#dj-smith-interim-coach
#dj-smith-interim-coach

15 hours ago

Sources: Bulls get OK to interview for front office vacancies

The Chicago Bulls are searching for a new head of basketball operations, interviewing multiple candidates and emphasizing support for head coach Billy Donovan.

Friedman: Maple Leafs have spoken to Mike Gillis, Chris Pronger among others regarding front office opening

The Toronto Maple Leafs face significant pressure to revamp their front office after missing the playoffs and parting ways with their general manager.

5 hours ago

Maple Leafs desperately need to keep 1st-round pick for crucial reason

The Toronto Maple Leafs need to secure their 2026 first-round pick to avoid losing it to the Boston Bruins and to save face with fans.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs miss out on top candidate for GM job

Toronto

Craig Berube completely failed in his mandate to change, elevate talented Leafs squad

Craig Berube expects to be back as Maple Leafs head coach in 2026-27 but hasn't been given any assurance from brass

Toronto Maple Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade, leading to scrutiny of head coach Craig Berube's future.

Auston Matthews sends cryptic message to new Maple Leafs' front office hire

Auston Matthews' comments increase pressure on the Toronto Maple Leafs' new management amid a pivotal offseason.

5 hours ago

Friedman: Maple Leafs have spoken to Mike Gillis, Chris Pronger among others regarding front office opening

The Toronto Maple Leafs face significant pressure to revamp their front office after missing the playoffs and parting ways with their general manager.

5 hours ago

Maple Leafs desperately need to keep 1st-round pick for crucial reason

The Toronto Maple Leafs need to secure their 2026 first-round pick to avoid losing it to the Boston Bruins and to save face with fans.

Maple Leafs miss out on top candidate for GM job

Toronto Maple Leafs lose top GM candidate Sunny Mehta to New Jersey Devils after his successful tenure with the Florida Panthers.

Craig Berube completely failed in his mandate to change, elevate talented Leafs squad

Head coach Craig Berube is largely to blame for the Toronto Maple Leafs' disappointing season due to his ineffective strategies and lack of adaptability.

Craig Berube expects to be back as Maple Leafs head coach in 2026-27 but hasn't been given any assurance from brass

Toronto Maple Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade, leading to scrutiny of head coach Craig Berube's future.

Auston Matthews sends cryptic message to new Maple Leafs' front office hire

Auston Matthews' comments increase pressure on the Toronto Maple Leafs' new management amid a pivotal offseason.

more#toronto-maple-leafs

fromJays Journal

4 hours ago

Blue Jays manager hasn't lost any faith in Jeff Hoffman as Toronto's closer just yet

Jeff Hoffman struggles as Blue Jays closer, but manager John Schneider maintains confidence in him despite recent meltdowns.

6 hours ago

Hurricanes vs. Senators NHL Best Bets, Odds, Prediction and Pick - April 20 - Bleacher Nation

Carolina's 83 games this season have finished above this game's total of 5.5 goals on 53 occasions, indicating a strong trend towards high-scoring matches.

Chicago Cubs

ESPN nails Falcons draft mission: don't borrow from the future

The Falcons should prioritize future draft capital over immediate trades to improve their current roster.

Damien Woody endorses terrifying Commanders' vision that could shake the entire NFL

The Washington Commanders should consider drafting Jeremiyah Love to enhance their offense.

Commanders' unusual pre-draft strategy makes more sense than you think

The Washington Commanders are using unconventional methods to evaluate NFL Draft prospects, including hosting visits at Top Golf to assess their personalities.

Atlanta Falcons

fromThe Falcoholic

18 hours ago

ESPN nails Falcons draft mission: don't borrow from the future

The Falcons should prioritize future draft capital over immediate trades to improve their current roster.

Damien Woody endorses terrifying Commanders' vision that could shake the entire NFL

The Washington Commanders should consider drafting Jeremiyah Love to enhance their offense.

Commanders' unusual pre-draft strategy makes more sense than you think

The Washington Commanders are using unconventional methods to evaluate NFL Draft prospects, including hosting visits at Top Golf to assess their personalities.

Dom Smith, Michael Harris II return to lineup as Braves seek series sweep vs. PHI

The Atlanta Braves aim for a sweep against the Phillies, with lineup adjustments due to injuries.

1 day ago

Despite missing the playoffs, Tom Wilson thinks the Capitals are close to being a contending team: 'We're probably one piece away from making some serious noise'

Washington Capitals narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing just three points behind the Flyers, leading to reflections on missed opportunities and future potential.

#mats-sundin

Friedman: Maple Leafs interviewing Mats Sundin to be part of new management group

Mats Sundin is in talks with the Maple Leafs for a potential advisory role in the team's management.

Maple Leafs hiring Mats Sundin would only distract from the team's biggest problem

Bringing Mats Sundin back to the Maple Leafs may distract from addressing current team issues.

Friedman: Maple Leafs interviewing Mats Sundin to be part of new management group

Mats Sundin is in talks with the Maple Leafs for a potential advisory role in the team's management.

Maple Leafs hiring Mats Sundin would only distract from the team's biggest problem

Bringing Mats Sundin back to the Maple Leafs may distract from addressing current team issues.

more#mats-sundin

Flowers: Harbaugh's practices why Ravens 'had a lot of injuries'

Zay Flowers believes the Ravens' coaching change will improve player health by reducing the intensity of practices.

Wizards expect coach Brian Keefe to remain on sideline

Brian Keefe is expected to return as head coach of the Washington Wizards for the 2026-27 season.

The Blue Jackets Have Driven Another Coach Raving Mad | Defector

Rick Bowness criticized his team's lack of effort and culture after a disappointing season, emphasizing the need for change and accountability.

Rick Bowness just said what Craig Berube wouldn't about the Maple Leafs

Rick Bowness criticized his team's lack of effort and commitment after a disappointing season finale, emphasizing the need for cultural change.

Boston Bruins

fromDefector

The Blue Jackets Have Driven Another Coach Raving Mad | Defector

Rick Bowness criticized his team's lack of effort and culture after a disappointing season, emphasizing the need for change and accountability.

Rick Bowness just said what Craig Berube wouldn't about the Maple Leafs

Rick Bowness criticized his team's lack of effort and commitment after a disappointing season finale, emphasizing the need for cultural change.

Mathieu Darche breaks down Islanders playoff miss, trade deadline swings | amNewYork

The New York Islanders' 2025-26 season ended in failure due to a late-season collapse, resulting in a second consecutive playoff miss.

New York Islanders

fromEyes On Isles

Mathieu Darche has tied his future to Peter DeBoer's success

The New York Islanders fired head coach Patrick Roy and hired Peter DeBoer, signaling a shift in their playoff ambitions.

New York Islanders

fromwww.amny.com

Mathieu Darche breaks down Islanders playoff miss, trade deadline swings | amNewYork

The New York Islanders' 2025-26 season ended in failure due to a late-season collapse, resulting in a second consecutive playoff miss.

New York Islanders

fromEyes On Isles

Mathieu Darche has tied his future to Peter DeBoer's success

The New York Islanders fired head coach Patrick Roy and hired Peter DeBoer, signaling a shift in their playoff ambitions.

more#new-york-islanders

Remembering Dave McGinnis, longtime NFL coach, commentator

Dave McGinnis, a beloved NFL coach, passed away at 74, leaving behind a legacy of personal connections and memorable stories.

Miami Heat

fromAll U Can Heat

Hornets just gave Heat harsh wake-up call they can no longer ignore

The Miami Heat's loss to the Charlotte Hornets in the Play-In Tournament highlights the urgent need for organizational change.

4 Thoughts from across the NHL - Blue Seat Blogs

Learning from other NHL teams is crucial for the Rangers' improvement and future success.

Chicago Blackhawks

fromLitter Box Cats

Postseason Gamethread: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today!

The NHL postseason begins with three exciting matchups featuring the Hurricanes, Stars, and Penguins.

Hurricanes to sit out several key lineup regulars in game against Flyers that could eliminate Capitals from playoff contention

The Capitals' playoff hopes hinge on the Flyers' performance against the Hurricanes, who are resting key players.

Chicago Cubs

Evaluating Jeff Blashill's First Season in Chicago: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - Bleacher Nation

Capitals assistant general manager Ross Mahoney reportedly candidate for Maple Leafs head of hockey operations job

Ross Mahoney, assistant GM of the Capitals, is a candidate for the Maple Leafs' head of hockey operations position.

Maple Leafs' best head coach candidate just became available

Bruce Cassidy's firing by Vegas opens coaching opportunities for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

New York Rangers

fromBlue Seat Blogs

4 Thoughts from across the NHL - Blue Seat Blogs

Learning from other NHL teams is crucial for the Rangers' improvement and future success.

Chicago Blackhawks

fromLitter Box Cats

Postseason Gamethread: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today!

The NHL postseason begins with three exciting matchups featuring the Hurricanes, Stars, and Penguins.

Hurricanes to sit out several key lineup regulars in game against Flyers that could eliminate Capitals from playoff contention

The Capitals' playoff hopes hinge on the Flyers' performance against the Hurricanes, who are resting key players.

Chicago Cubs

Evaluating Jeff Blashill's First Season in Chicago: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - Bleacher Nation

Capitals assistant general manager Ross Mahoney reportedly candidate for Maple Leafs head of hockey operations job

Ross Mahoney, assistant GM of the Capitals, is a candidate for the Maple Leafs' head of hockey operations position.

Maple Leafs' best head coach candidate just became available

Bruce Cassidy's firing by Vegas opens coaching opportunities for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Caleb Wilson says bye to UNC after 1 year, off to NBA draft

Caleb Wilson declares for the NBA draft after a standout freshman season with North Carolina, despite injuries limiting his playtime.

#maple-leafs

20 hours ago

The Maple Leafs' top job is too big for "learn as you go" candidates

The Maple Leafs face significant challenges in leadership and management as they seek a new executive to navigate a complex situation.

The latest on the Leafs' GM search, Mike Gillis, Mats Sundin, and Auston Matthews' future

The Leafs are exploring GM candidates and potential roles for Mats Sundin while considering offseason decisions regarding players like Auston Matthews and Darren Raddysh.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Bruce Boudreau talks up George McPhee for the Leafs' vacant GM job: Leafs Morning Take

Toronto Maple Leafs

John Shannon thinks Mike Gillis checks a lot of boxes for Toronto: Leafs Morning Take

"More and more, as the year evolved, Keith Pelley wanted to inject himself into hockey operations" -- Darren Dreger on the Brad Treliving firing

Brad Treliving was dismissed as Maple Leafs GM due to a poor season and a shift in direction by ownership.

Craig Berube insists he's not thinking about his future following firing of Brad Treliving

The Maple Leafs' management changes reflect accountability for unmet expectations this season.

20 hours ago

The Maple Leafs' top job is too big for "learn as you go" candidates

The Maple Leafs face significant challenges in leadership and management as they seek a new executive to navigate a complex situation.

The latest on the Leafs' GM search, Mike Gillis, Mats Sundin, and Auston Matthews' future

The Leafs are exploring GM candidates and potential roles for Mats Sundin while considering offseason decisions regarding players like Auston Matthews and Darren Raddysh.

Bruce Boudreau talks up George McPhee for the Leafs' vacant GM job: Leafs Morning Take

Sunny Mehta is the leading candidate for the Maple Leafs' GM position, with other names like Mike Gillis and George McPhee also mentioned.

John Shannon thinks Mike Gillis checks a lot of boxes for Toronto: Leafs Morning Take

Fans desire transparency and clarity from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment's leadership after a disappointing season.

"More and more, as the year evolved, Keith Pelley wanted to inject himself into hockey operations" -- Darren Dreger on the Brad Treliving firing

Brad Treliving was dismissed as Maple Leafs GM due to a poor season and a shift in direction by ownership.

Craig Berube insists he's not thinking about his future following firing of Brad Treliving

The Maple Leafs' management changes reflect accountability for unmet expectations this season.

more#maple-leafs

1 day ago

Blackhawks Prospects Advance to OHL Conference Championship Series - Bleacher Nation

The Eastern Conference features the top-seeded Branford Bulldogs, who will face the Barrie Colts, with games scheduled from April 22 to May 4.

Chicago Cubs

Hines Ward fires back over Jordyn Tyson doubts as Commanders weigh huge gamble

Jordyn Tyson is a top wide receiver prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, but health concerns and competitiveness narratives complicate his evaluation.

Pelicans interim Borrego candidate for job, Joe Dumars says

James Borrego is a candidate for the Pelicans' head coach position, with no finalized list of candidates yet.

Michael Malone to UNC: How Tar Heels got here, what he'll need to do to succeed

Michael Malone is set to become the new head coach of North Carolina after Hubert Davis was fired.

UNC to hire ex-NBA coach Michael Malone as HC, sources say

North Carolina plans to hire Michael Malone as its next basketball coach after his successful tenure with the Nuggets.

Chicago Cubs

North Carolina Hiring Former Nuggets Coach Michael Malone

LA Clippers

Michael Malone to UNC: How Tar Heels got here, what he'll need to do to succeed

Michael Malone is set to become the new head coach of North Carolina after Hubert Davis was fired.

UNC to hire ex-NBA coach Michael Malone as HC, sources say

North Carolina plans to hire Michael Malone as its next basketball coach after his successful tenure with the Nuggets.

Chicago Cubs

North Carolina Hiring Former Nuggets Coach Michael Malone

Bruins still have lineup questions to sort out before playoffs - starting with their top line

Marco Sturm plans to field a near full squad for the Bruins' final regular-season game to assess playoff readiness.

New England Patriots

fromBoston.com

Mike Krzyzewski threw a subtle jab at Bill Belichick in response to new UNC hire

Michael Malone was hired as UNC's men's basketball coach, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from professional to college coaching.

Sources: Neoklis Avdalas commits to join UNC, Michael Malone

Avdalas, a 6-foot-9 native of Greece, averaged 12.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists as a freshman in Blacksburg. In the second game of his career, Avdalas had 33 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, going 5-for-8 from 3-point range, in a win over Providence. He skyrocketed up in NBA mock drafts on the heels of that game, looking like a projected first-round pick.

Washington Wizards

Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness blasts team's terrible culture after season-finale loss to Capitals: 'These guys, they don't care. Losing is not important enough to them.'

Columbus Blue Jackets' late-season collapse led to another missed playoff, prompting head coach Rick Bowness to demand a cultural change in the team.

Boston Bruins

fromwww.mediaite.com

NHL Coach Suffers Facial Fractures, Forced to Miss Road Trip After Taking Nasty Hit From Errant Puck

Jared Bednar suffered facial fractures after being hit by a puck during a game against the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

#chicago-blackhawks

Chicago Cubs

Blackhawks Exit Interviews: Jeff Blashill Talks Young Roster, Growing Together, More - Bleacher Nation

Chicago Cubs

Kyle Davidson's Summer Ahead: Wants, Needs, and Words of Caution - Bleacher Nation

Chicago Cubs

Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension - Bleacher Nation

Chicago Cubs

Chris Pronger On Developing Defensemen, Learning the NHL and the Need for Mentors (BN Exclusive) - Bleacher Nation

Chicago Cubs

Blackhawks Exit Interviews: Jeff Blashill Talks Young Roster, Growing Together, More - Bleacher Nation

Chicago Cubs

Kyle Davidson's Summer Ahead: Wants, Needs, and Words of Caution - Bleacher Nation

Chicago Cubs

Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension - Bleacher Nation

Chicago Cubs

Chris Pronger On Developing Defensemen, Learning the NHL and the Need for Mentors (BN Exclusive) - Bleacher Nation

more#chicago-blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks

fromSoccer News

Charlotte SC v Nashville SC: Callaghan calls for more clinical finishing - Soccer News

Nashville SC aims to improve finishing to maintain their lead in the MLS Eastern Conference against Charlotte FC.

Atlanta Falcons

Panthers expect Jonathan Brooks to be ready for OTAs, minicamp

Jonathon Brooks is expected to participate in offseason workouts after recovering from his second ACL surgery.

fromMiami Herald

Top 3 Favorites to Replace Hubert Davis at UNC After Tommy Lloyd Decision

Rick Pitino and Tommy Lloyd are no longer candidates for the UNC head coach position, leaving Billy Donovan as the favorite.

Not a multitasker: Lloyd focusing on Arizona, not North Carolina

I'm a simple guy. I'm kind of just one thing at a time. I'm not a multitasker. You can ask my wife. So, I'm 100 percent locked in on Arizona basketball right now, and I'm excited to see what this team can do.

Los Angeles Rams

Billy Donovan Out?: 3 Coaches the Bulls Should Consider

Billy [Donovan] is a Hall of Fame coach who not only has my respect, but the respect of the entire organization and locker room. I want it to be very clear, we want Billy to continue to be the coach of the Chicago Bulls.

Chicago Cubs

Craig Berube on the end of a taxing season as Leafs coach: "We tried to do a lot of different things this year... It didn't work out"

The team did not meet expectations during the 2025-26 season, but individual players showed promise for the future.

Sources: NC State expected to hire Justin Gainey as coach

Justin Gainey is expected to become the next head basketball coach at NC State after five seasons as an assistant at Tennessee.

Morgan Rielly reiterates desire to stay with Maple Leafs as offseason uncertainty approaches

Morgan Rielly desires to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs despite a challenging season and potential trade discussions.

Who's next at UNC? Potential candidates to replace Hubert Davis, their priorities

Hubert Davis has been dismissed as head coach of North Carolina after a disappointing NCAA tournament performance.

NHL player, coach, GM predict the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs

Pittsburgh, Carolina, and Tampa Bay are underestimated teams poised for success in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Brad Treliving lands surprising new role - and it involves Kyle Dubas

Brad Treliving will lead Team Canada's management group for the upcoming men's IIHF World Championships after being fired by the Maple Leafs.

Chicago Cubs

Blackhawks Coach Jeff Blashill Offers Insight into Center Depth, Potential Future Lines - Bleacher Nation

The Blackhawks are experimenting with their lineup to optimize player performance before the season ends.

1 month ago

UNC's Hubert Davis defends decisions after latest early exit

VCU overcame a 19-point deficit to defeat North Carolina 82-78 in overtime, capitalizing on UNC's fatigue and poor shooting performance.

1 month ago

Safety Nick Scott returns to Panthers on 1-year deal

Safety Nick Scott re-signed with the Carolina Panthers on a one-year contract after recording a career-high 111 tackles last season.

US news

NFL Coaching Carousel: Teams With New Head Coaches, Three Openings Remain

Most NFL head-coaching vacancies have been filled with experienced hires prioritizing stability, while a few teams still deliberate final selections.

Commanders quiet coaching tweak becomes Daronte Jones' loudest message yet

Head coach Dan Quinn is giving his new defensive play-caller the freedom to implement his preferred scheme and assemble the staff to ensure he can hit the ground running. He'll also likely be heavily involved in the acquisition side of things during the recruitment period, alongside general manager Adam Peters. That's for the future. For now, his tweaks to the coaches working under him are saying a lot about how Jones plans to go about his business in Washington.

Washington DC

fromPuck Prose

Should the Hurricanes sign Bussi long-term?

Brandon Bussi's breakout rookie season makes him a compelling candidate for a long-term Hurricanes contract due to elite performance and limited organizational options.

Mike Macdonald could become the roadmap for Commanders' Daronte Jones

Mike Macdonald's deception-based, discipline-focused defensive scheme powered the Seahawks to a Super Bowl by pressuring without blitzing and leveraging a dominant front four and nickel usage.

fromPsychology Today

Does Firing a Head Coach Improve a Team's Prospects?

Faulty psychological assumptions lead teams to scapegoat coaches after narrow losses despite randomness and parity in professional football.