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NFL (American Football)

The Dallas Cowboys have announced that offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will be the team’s new head coach

Brian Schottenheimer looks on the sidelines

The Dallas Cowboys have announced that offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has agreed to become the team’s next head coach. This decision, which surprised some, was made public on Friday evening.

Schottenheimer is familiar to star quarterback Dak Prescott, who worked closely with him for the past two seasons when former coach Mike McCarthy was handling play-calling duties.

Dak Prescott had expressed support for the return of McCarthy, whose five-year contract with Dallas had expired. However, McCarthy and the Cowboys mutually decided to part ways last week.

At 51 years old, Brian Schottenheimer is the son of the late NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer. He brings 25 years of coaching experience in the NFL, including 14 as an offensive coordinator. However, Schottenheimer has never been a head coach before.

The Search Process

Schottenheimer was the only known candidate interviewed for the head coach position. His interview process started on Tuesday and continued for several hours on Wednesday. He is the ninth head coach hired by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones since he bought the team in 1989. Jones had previously fired Tom Landry, the only coach the Cowboys had for their first 29 seasons.

Schottenheimer is the seventh head coach hired by Jones since the Cowboys last made it past the divisional round of the playoffs in 1995, when the team won its fifth Super Bowl title. The Cowboys are expected to hold an introductory news conference on Monday.

Brian Schottenheimer joined the Cowboys as a consultant in 2022 and became the offensive coordinator when McCarthy took over play-calling duties the following year. Prescott had one of the best seasons of his career in 2022, finishing as the runner-up for NFL MVP.

Dallas Cowboys celebrates in the 2nd half

However, the Cowboys had a disappointing playoff loss to Green Bay after leading by 27-0 at halftime.

In Schottenheimer’s second season with Prescott, things didn’t go as well. The Cowboys finished with a 7-10 record, ending a streak of three consecutive seasons with 12-5 records.

Before joining the Cowboys, Schottenheimer was the passing game coordinator for Jacksonville for one season. He also served as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks from 2018-2020, where the team ranked in the top 10 in scoring offense each year but struggled in the playoffs.

Schottenheimer’s first tenure as an offensive coordinator lasted six seasons with the New York Jets from 2006-2011, followed by three years in the same role with the St. Louis Rams.

Other Candidates Considered

The Cowboys held a virtual interview with Philadelphia offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who had worked as Prescott’s play-caller from 2019 to 2022. Moore’s Eagles are playing Washington in the NFC title game on Sunday. Dallas also interviewed two former head coaches in person: Robert Saleh and Leslie Frazier. Saleh accepted an offer to return to San Francisco as defensive coordinator after leaving the New York Jets, while Frazier is currently the assistant head coach in Seattle.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones also had informal discussions with Colorado coach Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback who played for the Cowboys for five seasons and helped them win their last Super Bowl.

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FEATURED

Javon Small Earns All-America Team Spot in Morgantown

Javon Small pulls up for a mid-range jumper in the second half of WVU’s 75-56 loss to Arizona

WVU’s Javon Small has earned a spot on The Sporting News Midseason All-American second team, which was announced on Wednesday.

Small is the leading scorer in the Big 12, averaging 19.5 points per game, along with 5.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals.

Mike DeCourcy from The Sporting News explains, “Small took a detour from ECU through OK State on his way to Morgantown, and he averaged better than 15 points in each of his past two years. But nothing suggested he’d rank among the best guards in the Big 12.” He continues, “Small is filling every category with big numbers – and WVU has recovered beautifully from an embarrassing early season loss at Pitt.”

Recognition for Small’s Achievements

This week has been full of recognition for Small. On Monday, he was named the Big 12 Player of the Week and one of the Oscar Robertson Award National Players of the Week.

Small Leads WVU to Big Win Over Iowa State

Javon Small (NCAAB)

Small played a key role in leading the No. 23 Mountaineers (13-4, 4-2 Big 12) to a big win over then-No. 2 Iowa State on Saturday. He scored 27 points, grabbed seven rebounds, made five assists, and had four steals.

After the game, WVU coach Darian DeVries praised Small, saying, “He’s just been incredible all year. I think he’s the best guard in the country right now. I wouldn’t trade him for anybody.”

With two minutes left in the game and the Mountaineers leading 51-49, Small scored 12 of the team’s final 13 points. This included a three-pointer with 42 seconds remaining to extend the lead to eight, and a dunk with 21 seconds left to seal the win with a 10-point lead.

In WVU’s loss to Arizona State on Tuesday, Small was held to 14 points on 2-11 shooting.

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NFL (American Football)

The Chaotic 48 Hours That Landed Liam Coen as Jaguars’ Head Coach in Jacksonville

Liam Coen looks on from the sidelines

At the start of this week, it wouldn’t have been a surprise if Liam Coen became the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The situation seemed to be moving that way after his first interview on January 15, with a second interview planned for January 22.

However, how the offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Jaguars got to this point turned into something unusual.

On Thursday night in Jacksonville, the Jaguars and Coen came to a verbal agreement for him to be the team’s new head coach. Although the formal contract still needs to be signed, it seems like just a formality, and this will likely close a very strange coaching search.

It all started even before Coen did his first interview with the Jaguars. Knowing the interview was coming and thinking Coen had a real chance, Tampa Bay’s GM Jason Licht reached out to Coen to ask what it would take for him to stay with the Buccaneers. Coen responded with a salary demand that would make him the highest-paid coordinator in NFL history by a large amount.

Licht then took this request to the Glazer family, who own the Buccaneers, and got their approval. Licht went back to Coen, telling him the team wanted him to stay, but they didn’t want to negotiate any further. Coen then met with the Glazers, who suggested he should at least take the first interview with the Jaguars to get the experience of doing so.

Coen took the interview and did well enough to be one of the three finalists invited to Jacksonville for a second, in-person interview. The other two were Patrick Graham, the defensive coordinator of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Robert Saleh, the former head coach of the New York Jets.

The problem for Coen was that his offer from the Buccaneers depended on him not attending the second interview with the Jaguars.

Coen asked for time to think, then came back asking for a higher salary. The Buccaneers told him the offer was final and that they needed an answer by Monday. He asked for more time until Tuesday, and then on Tuesday evening, he said he’d give an answer Wednesday morning, just before his second interview with the Jaguars.

On Wednesday morning, Coen verbally agreed to the Buccaneers’ three-year deal, making him the highest-paid coordinator in NFL history. He spoke with ownership, called head coach Todd Bowles and some players, and sent a group text to the staff with the news. Coen told some people that he thought staying with the Bucs was the right decision in the long term.

Jacksonville Jaguars players in the practice

News of firing

Then, news broke that the Jaguars had fired GM Trent Baalke, which changed everything about their pursuit of Coen.

That afternoon, as Coen was expected to be at the Buccaneers’ facility to sign his contract, efforts to reach him failed. Around 5 p.m., Coen called Licht, asking if it would be okay to come in Thursday morning to sign, instead of that night. Licht said that was fine.

By 10 a.m. Thursday, the Buccaneers still hadn’t heard from Coen. Assistant GM Mike Greenberg tried to reach him about another coach’s contract being finalized, but Coen didn’t respond to that call either. More attempts by Licht and Bowles to contact him also went unanswered.

Finally, at 11 a.m., Coen’s agent got in touch with the Bucs, saying Coen was dealing with a personal matter. Tampa waited a few hours, and then Licht, Bowles, and others tried again to reach Coen.

Around 5 p.m., Coen called Bowles and told him he was still handling his personal matter, but also said that things had changed in Jacksonville and he was going there to explore the job. Less than an hour after that, someone at the Jaguars’ facility let a Bucs staff member know that Coen had already arrived in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars had emphasized to Coen’s camp how important it was to keep the visit quiet, which may be why Coen didn’t inform the Buccaneers. After firing Baalke, and with a solid financial offer, the Jaguars offered Coen the rare chance to pick his own general manager—a big opportunity for a first-time head coach.

In fact, one of Coen’s colleagues said that Kyle Shanahan’s hiring in San Francisco was the only similar offer he could remember.

The secrecy about the visit served two main purposes. One, it kept the Buccaneers’ offer in play, since it was dependent on Coen not visiting Jacksonville. Two, it allowed the Jaguars to follow the Rooney Rule. By Thursday, the Jaguars had only one minority candidate, Saleh, who had done an in-person interview. They needed two, so Graham was scheduled for a second interview on Thursday. The Jaguars didn’t want news of their plans to get out, which could have caused Graham to cancel his visit.

So, on Thursday morning, with Graham already in Jacksonville, the Jaguars canceled Saleh’s second interview scheduled for Friday.

In the end, both the Jaguars and Coen reached the outcome they wanted, despite how complicated the situation was.

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NFL (American Football)

Robert Saleh is back with the 49ers as their defensive coordinator in San Francisco

Robert Saleh congratulates Breece Hall and Aaron Rodgers after a touchdown in the 3rd quarter

Robert Saleh and the San Francisco 49ers are coming back together, the team announced on Friday night after NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the news.

Saleh was expected to be named the 49ers’ new defensive coordinator, as reported by The Athletic on Thursday. The move became official after the Dallas Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach. Saleh had interviewed for the Cowboys’ head coach position on January 18.

Saleh had previously managed the 49ers’ defense from 2017 to 2020 before becoming the head coach of the New York Jets. He was fired by the Jets after five games into this past season with a 2-3 record, following a 18-33 record over his previous three seasons.

Saleh was said to be considering an interview for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach job, but he didn’t travel to Jacksonville after reports suggested the Jaguars were focused on hiring Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen for the role.

San Francisco 49ers players celebrate in the 2nd half

In 2019, during his third year as defensive coordinator, Saleh’s defense was ranked second in the NFL, allowing an average of 281.8 total yards and 169.2 passing yards per game. They also gave up the third-fewest points in the NFC. In his final year with the 49ers, the defense ranked fifth in the NFL.

This past season, the 49ers ranked eighth in total defense, allowing 317.4 yards per game under Nick Sorenson. However, they also allowed 436 points, which was the fourth-highest total in the NFL, and Sorenson was fired after the season.

In addition to Saleh, the 49ers publicly mentioned two other candidates for the defensive coordinator job: assistant head coach Brandon Staley, who was the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers from 2021 to 2023, and Detroit Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend.

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College Football

Ohio State’s CFP title game in 2025 draws 22.1 million viewers, a 12% drop from 2024

Ohio State and Notre Dame in the game

Ohio State’s 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday night was the most-watched game of the season. However, it saw a significant drop in viewers compared to the previous year.

ESPN reported on Wednesday that the Buckeyes’ second national championship in the CFP era averaged 22.1 million viewers. While it was the most-watched non-NFL sporting event of the past year, it marked a 12% decline from the 25 million viewers who watched Michigan’s 34-13 victory over Washington in 2024.

This year’s game ranked as the third-lowest in audience size across the 11 CFP title games, with the last three title games all experiencing lower viewership. The peak audience reached 26.1 million viewers during the second quarter (8:30-8:45 p.m. EST), when the game was tied at 7-7.

Since Alabama’s 26-23 overtime win over Georgia in 2018, the last seven title games have featured an average victory margin of 25.4 points. Ohio State led 31-7 midway through the third quarter before Notre Dame made a strong comeback, cutting the deficit to one possession with five minutes left in the game.

Ohio State Secures Sixth National Title with Dramatic Victory Over Notre Dame in Playof
Ohio State Secures Sixth National Title with Dramatic Victory Over Notre Dame in Playoff (Ohio State)

Previous Title Game Viewership

Georgia’s dominant 65-7 victory over TCU in 2023 holds the record for the least-viewed title game with 17.2 million viewers, followed by Alabama’s 52-24 win over Ohio State in 2021, which had 18.7 million viewers. The first title game in 2015, where Ohio State defeated Oregon 42-20, remains the most-watched college football game in the CFP era, with 33.9 million viewers, according to Nielsen.

This was the first year of the 12-team CFP format. The first round averaged 10.6 million viewers, while the quarterfinals saw 16.9 million. The semifinals averaged 19.2 million viewers, reflecting a 17% decline from the previous year. Despite this, Michigan’s overtime win over Alabama in the Rose Bowl outpaced the title game with 27.7 million viewers.

The CFP games dominated viewership, with nine of the top 10 most-watched sporting events of the season being CFP-related. Georgia’s overtime victory over Texas in the SEC Championship, aired on ABC/ESPN, ranked sixth with 16.6 million viewers.

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NFL (American Football)

Pat Coogan, from Notre Dame in South Bend, Joins Transfer Portal as 3rd Offensive Lineman

Pat Coogan (NCAAF)

Notre Dame offensive lineman Pat Coogan, who started 26 games over the last two seasons and was known for getting the team hyped before games, has decided to transfer.

Coogan shared his decision on social media Thursday and will have one year of eligibility left as a graduate transfer.

Other Players Leaving After CFP Loss

Coogan is not the only player leaving Notre Dame after the team’s 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday night. He joins guards Rocco Spindler and Sam Pendleton, as well as receivers Deion Colzie and Jayden Thomas, in entering the transfer portal, according to reports.

Notre Dame players in the 1st half

Rocco Spindler and Sam Pendleton’s Status

Spindler, a senior, started 13 games at right guard for Notre Dame this season after initially losing his starting job to Pendleton during fall camp. Spindler has started 23 games over four seasons and has one year of eligibility remaining.

Pendleton started seven games this season and still has three years of eligibility left.

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College Football

Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison from Phoenix Declares for NFL Draft

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman talks during media day ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship game

Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who was named a freshman All-American in 2022 and became a team captain before an October hip injury ended his 2024 season, has declared for the NFL Draft.

Morrison made his announcement on social media Thursday, saying, “This is not just the end of one chapter — it’s the beginning of another. I’ll carry the lessons, memories, and love from Notre Dame every step of the way.”

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Morrison ranked as the No. 23 overall prospect and the No. 3 cornerback for the draft.

In addition to Morrison’s departure, Notre Dame is seeing several players enter the transfer portal after their loss to Ohio State in the CFP national championship. Starting offensive linemen Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan, along with backup Sam Pendleton, have entered the portal, with Pendleton listed as “do not contact.”

Wide receivers Jayden Thomas and Deion Colzie are also in the portal.

Notre Dame players in the 1st half

The 6-foot, 190-pound Morrison had six interceptions as a true freshman in 2022, tying for third in the country and earning All-America honors from ESPN and other outlets. His six interceptions were the most by a Notre Dame player since linebacker Manti Te’o had seven in 2012.

In 2023, Morrison recorded three interceptions and led the team with 10 pass breakups. He was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award and was named a preseason All-America selection. He started the first six games of the 2023 season before suffering the hip injury on October 12 against Stanford, which required season-ending surgery.

Morrison finished his Notre Dame career with 9 interceptions, 27 passes defended, and 84 tackles. He is the son of former NFL safety Darryl Morrison, who played for Washington from 1993 to 1996.

Thomas, a wide receiver, started 12 games over the 2022 and 2023 seasons and accumulated 43 receptions for 838 yards and seven touchdowns with Notre Dame.

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College Football

Ohio State’s Standout Defender Declares for NFL Draft

Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jordan Hancock in action during the game

The Ohio State Buckeyes will be losing an important player in their defense, as cornerback Jordan Hancock has decided to enter the NFL Draft.

Before the 2024 college football season, Hancock wasn’t seen as one of Ohio State’s top draft candidates. Most of the attention went to fellow cornerback Denzel Ward.

However, Hancock had a standout season, recording 48 tackles, an interception, a couple of forced fumbles, and eight passes defended.

The 21-year-old also had a strong performance in the College Football Playoff, especially in the Cotton Bowl against Texas, where he made six tackles and defended one pass.

Standing at 6-foot-1, Hancock has the right size for the NFL and can play several roles in the defense. While he may not be picked in the first round, his draft stock has risen recently, and it will be interesting to see where he gets selected in April.

Ohio State Secures Sixth National Title with Dramatic Victory Over Notre Dame in Playof
Ohio State Secures Sixth National Title with Dramatic Victory Over Notre Dame in Playoffs

As the passing game becomes more important in the NFL, tall and physical cornerbacks like Hancock are in high demand.

Ohio State will be losing many defenders to the NFL Draft, so they will need to fill these gaps for the 2025 season.

Fortunately, the Buckeyes have a strong recruiting class coming in, so they should be able to recover quickly.

Ohio State just won its first national championship in ten years, with a major part of their success being their top-ranked defense.

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NFL (American Football)

Eagles Overtake Chiefs as Super Bowl Favorites After Playoff Odds Update

Eagles Overtake Chiefs as Super Bowl Favorites After Playoff Odds Update
Eagles Overtake Chiefs as Super Bowl Favorites After Playoff Odds Update (NFL)

Following their divisional round win, the Kansas City Chiefs were briefly favored to win the Super Bowl, but recent odds from DraftKings Sportsbook now have the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of them. The Eagles are at +180 odds, while the Chiefs are at +220. The updated odds reflect the current positioning in the playoffs, where the Eagles hold a six-point advantage over the Washington Commanders in the NFC title game. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are only favored by 1.5 points against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC.

Chiefs’ Strong Playoff Track Record Against the Bills

Despite being second in the odds, the Chiefs remain a formidable contender. In his playoff career, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is undefeated against the Bills, with a perfect 3-0 record against Josh Allen. This history strengthens Kansas City’s position as they face Buffalo in a home game that could send them to their third consecutive Super Bowl. The Chiefs’ dominance in these matchups contributes to their chances, even though the Eagles have become the betting favorites.

Eagles Overtake Chiefs as Super Bowl Favorites After Playoff Odds Update
Eagles Overtake Chiefs as Super Bowl Favorites After Playoff Odds Update (NFL)

The Philadelphia Eagles, led by Jalen Hurts, have proven themselves strong at home during the playoffs. The Eagles are undefeated in home playoff games with Hurts at quarterback, boasting a 3-1 record against the spread in those contests. As six-point favorites against the Commanders, the Eagles are in a prime position to advance and potentially claim the top spot in Super Bowl odds, provided they perform as expected in their upcoming NFC title game.

Chiefs and Eagles Battle for Super Bowl Favorites Spot

Kansas City’s shift to Super Bowl favorites after Saturday’s divisional-round win was short-lived. After the results, the Chiefs briefly topped the odds board but were overtaken by the Eagles. Philadelphia, despite not yet playing their divisional round game, saw its chances improve significantly. If the Eagles can avoid an upset in their game against the Commanders, they are poised to leap ahead of the Chiefs in the race for the Super Bowl title.

The Eagles’ path to the Super Bowl appears smoother, as they face the underdog Commanders in the NFC title game. In contrast, the Chiefs face a much tougher test against the Bills or Ravens in the AFC championship. If the Bills or Ravens win, they will likely join the Chiefs as the top Super Bowl contenders, making the AFC championship a critical factor in determining the eventual favorite for the big game.

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NFL (American Football)

Patriots Bring Back Mike Vrabel as Head Coach to Lead New Era of Excellence

Mike Vrabel
Mike Vrabel (NFL)

The New England Patriots introduced Mike Vrabel as their 16th head coach at a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Vrabel, the 2021 NFL Coach of the Year, returns to New England after a successful coaching career, including six seasons as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. His appointment follows an illustrious playing career and coaching history, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the NFL.

Successful Playing Career With the Patriots and NFL Championships

Vrabel is a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, winning titles in 2001, 2003, and 2004. His versatility as a linebacker and valuable contributions to special teams were instrumental in New England’s dynastic success. He was a key player in multiple championship runs and played a major role in the team’s dominant defense. Vrabel’s performances earned him a spot in the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2023.

Mike Vrabel
Mike Vrabel (NFL)

Vrabel transitioned into coaching after retiring from the NFL in 2011. He began his coaching career at Ohio State, before moving on to coaching roles with the Houston Texans. In 2018, he became head coach of the Tennessee Titans, leading them to two division titles and three playoff appearances during his six years in charge. Under his leadership, the Titans upset the Patriots in the 2019 wild card round and claimed the top AFC seed in 2021, earning Vrabel the NFL Coach of the Year award.

Contributions and Achievements During Coaching Career

Vrabel’s coaching tenure with the Titans saw consistent success, with the team competing in high-pressure situations. His strategic decisions were pivotal in the Titans’ upset victories, including a victory over the Ravens in the 2019 playoffs. His leadership style helped develop a competitive team that regularly fought for playoff spots, showcasing his ability to drive his teams to peak performance. Vrabel’s 2021 recognition as Coach of the Year reflected his coaching prowess.

Vrabel’s return to the Patriots marks a new chapter in his career. His extensive experience, both as a player and coach, makes him a natural fit for the organization. Patriots owner Robert Kraft and team officials expressed excitement about Vrabel’s return, given his deep connection to the franchise and proven track record of success. As head coach, Vrabel is expected to bring a blend of leadership, football IQ, and an intense focus on team development, aiming to continue the Patriots’ legacy of excellence.

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NFL (American Football)

Chiefs Host Bills in AFC Championship Rematch as Mahomes-Allen Rivalry Intensifies

Chiefs Host Bills in AFC Championship Rematch as Mahomes-Allen Rivalry Intensifies
Chiefs Host Bills in AFC Championship Rematch as Mahomes-Allen Rivalry Intensifies (NFL)

The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium for the AFC Championship on Sunday. This game is a rematch of previous playoff clashes between two dominant teams. The Chiefs secured their spot by defeating the Houston Texans 23-14, while the Bills edged out the Baltimore Ravens 27-25. With only four teams left in the NFL playoffs, this showdown is highly anticipated, drawing attention to the rivalry between quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.

Rivalry Between Mahomes and Allen Continues

Sunday’s game marks the fourth playoff encounter between Mahomes and Allen, with the Chiefs winning all three prior matchups, including the 2020 AFC Championship. In regular-season play, Allen has a 4-1 record against Mahomes, but Mahomes remains undefeated in postseason encounters. Notably, the Bills handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season in Week 11 with a 30-21 victory. The quarterback rivalry echoes historic matchups like Tom Brady versus Peyton Manning, who faced each other five times in the playoffs.

Chiefs Host Bills in AFC Championship Rematch as Mahomes-Allen Rivalry Intensifies
Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes (NFL)

Fans attending the game can expect a full day of activities at Arrowhead Stadium. Parking lots open at 1:00 p.m., with gates and tailgating areas opening shortly after. Halftime will feature a performance by Big and Rich, enhancing the excitement. The game itself kicks off at 5:40 p.m., with introductions, the national anthem, and the coin toss preceding it. Fans should plan ahead to ensure a smooth experience, including securing tickets and parking passes in advance.

Ticketing and Cashless Policies for Fans

Tickets for the game remain available through platforms like Ticketmaster and third-party sellers. Prices start at $245 for upper-level seats, while lower-bowl tickets begin at $360. Arrowhead Stadium is entirely cashless, so fans must use credit/debit cards or digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. This policy extends to concession stands and retail stores, simplifying transactions throughout the venue.

The weather in Kansas City will be cold on Sunday, with afternoon temperatures near freezing and wind chills in the mid-20s. By kickoff, temperatures will hover around 30 degrees under clearing skies, continuing to drop during the game. Fans should prepare for the cold conditions, dressing warmly to enjoy this high-stakes matchup in comfort. Despite the chill, the atmosphere at Arrowhead promises to be electric.

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NFL (American Football)

Cowboys Launch Coaching Search with Kellen Moore and Explore Familiar Faces for Leadership

Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore (NFL)

The Dallas Cowboys initiated their coaching search with a virtual interview of Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, a former Cowboys offensive coordinator. Moore, who served as Dak Prescott’s play-caller from 2019 to 2022, left for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. His return would mark a key pivot following the departure of Mike McCarthy.

Moore’s Role and Recent Successes

A former backup quarterback for Prescott, Moore became his position coach in 2018. He recently directed a successful Eagles offense, highlighted by Saquon Barkley’s historic 2,000-yard rushing season. The Eagles now face the Rams in the divisional playoffs, showcasing Moore’s impact on their offensive unit.

Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore (NFL)

Dallas plans to interview former head coaches Robert Saleh and Leslie Frazier. Saleh was dismissed by the New York Jets during the 2024 season, while Frazier, now Seattle’s assistant head coach, previously led the Minnesota Vikings. Both candidates bring significant NFL experience to the table.

Jerry Jones Explores Familiar Faces

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has also engaged in informal talks with Colorado coach Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Dallas star. Sanders helped the Cowboys win their last Super Bowl in 1995, a season fans still revere.

Another name in contention is Cowboys legend Jason Witten, an 11-time Pro Bowl tight end. Currently coaching at a private school in Dallas, Witten remains a revered figure in Cowboys history and could be an unconventional but impactful choice.