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#pounditThursday, January 16, 2025

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Report: Aaron Glenn eyeing 1 specific head coach job

Aaron Glenn coaching for the Lions

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches practice during training camp at Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility in Allen Park on Monday, July 24, 2023. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Aaron Glenn is viewed as one of the better head coach candidates available, and it sounds like the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator has a specific job at the top of his list.

Glenn is hoping to become the next head coach of the New York Jets, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. In the latest edition of his “Inside the Jets” newsletter, which was published on Wednesday, Costello wrote that Glenn has told people close to him that the Jets would be the 52-year-old’s top choice if he had his pick of head coach jobs.

Glenn played in the NFL for 15 seasons from 1994-2008. The former cornerback was drafted 12th overall by the Jets out of Texas A&M. Glenn spent the first eight seasons of his career in New York and made the Pro Bowl twice during that span. He was then acquired by the Houston Texans in the 2002 expansion draft.

In addition to playing for the Jets, Glenn was a personnel scout for the team in 2012 and 2013.

Glenn has already interviewed with some teams and is expected to meet with more. Three of his other former teams — the New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys — are all in need of new head coaches as well. Glenn turned down an interview request with one team.

The Lions are coming off a bye in the first round of the playoffs and are preparing to host the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round on Saturday night. Glenn is focused on that at the moment, but he seems to have a very strong chance of landing a head coach job in the current hiring cycle.

Report: Heat considering bigger punishment for Jimmy Butler

Dec 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles the ball up the court against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat are considering an even harsher stance on Jimmy Butler, according to a new report.

The Heat are considering characterizing Butler’s suspension as “refusing to provide services,” according to NBA reporter Chris Haynes. The Heat had previously suspended Butler for conduct detrimental to the team.

By changing the reason and using stronger language, the Heat would be able to double Butler’s fines, Haynes noted.

Butler has demanded a trade from the Heat, who responded by handing him a seven-game suspension for detrimental conduct. Further reports have emerged since then that paint Butler in a negative light, though his camp has pushed back against them.

If the Heat were to push for a bigger fine, the NBPA would likely have something to say about it. It would also further poison the relationship between Butler and the Heat, though at this point, that is probably already unsalvageable.

Myles Garrett gives Browns encouragement with new comments

Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) looks to the bench during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett gave fans some encouragement with his comments on the latest episode of HBO’s in-season “Hard Knocks.”

On the episode that aired Tuesday, Garrett revealed he had face-to-face talks with general manager Andrew Berry about the future of the Browns. The star pass rusher sounded optimistic about the future and suggested that a quick turnaround is possible.

“I’ve talked to (Berry),” Garrett said, via Grant Gordon of NFL.com. “How we gonna make the most of all the talent that is here? We’re closer than some may think we are.”

That is a big shift in language for Garrett, who previously voiced concern that the team was on the wrong track. That led to a lot of speculation that Garrett might seek a trade if he did not receive the assurances he was looking for. This does not completely silence that speculation, but it certainly sounds a lot better for the Browns than what he had been saying before.

Garrett had his usual strong season, collecting 14 sacks while playing all 17 games. Despite his efforts, the Browns went just 3-14, prompting Garrett to air some frustrations. He said he wanted to know the direction the organization was going in, and he sounds a lot more optimistic about things now.

AFC team closing in on Ben Johnson as next head coach?

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson answers a question before OTAs at Detroit Lions headquarters in Allen Park on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has once again been viewed as a top head coach candidate heading into 2025, and there seems to be a growing sense that he will wind up with a specific AFC team.

Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal said in a post on X Wednesday that there is “a lot of momentum building” for Johnson to be hired by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Johnson emerged as the name to watch for Las Vegas several days ago. Tom Brady is now a part-owner of the Raiders, and the legendary quarterback is said to have vouched for Johnson to become the team’s next head coach. There have been numerous reports that Raiders owner Mark Davis wants Brady to have a heavy influence in the team’s search for a new coach.

The Lions are still in the playoffs, so the Raiders would have to be patient if they want to hire Johnson. If they choose to wait without having any strong indication that Johnson wants the job, they would run the risk of missing out on other candidates.

Detroit is the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a favorite to reach the Super Bowl, which means it could be several weeks before Johnson would be able to reach any formal agreement with Las Vegas.

The Raiders have also been linked to Deion Sanders, but it seems like the Hall of Fame defensive back could merely be trying to create leverage in extension talks with Colorado.

Johnson, 38, is in his second season as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. Detroit is No. 1 in points and No. 2 in yards this season. They were Nos. 5 and 3, respectively, last season. Johnson’s stock probably cannot get any higher, though there has been talk of him remaining with the Lions once again.

It sounds like the Raiders are the favorite for Johnson at the moment, but he reportedly has interest in at least one other surprising head coach opening.

Quinn Ewers makes big announcement about his future

Sep 14, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) warms up before a game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sara Diggins/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Quinn Ewers hinted during the College Football Playoff that he was planning to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, and the star quarterback has now made it official.

Ewers shared a video on social media Wednesday in which he spoke about having fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing football for the Texas Longhorns. The 21-year-old ended the video by confirming he has decided to enter the NFL Draft.

“My entire life, I’ve dreamed about playing football on the Forty Acres. These past three years have been some of the best years I could have imagined,” Ewers said. “The relationships I’ve built between coaches and teammates will last forever. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to play football for my home state, at the best university in the world.”

“With prayer and careful consideration, I’m officially declaring for the NFL Draft. Thank you. Hook ‘Em.”

Ewers entered the season as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, but his stock fell due to injuries and inconsistent play. He is not projected to be a first-round pick, which is why there was speculation that he might remain in college another season and transfer. Texas seemed committed to Arch Manning for 2025 regardless of what Ewers decided to do.

Then during the College Football Playoff, Ewers fueled speculation about his future with a cryptic quote. He eventually made it fairly clear that he planned to turn pro, however.

Ewers finished with 3,472, 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season. He probably boosted his stock with the way he played in the College Football Playoff, which may have helped influence his decision.

Report: Cowboys to interview head coach who was recently fired

Oct 16, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Dallas Cowboys helmet sits on the field prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Dallas won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys have begun reaching out to candidates about their head coach vacancy, and they are reportedly expected to interview one coach who was surprisingly fired earlier this season.

Robert Saleh is on the Cowboys’ list of potential new head coaches, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Wednesday. Dallas has reached out to Saleh with what is their first known interview request since parting ways with Mike McCarthy.

Saleh was fired by the Jets after the team began the season 2-3. He went 20-36 in three-plus seasons. Many felt the firing was premature after New York was competitive in 2023 despite Aaron Rodgers suffering a torn Achilles on the first drive of the season.

The Jets did not see any improvement after firing Saleh. They finished 5-12 and allowed 23.8 points per game, which ranked in the bottom half of the NFL.

Saleh is still just 45 and is respected around the NFL, so it would not be a surprise if he landed another head coach job this offseason. He was one of the top defensive coordinators in the NFL for several seasons with the San Francisco 49ers prior to being hired by the Jets.

One AFC team has also been viewed as a legitimate suitor for Saleh.

Mike Tomlin has 3-word message for teams that want to trade for him

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin roams the sidelines during player introductions prior to the start of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 29, 2023.

Mike Tomlin has been rumored to be a potential trade target for rival NFL teams after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ disappointing end to the season, but the coach has no interest in entertaining that talk.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that at least one team recently inquired about trading for Tomlin. The Steelers have not shown any interest in making a trade involving their coach. Plus, Tomlin has a no-trade clause in his contract.

On Tuesday, a reporter asked Tomlin if he has a message for any teams that might want to acquire him this offseason. The 52-year-old had a three-word response.

“Save your time,” Tomlin said.

Tomlin has been the head coach in Pittsburgh since 2007. He has never had a losing season, and the Steelers have been to the playoffs in four of the past five years despite having a revolving door at quarterback. They lost in the first round each time, however, which has led to some criticism for Tomlin.

The Steelers lost 28-14 to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round on Saturday night. They trailed 21-0 at halftime of a game that was never particularly close. The loss led to Tomlin getting the meme treatment, but that hardly means the Steelers are planning to move on from him.

At the very least, Tomlin seems like he has zero intention of waiving his no-trade clause. The Steelers probably are not going to ask him to, anyway.

Eagles fan banned from games over disturbing video that went viral

A Philadelphia Eagles fan has been banned from attending future home games after a troubling video of his behavior went viral.

Ryan Caldwell, an Eagles fan who attended the team’s NFC Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, will not be allowed to attend any future events at Lincoln Financial Field after he was captured on video hurling vulgar insults at a female Green Bay Packers fan.

The woman’s fiance, Alexander Basara, shared a clip of the incident on social media and asked for help in identifying the Eagles fan who called his girlfriend an “ugly, dumb c–,” among other things. You can see the video, but be aware that it contains cursing:

The Eagles fan was identified as Caldwell. He has now been banned from all events at Lincoln Financial Field. Eagles chief security officer Dom DiSandro, aka “Big Dom,” reportedly reached out to the Packers fans as well and will be sending them some gear.

In addition to being banned from Eagles games, Caldwell has lost his job. BCT Partners, a DEI-focused management consulting firm based in New Jersey, issued a statement on Tuesday night saying they conducted an investigation and “decided to part company with the employee.”

Eagles fans are known for being passionate and at times hostile. Some of them even got into a heated altercation with their own coach earlier this season. The team clearly felt that Caldwell’s actions went far beyond what would be acceptable banter among fans of opposing teams.

Giants pitcher gave his newborn baby a perfect name

Jul 25, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Tyler Rogers (71) stands on the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco Giants pitcher Tyler Rogers became a father of two last week, and the new baby might just be destined to become a flamethrower.

Rogers and his wife Jennifer announced on social media over the weekend that they welcomed their newborn son last Wednesday. It would appear the baby was named after an MLB legend, as his name is Nolan Ryan Rogers.

“Nolan Ryan Rogers made his debut on 1/8/2025 at 2:20AM! We are so in love with him already. Big brother Jack is being so amazing with him too! So proud of him! Soaking up every minute with my boys!” Jennifer Rogers wrote on Instagram.

Rogers is entering his seventh major league season with the Giants. The right-handed reliever had a great season in 2024. Rogers went 3-4 with a 2.82 ERA across 77 appearances.

With a name like Nolan Ryan and a father who is one of the better relievers in baseball, Rogers’ son may have to live up to a lot of hype.

NFL legend’s 7th-grader son already has insane highlight reel

The son of a legendary NFL running back seems destined to follow in his father’s footsteps, and an incredible new highlight reel is proof of that.

Adrian Peterson’s son, Adrian Peterson Jr., is only in 7th grade. That means he is still two years away from even being a high schooler, but he already looks like he could hold his own at a Division I college.

Peterson recently shared a highlight reel of his son absolutely dominating defenders. The video went viral on Tuesday after it was picked up by ESPN’s “SportsCenter NEXT” social media accounts, which aggregate big news for high school sports. Again, Peterson Jr. has not even gotten there yet.

When you see the youngster’s moves, you will probably say a prayer for those who have to line up opposite him.

Peterson Jr. looks more like he should be part of the Class of 2025 than the class of 2030, so we can only imagine how much better he is going to get in the next five-plus years.

The elder Peterson, of course, is one of the best running backs in NFL history. He currently ranks fifth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 14,918 yards. Peterson was named to the Pro Bowl seven times and was NFL MVP in 2012, when he rushed for a career-high 2,097 yards with the Minnesota Vikings.

Talk about a genetic advantage.

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