NFL Notes: Brian Kelly, Bills, Browns, Jets & Panthers

Brian Kelly

• Pro Football Weekly reports that Notre Dame HC Brian Kelly has his representatives “on speed dial” with every team in the NFL trying to gauge potential interest in him as their next head coach.
• However, PFW says that no teams are interested in hiring Kelly and no one is even interested in listening to the idea.

Bills

• Vic Carucci reports that Bills QB Tyrod Taylor‘s absence from Thursday’s practice will be attributed to a hamstring injury.
• According to Carucci, Taylor has been fighting through a “severe” groin injury that could require more attention during the offseason.
• Carucci adds that it appears as though Taylor has entered “exit-strategy mode” from the moment the Bills informed him he would be benched for Sunday’s game.

Browns

• Browns HC Hue Jackson mentioned Thursday that he told veteran QB Josh McCown that if he’s interested in coaching in the NFL, he can join his staff anytime. (Scott Petrak)
• Jackson added that he believes McCown could be a “rising star” in the coaching ranks. (Patrick Maks)
• Jackson confirmed that QB Robert Griffin III will start Week 17 against the Steelers, barring any setbacks. (Nate Ulrich)

Jets

• Jets HC Todd Bowles announced Thursday that QB Bryce Petty (torn labrum) will undergo surgery next week. (Kimberly A. Martin)

Panthers

Panthers veteran LB Thomas Davis told reporters on Thursday that he has no plans to retire next year.

“My plan is to finish out my contractual obligations,” Davis said, per David Newton.