Ravens fire Billick (PA SportsTicker)

Calling it one of the most difficult decisions he had ever made, Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti fired coach Brian Billick on Monday.

Billick fired after 9 seasons in Baltimore (AP)

Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick looks over plays on the sidelines during the first half of the NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in this Dec. 30, 2007, file photo in Baltimore. Billick was fired as coach of the Ravens on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, less than a day after his team concluded a disappointing 5-11 season.

Brian Billick never came close to duplicating the success he enjoyed early in his career as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, and it finally cost him his job. Billick was fired Monday, less than 24 hours after his team concluded a season of high expectations with a disappointing 5-11 record. His entire staff, including defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, also was dismissed.

Ogden will consider retirement in offseason (Yahoo! Sports)

The Baltimore Ravens built their franchise around the hulking 6-foot-9, 345-pound frame of left tackle Jonathan…

Winners, losers and more: Look who’s here (Yahoo! Sports)

A regular season of odd twists and turns ended – hey, why not? – with Todd and Kerry Collins in starring roles.

Ravens break 9-game skid with 27-21 victory over indifferent Steelers (AP)

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin argues a call from the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Baltimore. The Ravens won, 27-21.

The Pittsburgh Steelers had already accomplished their primary goals in the regular season, so the AFC North champions entered the finale against the Baltimore Ravens with a different objective: Stay healthy. The Steelers sustained a few injuries in their 27-21 loss Sunday, but more important was the fact that several key players — including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Hines…

Loading up (Yahoo! Sports)

The struggling run game has forced the Seahawks to rely more on Matt Hasselbeck and the passing attack.

SMU considering Neuheisel (Yahoo! Sports)

Larry Coker and Dennis Franchione are still in the running for the SMU job, but a source says that SMU is also…

Going out with a bang (Yahoo! Sports)

Week 17 figures to be an exciting weekend, starting with the Pats-Giants showcase Saturday night.

32 Questions: Mixed emotions (Yahoo! Sports)

Why is “32QHQ” conflicted with the end of the regular season and intrigued by the Bengals-Dolphins finale?

Power Poll: ‘Skins, Pats highlight finales (SportingNews.com)

There is only a bit of unfinished business regarding the NFL’s playoff picture in Week 17, and most eyes will be on the Redskins’ wild-card push and the Patriots’ shot at perfetion.