BUCS FIRE WYCHE: Sam Wyche, who failed to turn around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' long floundering program in four seasons, was fired today - the second NFL coach to be dismissed in the past 24 hours.
The depature was rumored after the Buccaneers lost seven of their last nine games, following a 5-2 start, and finished 7-9 for their 14th consecutive losing season. The record, though, was Tampa Bay's best since 1981 in a non-strike year.Wyche's firing came one day after the Arizona Cardinals dismissed Buddy Ryan.
Wyche compiled a 23-41 record with the Bucs, who finished in last place or tied for last place for seven consecutive years.
"This is certainly one of the more difficult days I have had in my relatively new tenure as an NFL owner," said owner and president Malcolm Glazer.
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE: Hugh Douglas, a pass-rushing demon from an NAIA powerhouse, was one of the few bright spots in a dismal season for the New York Jets. So good was Douglas that despite his environment he was selected Wednesday as The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The defensive end from Central (Ohio) State went from situational player at the outset of the schedule to full-timer. The Jets (3-13) might have been the worst team in the league - and franchise history - but Douglas certainly was a sensation with 10 sacks.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Quarterback Bobby Hebert, who came off the bench and led the Atlanta Falcons past the San Francisco 49ers 28-27 and into the playoffs, is the NFC's offensive player of the week.
Other players honored included Hebert's teammate, Morten Andersen; Denver's John Elway; Miami's Terrell Buckley; Detroit's Willie Clay, and Kansas City's Tamarick Vanover.