NFL news roundup: 49ers, Chargers advance, Mike Munchak refused to fire staff and more

The San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers were both victorious on Sunday, completing the wild card round of the playoffs and setting the bracket for the divisional round. San Francisco managed a last-second win over the Green Bay Packers thanks to a Phil Dawson field goal, while the Chargers dominated the Cincinnati Bengals to punch their ticket to a third meeting with the Denver Broncos this season.

Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchal declined a conditional contract extension that could have seen him remain in charge of the team for another two seasons, according to one report. Munchak would have had to fire a large number of his staff, most of which was brought in by him three seasons ago when the Titans hired him. Munchak declined this condition and was fired by the team.

The Washington Redskins are interested in Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and Baylor head coach Art Briles for their vacant head coaching position. Wahington has already been linked to multiple names this offseason, and the list is only growing. The team fired Mike Shanahan after a tumultuous four years in charge after the conclusion of the regular season.

The Detroit Lions reportedly have Ken Whisenhunt marked as their top candidate to take over as head coach. The team fired Jim Schwartz at the conclusion of the regular season and have been linked to multiple names thus far. Whistenhunt is the San Diego Chargers' offensive coordinator and cannot be interviewed until after the season.

Oregon Ducks running back De'Anthony Thomas is set to enter the 2014 NFL Draft. Thomas could have returned but after putting up 1,890 yards and 26 touchdowns rushing in three seasons with the Ducks, he's ready to play in the pros. Those stats include a season in which Thomas was primarily a backup to current San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James. Thomas is also an effective kick returner, with 1,995 return yards and a 17.1 punt return average to his name.

New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie expects to be released by the team this offseason. Cromartie is enterting the final year of a deal that would pay him a whopping $15 million in 2014, including a $5 million roster bonus in March. Cromartie has been solid, but has been dealing with injuries off and on and has definitely slowed down. The Jets would like to find a better use for that cap space.