Bailey Prepares For Increased Duties – NFL Roundup For Jan. 16th

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos might turn to an aging 12-time Pro Bowler as their answer at cornerback in the wake of the season-ending injury to starter Chris Harris Jr.

If that's the case, Champ Bailey says he's "ready for whatever they want me to do. That's how I prepare."

Harris tore his left ACL in Denver's win over San Diego on Sunday, the latest of five defensive starters to land on IR for the 14-3 Broncos, who host the 13-4 New England Patriots Sunday for the AFC title.

Bailey, a 15-year veteran, played in a career- low five games this season because of a nagging left foot he originally sprained in mid-August. He played the final two games and the divisional playoff in the slot, leaving Harris and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on the outside.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have hired Mike Zimmer to be their new head coach, according to a person with knowledge of the process.

The former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator will be the ninth head coach in the franchise's 54-year history. He replaces Leslie Frazier, who was fired Dec. 30 after the team finished 5-10-1 this season.

Zimmer has been an NFL defensive coordinator for the last 14 seasons, including six with the Bengals, and he has interviewed for several head coach vacancies in recent years, including this month with Tennessee.