The University of Tennessee has reached a tentative agreement with former Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin to lead the Volunteers, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press yesterday.

A formal announcement was expected early next week, said the person, who requested anonymity because the deal had not been finalized.

Kiffin, 33, replaces Phillip Fulmer, who was forced out after 17 seasons as Vols coach. Fulmer won a national championship in 1998 but had two losing seasons in the last five years, including a 4-7 mark this year.

Tennessee athletic department spokeswoman Tiffany Carpenter declined to comment on Kiffin because Fulmer had not finished his season. Athletic director Mike Hamilton did not return a phone message seeking comment.

The Vols (3-7, 2-5 Southeastern Conference) host Kentucky (6-5, 2-5) tonight in what has been dubbed "Phillip Fulmer appreciation day."

The Knoxville News Sentinel first reported the deal.

Kiffin was the youngest coach in the NFL's modern history when hired to lead the Raiders in January 2007 at age 31.

DOLPHINS' PORTER, RAIDERS' WARREN FINED

Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter has been fined $7,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct during Miami's 48-28 loss to New England on Sunday.

NFL spokesman Corry Rush said yesterday that Porter was fined for verbally abusing the opponent after a play was over.

Raiders defensive lineman Gerard Warren also was fined $5,000 for roughing the passer against Denver.

GIANTS' BURRESS TO MISS FIRST GAME SINCE 2006

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress will miss tomorrow's game against Washington with a sore right hamstring.

Burress pulled the hamstring in the Giants' win over Baltimore on Nov. 16. He then aggravated the injury in the opening series last Sunday against Arizona, and then sat out the rest of that game.

The last time Burress missed a game was Nov. 5, 2006, when he sat out with a back injury.

CONCUSSION WON'T STOP FALCONS' DE ABRAHAM

Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham promises he will play tomorrow at San Diego.

The Falcons' three-time Pro Bowl defensive end didn't return after sustaining a mild concussion in last week's win over Carolina. Tied for third in the NFL with 12 sacks, Abraham vows he'll be in the lineup when Atlanta (7-4) visits San Diego (4-7). He practiced for the third straight day.

"I'm good," Abraham said. "I'll be ready to go."

INJURIES TO COWBOYS' WARE, BARBER NOT BAD

MRI tests on injured Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware and running back Marion Barber revealed no significant damage a day after both were injured in the Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day win over Seattle.

An MRI test yesterday on Ware's hyper-extended left knee showed no ligament damage. An MRI on Barber's right fifth toe, which was dislocated, revealed no fracture.

Both players will receive treatment throughout the weekend. They will be evaluated daily next week.

NO. 16 CINCINNATI WINS BIG EAST, BCS BOWL BID

The No. 16 Cincinnati Bearcats (9-2, 5-1) clinched their first Big East title yesterday when Pitt knocked off West Virginia, 19-15.

The Bearcats are headed for their first BCS bowl, most likely either the Orange or the Sugar.

First, they get to finish off their conference schedule at home today against Syracuse (3-8, 1-5). A victory would tie the school record of 10.

The Bearcats went 47 years between bowl appearances before they reached the Humanitarian Bowl in 1997.