Sir Gareth Southgate, former England football manager, discusses how the role of football managers has changed over time. He explains that the rise of technical and sporting directors in clubs has shifted power away from managers. Despite the change, Southgate believes managers still face great pressure and need to adapt to modern demands.
Key Facts
Gareth Southgate is the former manager of the England national football team.
Southgate spoke about how managers' authority is decreasing in modern football due to club structure changes.
Many clubs now have technical and sporting directors, which changes the manager's role to a head coach.
Recent examples include changes at Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
Southgate believes power struggles with club executives and players contribute to coaches leaving their roles.
He thinks modern managers must handle complex tasks like managing large squads, dealing with media, and commercial duties.
Southgate once insisted on being called a manager, not just a head coach, when leading England to reflect authority.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is set to take place from March 5-17, featuring 20 national teams competing in cities like Tokyo and Miami. As the tournament approaches, official merchandise like hats, t-shirts, and hoodies for teams such as the USA and Japan is now available for purchase online.
Key Facts
The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament happening in 2026.
It will run from March 5 to March 17 and include 20 national teams.
Games will be held in four cities: Tokyo, San Juan, Houston, and Miami.
Japan is the defending champion of the tournament.
Team USA and Japan are among the strong contenders with well-known players.
Official merchandise like hats and t-shirts is available for purchase online now.
Fanatics is selling the official World Baseball Classic gear.
Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, announced he is stepping down after 19 seasons with the team. His decision comes after seven straight postseason losses. The Steelers players, including TJ Watt and Aaron Rodgers, were emotional and expressed their respect for Tomlin as he announced his departure.
Key Facts
Mike Tomlin was the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 19 seasons.
He never had a losing season during his time with the team.
Tomlin announced he is stepping down after his seventh consecutive postseason loss.
TJ Watt and Aaron Rodgers showed strong emotions and respect for Tomlin during his announcement.
Tomlin had one year left on his contract but chose to leave for the team's benefit.
Players expressed feeling responsible for not performing better in the playoffs.
Tomlin is recognized alongside other legendary coaches, like Tom Landry and Chuck Noll.
The article discusses a situation at Ole Miss, where leaked NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) information reportedly led to junior linebacker TJ Dottery entering the transfer portal. Dottery is a key player and might join his former coach, Lane Kiffin, at LSU. This move is part of a series of transfers involving top recruits and players between colleges.
Key Facts
NIL contracts reportedly leaked within the Ole Miss program.
TJ Dottery, a linebacker, entered the transfer portal after the leak.
Dottery was a leading player for Ole Miss with strong defensive stats.
Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU, now potentially acquiring Dottery.
LSU has recently acquired several high-ranking players through transfers.
Ole Miss is attempting to retain Dottery despite the leaked NIL information.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for the 2026 baseball season with a strong track record, having won two World Series titles in a row. The San Diego Padres' new manager, Craig Stammen, has declared that his team is ready to compete fiercely with the Dodgers in the upcoming season. The rivalry between the two teams, especially after intense games in previous years, is expected to remain strong.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won their division 12 out of the last 13 years.
The Dodgers are the reigning World Series champions, winning the titles back-to-back.
The San Diego Padres briefly led the NL West in August 2025 but the Dodgers retained their title.
Padres' new manager, Craig Stammen, expressed their readiness to compete against the Dodgers.
The rivalry between the Dodgers and Padres is one of the most exciting in baseball.
The Padres were eliminated by the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card round last year.
The Dodgers and Padres faced off in a thrilling 2024 NL Division Series.
The Philadelphia Eagles are looking for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Kevin Patullo. They are considering Charlie Weis Jr., currently set to join LSU as an offensive coordinator, among other candidates. The Eagles might also consider more experienced play-callers like Mike McDaniel or Brian Daboll.
Key Facts
The Philadelphia Eagles have decided not to keep offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo after one season.
The Eagles are looking at Charlie Weis Jr. as a possible replacement.
Weis is currently associated with LSU but has permission to finish the season at Ole Miss.
Weis has previously worked with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts when Hurts was at Alabama.
Weis has been an offensive coordinator in college football since 2018, with previous roles at Florida Atlantic, South Florida, and Ole Miss.
The Eagles are also considering more experienced NFL coaches like Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll.
The article discusses inconsistency in video assistant referee (VAR) decisions during recent football matches involving Manchester City and Arsenal. Manchester City's goal was disallowed for offside by VAR, while a similar situation in Arsenal's match allowed their goal to stand. This inconsistency in VAR decisions has led to questions from supporters about the system's reliability.
Key Facts
Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo had a goal disallowed for offside during a match against Newcastle United.
The VAR decision claimed Erling Haaland's offside position impacted a defender's ability to stop the goal.
In Arsenal's match against Chelsea, a goal was allowed despite an offside Viktor Gyokeres not being penalized.
These two similar incidents had different outcomes regarding VAR intervention.
Supporters often feel frustrated when VAR decisions seem unpredictable or take too long.
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) oversees refereeing in England and acknowledges VAR issues.
Referees have been advised to avoid overly detailed analysis during VAR reviews.
There has been a general reduction in the time taken for VAR reviews, now aiming for about 50 seconds on average.
Scott Robertson, the head coach of New Zealand's rugby team, the All Blacks, has been dismissed. Despite a strong performance record, the team's recent losses and competition challenges led to this decision. The All Blacks, while historically dominant, are facing increased competition from other countries like South Africa.
Key Facts
Scott Robertson was the head coach of the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks.
Under Robertson, the All Blacks won 20 out of 27 matches.
The All Blacks are currently ranked second in the world in rugby.
The team suffered notable defeats recently, including a significant loss to South Africa.
There is concern that New Zealand's rugby dominance is declining.
Changes in competition, like South Africa leaving Super Rugby, have affected Kiwi teams.
New Zealand's policy limits them to selecting only domestic players, impacting team composition.
The New Zealand dollar's decline has led players to seek better opportunities abroad.
There are rumors that the Los Angeles Lakers are considering trading for Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors. Kuminga, now eligible to be traded, has requested a trade after not playing in the last 13 games. The Lakers have shown interest and have contacted the Warriors about a possible deal for the 23-year-old forward.
Key Facts
Jonathan Kuminga is a forward playing for the Golden State Warriors.
He became eligible for trade on January 15.
Kuminga requested a trade from the Warriors recently.
The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in trading for Kuminga.
Kuminga has not appeared in the Warriors' last 13 games.
Kuminga is averaging 11.8 points, 2.6 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game this season.
He has a team option worth $24.3 million for next season.
The Lakers have a known interest in acquiring a player who can provide strong defense and shooting.
The Miami Hurricanes football team will wear their white uniforms with orange and green details in the College Football Playoff national championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers. The game will take place on Monday night, with Indiana entering the match as the favorite to win.
Key Facts
Miami Hurricanes will face the Indiana Hoosiers in the national championship game.
The game will happen on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Miami's uniform includes white Adidas jerseys with orange and green accents.
Indiana will wear red uniforms, which they also wore against Oregon.
Miami has been an unexpected success, defeating three higher-ranked teams to reach the final.
Indiana has remained unbeaten throughout the season.
Miami is considered the underdog with an 8.5-point disadvantage according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Memphis Grizzlies are playing against the Orlando Magic in the 2026 NBA Berlin Game at Uber Arena. The game will happen on Thursday, January 15th, and can be watched on various platforms including FanDuel Sports Network and Prime Video.
Key Facts
The game is between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic.
It takes place at Uber Arena as part of the 2026 NBA Berlin Game.
The game is scheduled for Thursday, January 15th, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
It can be watched on FanDuel Sports Network and streamed on Prime Video and Fubo.
The Grizzlies are 10th in the Western Conference and have won their last game against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Magic have alternated wins and losses in their last 14 games, winning the latest against the New Orleans Pelicans.
A free trial is available for both Fubo and Prime Video for live streaming.
Regional restrictions may apply to the live streaming services.
Clayton Kershaw, a well-known pitcher who recently retired from Major League Baseball, announced he will join Team USA for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. This will be the first time Kershaw participates in the event, as he missed the 2023 edition due to insurance issues. Team USA aims to win after losing the championship game to Japan in the previous Classic.
Key Facts
Clayton Kershaw is a retired pitcher who played 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kershaw announced he will play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
The World Baseball Classic is a major international baseball tournament.
This will be the first time Kershaw participates in the Classic.
Kershaw missed the 2023 Classic due to insurance problems.
Team USA lost to Japan in the 2023 championship game and wants to win the next one.
The upcoming Team USA roster includes other star players like Aaron Judge.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed 17-year-old Venezuelan catcher Juan Caricote for a $1.95 million signing bonus. Caricote ranks as the No. 11 prospect in the current international signing class and the No. 2 catcher, and he is expected to develop strong skills both at bat and in defense.
Key Facts
The Blue Jays used $1.95 million of their $5.94 million signing bonus pool to sign Juan Caricote.
Juan Caricote is a 17-year-old catcher from Venezuela.
Caricote is ranked as the No. 11 prospect and the No. 2 catcher in this year’s international signing class.
He is praised for his potential to become a strong home run hitter.
Caricote is expected to remain a catcher, with skills described as athletic and agile.
His arm strength is projected to reach at least an average level as he matures.
Caricote could potentially replace the current catcher, Alejandro Kirk, who is under contract until 2030.
Caricote is anticipated to be ready for major leagues in five to six years.
Braun Strowman, a former WWE star, was in a car accident while test-driving a custom vehicle. He shared that his car was rear-ended, causing damage but no serious injuries. Despite the situation, Strowman remained positive and expressed gratitude that nobody was seriously hurt.
Key Facts
Braun Strowman was involved in a car accident while test-driving a custom car.
The accident happened when another vehicle hit the back of his car.
Strowman shared the incident on Instagram, showing the damage to the car.
He mentioned that his neck was a bit sore but was glad no serious injuries occurred.
Strowman emphasized that cars can be repaired and was grateful for minimal human harm.
Strowman's TV show "Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman" was renewed for a second season on January 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs’ center, Creed Humphrey, was named to the AP All-Pro First Team for the second year in a row after the 2025 NFL season. Humphrey is the only Chiefs player recognized in the All-Pro team this year and is praised for his strong performance in run blocking and pass protection.
Key Facts
Creed Humphrey is a center for the Kansas City Chiefs.
He earned a spot on the AP All-Pro First Team for the second consecutive year.
Humphrey was the only player from the Chiefs to be named on the All-Pro team this year.
He is recognized for his exceptional performance in run blocking and pass protection.
Humphrey appeared in nearly every offensive snap during the 2025 season.
This is the third time in his career he has received an All-Pro nod.
Humphrey's role is considered foundational to the Chiefs' team identity.
The LSU Tigers football team, led by head coach Lane Kiffin, has strengthened their quarterback lineup by signing Sam Leavitt, Husan Longstreet, and Landen Clark. Clark, who transferred from Elon College, is confident in his abilities and eager to compete for the quarterback position.
Key Facts
LSU's head coach Lane Kiffin signed three quarterbacks through transfers and recruiting.
Sam Leavitt, a highly-ranked transfer, is expected to start for LSU in 2026.
Landen Clark, from Elon College, is also competing for the LSU quarterback position.
Clark believes he can outperform his competitors at LSU.
Clark has a strong background, having led his high school team to success.
Clark's personal trainer praises his work ethic and passion for football.
The Houston Astros have signed 30-year-old infielder Riley Unroe to a minor-league contract. Unroe has extensive experience in minor league baseball but has yet to play in the major leagues. He has played in various countries and positions, but he is not expected to make the major league roster immediately.
Key Facts
Riley Unroe is a 30-year-old infielder who signed a minor-league deal with the Houston Astros.
He has played 12 seasons in minor league baseball but has not yet debuted in the major leagues.
Unroe has previously been part of the Tigers, Angels, Braves, and Mariners organizations.
He has also played winter baseball in Australia, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
Unroe can play multiple positions but mainly spent time at second and shortstop.
In Triple-A, he has a batting average of .254 with a history of facing many pitchers he will see again.
The Astros have lost their previous super-utility player, creating a potential opportunity for Unroe.
The New York Mets traded pitcher Franklin Gomez to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for international amateur bonus pool money. This trade took place on the first day of the 2026 international amateur signing period to help the Mets secure agreements with international players.
Key Facts
The Mets traded Franklin Gomez, a minor league pitcher, to the Cleveland Guardians.
Franklin Gomez is 20 years old and from Venezuela.
He was ranked as the No. 22 prospect in the Mets' system.
Gomez played for the Brooklyn Cyclones with a record of 0-2 and a 4.70 ERA in 2025.
The trade involved international amateur bonus pool money.
This move is aimed at aiding the Mets in signing international players.
The Guardians have previously developed successful pitchers like Shane Bieber and Corey Kluber.
The article discusses the possibility of Green Bay Packers' head coach Matt LaFleur helping Los Angeles Rams' head coach Sean McVay in an upcoming playoff game against the Chicago Bears. McVay and LaFleur, who worked together in 2017, have a close friendship, which may give McVay an advantage. The Rams are preparing for a critical playoff game, where McVay will face a new team for the 15th consecutive playoff game.
Key Facts
Sean McVay is the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams.
Matt LaFleur is the head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
LaFleur was the offensive coordinator for the Rams in 2017 when McVay first became head coach.
McVay and LaFleur have a strong friendship despite their teams being rivals.
The Rams are playing a playoff game against the Chicago Bears.
McVay hinted that their friendship might benefit him in the playoffs.
It will be McVay's 15th playoff game facing different opponents each time.
Ben Johnson, associated with the Bears, expressed strong feelings against the Packers.
The Detroit Lions are looking for a new offensive coordinator (OC) after not making it to the playoffs this season. They have shown interest in interviewing Arthur Smith, the current OC for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This follows several changes among NFL teams, including the firing of other coaches and coordinators.
Key Facts
The NFL has seen many coaching changes recently, including firings and resignations of key personnel.
Detroit Lions did not reach the playoffs this season under head coach Dan Campbell.
Ben Johnson, who was the Lions' OC last season, is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
The Lions have fired their most recent OC, John Morton.
Arthur Smith, currently the Steelers' OC, has a coaching history with teams like the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons.
The Lions want to interview Arthur Smith for their open OC position.
Smith is also receiving interest from other NFL teams for potential coaching roles.
