ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Raiders announced Tuesday they will not exercise a two-year, $5 million option on coach Tom Cable’s contract for 2011 and 2012, two days after wrapping up an 8-8 season that gave Oakland its first nonlosing record since winning the 2002 AFC championship.
“Coach Cable was informed the club would not be exercising its option for the 2011 season, and that he’s free to seek employment elsewhere,” his agent Don Yee said. “Teams already have shown interest in Tom.”
The Raiders could have interest in Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, who was a quarterbacks coach in Oakland from 2002-03 and is close with owner Al Davis. Harbaugh is also being sought by the 49ers and Dolphins, among other teams. Harbaugh is demanding a salary north of $6 million a season, according to the Sun Sentinel of Florida.
Meanwhile, the Raiders granted the 49ers permission to interview offensive coordinator Hue Jackson for their vacant head coaching job.
Lewis receives extension
CINCINNATI — Marvin Lewis agreed to an unspecified contract extension that will make him the longest-tenured coach in Bengals history.
The Bengals are coming off a 4-12 season and have had only two winning records in the last 20 years — both under Lewis, who is 60-69-1 in eight seasons.
Sanchez says shoulder fine
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was limited in practice but said he got in almost all of the throws and liked how his sore shoulder responded.
“I’m feeling good,” Sanchez said, “and ready to go Saturday” against the Colts.
Footnotes.
The NFL indicated it will not reopen an investigation into Brett Favre’s behavior after he and the Jets were sued for sexual harassment by two Long Island, N.Y., massage therapists.
• Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger declined to discuss rumors he became engaged over the holidays to a Pittsburgh-area woman, saying: “Oh, geez. Listen, there’s always rumors out there about professional athletes, especially about me.”
• The Browns plan to interview Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur about their vacant head coaching position. The Broncos also plan to interview Mularkey this week.
• Linebacker Desmond Bishop agreed to a contract extension that would keep him with the Packers through the 2014 season.
• Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman will get $3.7 million from former Duke basketball stars Christian Laettner and Brian Davis after a federal judge ruled in his favor in a loan dispute.
Denver Post wire services
