Kirk Cousins, quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, may not return to the team. His contract restructuring has made it easier for the Falcons to release him. Cousins expressed uncertainty about his future in the NFL after the recent season.
Key Facts
Kirk Cousins is currently the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.
He hinted that his future with the Falcons is uncertain after a 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints.
The Falcons have restructured the guarantees in Cousins' contract, potentially allowing for his release before free agency.
Cousins has a $67.9 million guarantee for the 2027 season, possibly influencing the Falcons' decision.
Injuries led Cousins to start the last games of the season, winning five out of seven.
The Minnesota Vikings might consider bringing Cousins back as they look to strengthen their quarterback lineup.
Anthony Davis wants to remain with the Dallas Mavericks and sign a contract extension. The Mavericks, however, are looking to trade him due to concerns about his health and the cost of his contract.
Key Facts
Anthony Davis was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks over a year ago.
Davis desires to stay with the Mavericks and aims for a contract extension.
The Mavericks are considering trading Davis because of his injury history and high salary.
Davis currently has a three-year contract with a possibility to earn $62.7 million in 2027.
Dallas Mavericks have not performed well this season, starting with a record of 13-23.
Dallas's Kyrie Irving, who was injured, has played limited minutes with Davis.
The potential trade involves Rich Paul, Davis's agent, seeking a team willing to sign him for a lucrative, long-term deal.
Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick is looking to win the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia to boost the team's confidence and performance for the rest of the season. Barcelona will play against Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals, and Flick hopes the victory will give them energy like last season. Ronald Araujo might return to action, and Barcelona is close to signing Joao Cancelo.
Key Facts
The Spanish Super Cup takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona will play against Athletic Bilbao in the semifinal.
Barcelona aims to win the Spanish Super Cup to boost the team's morale.
Coach Hansi Flick was previously with Bayern Munich.
Last season, Barcelona won the Super Cup as part of a domestic treble.
Ronald Araujo may return after a break following a red card.
Joao Cancelo is close to joining Barcelona from Al-Hilal on loan.
Athletic Bilbao last won the Super Cup in 2021, defeating Barcelona.
Ivory Coast defeated Burkina Faso 3-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to advance to the quarterfinals. Amad Diallo scored the first goal and helped create the second, while Bazoumana Toure added a third goal. Ivory Coast will now face Egypt in the quarterfinals.
Key Facts
Ivory Coast beat Burkina Faso 3-0 in the AFCON knockout stage.
Amad Diallo scored the first goal and assisted on the second goal for Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast's third goal was scored by Bazoumana Toure.
Burkina Faso's Adamo Nagalo received a yellow card early in the match.
A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed Ivory Coast's first goal.
Ivory Coast will play against Egypt next in the quarterfinals.
Egypt has won the AFCON title a record seven times.
Burkina Faso's team made several changes during the match to try to improve their performance.
The Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 years with the team. Harbaugh, who led the team to a Super Bowl win in 2013, was praised by former player Robert Griffin III. Several NFL teams, including the Ravens, are looking for new head coaches.
Key Facts
The Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 years with the team.
Harbaugh led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2013 against his brother's team, the San Francisco 49ers.
The Ravens recently missed the playoffs after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Robert Griffin III, a former player under Harbaugh, praised him on social media, calling him the "Greatest Coach in Ravens History."
Griffin III suggested that the Atlanta Falcons should consider hiring Harbaugh as their next head coach.
Several NFL teams, including the Falcons, Cardinals, Raiders, Browns, Titans, and Giants, are searching for new head coaches.
Tom Brady shared his list of the top 10 NFL teams ahead of the playoffs. The Seattle Seahawks were his top pick, while teams like the Steelers and Packers were not included. Brady is set to cover the 49ers vs. Eagles game for Fox Sports.
Key Facts
Tom Brady ranked the Seattle Seahawks as the number one NFL team.
The Seahawks have a 14-game winning streak.
Brady's top five teams included the Rams, Jaguars, Patriots, Broncos, and Seahawks.
The 49ers, Eagles, Texans, Bills, and Bears were ranked 10th to 6th, respectively.
Four playoff teams not in Brady’s top 10 are the Steelers, Chargers, Panthers, and Packers.
Brady will commentate on the 49ers vs. Eagles game for Fox Sports.
College football player Demond Williams, a top quarterback for the Washington Huskies, is entering the transfer portal. His unexpected decision comes after signing a new contract, and he is now a highly sought-after recruit for other college teams.
Key Facts
Demond Williams is a quarterback for the Washington Huskies.
He is entering the transfer portal, which is a system where college athletes can switch schools.
Williams had over 3,000 passing yards and 611 rushing yards last season.
He scored 31 touchdowns and led his team to an 8-4 record.
Williams had recently signed a new contract with the Huskies.
His decision to leave was unexpected and affects the Huskies' plans.
Teams like LSU, Miami, and Oregon are interested in recruiting him.
The transfer portal will close on January 16, 2026.
The Baltimore Ravens have decided to fire their longtime head coach, John Harbaugh, after not making the playoffs. Despite this, many NFL teams are interested in hiring Harbaugh for their coaching vacancies, including some that currently have head coaches.
Key Facts
John Harbaugh was fired as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens after the team missed the playoffs.
Harbaugh had been with the Ravens since the 2008 season.
The roster loss was partly due to a missed field goal in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Harbaugh has a successful record, including a Super Bowl win in the 2012 season.
He has a career coaching record of 180 wins and 113 losses.
Multiple NFL teams, both with and without coaching vacancies, have shown interest in Harbaugh.
The Ravens are entering a new phase by looking for a new head coach for the 2026 season.
The team's decision to let Harbaugh go has significantly affected the AFC landscape.
Jeremiah Smith, a wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, addressed rumors about him leaving the team by confirming on social media that he is staying. The team is dealing with changes as some players leave through the NCAA transfer portal, but Smith’s decision to stay is notable.
Key Facts
Ohio State Buckeyes lost 24-14 to the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff.
Rumors suggested key players like Jeremiah Smith might leave Ohio State.
Smith posted on social media that he is staying at Ohio State: "Not going nowhere."
Jeremiah Smith had 87 receptions, 1,243 yards, and 12 touchdowns this season.
Ohio State is experiencing some player departures through the transfer portal.
Despite these changes, Ohio State expects to remain strong next season with returning and new players.
John Harbaugh was fired as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens after 18 years with the team. Shortly after the news, seven NFL teams reached out to express interest in hiring him. Harbaugh, who led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2012, is now a top interest for teams needing a head coach.
Key Facts
John Harbaugh worked as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens for 18 years.
He won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2012.
Harbaugh was fired from his position on Tuesday.
Seven NFL teams contacted Harbaugh about potential job opportunities after his firing.
These teams include the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, and Cleveland Browns.
It is not clear which team might be the seventh one that reached out.
Harbaugh's agent, Bryan Harlan, shared this information with NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Ole Miss won against Georgia in the College Football Playoff and is now preparing to play against Miami. Joel Klatt discussed how changes in Ole Miss's coaching staff might affect the team's performance in their upcoming game.
Key Facts
Ole Miss beat Georgia 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl.
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss played a key role in the win with important throws.
Pete Golding is the current head coach of Ole Miss.
Lane Kiffin, the former Ole Miss coach, left for a head coaching job at LSU.
Joel Klatt expressed concerns about the coaching changes affecting the team.
Klatt mentioned that Ole Miss players might be distracted due to coaching uncertainties.
Miami Hurricanes have allowed only 8.5 points per game in the College Football Playoff.
Ole Miss is entering the game against Miami as 3.5-point underdogs.
Philadelphia Eagles' right tackle Lane Johnson is expected to return to practice soon after recovering from a foot injury. His return could strengthen the team as they prepare for a playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Key Facts
Lane Johnson, a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles, is recovering from a foot injury.
He is expected to start practicing again on January 7.
The Eagles will play the San Francisco 49ers in a playoff game on January 11.
Johnson's presence is important as the Eagles struggled in games he missed, having a 3-4 record.
The 49ers have several injured players which could affect their performance.
This playoff game is a rematch of the 2022 NFC Championship.
During Johnson's absence, the Eagles aimed to keep players rested and healthy for the playoffs.
Ohio State University's football team faces a setback as Quincy Porter, a top-ranked freshman wide receiver, enters the transfer portal. The team had anticipated that Porter would play a significant role in upcoming seasons, especially with current players leaving for the NFL.
Key Facts
Quincy Porter, a five-star freshman wide receiver from New Jersey, is entering the transfer portal.
Porter was ranked No. 4 for his position in the 2025 class by 247Sports.
He played sparingly this season but was expected to start for Ohio State in 2026.
His departure is seen as significant because current wide receiver Carnell Tate is leaving for the NFL.
Ohio State is noted for producing successful professional wide receivers, like Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The transfer portal is open for a 15-day window, closing on January 16, 2026.
Liam Rosenior has been named the new head coach of Chelsea, becoming the second black coach of the team after Ruud Gullit. This is a significant event as there are very few black managers in the Premier League despite many black players.
Key Facts
Liam Rosenior is now the head coach of Chelsea, replacing Enzo Maresca.
Rosenior is the second black coach to lead Chelsea, after Ruud Gullit.
There have only been 12 black managers in the Premier League's 34-year history.
Approximately 43% of Premier League players are black, but only 3.2% of board members are from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
The Black Footballers Partnership report highlights a lack of diversity in football management roles.
Rosenior is also one of four English managers in the Premier League, showing lower national representation compared to other European leagues.
The Houston Cougars and Texas Tech Red Raiders will play a college basketball game in the Big 12 Conference. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Fertitta Center in Houston, and will be broadcast on FOX Sports 1. Houston recently won their opener against Cincinnati, while Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma State.
Key Facts
The basketball game is between the Houston Cougars and Texas Tech Red Raiders.
It will take place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET.
The game will be shown on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes.
The Houston Cougars won their last game against Cincinnati, with a final score of 67-60.
Texas Tech won their last game against Oklahoma State, with a score of 102-80.
Houston has won four of the last five meetings against Texas Tech.
Key players for Houston include Emanuel Sharp and Kingston Flemings.
Key players for Texas Tech include JT Toppin and Christian Anderson.
An extra-time goal by Adil Boulbina helped Algeria defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16 in Morocco. This win sets up a quarterfinal match between Algeria and Nigeria.
Key Facts
Algeria won against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a 1-0 match at the AFCON tournament.
Adil Boulbina scored the winning goal in extra time during the 119th minute.
The match took place at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Algeria will play Nigeria in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Marrakesh.
Algeria's fans celebrated their victory, as 18,837 people attended the match.
DR Congo had hoped to face Nigeria again, having previously won against them in a World Cup qualifier.
Algeria is looking to win their third AFCON title, having last won in 2019.
The Toronto Blue Jays are showing interest in signing free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, who attended a golf event with George Springer. The event has sparked speculation about recruitment efforts by the Blue Jays. Financial considerations will play a significant role in potential contract negotiations for Tucker.
Key Facts
Kyle Tucker is a free agent and attended a golf event with George Springer, his former teammate.
The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in signing Tucker and recently stepped up their recruitment efforts.
Tucker is expected to receive a significant contract this offseason.
Toronto's payroll is already high, crossing the $304 million threshold, which affects their tax rate.
The team received clearance from ownership to increase spending beyond previous limits.
Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins mentioned using creative methods to enhance the team for future success.
West Midlands Police banned Israeli fans from attending a football match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv due to safety concerns. The decision faced scrutiny from MPs and was based on past incidents during other Maccabi matches. The Home Affairs Committee plans to investigate further with additional information from Dutch police.
Key Facts
West Midlands Police banned Israeli fans from a match in Birmingham for safety reasons.
The match involved Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv on 6 November.
Officials cited intelligence about unrest during past Maccabi Tel Aviv matches as a reason.
Dutch police sent a letter that seemed to contradict claims about Maccabi fans' behavior.
The Home Affairs Committee is seeking more details to understand the decision.
Politicians, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, criticized the fan ban.
The Safety Advisory Group labeled the match "high risk" due to potential unrest.
Police reported concerns of vigilante groups targeting Maccabi fans.
The Cleveland Browns are looking for a new head coach after firing Kevin Stefanski. They have requested an interview with Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who could be the first European-born head coach in NFL history.
Key Facts
The Cleveland Browns fired their head coach, Kevin Stefanski, after six years.
The team is uncertain about their current quarterbacks and might draft new ones.
Myles Garrett, a standout Browns player, set a new NFL record for sacks in a single season.
The Browns have asked to interview Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
Aden Durde has helped improve the Seahawks' defense over the last two years.
If hired, Durde would be the first European-born head coach in NFL history.
The Seattle Seahawks are in the playoffs, waiting for their next opponent.
Darren Fletcher, the interim manager of Manchester United, stated that leading the team was beyond anything he had imagined. He took over following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim and will lead the team in their next match against Burnley. Fletcher has not considered taking the role permanently and is focusing on his current responsibilities.
Key Facts
Darren Fletcher is currently the interim manager of Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim was recently dismissed as Manchester United's manager.
Fletcher has a long history with the club, playing 342 matches for them.
The club plans to find a permanent manager by the end of the season.
Fletcher's primary focus is on the upcoming match against Burnley.
The team is facing several challenges with injuries and absent players.
Manchester United is currently sixth in the Premier League, close to Liverpool's fourth place.
Fletcher has not ruled out future discussions about a permanent managerial role.
