The New York Jets are making changes to their coaching staff after a poor NFL season, finishing with a 3-14 record. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has been let go, and the team is looking for a new offensive coordinator. The Jets need to improve their offensive performance, as they ranked low in yards gained per game last season.
Key Facts
The New York Jets ended their season with a 3-14 record, placing last in the AFC East.
Justin Fields was their quarterback last season, but the team struggled offensively.
The Jets plan to change their coaching staff, starting by parting ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand.
Aaron Glenn remains the team's head coach.
The Jets ranked fourth-to-last in offensive yards, averaging 263.6 yards per game.
The team will search for a new offensive coordinator to improve their offensive play.
They hold the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese.
Some analysts suggest they might choose a quarterback with their No. 16 pick.
Caitlin Clark, a professional women's basketball player, will join NBC Sports as a special contributor for "Sunday Night Basketball" starting February 1. She will work alongside well-known figures like Maria Taylor and NBA Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter. This takes place as Clark prepares for her third season in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever.
Key Facts
Caitlin Clark will be part of NBC Sports' "Sunday Night Basketball" as a special contributor.
The show will start on February 1 with "Basketball Night in America."
Clark will work with Maria Taylor and NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter.
This new role comes ahead of Clark's third WNBA season with the Indiana Fever.
Clark's previous season in the WNBA was limited to 13 games due to injuries.
NBC Sports’ Executive Producer praised Clark as a captivating player and dynamic scorer.
Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, apologized to referee Farai Hallam if he felt offended by Guardiola's remarks after a match. The issue arose when Hallam, in his first Premier League game, did not award Manchester City a penalty despite a review. Guardiola explained his role in defending his team and questioned refereeing decisions this season.
Key Facts
Pep Guardiola is the manager of Manchester City, a football team in the Premier League.
Guardiola apologized to referee Farai Hallam for any offense caused by his comments.
The controversy involved a decision not to award a penalty in a match against Wolves.
Guardiola noted that referees usually change decisions after reviewing pitchside monitors, but Hallam did not.
Guardiola stated he needed to defend his club's interests.
He expressed intent to receive an explanation from referees' chief Howard Webb.
Guardiola highlighted previous instances of controversial refereeing decisions this season.
Manchester City must win an upcoming match against Galatasaray to advance in the competition.
Clendon Thomas, a former NFL player who was a standout in college football at the University of Oklahoma and later played for the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers, has died at age 90. Thomas was known for his achievements both as a college athlete, where he was a leading scorer, and as a professional player, making the 1963 Pro Bowl as a defensive back.
Key Facts
Clendon Thomas was a star football player at the University of Oklahoma and a Heisman Trophy candidate.
He helped Oklahoma win 47 straight games, the longest winning streak in major college football history.
Thomas was drafted in the second round of the 1958 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
He played as both a safety and a player in the offensive backfield during his NFL career.
Thomas recorded 27 interceptions over 11 seasons in the NFL.
He played in the 1963 Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro three times.
After retiring from football, he founded a company in Oklahoma City and was involved in community service.
In 2011, Clendon Thomas was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
DraftKings is offering a promotion where users can get a $300 bonus if they bet $5 on certain NBA or college basketball games, and their initial bet wins. The offer applies to specific betting markets with particular odds, and there are several additional promotions available for various sports.
Key Facts
DraftKings offers a $300 bonus for new users who bet $5 and win.
The initial $5 bet must have odds of at least -500.
NBA games such as Bucks vs. 76ers are part of the betting options.
College basketball games, including Nebraska vs. Michigan, are also available for bets.
Users can get additional promotions like profit boosts on NBA, college basketball, and other sports.
The $300 bonus bets must be used within one week if awarded.
Other offers include chances to win a share of bonus bets for specific achievements in sports events.
Pittsburgh Steelers' new head coach, Mike McCarthy, talked about the possibility of quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning to the team during his introductory press conference. Rodgers, who has been playing football for 21 seasons and is now 42 years old, joined the Steelers in 2025 after leaving the New York Jets. McCarthy expressed a positive view about Rodgers' impact on the team.
Key Facts
Mike McCarthy is the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Aaron Rodgers is a veteran quarterback with 21 seasons of experience.
Rodgers is 42 years old and facing uncertainty about his playing future.
Rodgers joined the Steelers as a free agent before the 2025 season.
The New York Jets previously moved on from Rodgers before his signing with the Steelers.
McCarthy spoke about the possibility of Rodgers returning for the 2026 season.
McCarthy praised Rodgers as a valuable asset to the team.
The final of the 2030 men's World Cup will take place in Spain, according to the president of the Spanish Football Federation. The tournament will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with early matches played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to celebrate the World Cup's 100th anniversary. There is some disagreement about the final venue, with Morocco also interested in hosting it.
Key Facts
The 2030 men's World Cup final will be held in Spain.
Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are co-hosting the tournament.
Opening matches will be played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Spain's Bernabeu stadium and Nou Camp are top choices to host the final.
Morocco wants to host the final at the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca.
Fifa has not yet made a final decision about the venue.
The opening games mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, first held in Uruguay.
Morocco's stadium is expected to hold 115,000 spectators and be completed in 2028.
A key director for WWE, Marty Miller, is not expected to attend the Royal Rumble 2026 event in Riyadh. Instead, he will work on a Zuffa Boxing event in Las Vegas. Lee Lipschulz, the "Friday Night SmackDown" director, is likely to fill in for Miller at the Royal Rumble.
Key Facts
Marty Miller, a longtime WWE director, will not attend the Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh.
He will be working on a Zuffa Boxing event in Las Vegas at the same time.
Lee Lipschulz, who directs "Friday Night SmackDown," will likely cover for Miller at the Royal Rumble.
Marty Miller has been with WWE since 1995, starting during the "King of the Ring" event.
He praised WWE cameramen for their work in his past interviews.
Directing WWE events is described by Miller as "chaotic" but also thrilling.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts credits the team's strong commitment and support as the key reason for their 2025 World Series win. The team maintained unity despite injuries, and this harmony attracted top free agents, who praised the Dodgers' positive culture. Players like Edwin Diaz and Kyle Tucker cited the organization's first-class reputation as motivation for joining the team.
Key Facts
Dave Roberts managed the Dodgers to a World Series win in 2025.
Roberts highlighted the team's support and commitment as crucial factors.
Players never questioned Roberts' decisions, believing in their valued roles.
The Dodgers' positive culture attracts free agents beyond just their success.
Edwin Diaz joined the Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million contract.
Kyle Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Dodgers.
Both players mentioned the team's excellent reputation and player treatment.
Bournemouth signed 19-year-old Brazilian striker Rayan from Vasco da Gama for £24.7 million. The team also added Greek goalkeeper Christos Mandas on loan from Lazio.
Key Facts
Bournemouth signed Rayan from Vasco da Gama for £24.7 million with potential add-ons of £5.6 million.
Rayan is a 19-year-old Brazilian striker who plays primarily as a center-forward and can play on both wings.
Bournemouth competed with clubs from Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Russia to sign Rayan.
Rayan is meant to replace Antoine Semenyo, who transferred to Manchester City for around £65 million.
Christos Mandas joined Bournemouth on loan from Lazio with an option for a permanent deal.
Bournemouth paid a £1.3 million loan fee for Mandas, with an additional cost of £860,000 if he is not signed permanently.
Mandas has played 33 games for Lazio and has represented Greece at different youth levels.
Bournemouth had also signed Fraser Forster, a 37-year-old goalkeeper, earlier this month.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton might lose Davis Webb from his coaching staff as Webb is a strong contender for a head coaching role with the Las Vegas Raiders. If Webb leaves, Payton acknowledges it would be challenging for him, but Webb seems interested in advancing his career.
Key Facts
Davis Webb, part of Sean Payton's coaching staff, is a candidate for a head coach role with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Denver Broncos lost the AFC Championship and may face further changes if Webb leaves.
Webb is one of the main contenders for the Raiders' job, along with Brian Daboll.
The Buffalo Bills hired Joe Brady, removing him from consideration for the Raiders' position.
Sean Payton has expressed uncertainty about Webb's future if he stays or moves to the Raiders.
The Raiders play in a competitive division with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.
Webb currently serves as the offensive pass game coordinator for the Broncos and has been coaching since 2023.
Tony Romo, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, is now a well-known NFL commentator for CBS. After completing his ninth season, Romo addressed the fan backlash he faced and emphasized that criticism is part of the job. He expressed his passion for his role and how he focuses on positive feedback from viewers.
Key Facts
Tony Romo played as a star quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys before becoming a commentator.
He started his broadcasting career with CBS in 2017.
Romo works alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on CBS’s lead NFL team.
He has faced criticism but believes it is a normal part of being a commentator.
Romo focuses on feedback from fans who enjoy his work and does not let online criticism affect him.
His latest Super Bowl broadcast with CBS occurred in 2024.
Next year's Super Bowl broadcast will be on ESPN/ABC, with CBS returning to the rotation in 2028.
The New York Mets are hopeful about Bo Bichette's transition to playing third base this upcoming season. Although Bichette has predominantly played shortstop, early workouts at third base have shown promise. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence in Bichette's ability to adapt to the new position after observing his training sessions.
Key Facts
The New York Mets signed Bo Bichette to a three-year deal, expecting him to play third base.
Bichette has mostly played shortstop in his career.
Manager Carlos Mendoza watched Bichette's early workouts at third base and was encouraged by his performance.
There is optimism about Bichette's transition to third base despite his lack of game experience at the position.
Third base requires similar footwork to shortstop since both are on the same side of the field.
Bichette's arm strength will be tested with longer throws to first base.
Bichette's game experience at third base will increase during spring training before the regular season.
The New York Mets faced problems with team chemistry during their last season's downfall. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza discussed this issue, noting differences in player personalities and changes in the team roster. The team seeks to improve their dynamics for the upcoming season.
Key Facts
The New York Mets had the best record in Major League Baseball in early June but did not make the playoffs.
Mets' manager Carlos Mendoza spoke about the team's clubhouse not having strong enough chemistry last season.
The Mets lost four of their longest-tenured players after the season ended.
Two remaining star players, Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, have very different personalities that impact team dynamics.
Lindor is known for being outgoing while Soto is more reserved and businesslike.
The Mets have made roster changes, swapping out key players for new ones.
There is pressure on the team to prove their capabilities this season and questions about how the team will work together.
The Kansas City Royals have signed pitcher Aaron Sanchez to a minor-league contract. The deal includes an invitation to spring training and potential earnings of $1.35 million if he reaches the major leagues.
Key Facts
The Kansas City Royals and Aaron Sanchez agreed to a minor-league contract.
The contract includes an invitation to spring training.
Sanchez can earn $1.35 million if promoted to the major leagues, with extra bonuses for games pitched.
Sanchez, who is 33 years old, was an All-Star and earned the ERA champion title with the Toronto Blue Jays.
He has not played in the major leagues since 2022.
He most recently pitched in the Dominican Winter League, winning Pitcher of the Year with a 1.55 ERA.
Sanchez was initially drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010 and made his major league debut in 2014.
The Royals hope Sanchez can build on his recent strong performance in the Dominican Republic.
Rutgers University has a significant financial deficit in its athletic department after joining the Big Ten Conference in 2014. The university's athletic department reported a $78 million deficit for the 2024-25 academic year, contributing to a total deficit of $517 million since joining the conference. The new athletic director, Keli Zinn, expects improvement in future fiscal years.
Key Facts
Rutgers left the American Athletic Conference in 2014 to join the Big Ten.
The athletic department of Rutgers had a $78 million deficit for the 2024-25 academic year.
Since joining the Big Ten, Rutgers' athletic department has accumulated a total deficit of $516.9 million.
Keli Zinn became the new athletic director of Rutgers in July 2023.
Zinn expects financial improvements in the fiscal years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028.
Projected spending for the 2025-26 fiscal year is expected to exceed $200 million.
Spending in college athletics is rising, challenging schools to balance budgets effectively.
Spain's football federation president announced that Spain will host the final match of the 2030 World Cup, which it will cohost with Portugal and Morocco. Although Morocco wants the final in its newly built stadium in Casablanca, the specific location in Spain has not been decided yet. FIFA has not made a final decision on the venue for the 2030 final.
Key Facts
Spain will host the final of the 2030 World Cup, cohosted with Portugal and Morocco.
Rafael Louzan, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, made the announcement.
Morocco hopes to hold the final in Casablanca at the new Grand Stade Hassan II.
Spain's specific stadium for the final is not yet chosen; options include Madrid's Bernabeu or Barcelona's Camp Nou.
Casablanca's new stadium will hold 115,000 people when finished in 2028.
Morocco's hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations faced issues, including fan disturbances.
FIFA, the governing body for world football, has not confirmed the final decision on the venue.
Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Doncic launched a new digital platform called 77X and a Fan Pass membership. This platform allows fans to access unique content and take part in the development of his brand. Doncic's website is the first athlete-owned fan universe offering collectibles, merchandise, and more.
Key Facts
Luka Doncic plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.
He announced the launch of 77X, a digital company and fan community.
The platform offers original entertainment, collectibles, and merchandise.
Fans can join through a free membership called Fan Pass on his website 77x.world.
Doncic aims to give fans a role in shaping his brand and content.
The initiative is described as a first-of-its-kind athlete-owned fan universe.
Doncic, a Slovenian player, is having an MVP-level season.
Currently, he averages 33.8 points, 8.8 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game.
The New England Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. The Patriots, led by quarterback Drake Maye, reached the game after winning the AFC Championship. Shaun Alexander, a former Seahawks player, shared mixed feelings about Maye, who once won an award named after him.
Key Facts
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will meet in Super Bowl LX.
The Patriots' current quarterback is Drake Maye, coached by Mike Vrabel.
Shaun Alexander is a former Seattle Seahawks running back and NFL MVP.
Maye previously won the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year award in 2022.
Alexander expressed pride in Maye's performance but supports the Seahawks.
The Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC Championship.
The Super Bowl will be held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
The Seahawks are currently favored to win by 3.5 points according to sportsbooks.
Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Australian Open semifinals after defeating Alex de Minaur. Elina Svitolina also reached the semifinals by defeating Coco Gauff. Alcaraz is set to play against Alexander Zverev, while Svitolina will face Aryna Sabalenka.
Key Facts
Carlos Alcaraz won against Alex de Minaur to reach the Australian Open semifinals.
Alcaraz's victory ended de Minaur's hope of becoming an Australian champion in men's singles.
Alcaraz will play against Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.
Elina Svitolina defeated Coco Gauff to advance to the semifinals.
Svitolina hopes her win brings positive news to Ukraine, which is experiencing hardships due to ongoing conflict with Russia.
Svitolina will face Aryna Sabalenka in her semifinal match.
Other semifinalists include Novak Djokovic or Lorenzo Musetti, and Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton.
