Mangini will be Browns’ next coach

Eric Mangini is the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week after being fired by the New York Jets.

A person with knowledge of the negotiations told the Associated Press that Mangini will be introduced today at a news conference at the team’s headquarters in Berea, Ohio.

The 37-year-old Mangini agreed to a four-year deal with the club Wednesday, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because contract details had yet to be finalized.

Mangini began his NFL career as a ballboy with the Browns in 1994 under former coach Bill Belichick. Now he’s taking over the job of one of his best friends in football, fired Browns coach Romeo Crennel.

Mangini went 23-25 and made the playoffs once in three seasons with the Jets, who stumbled down the stretch to lose four of their last five games and miss the playoffs after an 8-3 start.

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Cowboys release Jones

Troubled cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones was released by the Dallas Cowboys after a turbulent season in which he was suspended six games for an off-field scuffle and made little impact on the field.

Jones, expected to give the Cowboys a boost on defense and special teams, had no interceptions and averaged just 4.5 yards per punt return. His release will become official Feb. 9, the first day NFL teams can make waiver requests.

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Tomlinson confirms tear

LaDainian Tomlinson confirmed that he has a torn tendon in his groin and listed himself as doubtful for the San Diego Chargers’ playoff game at Pittsburgh on Sunday.

“It’s definitely torn,” Tomlinson said after sitting out of practice. “I can’t really elaborate on it because I don’t want to give too much information away.”

Tomlinson was hurt in a 52-21 rout against Denver in the regular-season finale on Dec. 28 that clinched the AFC West title. The team has listed him as having a strained groin.

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Bush had knee surgery

The New Orleans Saints have confirmed that running back Reggie Bush had surgery on his left knee, and will require months of rehabilitation. However, Bush is expected to be ready for mini-camp in June. . . . Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin rested his injured hamstring and said he’s not sure he’ll play in the divisional playoff at Carolina.

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Mawae clarifies status

Tennessee Pro Bowl center Kevin Mawae insisted he is day-to-day for the Titans’ divisional playoff game against Baltimore, and he didn’t mean to cause such a stir by saying he wouldn’t play this week. Mawae said in a radio interview Tuesday that he wouldn’t play Saturday.

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Seahawks hire Knapp

Greg Knapp will be the new offensive coordinator for the Seahawks, the first of many moves to be made by Seattle under new Coach Jim Mora.

Knapp has yet to sign a contract with the Seahawks, but a person familiar with the hire confirmed that the 45-year-old has agreed to leave the Oakland Raiders to reunite with Mora, his boss in Atlanta. The NFL Network first reported Knapp’s move.

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Other moves

Tom Rathman agreed to return to the San Francisco 49ers as their running backs coach, the Saints fired defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs, and the Cowboys hired Jaguars assistant Joe DeCamillis to coach their special teams. . . . Former Kansas City Chiefs boss Carl Peterson says he is not taking a job with Miami, ending speculation that began when he was seen at the Dolphins’ playoff loss last Sunday. . . . Washington Redskins tight ends coach Rennie Simmons, a holdover from Joe Gibbs’ two tenures with the team, announced his retirement. The 66-year-old Simmons has been an assistant coach for 27 seasons in the NFL, including 18 with the Redskins.