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Millen barred from Super Bowl practices

Matt Millen is learning a thing about conflict and ethics this week. The new Detroit Lions CEO will be in Tampa as game analyst for CBS Radio, but he is being barred from observing practices for both the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants.

As of Monday, Millen will be allowed to meet with players and coaches in preparation for his final broadcast, which is not sitting well with Buffalo Bills president Tom Donohoe, who is competing with Millen and the Cleveland Browns for the services of both defensive coordinators coaching in the game -- John Fox of the Giants and Marvin Lewis of the Ravens.

Browns president Carmen Policy said Monday night, "I hadn't even thought about Matt still being involved with the radio part. ... It sure sounds like a conflict. I mean, sitting down with those coaches would amount to a kind of interview, wouldn't it?"

Of course, Millen could diminish the conflict if he makes a decision on a coach before he arrives in Tampa on Wednesday or Thursday. He will interview 49ers offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg on Tuesday in Detroit. Team sources say Mornhinweg could "lock up the job" if he has a "terrific interview."

The job still belongs to Gary Moeller, who also has a chance to be retained, sources said.

The Browns interviewed Tennessee defensive coordinator Gregg Williams on Monday, and also have interviews scheduled this week with Mornhinweg, Saints offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy, Vikings offensive line coach Mike Tice and Browns defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.

The Browns' leading candidate now appears to be Lewis, and they are likely to interview Fox, too.


     

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