Jets Expected to Name Groh

The New York Jets plan to announce their new coach Monday, and new owner Woody Johnson appears ready to follow Bill Parcells’ recommendation to hire Al Groh.

Groh is the Jets’ linebackers coach and a former defensive coordinator under Parcells.

Parcells has reiterated to Johnson, who purchased the team this month, that his retirement announcement of Jan. 3 stands. The next day, Parcells’ hand-chosen successor, defensive coordinator Bill Belichick, resigned. Belichick subsequently filed a grievance with the NFL, which was dismissed, and currently is seeking to make a deal with the New England Patriots to become their coach. The Patriots must compensate the Jets, who hold Belichick’s rights this year. Those negotiations are expected to take place soon.

The Jets hope to re-sign cornerback Marcus Coleman and linebacker Mo Lewis, both free agents. Elevating Groh might positively influence their decisions. Groh is an expert in Parcells’ system, which features an aggressive defense with multiple designs, usually run out of a 3-4. Belichick was an expert in that scheme, Groh has helped refine it.

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The Miami Dolphins’ brain trust has a distinct Dallas Cowboy influence, and it looks like more former Cowboys are about to be added. Jim Bates, who quit Friday as assistant head coach of the Cowboys, appears in line to become defensive coordinator of the Dolphins. “Everything is heading in that direction,” Bates said before heading for Miami to meet with new Dolphin Coach Dave Wannstedt, a former Cowboy assistant. Wannstedt succeeded his former Cowboy boss, Jimmy Johnson, who remains as a consultant. And Chan Gailey, fired after this season as coach of the Cowboys, is ready to interview with Wannstedt for the offensive coordinator’s job. . . . Tony Richardson, the Kansas City Chief fullback coming off his first season as a starter, signed a five-year contract Saturday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.