Bills' Rex Ryan hires eight former Jets assistants

Rex Ryan's staff in Buffalo will have a familiar Jets resemblance.

All eight assistants hired Thursday by the Bills worked with the Jets under Ryan, including Dennis Thurman, who will take over as defensive coordinator. Thurman held the same job the past two seasons for the Jets. Karl Dunbar (defensive line), Bobby April III (linebackers) and Tim McDonald (defensive backs) also will have the same roles they filled with the Jets.

Tony Sparano Jr. will coach tight ends after spending last season as a Jets offensive assistant. The Bills also hired Jeff Weeks (assistant defensive line coach), Eric Smith (special teams assistant) and Jason Oszvart (strength and conditioning assistant).

Raiders make Del Rio hire official

The Raiders announced they have hired Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio as their head coach a day after finalizing the deal.

Callahan is Washington O-line coach

Washington announced the hiring of Bill Callahan as offensive line coach after he worked for the Cowboys the past three seasons. Callahan was offensive coordinator and offensive line coach with Dallas. Scott Linehan is returning to the Cowboys and will add the title of offensive coordinator. He spent this season as Tony Romo's play-caller after the Cowboys took those duties away from Callahan.

Rice, Ravens settle grievance

Ray Rice has reached a settlement on his grievance against the Ravens, according to two people familiar with the case. The running back was seeking slightly more than $3.5 million for wrongful termination after the Ravens released him once the video of him knocking out his then-fiancee in an elevator was released publicly in September.

Colt placed on exempt list

The Colts put Josh McNary on the commissioner's exempt list less than 24 hours after Indianapolis prosecutors charged the backup linebacker with rape, criminal confinement with bodily injury and battery resulting in bodily injury.

Combine for veterans

NFL combines will take on an older look when the league adds one for veteran players to go with the massive annual event it holds for potential draftees. The veterans' combine will take place March 22 at the Cardinals' training facility in Phoenix.-- AP