Robinson Out in Kansas City

Kansas City Chief defensive coordinator Greg Robinson resigned Tuesday, two days after an embarrassing playoff loss to Indianapolis.

Robinson told Coach Dick Vermeil after Sunday’s 38-31 defeat that he would resign if Vermeil thought it was in the team’s interest.

“I told him to think about it,” Robinson said. “Well, yesterday afternoon he and I sat down and talked. He told me, ‘Greg, Carol [Vermeil’s wife] and I spent a long time last night talking about it. We believe it is the right thing.’ ”

Robinson’s voice often wavered as he spoke, and Vermeil stood nearby with his arms folded and occasionally wiped away tears. Robinson left without taking questions.

The Chiefs’ defense finished last in the NFL a year ago but was thought to be significantly improved for this season.

But while the Chiefs raced to a 9-0 start and the offense finished No. 1 in the league in scoring and No. 2 in total offense, the defense was 29th overall and 30th against the run.

Fans booed continually during the loss to the Colts, who scored on six of their first seven possessions and never punted.

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Former New York Jet defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell was hired by the Minnesota Vikings, who lost George O’Leary to the college ranks.

Fired by the Jets because of a philosophical difference with Coach Herman Edwards, Cottrell chose Viking Coach Mike Tice’s offer over that of the San Diego Chargers.

The 56-year-old Cottrell succeeds O’Leary, who left to become head coach at Central Florida. Cottrell is the Vikings’ fourth defensive coordinator in the last four seasons.

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The Oakland Raiders interviewed Dallas Cowboy offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon for their head coaching vacancy.

Carthon becomes the fourth candidate to speak face to face with owner Al Davis, who is looking for a coach to replace Bill Callahan, fired after a 4-12 season.

The Raiders interviewed Dennis Green before he took the job with the Arizona Cardinals, spoke to San Francisco 49er offensive coordinator Greg Knapp last week and to Cowboy assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach Sean Payton late Sunday and Monday.

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The Chicago Bears’ search for a coach is winding down.

General Manager Jerry Angelo said Tuesday he wanted time to think after a second interview with St. Louis Ram defensive coordinator Lovie Smith, one of two finalists for the job.

Pittsburgh offensive line coach Russ Grimm is the other finalist, though Angelo said he still might consider a third candidate from the NFL.

“I want to do something here shortly,” Angelo said. “I want to have a little time [Tuesday and this] morning just to see for sure on the direction I want to go.”

Angelo is looking for a replacement for Dick Jauron, who was fired Dec. 29 after four losing seasons in five years.

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Bobby April is out as special teams coach of the Rams, who said they’re not renewing his contract for a fourth season. The Rams were last in the NFL in punt coverage, allowing 15.1 yards a return, and 30th in kickoff coverage at 23.9.... Green Bay Packer tight end Bubba Franks and Seattle Seahawk guard Steve Hutchinson were added to the NFC Pro Bowl squad as injury replacements. Franks will replace Jeremy Shockey of the New York Giants, while Hutchinson takes the spot of New Orleans’ LeCharles Bentley.... More than 5,000 people have added their names to the Washington Redskins’ season-ticket waiting list in the week since Joe Gibbs was brought back as coach. The list has more than 80,000 names, and the team expects it to top 100,000 by the start of the season.