Hauck named Big Sky's best coach

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana coach Bobby Hauck has been named the Big Sky Conference football coach of the year for the third time in four seasons.

The league announced the award Wednesday.

Hauck led Montana to the conference championship with an 8-0 record and the Grizzlies finished the school's fifth unbeaten regular season to earn the top seed in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

Hauck is the seventh coach in league history to win the honor three times, including former Montana coaches Joe Glenn and Don Read. Nevada's Chris Ault won the award a record four times.

The Grizzlies have won at least a share of the Big Sky championship in each of Hauck's seven seasons as head coach. Montana has won 15 straight conference games and 31 of the past 32.

Report: Iverson set to retire

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Allen Iverson is set to retire from the NBA, according to an online report.

Commentator Stephen A. Smith published a statement on his Web site Wednesday attributed to Iverson. It said Iverson plans to retire but also that "I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level."

The statement also said Iverson has tremendous love for the game and the desire to play.

The 10-time All-Star played three games this season with Memphis before taking a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. He was waived after the two sides agreed to part ways.

Report: Bills meet with Shanahan

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Two-time Super Bowl winner Mike Shanahan met with the Buffalo Bills to discuss their head coaching vacancy, according to a published report.

ESPN.com on Wednesday reported that Bills chief operating officer Russ Brandon traveled to Denver and spent seven hours meeting with Shanahan on Monday night and Tuesday morning. Shanahan was quoted as saying he had "an excellent meeting."

Shanahan, however, added the two sides agreed to stay in touch to see what develops. He's been out of football since being fired as Broncos coach after last season.

The Bills (3-7), who host Miami on Sunday, were not immediately available for comment. Perry Fewell made his debut as interim coach last weekend after Dick Jauron was fired.

Big Ben practices despite concussion

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has practiced despite sustaining a concussion against Kansas City and is expected to play Sunday in Baltimore.

While Roethlisberger went through a usual Wednesday practice, second-year quarterback Dennis Dixon took more snaps than usual. Dixon moved up the depth chart when backup Charlie Batch broke his left wrist during the 27-24 loss to the Chiefs.

The Steelers added a third quarterback by signing former three-year Pitt starter Tyler Palko to their practice squad.

Lineman Runyan to run for Congress

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (AP) — Shortly after signing with the San Diego Chargers, Jon Runyan announced he'll retire at the end of the season and run for Congress in New Jersey.

The 35-year-old offensive lineman said in a statement late Tuesday that he told Republican officials in Burlington County of his plans to challenge Democratic Rep. John Adler in New Jersey's 3rd District.

"I look forward to a successful end to my career on the field," Runyan said, "and a spirited campaign against Congressman Adler in 2010."

Runyan, who was signed as a free agent Tuesday, hasn't played since the end of last season.

He wasn't re-signed by Philadelphia after having surgery on his right knee.

Browns coach backs off accusations

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Browns coach Eric Mangini says he was frustrated at losing when he suggested the Detroit Lions faked injuries in Sunday's game.

Mangini had suggested Lions defensive players faked that they were hurt to slow down Cleveland's no-huddle offense in Detroit's 38-37 win. Mangini noted that several Lions left the field with injuries only to return.

During his Wednesday news conference, Mangini expressed regret about his comments, saying he wasn't trying to "shy away from accountability" for losing.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz has said Mangini was "way out of bounds" in questioning the Lions' motives.

Mangini said the two have "cleared the air."