ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, January 22, 1997 TAG: 9701220038
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
Even though the buck will stop at his desk, Dan Reeves says he'll need plenty of help to get the job done with the Atlanta Falcons.
``No way I can do everything that has to be done by myself,'' Reeves said Tuesday at his first news conference after being hired as the Falcons' head coach.
He also will have authority over player personnel, but plans to lean heavily on the man who has run that end of the franchise since 1987, Ken Herock.
``I'm in charge of football operations,'' said Reeves, 53. ``I'm going to work with the people that are there. We'll see if we can work together. I have the ability to make the final decision. I had that for 12 years in Denver.''
Reeves said his first priority will be to hire offensive and defensive coordinators and the rest of his staff.
``I have some people in mind,'' he said. ``I'm trying to get those two positions [coordinators] lined up.''
Reeves said he already has spoken with some of the coaches who were on the staff of June Jones, fired in December after a 3-13 season.
In other NFL news:
LIONS: Detroit is expected to sign quarterback Scott Mitchell to a new contract within the next few days, according to a Detroit Press report.
Mitchell, a 29-year-old who would become a free agent Feb.15, is close to agreeing to a four-year deal worth $21 million with a signing bonus worth $8 million to $10 million, the newspaper reported. Mitchell, a seven-year pro, completed 253 of 437 passes for 2,917 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. He also rushed for four touchdowns.
BEARS: Matt Cavanaugh, quarterbacks coach of the San Francisco 49ers this past season, was hired as Chicago's offensive coordinator. He replaces Ron Turner, who left to become head coach at Illinois.
Cavanaugh was an assistant coach with the Arizona Cardinals for two seasons before joining the Niners. The 14-year NFL quarterback began his coaching career at Pitt, his alma mater, supervising the Panthers' tight ends in 1993.
LEAGUE LOSES SUIT: The NFL was ordered to pay $1.8 million in disability benefits to former Washington Redskins guard Walt Sweeney, who contended the league pushed drugs on him and helped turn him into an addict.
Lawyers for the Bert Bell-Pete Rozelle NFL Retirement Plan indicated they would appeal the decision by U.S. District Court Judge Rudi M. Brewster. If his ruling stands, it could open the door to other suits against pro football's $400 million pension and disability fund, legal experts said.
The NFL players' union has been paying Sweeney $1,827 a month since 1990, the year doctors determined his drug and alcohol use made him incapable of holding a job. The sum is the minimum benefit allowed for a disability unrelated to football.
Sweeney, 55, claims his drug addiction was directly related to the game because coaches and trainers for the San Diego Chargers and the Redskins gave him amphetamines before games and depressants to bring him down afterward. The former All-Pro guard played in the NFL from 1963 to 1976.
REDSKINS: Washington cornerback Darrell Green was named NFL Man of the Year for his charity work with inner-city youth.
The award is presented annually for football excellence and off-field community service. True Value, the award's sponsor, will donate $25,000 to Green's charity, the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation.
The centerpiece of the foundation is the Darrell Green Learning Center at the Franklin Commons Housing Complex, which he hopes will be a model educational center for young people. The facility is equipped with computers and learning assistance programs. Participants must attend educational sessions for 10 hours a week, open a savings account and get a library card. Those over 18 must have a voter registration card.
HOT SEATS: Premium seat sales for the Cleveland Browns' new stadium have reached $13.5 million, surpassing the NFL's goal and clearing the way for pro football to return to the city in 1999.
The city was required to raise $9.4 million in club seat and luxury suite sales by Jan.31, according to its agreement with the NFL after the Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens. An announcement is expected by November on whether Cleveland will get a relocated team or expansion team.
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) Green KEYWORDS: FOOTBALLby CNB