Notable update emerges on Max Scherzer’s future
Mad Max does not appear to be in any hurry to secure his 19th season in the big leagues.
Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer is content with waiting until after Opening Day to sign with a new team, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports this week. While Scherzer is said to be healthy and ready to sign at any moment if the right team calls, he is reportedly willing to wait for an opening to emerge with one of his preferred clubs.
Now 41 years old, Scherzer spent last season with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was not particularly effective during the regular season, posting a 5.19 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP over 17 starts (spanning just 85.0 total innings pitched).
But Scherzer was much more effective in the postseason for Toronto. He trimmed his numbers down to a 3.77 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP and was also the winning pitcher in the crucial Game 4 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners (a game in which Scherzer memorably screamed at manager John Schneider to keep him in the contest).
On top of that, Scherzer became a well-liked figure in the Blue Jays clubhouse as the team made it all the way to the World Series. In Game 5 of the World Series versus the Los Angeles Dodgers, Scherzer even had a very memorable moment while in the dugout.
Scherzer does already have two World Series rings in his career (with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and the Texas Rangers in 2023). But at his age, Scherzer, who was also brilliant during his start in Game 7 of the World Series against the Dodgers, is more than willing to wait for the right opportunity to materialize for him in 2026.
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross seemingly forgot his new coach’s name
Miami Dolphins head coach Stephen Ross had a very awkward moment Thursday when introducing Jeff Hafley as the team’s new head coach.
Ross spoke during Thursday’s press conference to unveil Hafley, the former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator, as the new Dolphins coach. While speaking about how impressed he had been with Hafley during the job interview, Ross seemingly froze up and forgot the coach’s name. He paused for several seconds and seemingly had to look down at his notes to remind himself who he had hired.
🎥 Stephen Ross on hiring Jeff Hafley as the new head coach: "Jeff stood out amongst them all. We were really fortunate that he was available, we made our decision early… we got who we wanted." (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/YnODrVr9Bn
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) January 22, 2026
“Jeff stood out amongst them all,” Ross finally managed.
Ross, 85, infamously saw his team stripped of a first-round pick after an NFL investigation found that he had illegally tampered with both Tom Brady and Sean Payton while they were under contract with other teams. He has owned the franchise since 2008, and Hafley is the fifth head coach hired on his watch. Of the previous four, only Mike McDaniel departed the organization with a winning record.
The general consensus is that the Dolphins made a strong hire with Hafley, so it is not as if Ross has no idea what he is doing. He certainly froze up at an awkward time, though.
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube shows off giant cut on his head
When Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube goes behind the bench for Friday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights, he will do so looking like he just came from a huge fight.
Berube showed off a black eye and a huge gash on his forehead Friday, admitting he had been involved in a “stupid” gym accident that was all his fault. He downplayed the issue and joked that “the other guy looks way worse.”
Leafs HC Craig Berube reveals a massive gash on his head as the result of an accident in the gym. 🫢🤕 pic.twitter.com/zVQ25tDGVi
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 23, 2026
Berube wore a hat to his media availability, which hid the worst of it. He will have no such luxury on the bench, where his injuries are likely going to get a lot more attention than he would prefer.
Hockey players are, of course, no stranger to gashes like this. They usually come from on-ice action instead of gym incidents, though, so Berube is essentially switching things up a bit.
Berube’s Maple Leafs sit a disappointing sixth in the NHL’s Atlantic Division this season and are three points out of a playoff spot. The gaping head wound might be the least of the coach’s concerns at this stage of the season.
Fernando Mendoza gets warning about being drafted by Raiders
Fernando Mendoza is playing nice when it comes to the possibility of landing with the Las Vegas Raiders, even when not everyone else is.
Mendoza appeared on “Today” Friday less than a week after winning the national championship with the Indiana Hoosiers. The likely No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft had his interview crashed by “Today” co-host and Raiders fan Carson Daly, who had something of a warning for the Indiana quarterback.
“On behalf of Las Vegas, I just want to say, should you end up with us, I’m sorry,” Daly joked. “If you win more than three games, you’re a hero.”
NEWS: Fernando Mendoza spoke on being drafted as the number one pick by the #Raiders.
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) January 23, 2026
“The Raiders have a great culture, have a great coaching staff, great ownership group. It’s all around. Those are legit guys. I’d be happy to end anywhere”
(Via Today)pic.twitter.com/U7Rw1stfVR
Mendoza played it cool and praised the Raiders’ ownership, coaches, and culture. He diplomatically added that he’d be “happy to end up anywhere.”
Nobody would have expected anything less from Mendoza, who is extremely polished and says basically everything one would want to hear from a franchise quarterback. He’s also smart enough not to trash his likely NFL landing spot on national television.
While Mendoza prepares for the NFL and a likely landing spot in Vegas, his younger brother will also be playing somewhere other than Indiana next season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s frustration with Bucks at ‘all-time high’
The situation between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks is not great right now.
Antetokounmpo experienced a tumultuous offseason full of talks and rumors about him wanting to be traded. The Bucks kept him to start the season, and they are 18-25 entering play on Friday, which would have them missing the playoffs.
On Friday, ESPN NBA reporter Shams Charania was a guest on “The Pat McAfee Show,” and talked about Antetokounmpo. Charania said that the frustrations within the team are at an “all-time high.”
“The frustration that Giannis Antetokounmpo has is at an all-time high,” Charania said. “He’s frustrated with the losing, he’s frustrated with the situation. … The tension that’s in the air within that organization, in that locker room, it’s at an all-time high. There’s somewhat of a splintering environment that we’re seeing going on there.”
Charania added that the sides need to move forward with a trade.
“What I’ve been hearing over and over for months now is that the writing is on the wall for Giannis and the Bucks. It’s just how do they get there, when do they get there, and when is either side ready to step up to the plate and have that level of understanding, or will it continue to live in this nebulus state. And that has a direct impact on the team and how the performance is.”
When Antetokounmpo was asked this week about a potential trade, he said he was taking things “day-by-day.”
Antetokounmpo is in his 13th NBA season, all spent with the Bucks. He is averaging 28.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game this season. He is a 9-time All-Star, 2-time NBA MVP, and he won a championship in 2021. There are several teams that are said to have interest in him.
Molly Qerim lands her first job since her exit from ESPN
Molly Qerim is officially headed back to the airwaves.
The former ESPN host Qerim is set to serve as the host for Zuffa Boxing, Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reported this week. Zuffa Boxing, a promotion company that was co-founded by UFC CEO Dana White this past summer, will be having their first event (under a new partnership with Paramount Skydance) on Friday at the META Apex in Las Vegas, Nev.
Qerim is slated to host the desk for the event along with Antonio Tarver, Mike Coppinger, and Mark Kriegel. Additionally, Qerim will be reunited on the Zuffa Boxing broadcast with her ex-ESPN colleague Max Kellerman, who is part of the announcing team with Joe Tessitore and Andre Ward.
The 41-year-old Qerim began at ESPN back in 2006 and eventually became something of a household name thanks to her role as the host and moderator of the popular TV show “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith. Qerim became a permanent fixture on “First Take” in 2015 and also did more specialized coverage for ESPN in areas such as the Super Bowl and the NBA and MLB All-Star Games.
But Qerim abruptly decided to resign from ESPN last September (with an interesting theory having since emerged as to why Qerim chose to quit). Weeks after Qerim’s departure, ESPN moved to name a different female anchor as the new full-time host of “First Take.”
We heard at one point that Qerim supposedly had a multi-million-dollar offer on the table from an ESPN rival. But she will be starting small with Zuffa Boxing as she gets back into the game after leaving The Worldwide Leader.
Arch Manning undergoes minor surgery
Arch Manning has undergone a minor surgery, the Texas Longhorns football program announced on Friday.
Texas shared an injury update with the media on Friday that addressed Manning’s surgery.
“Arch Manning underwent minor foot surgery this week as a preventative measure to address a previous injury. He will be limited during off-season workouts but is expeced back during spring football,” the update said.
A handful of other Texas players underwent off-season surgery.
“Additionally, the following players had off-season surgery and all are expected back 100 percent healthy by the season: Xavier Filsaime (shoulder), Trevor Goosby (shoulder), Emmett Mosley V (ankle), Ty’Anthony Smith (shoulder), Ryan Wingo (wrist).”
Manning experienced his first full season as a starter this season. He passed for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, and he rushed for 399 yards and 10 touchdowns.
A redshirt sophomore, Arch really started to get going late in the season. He closed with three straight wins, including a 5-touchdown performance against Arkansas; two touchdowns against Texas A&M; and four touchdowns in a bowl win over Michigan. Manning really showed off his athleticism during that game, as well as the skills that will make him a Heisman Trophy contender in 2026.
JJ Redick took a shot at the Lakers’ roster
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick seemingly took a shot at the team’s roster following the team’s 112-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.
Redick suggested that some Lakers players were pressing, particularly on offense, and trying to do too much at times. One reason for that, in his view, is that a lot of the team’s players are playing for their futures.
“Guys are worried about their futures. That’s what happens when you’ve got a team full of free agents and player options,” Redick said. “It’s just natural that you’re going to worry about the offense. I’ve been there. It can get in your head a little bit. ‘Ah, I’ve played five minutes, haven’t hit a shot yet.’ That’s a human thing. It’s not anybody’s fault.”
JJ Redick: “Trust the pass, and you know that starts with Luka. He’s gonna have the ball the most of everyone. He’s gotta trust the pass… guys are worried about their futures, and that’s what happens when you’ve got a team full of free agents and player options.” pic.twitter.com/CqjfGC262z
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) January 23, 2026
This could be viewed as a shot at how GM Rob Pelinka has built the Lakers, though Redick likely does not intend it as such. The team’s win-now mentality leads to them signing a lot of experienced veterans to short-term deals in order to maximize the chances of immediate success.
The likes of Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura are due to become free agents this offseason. LeBron James is as well, though his job security is not exactly a concern.
After a bright start to the season, the Lakers are now 26-17, and there are legitimate questions about whether they have a roster constructed to a championship standard. Luka Doncic and James will always give them a chance, but in Redick’s eyes, this is yet another issue they have to deal with. It won’t stop them from aggressively trying to improve, though.
Ex-TCU coach Gary Patterson lands new coaching job
Former TCU Horned Frogs longtime head football coach Gary Patterson has landed a new coaching gig.
Patterson is being hired by USC to serve as their new defensive coordinator. The Trojans needed a new DC after D’Anton Lynn left to take the Penn State defensive coordinator job. They ended up with the 65-year-old Patterson, who has extensive coaching experience.
Patterson was the head coach at TCU from 2000-2021 and had tremendous success. His teams had 11 double-digit win seasons, and Patterson was a two-time AP Coach of the Year winner. He is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Prior to becoming the head coach at TCU, Patterson was a defensive coach at TCU and elsewhere.
The hiring of Patterson might turn out to be a good one for USC. The Trojans went 9-4 last season, including a 7-2 mark in Big Ten play. They averaged 35.8 points per game on offense (13th of 136 teams), but they allowed 23.0 points per game, which was 51st out of 136 teams.
Defense has typically been a weakness for Lincoln Riley’s teams, and they’re hoping Patterson will be able to address that. Here are some of Patterson’s former players talking about the coach and what makes him great:
Former TCU HC Gary Patterson is a serious candidate for USC’s Defensive Coordinator job as he already had an interview last week with USC.
— Trojan Football ✌️ ᶠᵃⁿ (@TrojanFBx) January 14, 2026
Coach Patterson is a legit contender for the job: Here’s a video of the man that created the 4-2-5 defense. As former players describe him… pic.twitter.com/dhvukbzYmU
Philip Rivers interviews for NFL head coach job
Philip Rivers is interviewing for an NFL head coach position, and apparently has a real chance of landing it.
Rivers is interviewing with the Buffalo Bills for their head coaching job, according to multiple reports on Friday. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that Rivers is known to have a “close relationship” with Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen.
Philip Rivers is interviewing today for the #Bills head coaching job. With Josh Allen sitting in on interviews, and their close relationship, this makes sense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2026
Background from a few weeks ago: https://t.co/XjunfkGhPphttps://t.co/XjunfkGhPp
Needless to say, hiring Rivers, who is currently a high school coach in Alabama, would be a massive risk for a Buffalo team with Super Bowl aspirations. Rivers has never coached at the NFL or even the college level. On the other hand, he did just manage an NFL comeback at age 44, so he is certainly capable of some remarkable things.
Reports emerged a few weeks ago suggesting that Rivers might actually get a look as a coaching candidate. At that time, it was unclear if Rivers was actually interested in such a step, but perhaps the opportunity to interview for a job as coveted as the Bills one was too good to pass up. It was also claimed that Rivers got some looks last year for coaching jobs, though he was not interested at that time.
The Bills are looking for a replacement for Sean McDermott, who was fired after eight playoff appearances in nine seasons. Rivers would have some enormous shoes to fill if he were to land the job, and expectations would be very high right out of the gate.
Jim Irsay’s death is being investigated by the FBI
A federal investigation has been launched into the death of former Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.
The FBI is investigating the May 2025 death of Irsay at the age of 65, The Washington Post reported on Thursday. According to a federal grand jury subpoena issued earlier this month from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles, the FBI is seeking information and records related to Irsay’s death. The agency has also already interviewed several people who were close to Irsay during the final years of his life.
Additionally, the FBI is said to be investigating Irsay’s relationship with Dr. Harry Haroutunian, a California-based addiction specialist who reportedly provided Irsay with prescription pain pills and ketamine during the final months of Irsay’s life. You can read The Washington Post’s full report on the situation here.
Later in the day on Thursday, the Colts acknowledged the existence of the FBI’s investigation into Irsay’s death. However, Stephen Holder of ESPN reports that the team has not been contacted by FBI officials at this point and no subpoenas have been issued either.
Irsay, who became principal owner of the Colts in 1997, died in May after what was described as a cardiac arrest. We later learned that Irsay, who had openly struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, had reportedly suffered multiple relapses during his final years. Those even supposedly included three different overdoses (read the full details here).
After Irsay’s death, principal ownership of the Colts went over to his daugher Carlie Irsay-Gordon. During Irsay-Gordon’s first full season in charge in 2025, Indianapolis went 8-9 and missed the playoffs after losing their last seven consecutive games.
Draymond Green gets a flagrant foul for elbowing Dwight Powell
Draymond Green was at it again during Thursday’s game.
The Golden State Warriors star Green had another controversial moment during his team’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. In the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Tex., Green was whistled for a flagrant foul.
As Mavericks big man Dwight Powell was running by him after setting a screen on offense, Green stuck his elbow into Powell’s chest and ribs area. Here is the video.
Draymond Green was assessed a flagrant foul for elbowing Dwight Powell.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 23, 2026
pic.twitter.com/mSNAGBEt1b
Upon review by the officials, Green was hit with a flagrant 1. Powell then proceeded to make both ensuing flagrant free throws.
Golden State was only down 102-101 at the time of Green’s elbow. But that marked the beginning of the end for the Warriors as the Mavericks closed the game on a 21-14 run to win by a final score of 123-115. Green would finish with four points on 1/5 shooting and also ended up fouling out later in the fourth quarter.
The timing of Green’s flagrant foul was pretty impeccable too. During an episode of his self-titled podcast that was released earlier in the day on Thursday, Green made the completely laughable claim that he was not a dirty player (while also getting in some racist remarks against European players at the same time).
Notable update emerges about Jordan Addison’s trespassing case
Jordan Addison appears to be in the clear after his recent arrest.
Florida state attorney Susan Lopez has decided to drop a misdemeanor trespassing charge against the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Addison, Kevin Seifert of ESPN reported on Thursday. The prosecution against Addison has thus been terminated with Lopez writing to the court in Hillsborough County, Fla. this week that Addison’s $500 bond should be released.
“We are thrilled we were able to bring the truth to light quickly,” Addison’s attorney Brian Pakett was quoted as saying in the wake of the development. “This poor young man’s name was being dragged through the mud over frivolous allegations and absolutely zero smoke or fire. He did nothing legally wrong and thankfully the state was diligent in realizing this as soon as they did.”
The 23-year-old former first-round pick Addison was arrested on Jan. 12 in Tampa, Fla. on a charge of trespass in occupied structure or conveyance. Details later emerged that Addison had allegedly caused a disturbance at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa.
Addison has struggled with legal trouble throughout much of his brief NFL career thus far. Most notably, Addison was arrested in 2024 on a DUI charge and ended up serving a three-game suspension from the NFL to begin the 2025 season as a result.
The ex-USC star Addison wound up appearing in 14 games for the Vikings this season, the third of his pro career. He caught 42 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns as Minnesota went 9-8 overall and missed the playoffs.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone announces big personal news
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is about to become a mother.
The United States sprinting sensation McLaughlin-Levrone announced the exciting news on Thursday that she is expecting her first child with husband Andre Levrone. The couple made the announcement in a post to Instagram (with McLaughlin-Levrone including the caption, “Made a human with my favorite human”).
McLaughlin-Levrone is perhaps the single biggest star in women’s track and field today, competing in both the 400-meter hurdles and the flat 400. She burst onto the global scene back in 2016 as one of the youngest Olympians ever at the time and has since earned a reputation as the greatest female 400-meter hurdler of all-time.
Now a four-time Olympic gold medalist (including two individual golds) and a five-time World Championships gold medalist (including two more individual golds), McLaughlin-Levrone holds the world record for the fastest women’s 400m hurdles time ever (50.37). She also owns seven of the top 12 fastest times ever, including all of the top three.
In 2025, McLaughlin-Levrone turned her focus to the flat 400 and dominated there as well. During the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, McLaughlin-Levrone won gold by running the second-fastest women’s flat 400 time ever (47.78, trailing only the 47.60 achieved by East Germany’s Marita Koch back in 1985). Perhaps even more impressive was that McLaughlin-Levrone, who also set a championship record with her time of 47.78, prevailed in the race over the Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino and Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, two extremely decorated and lifelong 400m specialists.
As for the personal life of McLaughlin-Levrone, 26, she married her husband Levrone, 30, in 2022. Levrone is a former NFL wide receiver who spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars but never actually appeared in an NFL game.
2026 on the track-and-field schedule is shaping up to be a much lighter year as there are no major outdoor global athletics championships set to take place. As such, McLaughlin-Levrone will have plenty of time to focus on motherhood and then get back to her peak form in time for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Calif.
Draymond Green makes racist comments about European players
Draymond Green is not beating the allegations of bias against European players.
The Golden State Warriors star Green made some controversial comments during the latest episode of his self-titled podcast this week. Green was discussing the play of Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson, whom the Warriors played earlier this week.
The former Defensive Player of the Year Green noted that Larsson, a defense-first irritant, had also been involved in some heated incidents with opponents during other recent Miami games. Green then proceeded to make a racist generality about European players in the NBA.
“Pelle Larsson been in the mix a bit this week,” said Green, per HoopsHype. “Got into it with [Devin] Booker, then got into it with DeMar [DeRozan]. My take on that is I’ve played a bunch of Europeans — they do little dirty stuff.
“People get mad at me and say ‘Draymond [is] dirty, I told y’all Draymond [is] dirty. Draymond will f–k you up,’” Green added. “I don’t do dirty things. I played for Tom Izzo [in college at Michigan State]. If you did dirty things, it didn’t work. I don’t do dirty things. There’s not a player in the NBA that can tell you Draymond is a dirty player. There’s a lot of Europeans that do dirty stuff on the basketball court.”
Beyond the utter hilarity of Green somehow trying to claim that he is not a dirty player, Green seems to have a clear dislike of European players. Over just the last few seasons alone, Green has gotten himself suspended by the NBA for choking Rudy Gobert, for striking Jusuf Nurkic, and for stomping on Domantas Sabonis, among other incidents.
The 35-year-old Green also made a racist remark earlier this season about Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie. Now Green is using the example of Larsson, a Swedish native who played his college ball in the United States, to seemingly reinforce his own personal views against European players.
Sean Payton trades barbs with Kayshon Boutte before AFC title game
Sean Payton has graduated from beefing with Liam Coen to beefing with opposing players instead.
The Denver Broncos head coach Payton spoke with reporters on Thursday before Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. During the media session, Payton said that he expected Denver’s fans to be extremely loud during the game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo. and made a very confident remark in the process.
“They’re going to have plenty of rest after this one,” Payton said of his team’s fans. “Two weeks.”
That was an obvious reference to the Super Bowl taking place two weeks after the AFC title game. Payton is fully expecting to beat New England and earn a trip to the Super Bowl.
Payton’s comments eventually made their way to Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. Speaking with reporters during a media session of his own on Thursday, Boutte fired back at Payton with a ruthless barb.
“They can rest in Cancun too at the end of the day,” said Boutte.
The Broncos have a built-in advantage as the higher seed playing at home in front of their own fans. But Denver’s starting quarterback Bo Nix is out for the season after suffering a fractured ankle during last week’s divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills. That may end up tipping the scales back in favor of the Patriots.
Payton has notably had his trash talk backfire badly on him in the recent past. As such, Boutte (who is in great form himself right now after making the catch-of-the-playoffs last week against the Houston Texans) is hoping to be able to serve Payton another dish of steamed crow on Sunday.
Indiana loses another player to transfer portal days after CFP win
The changes are coming to the Indiana Hoosiers roster next season.
Just days after winning the College Football Playoff national title, Indiana is losing standout defensive lineman Hosea Wheeler to the transfer portal, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. However, Wheeler is still waiting to see if he will have another year of eligibility.
Wheeler, who played at a junior college for one season before heading to WKU, has a hearing set for Feb. 10 that will determine whether he’s going be granted another year of eligibility.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 22, 2026
In total, the 6-foot-3, 300-pounder has made 30 career stats and has 139 career tackles.
Wheeler spent three seasons at Western Kentucky before he transferred to Indiana last offseason. He had also taken visits to Wisconsin and Texas A&M last time in the portal, so it will be worth watching to see where he ends up this time.
In 2025, Wheeler had 31 total tackles with four tackles for a loss while starting five games for the Hoosiers.
Wheeler was relatively unknown coming out of high school, and his only offer was from Western Kentucky, according to 247Sports. But Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti took a chance on Wheeler, and he was a key part of the defensive line rotation for the national champions.
Players in the national title game have a five-day extension from Jan. 20 to Jan. 24 to enter the portal. Indiana has seen a flurry of departures early on, with Wheeler becoming the 14th player to head out of Bloomington.
Ravens have hired their next head coach
The Baltimore Ravens have officially decided on their fourth head coach in franchise history.
After firing John Harbaugh following an 18-year run, the Ravens are hiring Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Ravens are giving Minter a five-year contract.
Your next coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 22, 2026
We have agreed to terms with Jesse Minter to be our head coach! pic.twitter.com/5VEBGk8iB1
After the announcement from the team, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta and Minter both released statements on the hire, with Minter saying he is “thrilled to join the Ravens flock.”
Once Harbaugh was fired, Minter’s name was immediately linked as a top candidate. He was an assistant with the Ravens from 2017 until 2020, and he has spent the last two seasons as the Chargers’ DC under Jim Harbaugh. Minter also spent two seasons as the Michigan DC with Harbaugh before coming to LA.
Minter was one of the finalists for the Cleveland Browns job, but reports surfaced early on Thursday that he and the Browns mutually agreed to cancel his second interview.
Minter also interviewed twice for the Las Vegas Raiders opening, so he was a popular name in this coaching cycle.
The Ravens also had interviews with Miami Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, Buffalo Bills OC Joe Brady and former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who is expected to be the Chargers’ new OC.
The Ravens now are the 5th team to hire a new head coach, with John Harbaugh (Giants), Kevin Stefanski (Falcons), Jeff Hafley (Dolphins) and Robert Saleh (Titans) also filling their openings thus far.
The Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Browns, and Raiders are still searching for a new head coach in what has been a busy cycle.
Sherrone Moore’s wife looked so ticked in photo at court
Sherrone Moore appeared at the Washtenaw County courthouse in Michigan on Thursday to address his arrest for an alleged December 2025 incident. Moore’s wife Kelli was with him at the court, and she did not seem pleased to be photographed.
The Associated Press captured a photo of Kelli, who was at her husband’s side and none too pleased.
Sherrone Moore Smiles Ahead of Court Appearance, Wife By His Side | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/8nZ0KzYtSa pic.twitter.com/ft3bLTUdcN
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) January 22, 2026
Moore was the head football coach at Michigan until being fired on December 10 for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. After being fired, Moore allegedly went over to the woman’s home and threatened her with a knife. He was charged with home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering and was released on a $25,000 bond.
The attorney for Moore stated that her client is innocent:
Sherrone Moore’s attorney: “Mr. Moore is innocent of these charges. … we filed a motion to quash the arrest warrant and dismiss the complaint.
— Tony Garcia | Detroit Free Press (@RealTonyGarcia) January 22, 2026
“This warrant was issued based on false and misleading statements presented as fact. We’re confident the truth will come out in court.” pic.twitter.com/ol5OiBqM16
Michigan reportedly had some concerns about Moore’s social media behavior prior to his firing.
Falcons block 1 NFL team’s interview request for key assistant
The NFL coaching cycle continues to churn as several head coach openings have been filled.
The Atlanta Falcons hired recently-fired Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, and he has been working to fill out his staff. On Thursday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that the Falcons blocked an interview request by the San Francisco 49ers, who wanted to interview secondary coach Justin Hood.
The 49ers requested an interview with Falcons secondary coach Justin Hood for a high-ranking staff position, but Atlanta blocked it, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 22, 2026
New Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski retained DC Jeff Ulbrich and wants to keep some other staff members in place as well.
Stefanski hired Tommy Rees as his new offensive coordinator, and Rees was also with Stefanski in Cleveland with the same role.
The Falcons kept DC Jeff Ulbrich in the position, and now they also want Hood to stick around with the organization. Hood turns 40 years old in June and he spent three years as a defensive quality control coach with the Green Bay Packers before Raheem Morris brought him to Atlanta in 2024.
While Pelissero did not report which job the 49ers wanted to interview Hood for, it comes just days after former 49ers DC Robert Saleh was hired as the Tennessee Titans’ head coach.
But, for now, Hood is staying in Atlanta as Stefanski tries to keep some of the defensive staff together entering his first season with the Falcons.
