Mike Smith and Tony Sparano performed so brilliantly as rookie head coaches it was almost impossible to separate them.

Atlanta's Smith edged Miami's Sparano by one vote yesterday for The Associated Press 2008 NFL Coach of the Year award.

Both coaches oversaw sensational turnarounds, leading their teams from last-place finishes in 2007 to playoff berths this year. Their achievements were reflected by the closeness of the balloting, with Smith getting 23 1/2 votes and Sparano 22 1/2 from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL.

After improving from 4-12 to 11-5 and making the NFC playoffs as a wild card, the Falcons fell 30-24 at Arizona on Saturday night.

"I'm honored individually, but more so for our coaching staff and our players," Smith said.

ON THE AIR

COWHER TO STAY IN TV

Bill Cowher doesn't plan to coach in the NFL next year, and will stay with CBS Sports as a studio analyst.

Cowher was recently wooed by the New York Jets, but said during "The NFL Today" yesterday that he's taking it "year to year."

"It's a privilege and an honor to be a head coach in the National Football League," Cowher said. "And I have been flattered about the attention, but the timing right now is not right. I don't plan on coaching next year."

DOLPHINS

PARCELLS SAYS HE'LL STAY

Bill Parcells is staying with the Miami Dolphins, owner Wayne Huizenga said.

After the team's playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens yesterday, Huizenga said Parcells has decided to remain for another season.

Parcells' contract allows him to leave and still receive the $9-12 million remaining on his four-year contract if the franchise is sold. That sale is expected to be completed soon.

But Huizenga said Parcells told him Friday he plans to remain as executive vice president of football operations.

"I talked to Bill the other day," Huizenga said. "He said, 'Hey, I like it here.' "

BROWNS

INTERVIEW FOR GM SET

Cleveland owner Randy Lerner will interview Baltimore director of pro personnel George Kokinis for the club's general manager position, a meeting that could clear the way for Cleveland to hire fired New York Jets coach Eric Mangini.

The Browns received permission to speak with Kokinis after the Ravens advanced in the AFC playoffs with a 27-9 win at Miami yesterday. It is not known when Kokinis' interview will take place.

RAIDERS

GILBRIDE, DAVIS TALK

Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis had a 90-minute phone conversation with New York Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride about the team's coaching vacancy.

The two spoke Saturday after Gilbride had expressed interest in the job through his agent, Raiders senior executive John Herrera said yesterday.

Gilbride is the first outside candidate to talk to Davis about the job. Interim coach Tom Cable is also a candidate.