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Packers’ Mike McCarthy will give up play-calling duties on offense

Packers Coach Mike McCarthy talks to quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the NFC championship game against the Seahawks.
(Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
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Admitting that he is “going to miss it,” Green Bay Packers Coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday that he will give up his job calling plays for Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the Green Bay offense.

The decision is part of a significant shake-up on that side of the ball, where the Packers led the NFL in scoring in 2014 and Rodgers won his second NFL MVP award.

McCarthy is handing off play-calling duties to Tom Clements, whom he promoted from offensive coordinator to associate head coach. Edgar Bennett was named offensive coordinator, and Bennett’s responsibilities as the wide receivers coach were given to Alex Van Pelt, who will now coach both quarterbacks and receivers.

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The St. Louis Rams stayed in-house Thursday in hiring a new offensive coordinator to replace Brian Schottenheimer, promoting quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti to help turn around the long-struggling offense.

Schottenheimer left in January to become offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia. Cignetti will call plays, the team said. The Rams also announced the promotion of tight ends coach Rob Boras to assistant head coach, offense.

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A person with knowledge of the meeting told the Associated Press that Peyton Manning huddled with Broncos General Manager John Elway on Thursday to talk about his future in football. No decision was announced on whether Manning would return in 2015 or retire.

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Oakland Coach Jack Del Rio confirmed that the Raiders plan to incorporate the no-huddle offense into their system next season.

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Just how much the Raiders will employ the hurry-up schemes will likely vary from week to week depending on the opponent. But Del Rio, a former NFL linebacker whose background is on defense, said it will be a consistent part of the offense.

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Former New York Giants and USC cornerback Terrell Thomas is retiring after an NFL career shortened by three reconstructive surgeries on his right knee.

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