Ravens' Eric DeCosta won't seek GM jobs elsewhere

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) - Baltimore Ravens director of player personnel Eric DeCosta decided to stay with the team and not pursue general manager jobs elsewhere.

The Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams and the Indianapolis Colts all sought permission to interview DeCosta for their GM vacancies.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome called DeCosta "a most valuable asset" who "will continue to help us win championships." The 40-year-old DeCosta is the Ravens' GM in waiting, designated by the organization to eventually replace Newsome.

"Since this franchise started in 1996, we've established a strong history of retaining our most important executives, players, coaches and personnel experts," Newsome said. "Eric, who has had opportunities to interview with other teams recently and over the years, is another one we want to keep and will keep."

Ravens President Dick Cass said last year the team gave DeCosta a contract with incentives to stay. Cass said he hoped DeCosta would be with the team for a long time.

The Ravens (12-4) won the AFC North this season and have a first-round bye in the playoffs.