DENVER POST

If it's possible, Bob Stoops can coach the Bowl Championship Series title game tonight in peace. The Oklahoma coach was telling the truth this week when he said he's not a candidate for the Broncos' head coaching position. An NFL source with knowledge of the Broncos' search confirmed Wednesday night Stoops is not under consideration.

On Monday, the Broncos interviewed an up-and-coming defensive coordinator who has often been called the "mini-Mike Tomlin," a comparison to the Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach.

Take this for what it's worth, but the Broncos have been equal opportunity interviewers.

The Broncos will not send a draft pick to the New York Jets after defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson played in roughly 50 percent of the defensive snaps last season, well below the 65 percent threshold that would have triggered a trade.

Candidate No. 7 to replace Mike Shanahan is Todd Bowles, secondary/assistant head coach of the Miami Dolphins. He will interview Thursday with the Broncos.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

 Bailey, the Broncos' eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback, will undergo surgery today to repair torn ligaments in his left elbow, an injury he suffered during the season finale at San Diego.

From playing for the volcanic Buddy Ryan in the fabled 1985 Chicago Bears defense to working as an assistant coach for the perpetually even-keeled Tony Dungy, Frazier said he has listened and learned at every spot.

OTHER

Since firing Mike Shanahan eight days ago, the Broncos have been busy interviewing potential replacements. Wednesday, they are interviewing their sixth candidate. A seventh candidate will be interviewed Thursday.

Former Denver Broncos tight end Clarence Kay is being held in the Denver County Jail after being arrested for harassment and violating a restraining order.

Minnesota Vikings assistant Leslie Frazier on Wednesday became the third defensive coordinator to meet with Bowlen about the vacancy, joining Steve Spagnuolo of the New York Giants and Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.