• The New Orleans Saints placed DE Charles Grant on injured reserve and re-signed veteran DE Paul Spicer.

• Dallas Cowboys OT Marc Colombo practiced Tuesday and could be back in the lineup for the playoffs after missing the last seven games with a broken left leg. RB Tashard Choice (concussion) was held out of practice.

• Minnesota Vikings rookie WR Percy Harvin was added to the NFC Pro Bowl team as the kick returner, becoming the ninth Vikings player chosen to participate. He takes the kick-returning spot of Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson, who was chosen as both a WR and KR.

• Houston Texans LB Brian Cushing, the 15th overall draft pick out of USC, received 39 votes to easily outpoint Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd (6) in voting for the AP's 2009 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

• Pittsburgh Steelers QB coach Ken Anderson, 60, a four-time NFL passing leader as a Cincinnati Bengal, is retiring.

• Majestic Realty Co., the company behind a plan to lure the NFL back to Los Angeles, said the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills are the first teams it will try to relocate. Other potential targets include the 49ers, Chargers, Vikings, Rams and Raiders.