McGinnis, Williams, Jauron fired

McGinnis was not expected back with the Cardinals even before his team pulled out a last-second, 18-17 victory over Minnesota in the season finale. Arizona finished 4-12, and McGinnis, who had one year left on his contract, was 16-32 in three full seasons as head coach. McGinnis's entire coaching staff also was let go.

Jauron was dismissed after his fourth losing season in five years. The Bears closed at 7-9. Jauron, who had a year left on his contract, leaves Chicago with a 35-46 record, including 0-1 in the playoffs. "My decision was based on overall record," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said at a news conference. "Simply put, expectations weren't met."

Jauron's only winning season was 2001, when the Bears went 13-3 and lost their only postseason game of his tenure. That earned the former Swampscott High star the NFL Coach of the Year award.

Williams missed the playoffs in each of his three seasons in Buffalo. Williams went 17-31, never finishing a season above .500. The Bills were 6-10 this season, which ended with a 31-0 loss at New England Saturday.

Team president Tom Donahoe said Williams was let go because the Bills did not make enough progress this season.

Among those considered candidates to replace Williams are Jim Fassel, who was fired by the Giants, and Tom Coughlin, out of the NFL for a year after being dismissed by the Jaguars.Wannstedt extended Miami Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt received a reprieve. And an extension. And a demotion. Team owner Wayne Huizenga settled on the curious mix to resolve the status of his embattled coach. Wannstedt gave up some responsibility over personnel decisions in exchange for a two-year contract extension through 2006. The Dolphins will hire a general manager who will have final authority over the draft and free agent signings. Wannstedt is 41-23 with Miami, including 10-6 this year . . . Packers fans want to thank the person who made the team's playoff run possible -- Arizona receiver Nathan Poole -- and even the mayor is joining in with an invitation to Sunday's playoff game against Seattle. Poole caught the winning touchdown pass as time ran out in Arizona on Sunday to defeat Minnesota, 18-17, and give the Packers the NFC North title. Poole will be celebrated this weekend, when he and his wife travel to Green Bay to attend the Packers' game with Mayor Jim Schmitt . . . Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair is feeling better than he has in five weeks and should practice this week, coach Jeff Fisher said . . . Cleveland coach Butch Davis fired three of his offensive assistants, including coordinator Bruce Arians.