#coaching-changes

#coaching-changes

After winning its first playoff game in almost 20 years, the first-place Pistons have been one of this season's biggest surprises behind the play of Most Valuable Player candidate Cade Cunningham and a gritty top-tier defense. The Knicks, who are three games behind Detroit, are the newly crowned NBA Cup champions, led by the steady Brunson, but they are supplemented by a bench that has already provided a few clutch moments.

The coaching staff. Glenn, assuming he's back, must find a permanent replacement for defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, whom he fired after 14 games. One possibility is former Michigan DC and longtime NFL assistant Wink Martindale, whose defenses are known for takeaways -- a major issue for the Jets. There will be speculation about big names such as Jim Schwartz ( Cleveland Browns), Jim Leonhard ( Denver Broncos) and Al Harris ( Chicago Bears). Philosophical alignment is paramount. Interim DC Chris Harris will also be considered.

"Drake Maye is well and capable, has all the upside, and skillset. But last year, under his player's status, a head coach was fired," Newton said. "That's not to say, 'Aw, man, you can't say that. That wasn't all Drake Maye, he was a young quarterback.' But, does Jerod Mayo have a job right now? Offensive coordinator was Alex Van Pelt. Is he an offensive coordinator anywhere in this league?"

As No. 6 Ole Miss celebrated its historic 39-34 victory against No. 3 Georgia in Thursday's CFP quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl, the shadow of former coach Lane Kiffin continued to hang over the Rebels program. Sources told ESPN on Thursday night that it remains unclear how many Ole Miss assistants, who are joining Kiffin at LSU, will be allowed to remain with the Rebels when they face No. 10 Miami on Jan. 8 in a CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl.

We spend a long time here worried about what the winter moves mean and how it will help the team going forward. What if it doesn't matter because the Braves are just undeniably good? Walt Weiss could be that rock that steadies the ship. Tim Hyers might be a guy that could be allowed to encourage the Braves hitters to hunt for power.

San Jose State not only had its hopes of becoming bowl eligible for a fourth straight season obliterated by a team that had not won a Mountain West Conference game since 2023, but on Monday it cost longtime defensive coordinator Derrick Odum and special teams coordinator Joe Palcic their jobs. Now the team looks to regroup Saturday night in San Diego against the Aztecs (8-2, 5-1 Mountain West), who have one of the staunchest defenses in the nation and need to win out to remain in the CFP chase.