Indiana Hoosiers' head coach, Curt Cignetti, has confirmed that he will not pursue a career in the NFL, choosing to stay in college football. He stated his decision was made long ago and reaffirmed his commitment to developing young players at the collegiate level.
Key Facts
Curt Cignetti is the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers football team.
Indiana Hoosiers are preparing for the national championship game against the Miami Hurricanes.
Rumors suggested Cignetti might leave for an NFL coaching job.
Cignetti has publicly stated he will not move to the NFL.
He declared he is committed to college football and developing young players.
The Hoosiers have only lost one game under Cignetti during the past two years.
The team is aiming for their first national championship win.
Transitioning from college to NFL involves significant challenges for coaches.
The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for a new head coach after parting ways with Pete Carroll. NFL legend Tom Brady, a part owner of the Raiders, is involved in the search and has high hopes for the team's future. The Raiders have asked some coaching candidates to meet with Brady in Miami during a major football game.
Key Facts
The Raiders are seeking a new head coach following Pete Carroll's departure.
Tom Brady, who part-owns the Raiders, is playing an active role in the hiring process.
Brady expressed optimism about the team's future direction.
The Raiders invited candidates to meet in Miami during the College Football Playoff National Championship.
One key candidate for the Raiders is former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
Other candidates interviewed include Kevin Stefanski, Jesse Minter, Jeff Hafley, and others.
The meetings will take place during a nationally significant college football event.
Novak Djokovic is preparing for the Australian Open, aiming to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. He faces strong competition from younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have been dominant in recent tournaments. Djokovic has adjusted his training to stay competitive as he manages injuries and recovery.
Key Facts
Novak Djokovic aims to win his 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
He mentioned the rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, called "Sincaraz."
Djokovic has won 24 major championships, equaling the record for most titles in tennis history.
In recent years, Sinner and Alcaraz have split the last eight major titles.
Djokovic last won a major title at the 2023 US Open.
He has experienced injuries but reached the semifinals in all four majors last year.
Djokovic will begin his tournament against Pedro Martinez of Spain.
He recently parted ways with the Professional Tennis Players Association.
The status of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is uncertain before their game against the San Francisco 49ers due to an oblique injury. Darnold has not thrown a football since he felt discomfort during Thursday's practice. Backup quarterback Drew Lock has been taking practice reps in case Darnold cannot play.
Key Facts
Sam Darnold is the quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.
Darnold has an oblique injury, reported before the game with the 49ers.
He hasn't thrown a football since Thursday's practice.
Drew Lock, the backup quarterback, has been practicing with the team.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is hopeful Darnold can play.
The Seahawks and 49ers each won one game against each other during the regular season.
In the last game against the 49ers, the Seahawks won 13-3, and Darnold threw for 198 yards.
The article discusses a promotional offer from BetMGM for new users who bet on NFL playoff games. Depending on their location, bettors can receive either a $1,500 safety net or a $150 bonus offer. The games highlighted include Bills vs. Broncos and 49ers vs. Seahawks.
Key Facts
BetMGM is offering new users a chance to receive a $1,500 safety net or a $150 bonus on NFL playoff bets.
The $1,500 offer allows users to bet and receive their wager back as a bonus if they lose.
In certain states, users can get a $150 bonus with a winning $10 bet.
The promotional games include the Bills vs. Broncos and 49ers vs. Seahawks.
Pre-built parlays, which are combined bets, are available for these games.
Bettors must sign up using the code "NEWSWEEK" and enter personal information to qualify.
Users have one week to use any bonus bets before they expire.
An article discusses a promotional deal from Underdog Fantasy offering new users $75 in fantasy entries with an initial $5 bet during the NFL Divisional Round playoff games. Key NFL games mentioned include Bills vs. Broncos and Seahawks vs. 49ers. The article also describes other betting options and promotions available for this weekend's games.
Key Facts
Underdog Fantasy offers a promo code for new users to get $75 in fantasy entries with a $5 initial bet.
Featured NFL games include Bills vs. Broncos and Seahawks vs. 49ers, among others.
The Broncos hold the No. 1 seed and will play against the Bills.
The 49ers, having recently lost a key player, George Kittle, face the Seahawks.
Underdog is offering a special "QB Gimme Pick" promotion for the NFL Playoffs.
Participants can adjust one quarterback's yardage number to zero for improved odds.
Users need to register with personal details and make a deposit to start.
Newsweek may earn a commission if users sign up through the article's links.
Deion Sanders sent a supportive message to Ivan Yates, a senior cornerback from the Colorado Buffaloes, as Yates prepares for the NFL Draft. Yates played two seasons at Colorado and plans to enter the draft alongside other top prospects.
Key Facts
Deion Sanders is the coach for the Colorado Buffaloes.
Over 37 players have left the Colorado team through the college transfer portal.
Ivan Yates is a senior cornerback who played two seasons at Colorado.
Yates recorded 16 tackles and five passes defended last season.
Yates announced his entry into the NFL Draft.
Deion Sanders sent Yates a message saying, "I BELIEVE IN YOU MY BROTHER!"
Yates allowed zero touchdowns and was ranked as the ninth-highest graded cornerback in the Big 12.
Other top cornerbacks expected in the NFL Draft include Jermod McCoy, Mansoor Delane, and Avieon Terrell.
The Pittsburgh Steelers parted ways with their head coach, Mike Tomlin. Jerome Bettis, a former Steelers player, emphasized the need for a defensive-minded coach to restore the team's historic strengths. Bettis also noted that the Steelers' struggle to score points is an issue that needs addressing.
Key Facts
The Pittsburgh Steelers have ended their partnership with head coach Mike Tomlin.
Jerome Bettis, a Hall of Fame player for the Steelers, called for a return to a defensive focus in the team's strategy.
Bettis highlighted the team's current difficulty in scoring enough points during games.
The Steelers' past success included a strong defense known as the "Steel Curtain."
Bettis mentioned that fans' dissatisfaction was a sign of the team's need for change.
Despite the challenges, Tomlin never had a losing season during his time with the Steelers.
Sam Leavitt, a college football quarterback, transferred from Arizona State University (ASU) to Louisiana State University (LSU) after becoming one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Leavitt expressed gratitude toward ASU despite facing criticism for his transfer decision.
Key Facts
Sam Leavitt began his college football career at Michigan State as a freshman.
He transferred to Arizona State University, where he played a key role in reaching the College Football Playoff as a sophomore.
During his time at ASU, Leavitt threw for over 4,000 yards, with 34 touchdowns and 9 interceptions over two seasons.
Leavitt entered the transfer portal and was ranked as the No. 1 quarterback available.
He chose to transfer to Louisiana State University, recruited by head coach Lane Kiffin.
Leavitt expressed his appreciation for his time at ASU, despite criticism for leaving.
He still has two years of college football eligibility remaining.
Sam Leavitt joined other quarterbacks at LSU, including Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark.
The Senegalese Football Federation has raised concerns about the lack of fair treatment and security for its national team in Morocco ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. They have criticized issues with accommodation, training facilities, and ticket allocation for their supporters. The federation has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure fair play and equal treatment before the match.
Key Facts
The Senegalese Football Federation says its team faced poor security upon arriving in Rabat, Morocco.
They have issues with the team’s hotel accommodations and needed to file a complaint for suitable lodging.
The federation objects to training at the Mohammed VI Complex, where Morocco has trained all tournament.
There is uncertainty about where Senegal can hold its own training sessions.
Senegal received only 2,850 tickets for its fans, which they believe is not enough.
The football federation is addressing these issues publicly to defend the team's interests ahead of the final.
The match will be held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium with a capacity of 69,500.
Morocco is seeking its second AFCON title since 1976, while Senegal aims to win a second title after 2021.
Egypt and Nigeria will compete for third place in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. The match will take place at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. Both teams aim to end the tournament positively after being knocked out of the finals.
Key Facts
The match is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM ET.
It will be broadcast on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS En Español, with streaming available on Fubo.
Egypt and Nigeria have a long history of competition, meeting for the 10th time in an Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Egypt has won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times in the past.
Nigeria, known for strong performances in third-place matches, lost their semifinal in a penalty shootout against Morocco.
Egypt's key player is Mohamed Salah, while Nigeria relies on Victor Osimhen.
The match will determine which team wins the bronze medal in the tournament.
Fubo offers a free trial for streaming, subject to regional restrictions.
Novak Djokovic is aiming to win a record 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, but he does not see this as his only chance. Despite being 38 and facing tough competition, he remains confident in his abilities. Djokovic has also recently stepped away from the tennis players' union he co-founded, citing issues with its direction.
Key Facts
Djokovic turns 39 in May and is looking to become the oldest men's Grand Slam champion in the Open Era.
He is currently tied with 24 Grand Slam victories, alongside Australia's Margaret Court.
Djokovic believes it is not "now or never" to win his 25th title and tries to focus on his past achievements.
He will start the Australian Open against Pedro Martinez.
Djokovic recently left the Professional Tennis Players' Association, a union he co-founded in 2020, due to concerns about its direction.
The PTPA had engaged in legal battles against tennis governing bodies over player welfare issues, but Djokovic was not part of these lawsuits.
He expressed that he still supports the idea of a players-only representation organization.
The Los Angeles Clippers secured a victory over the Toronto Raptors in an overtime basketball game, winning 121-117. James Harden scored 31 points and helped lead the comeback after the Clippers were behind by 14 points. This win marks the Clippers' fifth consecutive victory.
Key Facts
James Harden scored 31 points and made 10 assists for the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Clippers beat the Toronto Raptors 121-117 in an overtime game.
Ivica Zubac contributed 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Clippers.
The Clippers overcame a 14-point deficit to claim victory.
Kawhi Leonard did not play due to a sprained ankle.
The victory marks the Clippers' fifth straight win.
Scottie Barnes was the top scorer for the Raptors with 24 points.
The game ended with the Clippers finishing on a 20-8 run, with Harden scoring the last eight points of regulation.
Danny Rohl aims for a league and cup victory with Rangers after a decisive 5-0 win against Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup. New players Tochi Chukwuani, Andreas Skov Olsen, and Tuur Rommens have joined Rangers, hoping to contribute to the team's success. Skov Olsen, on loan, hopes to impress fans and help lift trophies.
Key Facts
Rangers won 5-0 against Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup.
Bojan Miovski scored a hat-trick for Rangers.
Rangers are currently third in the league standings, close to the top teams.
Coach Danny Rohl wants to win both the league and cup competitions.
New signings Tochi Chukwuani, Andreas Skov Olsen, and Tuur Rommens have recently joined Rangers.
Andreas Skov Olsen is on loan from Wolfsburg and hopes to stay permanently.
Skov Olsen aims to score and assist in games, hoping to secure trophies at the season's end.
The Boston Red Sox are looking for a new infielder after losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs and Bo Bichette to the New York Mets. They may consider trading for Ketel Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Red Sox might offer players like Jarren Duran to make this trade happen.
Key Facts
The Red Sox lost two potential infielders, Bregman and Bichette, to other teams.
Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte could be a trade target for the Red Sox.
The Diamondbacks previously took Marte off the market but might change their mind.
The Red Sox have more options now to make a trade, including offering young players.
If traded, Marte would remain under Red Sox control until 2032.
A trade for Marte could benefit both the Red Sox and the Diamondbacks by addressing team needs.
The New York Mets acquired Tsung-Che Cheng, a young shortstop, from the Tampa Bay Rays through waivers. Cheng, who debuted in MLB last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is regarded as a talented player with potential to improve. He played three games in the major leagues and has experience in various infield positions, mostly at shortstop.
Key Facts
The Mets claimed Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Cheng made his MLB debut last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Rays designated Cheng for assignment on January 12, 2024, and the Mets picked him up four days later.
Cheng was originally signed by the Pirates from Taiwan and has been with their minor league system.
MLB Pipeline rates Cheng's speed and fielding highly.
Cheng has mainly played as a shortstop but also has experience at second and third base.
He spent most of last season in Triple-A, with his batting showing room for growth.
Cheng is considered a low-risk acquisition for the Mets.
The New York Knicks lost their player Jalen Brunson to an ankle injury during a game against the Sacramento Kings, leading to a defeat. Brunson's status for the upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns is uncertain. His potential absence comes amid the Knicks' recent performance slump.
Key Facts
Jalen Brunson injured his ankle early in the game against the Sacramento Kings.
The Knicks lost that game 112-101 after Brunson's injury.
Brunson's injury is not expected to be long-term.
Brunson is listed as questionable for the Knicks' next game against the Phoenix Suns.
Since January 2026, the Knicks have a record of 2 wins and 6 losses.
Brunson has been a crucial player for the Knicks, averaging 28.2 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game this season.
The Knicks have struggled recently, losing their last two games.
The Knicks and the Suns are scheduled to play at 7:30 PM ET on Saturday.
Emma Raducanu, a British tennis player, spoke about the challenging schedule for her first match at the Australian Open. She arrived late due to a delayed flight and will play her first-round match late at night after another match that could go on for a long time.
Key Facts
Emma Raducanu is the British number one tennis player.
She questioned the scheduling of her first-round match at the Australian Open.
Her match is scheduled for late at night after a potentially long men's match.
Raducanu arrived just one day before the match due to a delayed flight.
She did not train on Friday and had a late practice session on Saturday.
The late-night schedule is a new experience for her.
Raducanu has recently re-entered the world’s top 30 rankings.
A foot injury affected her planned practice with coach Francisco Roig.
Jeff Hardy, a professional wrestler, is dealing with neck issues, specifically two bulging discs. Despite this, he continues to wrestle and is making changes to his performance style, advised by medical professionals.
Key Facts
Jeff Hardy has two bulging discs in his neck.
His brother Matt Hardy says Jeff is improving slowly.
Jeff wants to manage the pain naturally to avoid surgery.
Medical experts are helping Jeff explore non-surgical treatments.
Jeff is adjusting his wrestling style to be more careful.
He will compete in a wrestling event on January 17th in Texas.
There is no current plan for Jeff to take a break from wrestling.
In the upcoming NFL Divisional Round games, eight teams continue to compete for a spot in Super Bowl 60. Discussions among experts highlight key matchups, with focus on teams like the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos. The games are set to happen over the weekend, determining who will advance further in the playoffs.
Key Facts
The NFL Divisional Round features four games leading up to Super Bowl 60.
The games involve the top eight remaining teams in the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills play against Denver Broncos on Saturday, January 17.
San Francisco 49ers face Seattle Seahawks on the same day.
On Sunday, January 18, Houston Texans will play against New England Patriots.
Los Angeles Rams will compete against Chicago Bears.
Expert opinions differ on the outcome of these games, with some favoring the Broncos due to their strong defense and recent bye week advantage.
The games will decide which teams progress to the next stage and get closer to winning the Super Bowl.
