Dallas’ Ellis is comeback player of year

Players going into their 10th season, coming off a major injury and in the midst of a position change rarely make an impact.

Greg Ellis made a major impact for the Dallas Cowboys at outside linebacker and Saturday was selected the Associated Press 2007 NFL comeback player of the year.

Ellis went from non-factor in Dallas to a Pro Bowl selection in his new position after spending most of his career as a defensive end. He had 12 1/2 sacks.

Ellis had 12 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members.

He beat out New England receiver Randy Moss, who received 10 votes, and Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who got seven.

Mel Tucker, Cleveland’s defensive backs coach the last three seasons, is the club’s new defensive coordinator, replacing Todd Grantham, who was fired Friday.

The Browns finished this season ranked 30th in defense.

Washington interviewed assistant coach Gregg Williams for its head coaching vacancy.

A person familiar with the selection process said Williams became the third person to interview with owner Dan Snyder.

The person also said the Redskins are interested in Indianapolis Colts assistant coaches Jim Caldwell and Ron Meeks.

Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz interviewed with the Redskins on Thursday, and Snyder met Friday with an unidentified candidate.

Atlanta appears to be close to hiring New England director of college scouting Tom Dimitroff as general manager, but no deal has been signed, a Falcons official said.

Buffalo promoted Russ Brandon, the team’s executive vice president of business operations, to the new post of chief operating officer as Bills owner Ralph Wilson elected to not formally fill the general manager’s position following Marv Levy’s departure.