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PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : Marchibroda, Colts Reach Impasse on Job

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Times News Services

Ted Marchibroda, one play away from the Super Bowl three weeks ago, appeared to be one step away from the NFL unemployment line Thursday.

There was no word whether the Indianapolis Colts planned to reopen contract talks with Marchibroda, who turned down a one-year offer that Bill Tobin, the team’s director of football operations, said was taken off the table Wednesday.

Marchibroda, 64, who also coached the Colts for five years in Baltimore, compiled a 73-71 record during his two stints with the team. He said he wanted a two-year contract and refused a one-year offer that would have paid $600,000, the same as he earned the past season.

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“We had the finest year they’ve ever had, my contract is up, and I’m supposed to go back to work for the same money? I don’t understand that,” Marchibroda said. “I’m very disappointed.”

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Don Shula is keeping his options open about returning to the NFL in Baltimore and working for Browns owner Art Modell.

Several news reports said Shula, who retired as coach of the Miami Dolphins last month, might be considering Modell’s overture to coach his team once the league approved its move to Baltimore.

For now, Bill Belichick is still the Browns’ coach, although Modell is expected to fire him whether or not the team moves. When asked Thursday if he was interested in coaching in Baltimore, Shula said only, “Not at this time,” an indication he wasn’t about to discuss a job that wasn’t vacant.

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Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar proposed a $465-million plan for a domed stadium on Chicago’s lakefront that would provide a new home for the Bears and facilities for mega-conventions, the Super Bowl and the NCAA basketball championship. . . . Green Bay assistant coach Gil Haskell, who suffered a skull fracture in a sideline collision during the Packers-Dallas playoff game Jan. 14, has resumed work part time while continuing his recovery. . . . Former Dolphin defensive coordinator Tom Olivadotti has been named linebackers coach of the Minnesota Vikings.

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