Maybe the award should be renamed Most Valuable Peyton.

Peyton Manning became the first player to win The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player honors four times. The Indianapolis Colts' sensational quarterback romped to the award yesterday in balloting by 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league.

He received 39 1/2 votes to 7 1/2 for Drew Brees of New Orleans. Only four players — all quarterbacks — earned votes. The other two were Philip Rivers of San Diego (2) and Brett Favre of Minnesota (1).

Manning also won in 2003, 2004 and 2008, breaking a tie with Favre at three MVPs.

The 33-year-old Manning threw for 4,500 and 33 touchdowns this season.

CARROLL, SEAHAWKS CLOSE

Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks do not have an agreement despite widespread reports but are closing in on a deal, according to a league official with direct knowledge of the coaching search.

The official told The Associated Press yesterday the team is in "discussions" with the Southern California coach and do not plan on giving him the additional title of president. The official added the Seahawks will hire a general manager and coach separately.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

TUBERVILLE TO TEXAS TECH

Tommy Tuberville was hired yesterday by Texas Tech to replace Mike Leach as the Red Raiders' coach.

In a press release, the school announced that Tuberville, 55, will be introduced today.

Leach was fired last month amid allegations he mistreated a player who suffered a concussion.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

WEST WINS AA BOWL

Josh Shirley recovered a blocked field goal and raced 77 yards for a touchdown to help lead the West high school stars to a 30-14 victory over the East in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl yesterday at San Antonio.

VJ Fehoko, a defensive lineman from Farrington High in Honolulu, played for the West.

TENNIS

DAVYDENKO TOPS NADAL

Six-ranked Nikolay Davydenko of Russia saved two match points yesterday before rallying to beat second-ranked Rafael Nadal, 0-6, 7-6 (8), 6-4, to win the Qatar Open at Doha, Qatar.

It was Davydenko's third straight victory over the Spaniard. It was the second consecutive title for Davydenko after winning the London World Tour Finals on Nov. 29. He also beat Nadal and Roger Federer in that event.

AND WHAT'S MORE ...

Kim Clijsters, five tournaments into her own comeback which includes the U.S. Open title, spoiled Justine Henin's tour comeback with a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (6) victory yesterday in the all-Belgian final of the Brisbane International at Brisbane, Australia. ... American Lindsey Vonn won her fourth straight World Cup downhill yesterday and second in two days, overcoming poor visibility because of increasing snowfall at Haus Im Ennstal, Austria.