Happy New Year 2025

Tag: coach

Caitlin Clark is ‘Taylor Swift 2.0’, new Indiana Fever coach says

Seeing the meteoric rise of Caitlin Clark’s celebrity on and off the court has new Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White seeing only one comparison.

“She’s very much Taylor Swift 2.0,” White told The Athletic during a Q&A interview.

Clark’s fame from her days at Iowa, where she became the NCAA’s all-time leading Division I scorer for both men and women, only rose this past season after she was selected No. 1 overall by the Fever.

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The Indiana Fever welcome Stephanie White as their new head coach Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, during a press conference held on Salesforce Court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (IMAGN)

Clark went on to win Rookie of the Year, while also making the WNBA All-Star team. And she broke numerous rookie and league records on the way to ultimately being named TIME’s Athlete of the Year.

With heightened fame, Clark has faced criticism on and off the court, and every movement is naturally dissected by those looking on.

So, Clark’s ability to manage that rapid rise in fame while still being dedicated to her craft is the reason why White can’t help but compare her to the world’s biggest pop star.

CAITLIN CLARK SITS WITH TAYLOR SWIFT IN SUITE AT CHIEFS GAME AFTER PAST INVITATION

“I think first and foremost, she does an outstanding job of managing it all,” White explained to The Athletic. “Like, she’s incredibly humble. She understands the big picture. So, she views it understanding her celebrity, No. 1. But No. 2, she’s a Midwest kid, a Midwest person, and she is who she is. She tries to live her life in an authentic way. But she’s very much Taylor Swift 2.0.”

White, who was hired in November 2024 after Christie Sides was relieved of her duties, said it’s up to her and her staff to “protect her” as that celebrity status continues to grow.

“So, I think from my perspective, and from our staff and franchise, it’s how do we help her navigate all of this? How do we help her protect her peace? Because it can be a lot. How can we be a resource for her? It’s a different level now with social media and fan engagement. We want to be a resource and help protect her.”

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) plays against the Dallas Wings in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

It feels right White compared Clark to Swift considering their connection that has already been seen in public. Clark and Swift were spotted watching a Kansas City Chiefs playoff game last month, sitting next to each other in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium.

Also, Clark was spotted at Swift’s Eras Tour on multiple stops this past year, as she is a big fan of her music.

Like Swift, Clark is certainly hoping to continue making an impact in her field by the year, and White touched on the offseason work that shows her a “stronger” point guard on her roster.

CAITLIN CLARK MAY NEVER BE PAID WHAT ‘SHE’S REALLY WORTH’ TO WNBA, AGENT SAYS

“She’s got a lot of self-awareness,” White said of Clark. “She figured out right away that ‘I need to get stronger. I can’t get knocked around as much.’ She’s done a great job of getting in the weight room and focusing on her strength, in terms of low center of gravity, time under tension, all of those things. I think the next step is efficiency. Not so many turnovers, higher field goal percentages.”

The Fever have also been proactive in getting some more talent around Clark and Aliyah Boston, most notably adding two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star forward DeWanna Bonner. Natasha Howard, a three-time champion and two-time All-Star, will also be on the roster for 2025.

New Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White compares Caitlin Clark to Taylor Swift. (IMAGN)

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So, expectations are naturally raised with a better starting five on the floor for Indiana. White understands that, and also knows making sure Clark can be her normal self on the floor — not worried about the outside noise and the celebrity status — will hopefully lead the Fever to their championship goals.

“From a coaching perspective, keep the main thing the main thing,” she said about Clark. “Help her protect her peace and then help her continue to grow on the basketball court. We let our players know sometimes you gotta minimize the noise around you and focus on what our job is. Our job is to put the best team and the best product on the floor that we’re capable of doing.”

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 19, 2025
Mavericks coach Darrell Armstrong arrested on aggravated assault charge

Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was arrested in the early hours of Saturday and charged with aggravated assault on his girlfriend, police said.

Dallas police officers were called to the 1000 block of Ross Ave. in downtown Dallas around 3:45 a.m., where an investigation found Armstrong and his girlfriend had been in an argument.

At one point, Armstrong hit her with a gun and threatened to shoot her, according to police. An arrest warrant affidavit for Armstrong, obtained by FOX 4 Dallas, said the incident started due to his girlfriend questioning him about a text from another woman.

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Orlando Magic player Darrell Armstrong is inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

The victim reportedly told police Armstrong had been drinking that night and demanded she give him her keys to their apartment. She then claimed Armstrong was on the phone with another person when he picked up a pistol and hit her on the side of the face.

Authorities said they saw a mark on the woman’s cheek below her left eye.

MAVERICKS MINORITY OWNER MARK CUBAN INVITES FAN EJECTED FOR ‘FIRE NICO’ PROTEST BACK TO SIT COURTSIDE

“‘I’m going to shoot you,’” the victim said, reportedly quoting what Armstrong allegedly said to her as he loaded the weapon.

The Mavericks released a statement on Sunday afternoon regarding Armstrong’s arrest.

“The Dallas Mavericks are aware of an incident involving a member of our staff and are gathering all relevant information surrounding the incident,” the statement reads, per FOX 4 Dallas. “We take this matter seriously. The employee has been placed on administrative suspension pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

Orlando Magic player Darrell Armstrong is inducted into Orlando Magic Hall of Fame by CEO Alex Martins during the first half at Amway Center. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

“This matter is currently under review by the appropriate legal authorities. Due to this fact, we will allow the legal process to run its course and we will refrain from further comment while proceedings are ongoing.”

Armstrong has been an assistant coach with the Mavericks since 2009, being a part of the 2011 NBA-champion squad along the way.

He is a member of the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, having spent nine of his 14 NBA seasons with the franchise. Armstrong initially played overseas from 1991-94 before the Magic gave him a shot during the 1994-95 season.

Armstrong went on to win the 1998-99 Most Improved Player Award and Sixth Man of the Year Award after averaging 13.8 points, 6.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds mostly off the bench over 50 games.

Darrell Armstrong (Dallas Police Department)

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Armstrong also played for the Mavericks, New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers and New Jersey Nets during his career, which ended in 2008.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 16, 2025
Former SJSU volleyball coach Melissa Batie-Smoose’s home was vandalized with a pellet gun, police say

EXCLUSIVE: The home of former San Jose State University assistant volleyball coach Melissa Batie-Smoose was shot at on Monday night in Scotts Valley, California, Batie-Smoose and local police have told Fox News Digital.

Scotts Valley Police Department Captain Scott Garner told Fox News Digital that officers have determined that the weapon used was a pellet gun, and it is being investigated as an act of vandalism. The pellet has been recovered by police. Nobody was harmed and no suspect or motive has been determined. The investigation is ongoing.

“We’re following up with some neighbors just to see what we can find out,” Garner said. “At this point, there’s no surveillance, there’s no leads, there’s no nothing. We’re just going to do our due diligence to go and interview the neighbors.”

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Batie-Smoose’s contract with San Jose State expired on Jan. 31 after she was suspended from the program in November. Batie-Smoose previously filed a Title IX complaint against the program over a situation involving transgender volleyball player Blaire Fleming. Batie-Smoose is also involved in a lawsuit against SJSU and the Mountain West conference over the situation involving Fleming.

No link between Monday night’s incident and Batie-Smoose’s Title IX complaint, departure from the program and ongoing lawsuit has been determined by police.

However, Batie-Smoose believes she was “targeted” for it.

“I do,” Batie-Smoose told Fox News Digital when asked if she believes incident was linked to the situation involving SJSU and Fleming. “It can’t be a coincidence I have never had this happen and in our neighborhood I talked to neighbors that have lived there over 10 years and not even a robber in the area let alone someone shooting at someone in their house.”

Hole in the window of former San Jose State assistant volleyball coach Melissa Batie-Smoose after an incident where her home was shot at by, what police have determined, was a pellet gun. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Batie-Smoose)

Batie Smoose said the incident occurred when she was in a virtual meeting with members of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS).

She was speaking with the lead attorney Bill Bock and Mountain West Conference volleyball players involved in the lawsuit. As they were discussing the legal battle and the NCAA’s new policy regarding gender eligibility, she heard glass break in her home.

“I hear this big sound and it sounds like breaking glass and at first I was just like ‘what just happened? Where did that sound come from?’ And then, once it registered, I look over to the window and I see the bullet hole.”

Batie-Smoose said she crawled on the floor behind her couch and called her husband, telling him to call the police. The pellet was shot at the window facing her backyard.

“Police said the shot had to come from the street behind me,” Batie-Smoose said, adding that most of her neighbors were not home when the incident occurred.

When Batie-Smoose was informed that police determined the incident was an act of vandalism due to the fact the weapon used was, she called the decision “crazy.”

“So because it might potentially not be a gun that it’s just considered vandalism even though it can harm you?” Batie-Smoose said. “That’s kind of crazy to me. Regardless, if an object at that force comes to your head, you’re going to be harmed. It’s crazy to me.

“I don’t know how this gets downgraded to vandalism.”

Batie-Smoose said she previously received hostile emails about her stance on Fleming and trans inclusion in women’s sports. She also claimed to have had in-person altercations with individuals in Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley who disagreed with her stance.

SJSU TRANSGENDER VOLLEYBALL SCANDAL: TIMELINE OF ALLEGATIONS, POLITICAL IMPACT AND A RAGING CULTURE MOVEMENT

“People recognize me in the community and I’m in an area that’s speaking out and speaking to fight for women’s sports, I’m in an area with some crazies and I definitely believe it was a target on me for speaking out,” she said.

Batie-Smoose added that all of the coaches and players involved with San Jose State’s volleyball program know her address. Batie-Smoose joined the program in 2023, but isn’t ruling out individuals outside of the program finding out her address via other means.

“I feel this day and age people could come find your address pretty easily,” Batie-Smoose said. “Have I put it out there? No. But I’m sure if you looked hard enough you could find my address.”

Batie-Smoose has since left her home and is staying elsewhere while the investigation continues.

Batie-Smoose has appeared on Fox News programs multiple times advocating for the protection of women’s sports amid the ongoing scandal with San Jose State.

Batie-Smoose was suspended from the program on Nov. 2 after she filed the Title IX complaint. The complaint included allegations that Fleming had conspired with an opponent to have former SJSU co-captain Brooke Slusser hit in the face during a match in October.

Regular police protection was assigned to the team and continued throughout the season amid security concerns, including an incident in which Slusser was informed of a physical threat to her safety on Oct. 2, Fox News Digital previously reported.

Both Slusser’s lawsuit and Batie-Smoose’s Title IX complaint allege that Fleming conspired with Colorado State volleyball player Malaya Jones ahead of the match between the two programs on Oct. 3. The complaint alleged Fleming provided a scouting report to Jones to ensure a Colorado State competitive advantage, and allegedly established a plan to set up Jones with a clear lane to spike Slusser in the face during the contest.

The letter stated that the conference’s investigation included interviews with coaches and student-athletes at both San Jose State and Colorado State. However, the letter did not specifically state which individuals had been interviewed. The conference declined to provide any details on the individuals who had been interviewed when asked by Fox News Digital.

Slusser’s attorney, Bill Bock, later provided a statement to Fox News Digital insisting that the investigation had been “infected with bias.”

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“Because the MWC’s investigation was inadequate, and anything but thorough, and because the MWC’s close-out letter is riddled with errors, the undersigned is issuing this rebuttal and demands that the MWC immediately and publicly release: (1) the investigative report prepared by its investigator(s), and (2) all documents connected to the MWC’s claimed ‘thorough investigation’ and upon which the MWC’s decision not to proceed further was based,” read the statement from Bock.

San Jose State is also now under investigation by President Donald Trump’s Department of Education to determine whether Title IX violations occurred during Fleming’s tenure on the volleyball team.

San José State University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson has told Fox News Digital the university is prepared to cooperate in the investigation.

Fox News Digital has reached out to San Jose State to inquire for a statement regarding the incident involving Batie-Smoose’s home.

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Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

February 14, 2025
Tristan Thompson responds to Raptors coach Darko Rajaković’s suggestion Cavaliers star lacked class

On Wednesday, Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajaković described veteran Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson as a “no-class” player after the Cavs’ 131-108 win over the Raptors.

Rajaković also suggested Thompson’s actions showed a lack of respect.

“I think what Tristan did there was no class and disrespectful,” Rajaković said during a postgame press conference. “I’m not going to stand for that, for sure. I love when my team stands up for themselves. That was no class.”

Rajaković was irked by Thompson’s two-handed slam in the final seconds of the game.

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Raptors players Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead confronted Thompson immediately after the final buzzer sounded, and some fans directed boos at the Cavs big man.

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Tristan Thompson, right, has words with the Toronto Raptors in Toronto Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Thompson took to social media Thursday to share his response to Rajaković’s remarks. Thompson asserted that the Raptors engaged in a “full court press” even as Toronto was trailing by double-digits late in the game.

LUKA DONČIĆ’S TRADE TO LAKERS COULDN’T BE VETOED, NBA COMMISH SAYS

“You wanna full court press with under a minute left in the game when you get cracked by 30 this will happen to you. Lose for draft lottery and be happy buddy boy. Hopefully you and most of your guys see the light at the end of Bobby and Masai long term plan. Bless up stay warm in MY CITY,” Thompson wrote on X Feb. 13.

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said he didn’t understand Thompson’s thought process at the time, but he also did not believe there were “bad intentions” behind the dunk.

Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson dunks against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto Feb. 12, 2025. (John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images)

“I’m not sure what he was thinking,” Atkinson said. “Sometimes, though, you’re playing the game, and you just have a reaction. I know with Tristan, there’s no bad intention there. I think just sometimes you’re playing, and the goal of the game is to score. Unfortunate.”

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Thompson, who is from Canada, had four points in four minutes. He is averaging 1.7 points and 3 rebounds per game in 28 games this season.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 13, 2025
Kellen Moore to take Saints’ head coach job after winning Super Bowl with Eagles: reports

Kellen Moore is set to become the new head coach of the New Orleans Saints more than a day after he helped the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

Sources told FOX Sports that Moore was going to be named the Saints’ next head coach. NFL Network also reported the deal was being finalized.

Moore served as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator for one season – an integral won in which the team captured the Super Bowl title.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025
Fox News Politics News Letter: Ex-college football coach tapped by governor

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here’s what’s happening…

–Tulsi Gabbard faces next test in confirmation battle with key Senate hurdle

-Trump says he ordered firing of military academies’ Board of Visitors

-ICE arrests homeless illegal immigrant who asked to be detained or else he would ‘go out and commit crimes’

A ‘born leader’ in Ohio

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Monday that he is nominating former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel to serve as the state’s lieutenant governor.

“Jim Tressel is Ohio values,” DeWine said at a news conference announcing the nomination of Tressel to replace former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who DeWine appointed to the U.S. Senate last month.

“He’s a hard worker and shares that vision (I have) for the future of Ohio. He has the ability to pull people together. He has the ability to lead. He will enable me to be assured that if something happens to me, he can walk in and be governor that day and that would be seamless.”…Read more

Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel, Left, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. right (Getty/AP)

White House

TRADE WARS: Here’s how Trump’s tariffs on China could impact drug pricing and other healthcare costs…Read more

STUDY FUNDS: Trump sparks backlash after cutting billions in overhead costs from NIH research grants…Read more

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a $9 billion spending cut in response to a new mandate from the Trump administration. (Alamy/Getty Images)

OVERRULED: Trump DOJ calls judge’s DOGE order ‘anti-constitutional’…Read more

World Stage

‘SERIOUS S—‘: Iran’s campaign trail threats against Trump more serious than publicly reported, book claims…Read more

‘DANGEROUS DEVELOPMENT’: Egypt planning ’emergency’ Arab summit on Palestinian territory as Trump insists US ‘own’ Gaza…Read more

‘TRUMP WAS RIGHT’: 5-figure ad buy urges states to crack down as China floods market with illicit vapes…Read more

Side-by-side of Donald Trump and Xi Jinping (Getty)

Capitol Hill

RADIOACTIVE RECALL: AZ Senate leader urges Burgum to reverse Biden-Obama ‘land grabs’ on uranium sites…Read more

SO MUCH WINNING: The confirmation juggernaut: How Trump is getting everything he wants in building his Cabinet…Read more

DRAGGING DOGE DOWN: Schumer reveals Dem counter-offensive against Trump’s DOGE audit…Read more

WOLFPACK: More than 100 lawmakers join Congressional DOGE Caucus…Read more

SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN: Dems flirt with government shutdown threat despite past furor over spending cliff…Read more

(Getty/Fox News Illustration )

TEAM EFFORT: Senate GOP campaign committee looks to streamline operations to hold majority in 2026…Read more

CRACKING DOWN: House, Senate lawmakers move to slap limits on NGOs aiding illegal immigrants, amid Trump funding crackdown…Read more

X FACTOR: Elon Musk embraces X platform as key tool in DOGE transparency amid onslaught of attacks from Dems…Read more

UPSTATE SHOWDOWN: NY GOP fumes Dems ‘could give a s—t’ about democracy as Stefanik seat targeted in new bill…Read more

Across America

‘STRENGTH IS OUR UNITY’: Hegseth bans transgender people from joining military, pauses gender care to follow Trump guidance…Read more

‘WASTEFUL SPENDING’: Department of Veterans Affairs cancels $178K in subscriptions to Politico Pro…Read more

CUTTING MORE WASTE: Interview with nonprofit calling out National Human Trafficking Hotline for wasting government funds on ineffective system…Read more

‘CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS’: The Impoundment Control Act takes center stage in Washington…Read more

NEW BIG APPLE BALLOTS?: 800,000 non-citizens could soon be voting in New York City’s elections…Read more

Voters received an “I Voted” sticker after casting their ballot. (Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

REVAMPING FEMA: ‘Get rid of FEMA the way it exists today,’ says Sec. Noem…Read more

‘KEEPING COMMUNITIES SAFE’: Blue-state lawmakers consider bill to roll back sanctuary policies…Read more

SCHOOLED: Russ Vought offers one-word response after his alma mater deletes message congratulating him on confirmation…Read more

Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

This article was written by Fox News staff.

February 10, 2025
‘Born leader’: Ohio governor nominates former legendary college football coach as lieutenant governor

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Monday that he is nominating former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel to serve as the state’s lieutenant governor.

“Jim Tressel is Ohio values,” DeWine said at a news conference announcing the nomination of Tressel to replace former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who DeWine appointed to the U.S. Senate last month.

“He’s a hard worker and shares that vision (I have) for the future of Ohio. He has the ability to pull people together. He has the ability to lead. He will enable me to be assured that if something happens to me, he can walk in and be governor that day and that would be seamless.”

Tressel, who DeWine called a “born leader,” was head coach of Ohio State University’s football team from 2001 to 2010. The Buckeyes won the 2002 national championship during Tressel’s tenure along with six Big Ten championships and a record of 9-1 against rival Michigan.

NEXT OHIO SENATOR, A ‘FISCAL CONSERVATIVE,’ AIMS TO ‘GET GOVERNMENT OUT OF PEOPLE’S LIVES’

Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel, Left, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. right (Getty/AP)

Tressel, 72, retired a year and a half ago as president of Youngstown State University, a job he had held since 2014. Since then, he has been engaged in workforce and economic development activities.

“With his wealth of experience in the education field, Jim understands its importance in building Ohio’s workforce of tomorrow,” Ohio Chamber President & CEO Steve Stivers said in a statement, saying Tressel would prioritize workforce development “for the benefit of the business community and all Ohioans.”

SENATORS BACK VIVEK RAMASWAMY FOR OHIO GOVERNOR AHEAD OF EXPECTED GUBERNATORIAL BID

Former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is carried on the shoulders of his 2002 national championship team during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Ohio State, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

Tressel’s nomination must now be approved by the Ohio Senate and Ohio House, which are both led by Republican supermajorities.

“I want to study a little bit about what Jon Husted has going on, and so I want to learn the business, if you will,” Tressel, a political newcomer, said at the press conference. “And then it’s up to when you sit down with the team and the staff and everyone else trying to figure out who plays what position best. And I’d be more than happy to to help wherever I can.”

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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is seen onstage at the Fiserv Forum during preparations for the Republican National Convention (RNC) on July 14, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisc. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich congratulated Tressel in an X post saying, “Jim Tressel always puts one foot in front of the other trying to improve our world. Good luck, @JimTressel5.”

DeWine, who must retire in 2026 due to term limits, said the two have not discussed if Tressel plans to run for governor, which would put him in a race against the state’s Republican attorney general, Dave Yost, and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who is expected to jump into the race this month.

Former Ohio Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is running as a Democrat.

Associated Press contributed to this report

Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to [email protected].

February 10, 2025
Eagles’ Nick Sirianni has message for Kellen Moore as coach is rumored to take the Saints’ job

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni expressed his desire for Kellen Moore to stay on his coaching staff amid rumors he was going to take the New Orleans Saints job.

All signs have indicated Moore will become the next Saints’ head coach as he was linked to the job in the days ahead of the Eagles’ 40-22 Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, #1, talks to offensive coordinator Kellen Moore during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl LIX football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

As the Eagles celebrated their second Super Bowl title, Sirianni had a message for Moore.

“Let’s run this s— back,” Sirianni said as he talked to FOX’s Tom Rinaldi.

Moore had been a highly coveted coach a few coaching cycles ago but never landed a head-coaching job. He had been an offensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys for four years before he coached the Los Angeles Chargers last season.

As Jim Harbaugh took over head-coaching duties, Moore was out. He then joined Sirianni’s staff. The team was seventh in points scored and eighth in yards gained during the season.

TOM BRADY DISAGREES WITH REFEREES ON CONTROVERSIAL PASS INTERFERENCE CALL AGAINST EAGLES IN SUPER BOWL LIX

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, center, and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, right, during the first half of the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Jan. 26, 2025. (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)

Philadelphia rode the team’s offensive abilities throughout the season. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley brought the offensive explosion, with the running back nearly breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season record.

In the playoffs, the offense played at a high level as well on route to a Super Bowl win.

Moore is rumored to take the Saints job and will have a quarterback in Derek Carr to work with.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, #1, reacts on the field after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

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New Orleans went 5-12 in 2024.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 10, 2025
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd says he was unaware of shocking Luka Dončić trade until ‘eleventh hour’

Luka Dončić, a five-time All-NBA first-teamer who is only 25 years old, was traded last week for Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis in a deal that caught everyone in the league by surprise.

Dallas fans were especially upset, with many seemingly agreeing that Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison gave up too much and received too little.

Maverick head coach Jason Kidd recently addressed the angst.

“Our sympathy goes to the fans,” Kidd said after the Mavs’ win over the Boston Celtics Feb. 6.

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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd with guard Luka Dončić (77) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 26, 2024. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Two days later, Kidd made a surprising admission about his involvement leading up to the blockbuster trade. He said he learned a deal involving Dončić was in progress at the “eleventh hour.”

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

“Eleventh hour. Just got a call to come up to the room and was told about the trade,” Kidd said, responding to a question about when he found out Dončić was on the trading block.

Kidd, a former Mavericks point guard, added he can only coach the players on the roster.

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd speaks to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić (77) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, March 17, 2024. (Kevin Jairaj/USA Today Sports)

“I’m an employee of the Mavs. I’ve said this before, and some of you maybe overlooked it: I’m the coach. I coach the players that are here. We made a trade, and we’ve got to push forward. That’s what we’re doing,” Kidd said.

“No one’s going to feel bad for us. Trades happen in this game. Things change, coaches change, teams get sold. A lot of things happen that are out of our control, but you’ve got to continue to just do your job, and that’s what I’m doing. I’m the coach. I’m not the decision-maker. I’m here to coach the team that’s given to me, and then I’m judged on that by you guys.”

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Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

Davis sat out Thursday’s game with an abdominal strain. He made his debut with Dallas Saturday, recording a 26-point double-double before exiting the game against the Houston Rockets with a lower-body injury.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 9, 2025
Former NFL player, coach Dick Jauron dead at 74

Dick Jauron, the former head coach of two different NFL franchises, died Saturday. He was 74.

The Chicago Bears confirmed the death. Jauron was the Bears’ head coach from 1999 to 2003.

He was previously diagnosed with cancer, The Daily Item in Massachusetts reported.

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Dick Jauron, head coach of the Buffalo Bills, watches from the sideline against the New England Patriots on September 10, 2006, at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

He became the Buffalo Bills’ head coach in 2006, a role he maintained until 2009. The next season, Jauron was named the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive backs coach under Andy Reid.

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Jauron was a two-sport star at Yale in the early 1970s, and he was drafted by both the Detroit Lions in the NFL Draft and the St. Louis Cardinals in the Major League Baseball amateur draft. He ultimately made football his lifelong pursuit, beginning with five seasons as a defensive back in Detroit and three more with the Cincinnati Bengals before his retirement in 1980.

Head coach Dick Jauron of the Buffalo Bills looks on during the game against the Miami Dolphins on December 9, 2007, at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The well-liked Jauron moved into coaching and five years later was hired by the Bills as a defensive backs coach. He went on to coach defensive backs in Green Bay and became friends with Reid, who was an assistant offensive line and tight ends coach.

Jauron had just one winning record in five seasons with the Bears, winning the NFC North in 2001 before losing to the Eagles — then coached by Reid — in the divisional round of the playoffs.

He finished with a 60-82 record and one playoff berth over parts of 10 seasons as a head coach.

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Oct. 1, 2006; Orchard Park, NY: Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron during pre-game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. (Craig Melvin-USA TODAY Sports)

Jauron’s death came just two days after the Bears announced the death of Virginia Halas McCaskey, who inherited the franchise from her father, George Halas, and spent four-plus decades as the principal owner.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 8, 2025