"We don't discuss our football business," Chargers GM A.J. Smith said when asked directly about thoughts of the Jets coming after Schottenheimer. Pressed further, Smith reiterated that, "We don't discuss our football business."

Owner Dean Spanos made it clear after the regular season that Schottenheimer is the Chargers coach next season. But would the Chargers consider letting Schottenheimer go to the Jets?

"We don't discuss our football business," Smith said.

Feeling Minnesota: New Vikings coach Brad Childress ended up getting around $2 million a year on the five-year deal he signed Friday. This isn't a deal like some that are three years with a two-year option -- it's five years guaranteed. The Vikings picked Childress over Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders after Childress had an impressive interview. Plus, Childress has been one of the hottest assistants in the NFL for the past few years.

One name to watch as a possible front office addition in Minnesota is former Dolphins general manager Rick Spielman, who is working for ESPN.com. The Vikings wanted to hire Tom Heckert out of Philadelphia, but the Eagles gave him the general manager title and a raise.

Done and Done: The Chiefs didn't lowball outgoing Jets coach Herman Edwards with their first offer, and that isn't surprising. President Carl Peterson values Edwards as a friend, so the two sides should wrap up a deal no later that Saturday. Peterson did a good job of taking advantage of the Jets in getting Edwards for a mere fourth-round choice when it normally costs a second- and a third-round choice at least to get an existing head coach. Peterson played coy by being less available by phone for a couple of days. That forced the Jets to chase the Chiefs to get the deal done.

Auditioning New Pilots: The Jets will bring in Rams interim coach Joe Vitt Monday for an interview. Vitt is a good friend of Jets general manager Terry Bradway. Among the other top candidates are Mike Sherman, Jim Fassel and Jim Haslett.

Gray Horizon? The fact that Mike Mularkey fired most of Jerry Gray's defensive staff gives you the idea Gray might not be back. Mularkey fired defensive line coach Tim Krumrie, linebacker coach Don Blackmon and secondary coach Steve Szabo. Gray is interviewing for the Texans head coaching job so his status won't be determined until after he returns to Buffalo from the interview.

Hello, Houston: The Texans interviewed Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders for 16 hours, giving him hope of serious consideration for the head coaching job. Gary Kubiak of the Broncos had a good interview Friday. The fact that Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz hasn't consented to an interview gives you the idea he's staying put. Ferentz won't issue any statement that he's returning but he's telling recruits that he's staying at Iowa.