The Buffalo Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott after losing 33–30 to the Denver Broncos in an important playoff game. McDermott, who started with the Bills in 2017, played a key role in making the team competitive again. After his dismissal, he expressed gratitude for his time with the team and thanked fans for their support.
Key Facts
The Buffalo Bills lost to the Denver Broncos 33–30 in an overtime playoff game.
The loss ended the Bills' season and kept them from progressing further in the NFL postseason for the seventh year in a row.
The Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott following this loss.
Sean McDermott became the Bills' head coach in 2017.
During his time, McDermott led the Bills to win five AFC East titles.
McDermott's overall regular-season record with the Bills was 98 wins and 50 losses.
His postseason record was 8 wins and 8 losses.
McDermott is expected to be a strong candidate for other head coaching jobs soon.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are interested in signing baseball player Eugenio Suárez from the Seattle Mariners during this offseason. CBS Sports suggests that Suárez could join the Pirates on a short-term contract, enhancing their lineup. The Pirates are looking to strengthen their team by adding more powerful hitters.
Key Facts
The Pittsburgh Pirates are actively trying to improve their baseball team.
They are interested in signing Eugenio Suárez, a player known for hitting many home runs.
Suárez played for the Seattle Mariners and is now a free agent.
He is 34 years old, which some teams might see as a drawback.
The Pirates might offer him a one- to two-year contract, paying about $20 million per season.
Suárez would play third base for the Pirates, a position they need to fill.
The team aims to make these changes before the baseball season starts.
The Pirates traded their previous third baseman, Ke'Bryan Hayes, to the Cincinnati Reds last year.
The Chicago Cubs signed Yacksel Ríos, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher, to a minor-league deal. Ríos has played parts of six seasons in Major League Baseball and recently spent time with the New York Mets in Triple-A. The Cubs are trying to improve their bullpen with several veteran signings this offseason.
Key Facts
The Cubs signed Yacksel Ríos, a right-handed pitcher, to a minor-league contract.
Ríos played in Triple-A for the New York Mets last season but was mostly injured.
He has six years of experience in Major League Baseball across several teams.
The Cubs have also signed other players like Corbin Martin, Jeff Brigham, Collin Snider, and Scott Kingery to minor-league deals.
The Cubs' plan is to strengthen their bullpen by signing multiple experienced pitchers.
Brad Keller, who was successful last season with the Cubs, moved to the Philadelphia Phillies for $22 million.
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to rehire Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator. Bieniemy, who worked with the Chiefs from 2013 to 2022, is set to return to revitalize the team's offense after a challenging 2025 season.
Key Facts
Eric Bieniemy is expected to return to the Kansas City Chiefs as their offensive coordinator.
Bieniemy previously worked with the Chiefs for nearly a decade, including five seasons as offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2022.
The Chiefs had a disappointing 6-11 record in 2025, ending a decade-long playoff streak.
Matt Nagy's contract as offensive coordinator with the Chiefs expired, prompting the coaching vacancy.
Bieniemy has been the running backs coach for the Chicago Bears and has held various roles after leaving the Chiefs.
The Chiefs hope to bring back Bieniemy’s familiarity with the team's style to revive their offense.
President Trump was referenced in various unrelated news articles included at the end of the piece.
The New York Yankees are not planning to trade Jazz Chisholm Jr. Despite past interest in other players like Bo Bichette, the Yankees have decided to keep Chisholm for now and focus on other team needs, like left field.
Key Facts
The Yankees have been relatively quiet in the offseason.
They recently traded for a player named Ryan Weathers.
Bo Bichette, a potential target for the Yankees, signed with the New York Mets.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is unlikely to be traded by the Yankees.
Chisholm's current contract extends through 2026, with him earning $10.2 million in that year.
There is a need to fill gaps in the Yankees' roster, particularly in left field.
Chisholm has performed well since joining the Yankees in mid-2024.
The Arizona Cardinals are considering Mike McCarthy as a candidate for their head coaching position after their recent disappointing NFL season. McCarthy, who has extensive experience and a Super Bowl win, is among several candidates being evaluated by the team. The Cardinals are exploring both experienced coaches and young coordinators to improve their performance.
Key Facts
The Arizona Cardinals fired their head coach, Jonathan Gannon, after a poor 3-14 season.
The team is looking for a new head coach to improve after years of underperformance.
Mike McCarthy, a veteran coach with a Super Bowl win, is a potential candidate.
McCarthy has previously coached the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cardinals are interviewing various candidates, including young coordinators and seasoned coaches.
Other candidates for the position include Robert Saleh, Vance Joseph, and Raheem Morris.
McCarthy's experience and leadership are seen as valuable for stabilizing the team.
The Cardinals are part of a broader trend of NFL teams balancing innovative and experienced coaching hires.
The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to let Chris Bassitt leave in free agency. The Baltimore Orioles are considered a likely team to pursue him due to their need for more reliable pitchers. Bassitt has been a consistent player for the Blue Jays but was moved to the bullpen after an injury.
Key Facts
Chris Bassitt is leaving the Toronto Blue Jays as a free agent.
He pitched for the Blue Jays for three seasons, starting in 95 games.
Bassitt had a 3.89 ERA during his time with the team.
The Blue Jays recently added pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to their roster.
The Baltimore Orioles need more depth in their pitching rotation.
The Orioles are interested in Bassitt and other veteran pitchers like Lucas Giolito.
Despite a strong 2023, the Orioles struggled earlier in the current season, affecting their standings.
The Atlanta Braves are looking to strengthen their pitching staff and might sign pitcher Justin Verlander, who is currently with the San Francisco Giants. Verlander, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is expected to be pursued in the free agency market, with predictions suggesting he could join the Braves.
Key Facts
The Atlanta Braves want to add a strong pitcher to their team for the upcoming season.
Justin Verlander is a pitcher being considered; he currently plays for the San Francisco Giants.
Verlander has won the Cy Young Award three times, which is given to the best pitcher in each league.
He showed improvement during the last part of the 2025 season after making changes to his pitching technique.
It’s predicted that Verlander could sign a contract with the Braves as a free agent.
Verlander is not expected to be the top pitcher on the team but could still play an important role.
Signing Verlander could be a low-risk decision for the Braves, as they can rely on top prospects if necessary.
Raiders owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady attended the National Championship game. They were likely scouting quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders have the first draft pick and need a quarterback.
Key Facts
Mark Davis and Tom Brady own parts of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders have the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after finishing last in the NFL.
Fernando Mendoza, a quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, is the top prospect for the draft.
The Indiana Hoosiers played against the Miami Hurricanes in the National Championship game.
The Raiders are seeking a new head coach after firing Pete Carroll.
Mendoza is known for quick decision-making and strong performance, reducing the number of sacks taken this season.
Mendoza transferred to Indiana from Cal and is rated highly by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.
The New York Knicks have struggled in the NBA season since early 2026, losing their recent game against the Dallas Mavericks despite Jalen Brunson's return from injury. Brunson, who played 34 minutes and scored 22 points, acknowledged the team's poor performance and shared the fans' frustration. The Knicks hold the third place in the Eastern Conference but have been on a losing streak since January 11.
Key Facts
The New York Knicks have been struggling since the start of 2026.
They lost to the Dallas Mavericks, with a score of 114-97.
Jalen Brunson, who returned from an ankle injury, played 34 minutes and scored 22 points.
He acknowledged the team's poor performance, understanding fans' boos.
The Knicks have a record of 25-18, placing them third in the Eastern Conference.
They are trailing the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons in the standings.
The last game the Knicks won was against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 11.
The Knicks' next game is against the Brooklyn Nets, where they are the favorites despite their recent slump.
The New York Mets plan to use infielder Brett Baty in a new role that involves playing multiple positions. While the Mets are open to trading Baty, they place significant value on him and would expect a high return in any trade deal.
Key Facts
The Mets plan for Brett Baty to take over a "super utility" role, similar to what Jeff McNeil held.
Baty could be part of trade discussions, but the Mets want a substantial return for him.
Baty can serve as a useful trade asset if the Mets seek a key outfielder or starting pitcher.
Baty is under contract with the Mets for four more seasons, controlled until he becomes a free agent in 2030.
There is concern about Baty's ability to play outfield defense, as he has limited experience in that position.
The Mets might be hinting at potential trades to gauge interest without serious intent to trade Baty.
Oklahoma City Thunder player Jalen Williams will miss at least a few weeks due to a right hamstring strain. Williams, who previously missed games because of wrist surgery, is a key contributor to the team, averaging 16.8 points per game. The Thunder is currently dealing with multiple injuries as they aim to win back-to-back championships.
Key Facts
Jalen Williams injured his right hamstring during a game against the Miami Heat.
The team expects him to be out for at least "a couple of weeks."
He missed the first 19 games of the season recovering from wrist surgery.
Williams has played in 24 games this season, averaging 16.8 points per game.
He was an All-Star last season and helped the Thunder win the 2025 NBA Finals.
The Thunder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 136-104 despite ongoing injury issues.
Key players for the Thunder include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
The Seattle Mariners are looking to replace Jorge Polanco, who left for the New York Mets. They are expected to trade with the St. Louis Cardinals for All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan. Donovan is known for his strong offense and defensive versatility.
Key Facts
The Seattle Mariners need a new infielder after Jorge Polanco joined the New York Mets.
There are limited options available in free agency, prompting the Mariners to consider trades.
Brendan Donovan, an All-Star infielder with the St. Louis Cardinals, is a strong trade candidate.
Donovan is under contract with the Cardinals until 2027, but the team may not retain him due to roster changes.
He has a record of above-average offense in each of his four seasons.
Donovan can play multiple positions, including second base, third base, first base, and outfield.
The Mariners may need to trade promising prospects to acquire Donovan.
The Philadelphia Phillies are unlikely to trade third baseman Alec Bohm after free agent Bo Bichette signed with another team. Bohm's performance has not met expectations, but the Phillies seem set to keep him for another season.
Key Facts
The Phillies considered acquiring Bo Bichette, a free agent, but he signed with the New York Mets.
If Bichette had joined the Phillies, Alec Bohm might have been traded.
Bohm, once a highly ranked draft pick, has not consistently performed at a high level.
He has played in all Phillies playoff games over the last four seasons.
The Phillies do not see other free-agent infielders as suitable upgrades.
Alec Bohm has a batting average of .225 in 150 playoff at-bats with the Phillies.
Joe Burrow, the quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, defended NFL referees on social media. He addressed fans who criticized controversial calls related to what counts as a catch in recent playoff games. Burrow stated that the rules are clear, and officials made the correct decisions.
Key Facts
Joe Burrow is a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.
He commented on social media about controversial officiating calls in NFL playoff games.
Burrow defended the referees' decisions on what constitutes a catch.
Two debated plays involved a Broncos interception and a Rams reception.
Burrow used social media to express his views, suggesting many fans misunderstand the NFL rules.
The Bengals were eliminated early from playoff contention this season.
Speculation arose about Burrow's future with the Bengals, though it wasn't addressed in his recent post.
Former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins believes LeBron James will end his basketball career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, not the Los Angeles Lakers. Cousins mentioned James' strong ties to Cleveland and questioned the Lakers' support for him. Speculation surrounds James' future as he nears the end of his current contract and approaches potential free agency in 2026.
Key Facts
DeMarcus Cousins, a former NBA All-Star, thinks LeBron James will finish his career in Cleveland.
LeBron James started his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers and helped them win their first NBA title in 2016.
Cousins criticized the Los Angeles Lakers for not providing enough support for James.
LeBron James led the Lakers to an NBA Championship in the 2019-20 season.
The Lakers have not clinched a playoff series win since their 2019-20 championship.
LeBron James is in the second year of a two-year contract with the Lakers, worth $101 million.
James is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026.
Speculation about LeBron's future is partly due to the Lakers potentially wanting to focus on another star player, Luka Doncic, as their leading figure.
Anthony Edwards, a basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, did not get selected as a starter for the NBA All-Star game this season despite having a strong performance. The selection process included fan voting, current player votes, and media votes, but it was his low ranking in fan votes that prevented his selection. Edwards is expected to be named as a reserve player for the All-Star game.
Key Facts
Anthony Edwards plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA.
He was not selected as a starter for the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star game.
The All-Star starter selection was based on fan voting (50%), player voting (25%), and media voting (25%).
Edwards was seventh in fan voting, which affected his chances of being a starter.
The starters selected were Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, and Stephen Curry.
Edwards is averaging 29.6 points per game and performing at a high level statistically.
Despite not being a starter, Edwards is expected to be chosen as a reserve for the All-Star game.
ESPN has announced a new six-episode series called "Saban," which will showcase the life and career of Nick Saban, a renowned college football coach. The series will feature unseen footage of Saban from his coaching days, particularly at Alabama, where he won six national championships.
Key Facts
ESPN will release a six-episode series about Nick Saban.
The series is titled "Saban."
Nick Saban is a former college football coach with seven national championships.
The show will include footage from his time at Alabama.
More than 30 hours of interviews with Saban are included.
The series will also have 80 hours of interviews with former players and coaches.
Premiere dates for the series will be announced later.
The New York Mets are interested in signing free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger. They want him on a short-term contract, similar to the deal given to Bo Bichette, to improve their outfield after recent trades.
Key Facts
The Mets want to sign Cody Bellinger, who is a free agent from the Yankees.
They are aiming for a short-term contract with a high annual pay, above $30 million per year.
The Mets recently signed Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal.
The team traded players Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo during the offseason.
The Mets are focusing on improving their defense by adding a versatile outfielder.
Bellinger can play multiple outfield positions, including center field.
The Mets' short-term offer differs from the longer-term offers made by the Yankees.
The Miami Hurricanes and Indiana Hoosiers will compete in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The game is scheduled for January 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN. This is Indiana's first appearance in the national championship, while Miami is aiming for its first title since 2001.
Key Facts
The game between Miami Hurricanes and Indiana Hoosiers is the College Football Playoff National Championship.
It will take place on January 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN, and you can stream it on Fubo with a free trial.
Indiana Hoosiers have a 15-0 record and are ranked No. 1, aiming for their first championship in program history.
Miami Hurricanes are ranked No. 10 and have a 13-2 record, seeking their first title since 2001.
Indiana's quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, has thrown 41 touchdown passes this season.
Miami's quarterback, Carson Beck, has led the team with a strong playoff performance.
Fubo offers a live streaming service for those who do not have cable TV.
