It’s the middle of January, which means the NFL’s coaching carousel is likely already pushing the highest RPMs it will reach this year. Monday was a prime example as the New England Patriots introduced Mike Vrabel as their next HC while, halfway across the country, the Dallas Cowboys officially put out their “now hiring” placard when they and Mike McCarthy failed to reach a new agreement to keep him in North Texas following the expiration of his contract.

It seems unlikely more jobs will be vacated, however one never knows when a surprise resignation or retirement might crop up – perhaps when a successful young coach burns out … or maybe when an older, established one decides to call it a career after a Super Bowl three-peat. Who’s to say?

So while the list could certainly grow beyond six* openings, let’s assess the current ones from most attractive to least:

1. Chicago Bears

Quarterback situation

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Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 draft and widely regarded as a generational prospect, is supposed to be this franchise’s savior. It didn’t go that way during his highly uneven rookie season, when he too often reverted to his bad college habits by consistently trying to force the issue on lost plays while absorbing a league-worst 68 sacks. Yet Williams also flashed the brilliance that landed him in this position and, while he made plenty of mistakes in terms of game management, he also set a rookie record by throwing 353 consecutive passes without an interception. Bottom line, his presence and potential will be quite an enticement for prospective coaches – Ben Johnson? – eyeing this job.

There’s also plenty to like about 24-year-old backup Tyson Bagent, but it would probably behoove the organization to bring in a veteran to tutor Williams and perhaps serve as a trusted sounding board for both youngsters.

Roster

There are plenty of good players here, notably WRs DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, who was picked eight spots after Williams, RB D’Andre Swift and TE Cole Kmet – though their collective output was certainly depressed by the offense’s dysfunction in 2024. The O-line has room to improve, but it shouldn’t be inordinately blamed for Williams’ outlandish sack total, the rookie causing quite a bit of self-sabotage.

The defense regressed but appears set in key spots with CB Jaylon Johnson, LB Tremaine Edmunds and pass rusher Montez Sweat. All of them need to play better in 2025, and the front seven could use reinforcements.

WR Keenan Allen and G Teven Jenkins are the most notable free agents.

Salary cap

The team is projected to have more than $66 million to spend in free agency, per OverTheCap, which is presently among the seven highest bankrolls in the league. Talent acquisition hasn’t been an issue for GM Ryan Poles, though it obviously needs to coalesce better under the next coaching staff.

2025 NFL draft

Poles’ trade of the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft has one more dividend to pay as the Bears own Carolina’s second-rounder this year. That should mean Chicago picks four times among the top 72 selections, including 10th overall – and there’s definitely more work to do in order to build up the supporting cast around Williams.

Outlook

The prospect of working with Williams on a rookie contract – and with so many other quality pieces in place – should make this a highly desirable job. However a rabid fan base looking for something more than 1985 highlights and memories will expect near-instant results – which won’t be easy in the NFC North, which just sent its three other members into the postseason field. And while the roster is solid, whoever succeeds Matt Eberflus must also ensure there’s philosophical alignment with team president Kevin Warren and Poles given the good work that was done in 2024 was undermined by a lack of appropriate coaching infrastructure to properly develop a rookie quarterback.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Quarterback situation

Dak Prescott is the highest-paid passer in league history after signing a four-year, $240 million extension (with $231 million guaranteed) in September. That’s indicative both of his value to the team and fact he’s effectively tied to the organization financially for at least the next two seasons. He could also be in line for the Comeback Player of the Year Award in 13 months given his 2024 campaign was ruined at the halfway point by a hamstring injury. Still, he was the MVP runner-up a year ago and represents steadiness – and often excellent play – from a position that’s often in flux with teams searching for a head coach. It’s quite feasible that Prescott will own the Cowboys’ career records for passing yards and touchdowns by the end of the 2025 season.

On the backup front, both Cooper Rush and Trey Lance are ticketed for free agency, though Rush – he has won nine of 14 starts while filling in for Prescott since 2021 – is close to an ideal QB2, experienced and reliable but no threat to the starter.

Roster

As is befitting of “America’s Team,” it’s a star-studded group led by Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb and LB Micah Parsons, who are all at or near the top of their respective positional groups from a league-wide perspective. However, assuming Parsons signs his own extension this year, the trio will likely eat up a huge percentage of the salary cap at a time when much of the roster is in transition.

Rush, G Zack Martin, DE DeMarcus Lawrence, WR Brandin Cooks, RB Rico Dowdle and LB Eric Kendricks are among the notable players with expiring contracts. Promising young LB DeMarvion Overshown shredded his knee last month and will be a question mark in 2025.

And there will be a need to better support Prescott and Lamb, who can’t simply carry this offense at all times. Dallas needs answers at running, secondary receivers and on an O-line likely about to lose longtime linchpin Martin. LT Tyler Guyton, the team’s first-round pick in 2024, must improve in Year 2.

Salary cap

At present, the Cowboys have basically nothing to spend in free agency – not that owner Jerry Jones showed a willingness to loosen the purse strings to bring in notable names (or re-sign his key role players) last year. That will certainly change – extending Parsons would likely reduce the $21.3 million base salary he’s owed in 2025 – but roster construction is likely going to be a serious challenge beyond the team’s highly compensated superstars. OT Terence Steele and CB Trevon Diggs could be candidates for restructures.

2025 NFL draft

Dallas owns the 12th pick of the first round but doesn’t currently have a fourth-rounder.

Outlook

There’s a lot to love about this job, namely the presence of such good players at crucial positions. The NFC East is usually a division that’s in play, and Jones typically wants to make the expenditures needed in his ongoing bid to end what’s now nearly a three-decade Super Bowl drought. However the spotlight shines on a coach here like nowhere else, and the requirement to collaborate closely with Jones on football matters is a dynamic unique to the Cowboys – meaning this post truly demands a certain kind of personality.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback situation

Unlike numerous teams throughout the NFL, they have their guy in Trevor Lawrence – that certainty cemented by the five-year, $275 million extension he signed in June, tied for the second-largest contract in league history behind Prescott while linking him to the club through the 2030 season.

But there’s a flip side to that stability given Lawrence has yet to live up to his billing as the top pick of the 2021 draft, when he was hyped as a prospect bound to make an impact on par with John Elway or Peyton Manning. Not only has that not happened – Lawrence has been a Pro Bowler one time and taken the Jags to the playoffs once – but injuries have undercut his performance the past two seasons.

After his rookie year was squandered by Urban Meyer, Lawrence generally played better under Pederson. But the next coach must certainly find a way to truly unlock his potential. The backup situation will need to be addressed anew with Mac Jones headed for free agency.

Roster

Regardless of how one assesses Lawrence, there’s a nice nucleus here. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. was a breakout star on a receiver corps that already boasted Christian Kirk and TE Evan Engram. The defense is stocked with a first-rate pass rusher in Josh Hines-Allen and promising youngsters like Travon Walker, Devin Lloyd and Tyson Campbell. Work needs to be done in the trenches, and the rushing attack, in particular, never really got on track in 2024.

A talent deficit is not a major issue in Duval County even if, overall, the whole has seemingly been less than the sum of the parts here for some time.

Salary cap

Barring any significant roster adjustments – Kirk has occasionally been involved in trade rumors, for example – the Jags should have about $35 million available, which puts them in the middle of the pack league-wide.

2025 NFL draft

Not only does Jacksonville have a top-five pick – No. 5 to be exact – that can be earmarked for the best available player, it has 10 selections overall, which should allow for great flexibility to maneuver around the board if not an opportunity to simply bring in more young talent.

Outlook

This team is only two years removed from winning the AFC South and reaching the divisional round of the playoffs. It nearly won the division again in 2023 despite a rash of injuries. There’s plenty to like here, from the players to the local golf courses.

Yet one intriguing element is the ongoing employment of GM Trent Baalke, who is about to work with his fifth different head coach (interim included) since he joined the front office in 2020. Pederson’s successor will have to take that for what it’s worth, but it’s hard to ignore the power dynamic.

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4. New York Jets

Quarterback situation

So much to unpack here … or pack.

Coming off a hugely disappointing year, Aaron Rodgers has been less than forthcoming about his future plans but is under contract for 2025 (and so is backup Tyrod Taylor). Talented former Florida State star Jordan Travis effectively took a medical redshirt during his rookie year as he continues to work his way back from the grisly ankle injury that ended his Seminoles career late in the 2023 season.

Could be a lot of moving parts here … and there could just as easily be none.

Roster

Recently fired GM Joe Douglas brought plenty of talent into this building – and plenty of players favored by Rodgers – but it never got the Jets close to breaking the league’s longest playoff drought, which now stands at 14 seasons. The high point of Douglas’ tenure was a 2022 draft class that includes CB Sauce Gardner, WR Garrett Wilson – both rookies of the year on their respective sides of the ball – Pro Bowl OLB Jermaine Johnson II and RB Breece Hall. In yet another tricky obstacle course for the Jets’ next brain trust to navigate, all are eligible for extensions this year – though Wilson was the only one of the quartet to play close to his ability in 2024. Johnson missed most of the season with a torn Achilles.

Brothers Quinnen and Quincy Williams have been defensive mainstays, and pass rusher Will McDonald IV had a breakthrough in his sophomore season. The offensive line improved yet will field two new tackles in 2025 with Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses out of contract. CB D.J. Reed is the Jets’ best player poised to hit the open market.

Salary cap

As matters stand now, the Jets have roughly $21 million in cap room. But given the uncertainty around Rodgers, Adams and probably others, that figure seems bound to be fluid.

2025 NFL draft

They’ll select seventh overall in Round 1 – but in a year with an unimpressive quarterback crop. They own the Lions’ third-rounder (96th overall) … but surrendered their own – which comes 23 spots earlier – to acquire Adams in October.

Outlook

Quite obviously, a very mixed bag – one with the potential for an instant about-face given the talent quotient if not necessarily set up for the restart a new coach and general manager might prefer. From a cap standpoint, it probably makes sense to retain Rodgers – if he even wants to play – given how difficult it will be to obtain anyone worthy of promoting as the next quarterbacking savior in 2025. Yet Rodgers’ presence would doubtless be problematic for a new regime trying to lay the groundwork for sustained success, which will be inherently difficult given the impatient nature and problematic reputation that continues to dog owner Woody Johnson – though he is unfailingly willing to invest resources into his wayward football team. Buyer enjoy and buyer beware.

5. New Orleans Saints

Quarterback situation

Meh? Since coming to the Big Easy in 2023, Derek Carr has pretty much been what he was with the Raiders – solid, steady … unspectacular. He’s essentially exemplified the league average, going 14-13 in 27 starts with the Saints and posting a 98.8 QB rating that’s seven points better than his mark with the Raiders. It’s a decent body of work, especially considering the protection problems Carr has had and a steady rate of injuries affecting him (he missed seven games in 2024) and his receiver corps.

It’s also not exactly what New Orleans was hoping for after signing Carr to a four-year, $150 million contract – the franchise trying to restore itself as an NFC South power after wallowing around .500 following Drew Brees’ retirement in the aftermath of the 2020 season. Yet it’s been status quo at best with Carr, the club still mired in a rut and failing again to qualify for its first playoff game since Brees and Co. were ousted four years ago.

Youngsters Spencer Rattler, 24, and Jake Haener, 25, struggled while getting shots to play when Carr was unavailable. Rattler’s intriguing potential dates to his high school days and sometimes-promising tenures at the University of Oklahoma and University of South Carolina. The rookie was the first quarterback drafted last year outside the first round (Round 5) and didn’t exactly get to play with a full deck given the Saints’ heap of injury issues.

New Orleans is scheduled to pick ninth in the first round of this year’s draft. Cutting Carr would mean a $50 million dead cap hit but would spare the Saints from paying his base salary, which balloons from $1.2 million in 2024 to $30 million next season and $50 million in 2026. It would also stand to reason that a new coach, especially an offensively minded one, probably would prefer to chart a course that doesn’t include Carr in what would likely be a temporary role.

Roster

Several name brands here – LB Demario Davis, DE Cam Jordan and RB Alvin Kamara among them. But aside from Kamara, who recently signed a two-year extension, they’re all pretty much in concerning decline. GM Mickey Loomis admitted after Dennis Allen’s midseason firing that the former head coach had been victimized by ‘an avalanche of injuries.’

The future foundation will seemingly be comprised of relative youngsters such as DT Bryan Bresee, LT Taliese Fuaga, DE Carl Granderson, C Erik McCoy, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, WR Chris Olave, G Cesar Ruiz, WR Rashid Shaheed, DB Alontae Taylor and LB Pete Werner. It doesn’t necessarily seem like a nascent powerhouse, yet it’s also far from an empty cupboard.

Salary cap

No team runs up the NFL version of credit card debt like this one, and it could be an important consideration for anyone who chooses to team with Loomis, who just finished his 23rd season with the small-market franchise and is currently the league’s longest-serving general manager. The Saints typically spread out contractual cap hits by adding void years to player contracts. New Orleans is presently more than $50 million overspent in 2025 – the largest figure in the league by orders of magnitude – and that’s before incurring the potential hit that would be created by parting with Carr. The team often does a series of significant restructures and/or releases every March to become cap compliant, but that can handcuff the Saints once free agency begins in earnest. DE Chase Young, who signed a one-year, $13 million pact, was the only significant addition in 2024.

2025 NFL draft

Their organic picks mean they’ll select in the top 10 in each of the first four rounds. Trading CB Marshon Lattimore at midseason also upped the arsenal nicely, the Pro Bowler netting an extra third- and fourth-rounder in a deal with the Commanders. The added capital at least provides flexibility if Loomis opts to pursue a passer.

Outlook

When you’re talking about one of 32 jobs, prospective candidates are unlikely to turn their noses up at this one. There’s enough to like and (currently) a stable enough front office and ownership situation that the next man up should get a decent runway to flourish. Few fans are as passionate as New Orleans’, and the civic bond to the organization was only strengthened by Hurricane Katrina. This job may rate lower among the vacancies, but that doesn’t mean it’s one to run from.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Quarterback situation

If you’ve got five, as the Silver and Black did at the end of their season, the problem is self-evident. Aidan O’Connell, Desmond Ridder and rookie Carter Bradley wound up on the active roster with Gardner Minshew II on injured reserve and Jake Luton on the practice squad. Statistically, the Raiders actually had a middling passing game in 2024, if only because of a complete inability to run the ball.

But it was patently obvious why they coveted Jayden Daniels in last year’s draft. O’Connell has shown enough to be a bridge to the future and maybe a long-term backup – roles that Minshew has capably executed. But barring the pursuit of, say, Sam Darnold, difficult to discern where a 2025 solution is emanating from.

Roster

Fired GM Tom Telesco’s replacement probably has to at least consider trading Crosby, who has in many ways become the face of the franchise but has also grown tired of losing. His value is unlikely to get any higher.

Salary cap

Las Vegas will have more than $90 million for free agency – only the Patriots are expected to have more casino chips – which could make the Raiders a player for someone like Darnold if he becomes available and certainly opens up additional possibilities.

2025 NFL draft

With the Jets’ third-rounder at their disposal, the Silver and Black have four of the top 73 selections, including No. 6 overall – though there appear to be three QB-needy teams ahead of them (Titans, Browns, Giants). Regardless, the Raiders could be in striking of distance of passers like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders … if they so choose.

Outlook

If this franchise is indeed turning around, it’s reversing course with the speed of an aircraft carrier (which isn’t quickly for you non-sailors). With Antonio Pierce out, the next coach will be Las Vegas’ fifth, interim ones included, over a five-season period, so stability has obviously been lacking. And it will be interesting to monitor the role of Tom Brady, who’s now a minority stakeholder in the organization and seems even more likely to be influential in terms of philosophical and personnel input following Telesco’s ouster. He’s already reportedly attempted to woo his former coach, Bill Belichick, away from UNC.

Pierce consistently got this team to play hard, but the horsepower hasn’t been there. And re-establishing a ‘Commitment to Excellence’ will likely only get tougher with the Raiders left by the wayside at a time when the other three AFC West teams made the postseason, the Chargers and Broncos well ahead on their reboots and pursuit of the champion Chiefs. But at least initial expectations here should be manageable … theoretically.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams both tried to normalize an unprecedented situation while many hearts and minds were on Southern California due to the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the Los Angeles area.

Perhaps the spirit of Los Angeles fueled the Rams as they cruised to a 27-9 victory.

Matthew Stafford passed for 209 yards and two touchdowns and the Rams defense sacked Vikings QB Sam Darnold nine times, tying an NFL playoff record. They also forced two turnovers.

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Darnold was stripped sacked by Rams CB Ahkello Witherspoon midway through the second quarter, the loose football was picked up by Rams OLB Jared Verse and he rumbled to the end zone for the scoop and score to give Los Angeles a 17-3 advantage.

The Rams’ first half onslaught continued with under two minutes in the second quarter when Minnesota turned the ball over on downs. Stafford then proceeded to guide the Rams in the end zone in five plays as he capped off the drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Davis Allen.

The Rams went into halftime up 24-3. Los Angeles’ defense sacked Darnold six times and produced two takeaways in the first half.

Los Angeles’ defense forced the Vikings to punt on their opening drive of the second half. The Rams went on an 11-play series that ended in a successful 44-yard field goal by K Joshua Karty to extend their lead to 27-3.

The Vikings, facing an insurmountable deficit, were just trying to play catch up the rest of the way. Minnesota fans exited the stadium in the fourth quarter.

The Rams victory earns them a trip to Philadelphia for the divisional round of the playoffs where they will take on the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

The final game of the wild-card round was held in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale following the NFL’s decision last Thursday to relocate the playoff game from SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium in the interest of public safety after wildfires wreaked havoc on the Los Angeles area. Monday’s contest was only the second playoff game in NFL history to be relocated and the league’s first postseason game to move because of natural disaster.

The atmosphere inside State Farm Stadium had a Los Angeles-feel. The Rams provided free charter bus roundtrip transportation for 1,500 season ticket holders to Glendale. Rams fans tailgated in the stadium’s parking lot, Rams players, coaches and staff wore custom Los Angeles Fire Department shirts and hats with the Los Angeles Rams monogram on them, a “Thank You Firefighters and First Responders” banner hung near the south end zone and “LA Together” in royal blue wrapped around the stadium’s lower bowl.

The entire Rams organization will head back to Los Angeles with heavy hearts from the wildfires, but they were triumphant in the NFC wild-card round and are moving on to Philadelphia.

While certainly not the biggest star of his day, Bobby Abreu was one of baseball’s most accomplished players in an era known for offense and has seen his Hall of Fame support rise in his five years on the ballot.

Abreu’s greatness began in 1998 with the Phillies, posting a 6.4 WAR campaign in his first season as a full-time player – after being dealt to Philadelphia the same day he was selected by the Devil Rays (from the Astros) in that year’s expansion draft.

An on-base machine before OBP was cool, Abreu reached base at a .402 clip with an .894 OPS from 1998-2010, averaging 21 homers and 95 RBI over that span. A low-key stolen base threat, Abreu finds himself in elite company as one of only six players in history with 250 home runs and 400 steals.

Abreu barely stayed on the Hall of Fame ballot in his first year with 5.5% of the vote but has gotten that number as high as 15.4%, obviously well short of the 75% required for election halfway through his 10 years on the ballot.

Here’s a closer look at Abreu’s Hall of Fame credentials:

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The case for Bobby Abreu

Over the course of his career (1996-2014), only Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Chipper Jones reached base more times than Abreu (3,979).

Other than Abreu, the only players with 250 career home runs and 400 steals are Rickey Henderson, Craig Biggio, Joe Morgan, Bobby Bonds and Barry Bonds. Abreu’s nine 20-20 seasons are the third most ever, behind the Bonds father-son duo who each did it 10 times.

Abreu’s seven-year stretch from 1998-2004 holds up pretty well against the first seven years of $765 million man Juan Soto’s career. While Soto’s youth makes the comparison somewhat apples-to-oranges, Abreu’s advantage in WAR and their strikingly similar slash lines – .308/.416/.525 for Abreu, .285/.421/.532 for Soto – show just how good the Venezuelan was in his prime.

The case against

Abreu’s excellence exists in the context of the Steroid Era and thus, his numbers were always overshadowed. Celebrated for his on-base acumen, Abreu never even led the league in OBP. His career-best .446 mark in 1999 was only good for fourth in baseball. Abreu also hit a career-high .335 that year, finishing seventh in the majors.

Abreu was among the best all-around hitters in the game, but his power numbers left something be desired, only hitting more than 25 home runs twice in his 18-season career.

The Phillies traded Abreu in 2006 – the year before their 14-year playoff drought ended – and he didn’t get to enjoy the spoils of the club’s success with longtime Philadelphia teammates like Pat Burrell and Jimmy Rollins, only playing 20 career postseason games.

Voting trends

2020: 5.5%
2021: 8.7%
2022: 8.6%
2023: 15.4%
2024: 14.8%

Bottom line

Halfway through his time at the ballot, it’s pretty clear that Bobby Abreu isn’t going to get into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His vote share should climb a bit more in the years to come, but last year’s stagnation crushed any hopes of a grassroots Cinderella run to 75%.

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U.S. Soccer and Bank of America are teaming up to throw a World Cup party.

As part of a long-term partnership announced Tuesday morning, Bank of America will sponsor U.S. Soccer House during the men’s World Cup in 2026. Similar to the popular Team USA House at the Olympics, it will give U.S. fans a central place to gather, watch games and relax during the five-week tournament.

Soccer House will be located in Los Angeles, where the U.S. men will kick off the World Cup on June 12, 2026. The USMNT also has its third group-stage game there June 25, 2026.

A total of eight games will be played in L.A., including two round-of-32 games and a quarterfinal. Los Angeles is also the site of the 2028 Olympic Games, where the U.S. women will be the defending gold medalists.

“We’re eager to further fuel the growth of soccer,” David Tyrie, Bank of America’s chief digital officer and chief marketing officer, said in a statement announcing the sponsorship deal.

“Our investments in the U.S. Soccer Federation and in soccer overall provide unique and ongoing opportunities to build client relationships, engage our teammates, and drive positive economic impact, locally and globally, as the most popular sport in the world takes center stage over the next two years and beyond.”

U.S. Soccer took back its commercial rights two years ago, and has made a series of deals designed to support growth across all stages of the game.

Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, pledged $50 million for a national team training center currently under construction outside Atlanta. In addition to being a home for the national teams and their staffs, it will offer educational resources for lower-level coaches and referees. Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang gave $30 million that will be used to bolster talent identification in the women’s game and give more competitive opportunities for the USWNT’s youth teams.

The partnership with Bank of America is a broad one, supporting all 27 national teams, including the USMNT and USWNT, as well as the grass-roots game. As part of the deal, Bank of America will sponsor an annual Fan Appreciation Match as well as Play it Forward community clinics.

It also is launching SheInvests, designed to help women with financial planning and investment advice. SheInvests is the latest part of SheBelieves, which began as a tournament against some of the USWNT’s top competition and has grown into a program that focuses on empowering and inspiring women in and outside of sport.

‘To see Bank of America recognizing the importance of being in the female space and also supporting an underdeveloped area of business, and that is women investors or women understanding their financial wealth, real credit to them for supporting it,’ USWNT coach Emma Hayes told USA TODAY Sports.

It took just hours between the Dallas Cowboys announcing Mike McCarthy was out as head coach for a big name to enter the fold: Deion Sanders. The Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Cowboys star was named as a potential target for the Cowboys in their search for a new head coach.

Sanders is currently coach of the Colorado Buffaloes’ football team, a position he’s held since 2023. Hours after reports of the Cowboys reaching out to him about the job, Sanders responded.

“I love [Cowboys owner Jerry Jones] and believe in Jerry,’ Sanders told ESPN on Monday night during the Vikings-Rams playoff game, per Adam Schefter. ‘After you hang up, and process it, and think about it, it’s intriguing. But I love Boulder and everything there is about our team, the coaches, our student body and the community.”

Sanders just finished his second season with the Buffaloes. Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy as the Buffaloes improved to 9-4 following a 4-8 finish in Sanders’ first season in Boulder.

Sanders previously said he would consider coaching in the NFL if he could coach his sons, Shedeur and Shilo. Shedeur is expected to go early in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.

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Former Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant voiced his support for Sanders to take the job on X. Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III also said the Cowboys should hire Sanders prior to these reports.

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — It’s fitting that Monday’s night NFC wild card game transpired like a Hollywood movie script.

Deadly wildfires that scorched the Los Angeles area forced the NFL to relocate a playoff game for the second time in league history. Head coach Sean McVay and wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were among the coaches and players who evacuated their residents. A Los Angeles Rams official told USA TODAY Sports that roughly 30 members of the organization (coaches, players and staff members) evacuated their homes due to the fires.

The Rams had an understandable reason to be distracted versus the Minnesota Vikings at State Farm Stadium on Monday night. But they channeled the devastation from the wildfires into motivation as they routed the Vikings 27-9 to advance to Sunday’s NFC divisional round versus the Philadelphia Eagles.

‘There was definitely every excuse in the book to come out here and be lethargic,’ Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said. ‘But we knew we weren’t playing just for us. (We were) playing for people back home that needed something to, you know, watch and enjoy. And I’m glad we could give that to them.’

Stafford completed his first 10 passes and helped the Rams race out to a 10-0 lead. It was an advantage the Rams would never relinquish.

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The Rams dominated the first half and built a 24-3 halftime lead. They connected on a field goal to get the second-half scoring under way, which by that point the contest had already been decided.

The Rams defense sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold nine times – tying an NFL playoff record and they forced two turnovers in what was a commanding win in all three phases.

‘They represented the city the right way. You talk about sports offering a platform for people coming together and offering a little bit of temporary relief. I thought the way our team competed tonight was what it looked like,’ McVay said. ‘To stay connected (and) to stay together. Just the fight, the spirit (and) the resilience. All the different things that are great traits that this team has really built through the challenges that they’ve gone through over the course of this season.’

The biggest challenge of the Rams’ season off the field are the wildfires that have killed at least 24 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area.

The NFL moved Monday’s playoff game from SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium due to the deadly wildfires.

The Arizona Cardinals were gracious host. The organization sent two team planes to Los Angeles to pick up the Rams and their family members, opened their Tempe, Arizona-based practice facility for the Rams to use and organized State Farm Stadium to replicate a Rams home game.

The Rams provided fans with more than 15 buses and roundtrip transportation to Inglewood to Glendale for the wild card game. State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale had a Los Angeles atmosphere.

Many Rams players hoped the game could be a diversion for spectators at the venue and watching back in Southern California. And the Rams made sure the playoff game had a Hollywood-movie type ending.

‘I just hope that they were able to, you know, escape whatever was going on. I hope that the feeling of devastation was lifted through our play, and allowed them to be able to forget kind of what was going on back at home, and to give them hope. We went out there to play our hearts out for the city of L.A.,’ Rams running back Kyren Williams said. ‘Like I said it wasn’t just for this team, but it was more for the city. I hope that, you know, they were able to escape and forget kind of what was going on and continue to, you know, lean on us as we go through this thing.’

Rams safety Quentin Lake echoed similar sentiments.

‘I think for us to come out and play the way we did, to see the fans, to see the support that we got in the midst of what’s going on in L.A., was huge,’ Lake told USA TODAY Sports. ‘I think it gives them hope and joy.’

Three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev smashed his racket and a net camera in frustration after losing a set, but rallied to advance to the second round on Tuesday by outlasting wild card entrant Kasidit Samrej of Thailand.

The No. 5-seeded Russian earned a code violation for racket abuse as play was held up before the fourth set while workers swept up debris from the court.

‘At the end of last year, this match I probably would have lost,’ Medvedev said after his 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory. ‘Now it’s a new year and new energy … So I’m happy to win this match.’

No. 4 Taylor Fritz cruises into Round 2

Elsewhere on Tuesday in Melbourne, American Taylor Fritz made a strong start in his bid to end a 22-year Grand Slam drought for American men.

The fourth seed stayed cool throughout his match against compatriot Jenson Brooksby, easing to a 6-2, 6-0, 6-3 win that showed why he is now considered best placed to end the USA’s long wait for a major men’s title.

Brooksby, returning from two years on the sidelines after having operations on both wrists and serving a 13-month doping suspension, fought until the bitter end but was no match for Fritz, who sealed the victory with his 34th winner.

Elena Rybakina, Emma Navarro also prevail

It was plain sailing for former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina as she blitzed Australian wildcard Emerson Jones 6-1, 6-1 with new coach Goran Ivanisevic watching on impressed.

Danish 13th seed Holger Rune was pushed all the way to five sets and Emma Navarro also had a tough time in one of three all-American ties, the women’s eighth seed surviving a major scare to beat Peyton Stearns 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 7-5.

Navarro was on the back foot for almost the entirety of her three hour, 20 minute clash on Rod Laver Arena with world No. 46 Stearns before rallying from a break down to win the final four games of the third set and claim victory.

‘Crazy match today,’ Navarro said after sealing the deal with an emphatic backhand winner.

In a French thriller on Court Three, experience got the better of potential as Gael Monfils edged Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (7), 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (5), 6-4, while there were also wins for 2021 U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu, ninth seed Daria Kasatkina and former men’s world No. 6 Matteo Berrettini.

Australian Open Day 3 results

Women’s singles

6-Elena Rybakina (KAZ) beat Emerson Jones (AUS) 6-1 6-1
Iva Jovic (USA) beat Nuria Parrizas Diaz (ESP) 6-2 6-1
Danka Kovinic (MNE) beat Lulu Sun (NZL) 6-3 7-5
32-Dayana Yastremska (UKR) beat Mayar Sherif (EGY) 6-1 6-4
19-Madison Keys (USA) beat Ann Li (USA) 6-4 7-5
Elena-Gabriela Ruse (ROU) beat Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) 6-4 6-0
15-Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) beat Julia Riera (ARG) 4-6 7-5 6-2
Erika Andreeva (RUS) beat Saisai Zheng (CHN) 6-1 7-6(6)
Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) beat Olivia Gadecki (AUS) 6-1 6-1
22-Katie Boulter (GBR) beat Rebecca Marino (CAN) 6-4 3-6 7-5
Renata Zarazua (MEX) beat Taylor Townsend (USA) 6-7(6) 6-1 6-2
Jasmine Paolini (ITA) beat Sijia Wei (CHN) 6-0 6-4
8-Emma Navarro (USA) beat Peyton Stearns (USA) 6-7(5) 7-6(5) 7-5
Xiyu Wang (CHN) beat Julia Grabher (AUT) 6-1 7-5
Ons Jabeur (TUN) beat Anhelina Kalinina (UKR) 6-3 6-3
Camila Osorio (COL) beat 31-Maria Sakkari (GRC) 6-4 6-7(4) 6-4
24-Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) beat Elina Avanesyan (ARM) 4-6 7-5 6-2
Shuai Zhang (CHN) beat McCartney Kessler (USA) 6-3 6-4
Yafan Wang (CHN) beat Anna Bondar (HUN) 3-6 6-3 6-4
9-Daria Kasatkina (RUS) beat Viktoriya Tomova (BGR) 6-1 6-3
13-Eva Lys (DEU) beat Kimberly Birrell (AUS) 6-2 6-2
Varvara Gracheva (FRA) beat Catherine McNally (USA) 6-3 6-4
Emma Raducanu (GBR) beat 26-Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS) 7-6(4) 7-6(2)
Amanda Anisimova (USA) beat Maria Lourdes Carle (ARG) 6-2 6-3

Men’s singles

5-Daniil Medvedev (RUS) beat Kasidit Samrej (THA) 6-2 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-2
Marcos Giron (USA) beat Yannick Hanfmann (DEU) 2-6 7-5 6-1 7-5
Tomas Martin Etcheverry (ARG) beat 32-Flavio Cobolli (ITA) 6-7(8) 6-3 7-5 6-1
18-Hubert Hurkacz (POL) beat Tallon Griekspoor (NLD) 7-5 6-4 6-4
Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) beat Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 7-5 3-6 6-3 3-6 6-3
Matteo Berrettini (ITA) beat Cameron Norrie (GBR) 6-7(4) 6-4 6-1 6-3
13-Holger Rune (DNK) beat Zhizhen Zhang (CHN) 4-6 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-4
Gabriel Diallo (CAN) beat Luca Nardi (ITA) 6-7(1) 7-6(3) 5-7 6-1 6-2
19-Karen Khachanov (RUS) beat Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 7-6(5) 6-3 6-3
31-Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) beat Alexander Bublik (KAZ) 7-6(1) 6-3 6-2
Facundo Diaz Acosta (ARG) beat Zizou Bergs (BEL) 6-7(5) 6-4 1-6 6-3 6-4
Tristan Boyer (USA) beat Federico Coria (ARG) 6-3 6-7(3) 4-6 7-5 6-1
8-Alex De Minaur (AUS) beat Botic Van De Zandschulp (NLD) 6-1 7-5 6-4
4-Taylor Fritz (USA) beat Jenson Brooksby (USA) 6-2 6-0 6-3
Cristian Garin (CHL) beat Borna Coric (HRV) 7-5 6-1 6-2
Daniel Altmaier (DEU) beat Francisco Comesana (ARG) 6-2 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 6-4
Gael Monfils (FRA) beat 30-Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (FRA) 7-6(7) 6-3 6-7(6) 6-7(5) 6-4
21-Ben Shelton (USA) beat Brandon Nakashima (USA) 7-6(3) 7-5 7-5
Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) beat Kamil Majchrzak (POL) 6-4 6-4 6-3
Denis Shapovalov (CAN) beat Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) 3-6 6-4 6-4 7-6(8)
16-Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) beat Matteo Arnaldi (ITA) 7-6(4) 4-6 7-6(5) 6-3
Joao Fonseca (BRA) beat 9-Andrey Rublev (RUS) 7-6(1) 6-3 7-6(5)
Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) beat Stan Wawrinka (CHE) 6-4 5-7 7-5 7-5
Corentin Moutet (FRA) beat 25-Alexei Popyrin (AUS) 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4
Mitchell Krueger (USA) beat Rinky Hijikata (AUS) 6-4 6-4 6-3
Learner Tien (USA) beat Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) 4-6 7-6(3) 6-3 5-7 6-4

Sometimes, divorce is the best option – for everyone. Mom, dad, the kids.

The metaphor loosely applies to the Dallas Cowboys and Mike McCarthy, the sides choosing a parting of the ways Monday with the head coach’s contract expired after five seasons marked by significant highs and the lows America’s Team has typically experienced for decades. Though the Cowboys had an exclusive window to reach an extension with McCarthy in the preceding days, an agreement was never reached.

McCarthy went 50-38, including postseason, with Dallas. His .583 regular-season winning percentage was the fourth best in franchise history even after being depressed by a 7-10 campaign in 2024, when he had significant elements working against him.

Where do the parties go now, and who comes out of this decision better off? Some winners and losers as McCarthy and Dallas wade into HC free agency.

WINNERS

Mike McCarthy

Leading the Cowboys is a tough job. Jerry Jones is the only owner in the league who effectively doubles as a general manager and so frequently interacts with the media and fans, a dynamic which makes for a delicate dynamic for any coach. McCarthy generally navigated it well and produced three consecutive 12-win regular seasons from 2021 to ’23, two NFC East titles earned in that span. He already has a Super Bowl win (2010 with the Green Bay Packers) on a résumé that includes 185 NFL wins and should immediately become a prominent commodity on the head coaching market as the 2025 cycle really gets spinning.

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NFL teams with coaching vacancies

With the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets all casting nets for their next HCs, there doesn’t exactly appear to be another white whale out there – now that Mike Vrabel has expectedly taken the New England Patriots’ job – aside from Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The Bears have already attempted to talk to McCarthy – the Cowboys denied permission during their exclusive negotiating window – while the Jags might also be enticing given the pieces in place on their roster.

Elsewhere, McCarthy could be uniquely qualified for the Jets given QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Davante Adams (currently) remain under contract with the club – he coached both with the Packers – and no one might be better able to bridge the gap for a franchise clearly in some level of transition. But … McCarthy would need to have the stomach to work for Woody Johnson, who’s only a rung or two below Jones when it comes to involvement above from ownership.

Bill Belichick?

It’s already been reported that multiple NFL teams, including the Raiders, have reached out to the legendary coach, who took the University of North Carolina’s head job last month. And there was speculation Belichick might be a candidate to replace McCarthy last year following Dallas’ playoff flameout against Green Bay. Belichick and Jones have a close relationship, and the Cowboys come with many of the resources and talented players that might lure many prospective candidates toward the job.

Of course, as it pertains to Belichick, would that be sufficient to break his contract with UNC a month into the new adventure? There’s also the question of whether he could actually coexist professionally with Jones – something his mentor, Hall of Famer Bill Parcells, only managed for four years. Nevertheless, it’s one more option the 72-year-old could probably consider at a stage of his life and career when he essentially doesn’t have to fret much about long-term repercussions.

Deion Sanders?

He’s apparently regarded as a candidate to take over the team he played for when it won Super Bowl 30 so many years ago. Though there have been enough mixed signals, Sanders has repeatedly indicated a preference to remain at the University of Colorado aside from unique conditions that would lure him to the NFL, specifically coaching his sons. But given the contract QB Dak Prescott signed in September, hard to envision any scenario where former Buffs QB Shedeur Sanders comes to Dallas in 2025.

Former NFL head coaches

Whether or not Belichick is viable, given how desperate Jones is to break his team’s Super Bowl hex, it stands to reason the owner might lean toward hiring someone with familiarity in a leading role to replace McCarthy – who followed the likes of Parcells and Wade Phillips, though they preceded longtimer Jason Garrett. But this could be an opening more appropriate for, say, Pete Carroll or Kliff Kingsbury, maybe even Steve Spagnuolo, who would offer experience and, theoretically, a full appreciation of what this very challenging job entails.

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LOSERS

Aspiring NFL head coaches

Whether it’s Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Liam Coen, Joe Brady, Jesse Minter, Bobby Slowik or otherwise, the Dallas job probably isn’t one where a potential first-time HC would get a ton of consideration – perhaps Johnson might, but he’s also made it clear he won’t take any job but the one that’s absolutely right for him. Worse, with McCarthy now in play, there could well be one fewer landing spot elsewhere in the league for hot (or relatively hot) assistants seeking their opportunity for the big promotion.

(The one notable exception could be Philadelphia Eagles OC Kellen Moore, who held the same role in Dallas for four seasons after previously serving as a backup quarterback to Tony Romo and Prescott. Moore’s coaching arrow is again on a rising trajectory given how Philly’s offense has rehabbed this season – thank you also, Saquon Barkley – and he would possess a near-complete understanding of what working for Jones is like.)

Jerry Jones

Midway through his fourth decade as owner and steward of what’s almost inarguably the country’s most popular sports franchise, he’s once again searching for the man who will lead the Cowboys, now 29 years removed their most recent Super Bowl appearance (and win), back to the promised land. Yet despite the money, publicity (to the degree that’s alluring) and opportunity Jones can offer, there are also aspects of his operation working against him – namely himself. It’s not an easy needle to thread for any coach who might want to rule over his domain, establish a culture and philosophy all while knowing Jones will remain top banana. Jones also didn’t do himself or his team any favors by burning another week talking to McCarthy – as if that couldn’t have been resolved in the previous months – at the expense of speaking to prospective candidates.

And Jerry didn’t help McCarthy in 2024 by dragging his feet before reaching what were basically inevitable extensions with Prescott and WR CeeDee Lamb – and after basically sitting out free agency (despite a repeatedly avowed “all in” approach) even as a good chunk of the team followed former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders, who ultimately leapfrogged the Cowboys in the division. Prospective coaches, especially those already in high demand, will surely need to have their eyes wide open regarding the parameters in play here.

Dak Prescott

His numbers were incredible in 2020, his first with McCarthy, even if the wins weren’t consistently coming before he suffered a dislocated ankle in the fifth game. Prescott made a spectacular comeback in 2021 and was the league’s MVP runner-up last season before a blown hamstring ended his 2024 campaign prematurely. But his play was generally Pro Bowl-caliber under his former coach, he hauled in a record four-year, $240 million extension and consistently expressed his desire that McCarthy remain aboard given Dallas’ baseline of success during his tenure. Now? Effectively back to Square One.

Mike McCarthy

He wasn’t able to end Dallas’ championship drought, and the team’s playoff losses – two to the San Francisco 49ers and last year’s 48-32 blowout defeat to the Packers at AT&T Stadium – reflected a lack of preparation generally and in terms of situational football and adjustments against the Niners more specifically. McCarthy has also been critiqued for a lack of imagination schematically, though he is generally considered one of the league’s better play callers. However given the self-scouting and deep dive into analytics-based football he did between his stints in Green Bay and Dallas, it would track that McCarthy continues to refine his approach ahead of the next job he presumably accepts.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.

With just two days before the window to sign him opens, the field for star Japanese right-hander Rōki Sasaki has narrowed – setting up a likely battle between the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers for perhaps the most impactful addition this winter.

Sasaki, 23, can be acquired for a signing bonus within a team’s pool to acquire international players – and the signing team would control his rights for at least six years. That makes the former Chiba Lotte star a wildly valuable asset – and multiple teams have been informed they’re out of the running.

That process picked up steam Monday when San Francisco Giants general manager Zack Minasian told reporters that the club has been informed Sasaki will not sign with them; recent signee Justin Verlander gives the Giants five starters to begin camp.

Shortly thereafter, the New York Yankees’ YES Network reported that they, too, were informed Sasaki will not be signing with them, and The Athletic reported that the crosstown Mets, too, were out.

That leaves the Dodgers – with whom Sasaki met last month- and Padres – with Sasaki idol Yu Darvish in their rotation – as the likely favorites. Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, said on a media teleconference last week that Sasaki, who returned to Japan after the holidays after meeting with multiple teams at Wolfe’s Los Angeles office – likely wouldn’t add more teams in the running. He also noted Sasaki might visit teams in the running, but not necessarily.

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With that in mind, Sasaki visited the Toronto Blue Jays last week, although Major League Baseball’s lone Canadian team seems ripe for another disappointing letdown, in the wake of failed pursuits of two-way star Shohei Ohtani and slugger Juan Soto each of the past two seasons.

Still believed to be in on Sasaki: The Dodgers, Padres and Blue Jays, with multiple reports in Chicago saying the Cubs were informed they were out. The Dallas Morning News reported Monday that the Texas Rangers, longshots at best in the process, were also eliminated.

Yet the likeliest outcome remains Sasaki – who posted a 2.02 ERA in four professional seasons in Japan – landing with one of the two NL West heavyweights who battled in the NLDS last fall. Sasaki’s signing window runs from Wednesday through Jan. 23.

‘He is definitely driving the ship,’ Wolfe said last week, ‘and calling the shots.’