AROUND THE NFL news & notes

NEW YORK JETS

Gregg Williams hired as defensive coordinator

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

Gregg Williams was hired Wednesday as the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator, the first major staff addition by Adam Gase since he became coach.

The team also announced it has retained special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, whose unit had a standout season.

The 60-year-old Williams went 5-3 as Cleveland’s interim coach this season after Hue Jackson was fired. At his introductory news conference Monday, the offensive-minded Gase said he was looking for a “head coach of the defense” while he focuses heavily on the other side of the ball.

“We always appreciated competing against him,” Gase told SiriusXM NFL Radio. “It was always a challenge. Always loved the way his guys played, the intensity they played with. They defended every blade of grass. I mean, they would always get after it.”

Williams is a controversial figure as he was suspended by the NFL for the entire 2012 season for his role in the “Bountygate” scandal in New Orleans. Saints defensive players were paid bonuses for injuring opposing team players.

Williams has since worked with Tennessee, the Rams and Browns — the past two as defensive coordinator. He previously was the head coach of Buffalo for three seasons, and has also served as the defensive coordinator for the Titans, Washington and Jacksonville.

The 47-year-old Boyer will be one of a likely few holdovers from former coach Todd Bowles’ staff. After the Jets struggled at times during his first two seasons with the team, New York’s special teams unit was an overwhelming bright spot. The analytics site Football Outsiders ranked the Jets first in the NFL, while Pro Football Focus placed them fifth.

ATLANTA FALCONS

McKinkey with family after mental evaluation

ATLANTA

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley is with a family member in Oakland after undergoing a mental evaluation prompted by a friend’s call to Los Angeles police.

Falcons spokesman Brian Cearns told The Associated Press on Wednesday McKinley “is in a good spot” and has been in “constant communication” with the team, including coach Dan Quinn. Cearns said McKinley is with an uncle in Oakland.

TMZ Sports reported Tuesday night that a friend became concerned for McKinley’s well-being and summoned police. No criminal charges were filed. TMZ Sports says McKinley was cooperative when detained by officers.

It is not known what prompted McKinley’s friend to call police. Cearns said the situation has been resolved.

The Falcons acknowledged the incident on Tuesday night when the team released Quinn’s statement expressing concern.

“Any time a situation occurs that is or could be related to mental health issues we take it very seriously,” Quinn said in the statement. “We will do everything we possibly can to support and assist Takk as our players’ mental and physical well-being are always our top priority.”

DETROIT LIONS

Darrell Bevell hired as offensive coordinator

ALLEN PARK, MICH.

Darrell Bevell and Matt Patricia crossed paths in one of the most famous plays in Super Bowl history.

Now, they’ll coach on the same staff.

The Lions hired Bevell as their new offensive coordinator in a move Detroit hopes will help the team rebound after a disappointing year. Bevell spent seven seasons as Seattle’s offensive coordinator from 2011-17 and was part of a Super Bowl winner with the Seahawks. Prior to joining the Seahawks, he was Minnesota’s offensive coordinator for five seasons and a quarterbacks coach for Green Bay.

Although Bevell was part of a victory in the Super Bowl after the 2013 season, he also infamously called for a pass at the 1-yard line in the final minute of the following year’s Super Bowl. Malcolm Butler of New England intercepted it , costing Seattle a chance at a second straight title.

Patricia, who was the defensive coordinator for the Patriots in that game, is now Detroit’s head coach.

The Lions went 6-10 this season, their first under Patricia, and they decided not to renew offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter’s contract.

Associated Press