South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley made waves when she interviewed for the then-vacant head coaching job of the New York Knicks at the end of June.

Staley, however, isn’t convinced NBA teams are prepared to make history and hire the first woman as head coach.

“If I’m the Knicks coach and the Knicks have a five-game losing streak, it’s not going to be about the losing streak, it’s going to be about being a female coach,” Staley said Tuesday, Oct. 14, during the SEC’s media day session. “So you, as an organization and a franchise, you have to be prepared for that and strong enough to ignore those types of instances when you’re going to look to hire a female coach.’

Staley , 55, is entering her 18th season as the head coach of the Gamecocks and said in August she would’ve taken the Knicks job if it had been offered. Despite that, Staley doesn’t think she’ll live to see that type of trailblazing hire.

“No, I don’t,” Staley added when asked directly if she thought an NBA team would hire a woman as head coach in her lifetime. “And I hope I’m wrong.”

Staley said her interview with New York was legitimate and came about because of her prior relationship with Knicks president Leon Rose and executive vice president and senior basketball advisor William Wesley, otherwise known as “Worldwide Wes.”

Winner of three national championships over the last nine seasons, Staley is widely considered to be one of the all-time great coaches in women’s college basketball history.

The Knicks ultimately tabbed Mike Brown as their head coach, replacing Tom Thibodeau, who was fired in June.

Although Staley was pessimistic about an NBA team potentially hiring a woman as head coach, she said her experience with the Knicks was informative and vowed to help any other female candidates with what the interview process might entail.

“If there is somebody that is interested in knowing and interested in being the first female NBA coach and such, I’ve got all the information,” Staley said. “Come see me, cause I’ll get you prepared for the interview. And if there are NBA franchises that are interested in hiring a female, I’m here, too, because you’ve got to be ready to take that on that and all the things that it comes with because it’s not just about hiring the first female coach.”

South Carolina announced Monday, Oct. 13, that senior forward Chloe Kitts will miss the entire 2025-26 season due to injury. The Gamecocks are entering the 2025-26 season ranked No. 2 in the AP preseason Top 25 poll.

Christian Pulisic was forced to leave Tuesday’s U.S. men’s national team friendly against Australia early with an injury.

Following the match, U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino said that Pulisic suffered a hamstring injury.

‘He felt something in his hamstring,’ Pochettino said. ‘Tomorrow he will fly to Italy, tonight we will assess, and we cannot say nothing at the moment.’

Pulisic came into the game dealing with an ankle issue that first cropped up in AC Milan’s preseason, but was fit enough to start after playing the final 20 minutes of Friday’s 1-1 draw against Ecuador.

But the star attacker’s night was over by the 31st minute as he limped off the pitch at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.

Pulisic was slow to get up after a 15th-minute tackle from Australia defender Jason Geria, who won the ball but also appeared to follow through into Pulisic’s leg.

But the 27-year-old was able to continue — until another confrontation with Geria just 10 minutes later.

Pulisic spun Geria with a great turn near midfield, and the defender clipped the attacker from behind to stop a U.S. break. As the referee gave Geria a yellow card, Pulisic remained down on the turf.

After U.S. trainers checked Pulisic out, the AC Milan attacker was withdrawn from the match in favor of Diego Luna.

Pulisic was able to walk off under his own power, but appeared visibly frustrated as he went to the bench and then eventually down the tunnel.

Jordan Bos gave Australia the lead in the 19th minute, but Haji Wright equalized for the USMNT just two minutes after Pulisic left the pitch.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Bijan Robinson racked up a career-high 238 yards from scrimmage in the Falcons’ win over the Bills.
Falcons coach Raheem Morris re-upped his claim that Robinson is ‘the best player in football.’
Robinson, however, prefers not to be in the spotlight when it comes to receiving praise for his performances.

ATLANTA – Bijan Robinson can cut on a dime, overpower a linebacker in the open field and zip through a crack of daylight for a long-distance run and make it all look so easy.

Yet it seemed apparent in the aftermath of his career game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday night – Robinson stole the show with a career-high 238 yards from scrimmage, a career-high-matching 170 rushing yards and a career-long run of 81 yards – that there is at least one trait the Atlanta Falcons star running back is not quite so adept at displaying.

Talking about himself.

Of course, this is a good thing. In a world full of self-promoters and look-at-me messaging, Robinson, 23, is the one who adds a layer of coolness to humility.

I mean, when someone asked what it was like to be in the type of zone he demonstrated in the 24-14 thrashing of the Buffalo Bills, he made it about anything but himself.

“It’s like a three-point shooter,” Robinson said. “Like Steph Curry, when he’s starting to get in a groove, the basket looks so big to him. It seems like he can’t miss.”

Say what? That response resonated more a bit later during his postgame media session, when Robinson wouldn’t take the bait when asked – twice – if he gets into such a flow that he can’t be stopped. He explained that he’d never think that, let alone say it.

“That’s not my style,” he said.

And it seems so authentic for a classy man who heaps praise in so many directions – including his faith and his offensive line – before pointing at himself.

Besides, there are plenty of others willing to talk about the special running back who has amassed more yards from scrimmage through six games (822) than any running back in Falcons history.

“He’s the best player in football,” insists his coach, Raheem Morris. “I’ve said it multiple times. I can’t say it enough.”

Then there was the opinion posted on X by LeBron James, who knows a thing or two about greatness: “Bijan so COLD!!!!!!!!”

Another assessment came from veteran cornerback A.J. Terrell.

“He just keeps better,” Terrell said. “Everything he does just seems so easy. Then you look around the league and realize how special he is. The way he can turn a simple play in to a huge, big play…”

A case in point came on the long-distance touchdown in the second quarter that was longest in the NFL this season. Robinson scooted through a hole off right tackle provided by linemen Elijah Wilkinson and Chris Lindstrom, picked up a block on the edge from receiver Casey Washington, then stepped through Cole Bishop’s attempted tackle near midfield as he tip-toed down the sideline and turned on the after-burners.

This is apparently what Robinson, a third-year pro, envisioned when he set a goal during the offseason to finish off more long runs.

“It always feels like he’s going to break one of those every single time he touches the ball, so it was nice for him to finally get one,” said Morris, whose team improved to 3-2. “It was the longest play of his career, whatever the case may be. But we’ve been waiting for that moment.”

Robinson acknowledged that he came in with extra motivation because he would share the stage with Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the reigning NFL MVP.

Then again, Robinson always finds a way to get an edge. He’s established a ritual over the years of watching video tape of great running backs – other great running backs, that is – in helping with his mindset.

Before Monday’s game, he watched highlights from Adrian Peterson’s freshman year at Oklahoma – more striking since his alma mater, Texas, just defeated the Sooners on Saturday in the annual Red River Rivalry.

“I just pick a guy, whether it’s college or the NFL, and see what kind of moves he’s got, how he attacks downfield,” Robinson explained of his habit. “That’s the kind of game I had today.”

Not that he plans to bask in it. While the Falcons have climbed above .500 for the first time this season, it wasn’t too long ago – three weeks, to be exact – that they were embarrassed during a shutout loss at Carolina.

Robinson knows. For his team to emerge as a legit contender, it needs to consistently show up as it did on Monday night, when the Falcons offense racked up 443 yards and the defense manhandled a prolific Buffalo offense.

That’s where Robinson’s humility may serve a greater purpose.

“For this performance, people are going to come at us like, ‘Wow, look at the Falcons,’ ” he said. “We’ve go to scratch this out of the building.

“Worship and praise, I’ve got to shut that down immediately, because that’s what hurts your team. That’s when you go to the next game and get blown out. So, for us, this was great. We’ll celebrate it tonight, but we’ve got to put this behind us super fast.”

Never mind the social media mentions and hype. The 49ers are up next.

“As a leader of this team, I’m going to continue to harp on it and say, ‘Let’s stop that,’ because we’ve got to focus and win another game.”

Which would be much more likely for the Falcons if their unassuming superstar is leading the way – in action and by example.

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on X: @JarrettBell

The Dallas Cowboys’ loss to the Carolina Panthers drops them to 2-3-1 six weeks into the 2025 NFL season. They’re in danger of falling to last in the NFC East in Week 7 with a game against divisional foe Washington.

But Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones still thinks his team is in the hunt for the division and a playoff spot. Washington’s loss to the Chicago Bears in the final game of Week 6 gave him some hope.

‘It just reminded me that we are still in it,’ Jones said today during an announcement that the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl will be played at the team’s practice facility – The Star – in Frisco, Texas. ‘I see so much parity, then you factor in that these teams get compromised with injury. We can have and may [have it too] but if we should have some good go of it here over the next weeks ahead with our injury situation and return of injury and we can get some wins.’

The Cowboys may be expecting two players back on what’s been a struggling defense so far in 2025. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown could be back after the team’s bye Nov. 9 after a serious knee injury last year. Rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. may make his debut in the next month or so as he finishes rehabilitation on a torn ACL suffered in college.

But what if Jones and company don’t wait for those two players to make their debut? Dallas is armed with extra draft picks thanks to the Micah Parsons trade – an extra first-round pick in the 2026 and 2027 NFL Drafts – and more cap space.

Jones revealed the team is weighing their options ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline.

‘We will weigh what are the likelihood of the players we’ve got coming back, how will they impact where that will put this team as opposed to should we add a player in a trade?’ Jones said. ‘And I don’t have a trade in mind at all. And that comes about right now if someone is on the phone calling.’

Dallas could be active at the trade deadline. Here are six targets they should consider:

Dallas Cowboys trade targets

Edge Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans

Hunter’s been one of the best and most productive pass rushers in the league for a decade. He’ll turn 31 years old later this month but he’s shown no signs of slowing down with age. The Texas native has four sacks through five games this year and ranks eighth league-wide in sack percentage, per NFL Next Gen Stats. His pass-rush get-off time is 0.84 seconds which is also top-10 league-wide.

Dallas’ defense needs help against both the run and pass. Hunter’s the type of edge rusher who can assist in both areas. He’s on pace for career-highs in tackles for loss as well as sacks this season.

What may make this worth it for Houston is the long-term outlook for the franchise. They have contract extensions looming for franchise cornerstones Will Anderson Jr. and C.J. Stroud amid a 2-3 start to the 2025 season. Their playoff chances aren’t looking good and it’d be worth getting value for Hunter, who is only on the books through next season (with three void years tacked on to his contract).

CB Trent McDuffie, Kansas City Chiefs

This one will definitely require one of those extra first-rounders. McDuffie’s been a top-10 cornerback in the NFL since 2023 and is arguably the best slot cornerback in the league. He’s spent more time outside for the Chiefs in 2024 and 2025 and is certainly usable in that alignment.

McDuffie is playing on the fourth year of his five-year rookie contract. Dallas already has two high-priced cornerbacks on the roster in DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs and adding McDuffie would make this the most expensive cornerback room in the league once he’s on his fifth-year option. But he’d also give the team a huge boost in coverage which it needs; Dallas ranks last in the NFL in expected points added (EPA) per pass allowed, per SumerSports.

Kansas City’s developed plenty of great cornerbacks over the years. They could bet on their infrastructure to develop another corner and/or use a first-rounder on a player at the position.

S Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta’s defense has turned things around in 2025 and it’s allowing more fans to understand just how good Bates is in the secondary. The 2023 second-team All-Pro is having a slightly down year by his high standards but is still one of the better safeties in the league.

That’d come in handy for Dallas. Their starting safeties, Juanyeh Thomas and Donovan Wilson, rank 58th and 70th league-wide among 83 qualifying players at their position, per Pro Football Focus (PFF) grading. It’d likely be less expensive than trading for a younger cornerback like McDuffie. And Bates, who is in his age-28 season, still has a couple more years left in his prime.

Bates is a standout run defender who is more than capable in coverage. He’s spent nearly equal amounts of time at the box and free safety positions in 2025, per PFF data, and would be a versatile piece to help in both phases. Plus, Atlanta could recoup a first-round pick after sending theirs in 2026 to the Los Angeles Rams.

DB Jalen Pitre, Houston Texans

Pitre offers youth like McDuffie and versatility like Bates. Though he’s listed as a safety, Pitre’s lined up in the slot for 172 snaps in 2025 compared to 71 everywhere else (defensive line, box safety, free safety, outside corner) combined, per PFF. He’s an absolute menace when he gets a head of steam in run defense and has grown into one of many hard-charging defenders for the Texans.

Like Hunter, Houston could look over the roster given how their season’s gone so far and look to find value if the right call came in. Pitre would likely stay in the slot primarily with Bland and Diggs on the outside much like he does with the Texans. He’s already on a relatively team-friendly deal through 2028 that sees his cap number stay at $13 million at most, per OverTheCap.

There is a question of availability, though. Pitre missed two games in 2023 and five in 2024. But when he’s on the field, he’s a force in the secondary.

WR Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins

If the Cowboys would rather invest even more in the offense rather than help the defense, Waddle could make sense at wide receiver. George Pickens is absolutely balling out for the Cowboys’ offense this season as CeeDee Lamb sits with an injury, but is on the last year of his contract. He’ll likely command a lot of money in free agency next offseason and Dallas may not want to pay up.

Waddle is older than Pickens but currently on a deal that keeps him signed through 2028. Those later years do involve a higher cap hit: $33.83 million in 2027 and $37.21 million in 2028. But with how extensions league-wide are going in recent years, signing players sooner than later is a good call and Waddle’s deal could age well.

Tyreek Hill is out for the season and Waddle’s stepping into a bigger role. He’s a deep threat the Cowboys could use knowing they have him longer-term than Pickens. Miami may be facing a full rebuild this offseason and an extra first-round pick would certainly help that outlook.

Edge Montez Sweat, Chicago Bears

This would be a familiar face for Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who was the head coach in Chicago when the Bears traded for Sweat in 2023.

Sweat is performing well in 2025 as one of the better starters on defense for the Bears. He’s been a key contributor in both pass rush (13 pressures, per NFL Next Gen Stats) and run defense (seven ‘defensive stops’ per PFF). That’d be a welcome sight for the Cowboys up front and would ease pressure on the team’s younger talents at the edge to perform.

Sweat has a higher cap hit than others on this list at $25.09 million every year from 2025 to 2027. But that’s only going to look better in comparison to others at the position as the years go on.

On one of the Chicago Bears’ final plays in their Week 6 win over the Washington Commanders, wide receiver D.J. Moore was a crucial part of his team’s downfield blocking on a 15-yard run by D’Andre Swift.

After the game, Moore was still on the field, celebrating the win with his teammates.

So when the Bears announced after the game that Moore was staying behind in a Washington, D.C.-area hospital, it was a big surprise.

Moore initially appeared to get banged up in the first quarter of Monday night’s game. After making a 17-yard reception, the wideout took a hit from Commanders cornerback Trey Amos and landed hard on his side.

Moore made a short trip to the Bears’ sideline medical tent but returned to the game on the same drive. Given his impact on one of the final plays of the game, it’s also clear that he finished out the Week 6 clash.

Here’s what we know so far about the Bears’ No. 2 receiver:

DJ Moore injury update

Larry Mayer, a senior writer for ChicagoBears.com, reported that Moore would stay in a D.C.-area hospital Monday night for ‘precautionary medical attention.’ The rest of the team would fly home while Moore remained in the nation’s capital.

The nature of Moore’s injury or other medical issue is unclear as of Tuesday afternoon, and the Bears have yet to provide an update.

Moore, who is in his eighth season and third with the Bears, caught three passes for 42 yards on Monday. He also rushed twice for 10 yards.

DJ Moore stats

Targets: 26
Receptions: 19
Receiving yards: 215
Touchdowns: 1
Rushing: 8 attempts for 25 yards

Moore is second on the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns through six weeks of action, trailing only second-year Rome Odunze in those categories.

This story will be updated.

In Buffalo, no plate of wings can be complete without a side of bleu cheese.

The wings are the star of the show, but it’s hard to argue that the main event isn’t elevated by the presence of the popular dipping sauce. And in the hearts of Buffalo residents, that dipping sauce is the clear No. 1.

After dropping two straight, it has become obvious that the Buffalo Bills need some bleu cheese because ranch isn’t getting it done.

Quarterback Josh Allen might be the reigning league MVP and a superstar, but his lack of a WR1 was, once again, on full display in prime time. The Atlanta Falcons defense dominated on ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 6, delivering a 24-14 win over Buffalo in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicates.

As Allen & Co. attempted to stage a comeback, they were doing so with the likes of Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Elijah Moore and Tyrell Shavers. The need for a top receiver was clear before, but it has become even more glaring as injuries mount.

While fixing that issue might not be possible at the trade deadline, the team can certainly try. Here are some trade targets for the Bills at the receiver spot heading into trade season.

Bills WR trade targets

A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

It’s hard to imagine Brown being on the move and it’s even harder to imagine the Eagles dealing him. The star receiver just inked a three-year contract extension with Philadelphia, meaning the salary cap reality is a major factor. However, disgruntled players have a way of making things happen and Brown certainly fits that mold.

Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders

As for the more realistic targets, Meyers headlines the bunch. The Raiders’ receiver requested a trade during the offseason after contract extension talks failed to progress and plays for a team that appears primed to miss the playoffs.

Meyers is set to hit free agency, meaning he is a pure rental from the trade market perspective. He has become somewhat of a forgotten man after posting his first 1,000-yard receiving season in 2024, further opening the door for a deal. The seventh-year pro is a good candidate to be on the move as Vegas shifts their focus to the youth in their receiver room.

Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints

New Orleans has been committed to rebuilding on the fly in recent years, making it unclear which direction they’ll opt for this offseason. However, the bill is coming due for Olave and Rashid Shaheed – who are both on contract extension watch at season’s end. Quarterback Spencer Rattler has been better than expected in his first full season as a starter, but is it enough to convince coach Kellen Moore to stay the course?

The Saints could instead opt to dive into the trade market and recoup some draft capital for Olave, who had a pair of concussions that limited him to eight games in 2024. With 1,000-yard seasons in two of his first three years, this is the type of receiver the Bills could use. Olave may not be the big body target, but he is certainly consistent and knows how to get open.

Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints

Unlike Olave, Shaheed is heading for free agency after the season. That reality could spell the end of his time in the Big Easy as the speedster could command a hefty payday in free agency. His presence could stretch the field in ways that the current group of Buffalo receivers can’t, making him an intriguing target ahead of the deadline.

Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans

Ridley’s contract situation could complicate matters, but the Titans waived the white flag on the season after firing Brian Callahan. The front office did not sign Ridley in free agency, meaning they have no connection to the receiver and could move on.

Tennessee would likely have to eat some money to facilitate a deal, however, both sides could benefit from this potential transaction. However, it’ll be important to see what becomes of the hamstring injury that forced Ridley out of action in Week 6.

James Franklin’s midseason dismissal from Penn State has created one of eight current head coaching vacancies in FBS college football.
The coaching changes could set off a domino effect of moves across the Power Four conferences.
Openings at Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Oregon State, and Alabama-Birmingham are also ranked based on their appeal.

James Franklin’s surprising midseason dismissal at Penn State leaves eight college football openings in the Bowl Subdivision, with many more set to open in what is shaping up to be one of the wildest coaching carousels in recent history.

Depending on where the Nittany Lions go in their search, Franklin’s replacement could trigger a domino effect that results in corresponding moves across the Power Four. Likewise with the opening at Arkansas, currently the only unfilled position in the SEC.

There is currently at least one opening in each of the Power Four leagues. For now, Penn State easily represents the most appealing open destination in the FBS and will draw the most impressive pool of candidates.

USA TODAY Sports ranks the current FBS openings based on appeal and the chance for immediate and sustained success:

1. Penn State

Excepting the COVID-19 season, Penn State hasn’t posted a losing finish since 2004. While his tenure imploded in the past three weeks, Franklin built a program capable of competing for national championships and will leave a foundation for immediate success. The Nittany Lions have an enviable recruiting base, nearly unmatched support and the resources to stand atop the FBS.

2. Arkansas

Arkansas will fall down the list of SEC openings once Florida becomes available, for one, and there’s always the chance that Auburn follows suit. This is not an easy place to win by any means — the Razorbacks have totaled more than eight victories just once since 2011 — but the draw of the SEC will entice a strong list of candidates looking for an entry point into college football’s best conference.

3. UCLA

UCLA has financial constraints that will essentially exclude established and successful Power Four head coaches from anything more than casual consideration. In the best-case scenario, the Bruins land a proven head coach with questionable job security who is looking for a soft landing spot in the Big Ten. One coach who might fit the bill is Franklin, who would come at a relative discount because of the exorbitant buyout due to him from Penn State.

4. Virginia Tech

After swinging and missing on a first-time head coach in Brent Pry, the Hokies’ search for a program-wide reboot should lead to a focus on more experienced candidates. While landing Shane Beamer is unrealistic barring a second-half collapse at South Carolina, the program can tout the athletics department’s renewed financial commitment and an easier pathway to the College Football Playoff coming out of the ACC.

5. Oklahoma State

This is maybe the most unique opening in the Power Four given how Mike Gundy stood as the face of Oklahoma State football for well over two decades. The school could opt to go in an entirely new direction and lean toward a defense-oriented coach such as Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who was an assistant at the school, or maintain an offense-driven path with a candidate such as North Texas coach Eric Morris.

6. Stanford

A recent $50 million donation earmarked for the football program does make Stanford at least somewhat more appealing to candidates who might otherwise be intimidated by four factors: the long travel as members of the ACC, hurdles in recruiting and talent retention, difficulties in managing the portal and the hard work needed to build an unimpressive roster. Working with general manager Andrew Luck is a draw, though, and David Shaw proved not too long ago that you can win and win consistently with the Cardinal.

7. Oregon State

Oregon State will be part of the new-look Pac-12 next season, bringing some stability to one of the most unstable situations in the FBS. This is clearly an opening destined to be filled by either a sitting Group of Five coach or one of the top Power Four assistants working in the Beavers’ general footprint. The school could also evaluate recently fired coaches looking to get back on the sideline in the same way UNLV pounced on Dan Mullen this past hiring cycle.

8. Alabama-Birmingham

UAB finally jettisoned Trent Dilfer, but the damage is already done. The Blazers’ decline over the past three seasons after the departure of Bill Clark makes this a much less appealing position overall, though the opening will be slightly more tempting given the program’s move to the American in 2023.

Keep up with the latest news and analysis from college football’s top two conferences: Check out our Big Ten Hub and our SEC Hub to get school-by-school coverage from across the USA TODAY Network.

Oklahoma football coach Brent Venables compared the SEC schedule to its old Big 12 schedule at his weekly press conference on Oct. 14, saying the Sooners can’t dominant like they used to given the tougher schedule.

“This isn’t the old Big 12 days where Oklahoma destroys everybody every single week except one game of the year,’ Venables.’

The Big 12 brought up receipts.

‘Coach Venables lost eight conference games in his two seasons in the Big 12,’ the account wrote on X.

In Venables’ defense, he won seven Big 12 conference titles as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma from 1999-2011 and went 10-2 in the regular season in his second season with the Sooners. He did, however, finish with a 3-6 conference record in 2022.

But college football doesn’t care about the past, just look at Penn State firing coach James Franklin on Oct. 12. That sentiment is especially true when the chance to troll comes up.

‘The Big12 found a kid on the street abandoned since age 12 with major scores to settle and said “run our social media…you will answer to nobody,’ college football personality Josh Pate wrote in response to the post.

Oklahoma is still looking to get back on track under Venables, as the former Clemson defensive coordinator has a 27-18 record in his fourth season as the Sooners’ head coach. Oklahoma is coming off a 6-7 finish in 2024 in its first season in the SEC, and fell to Texas 23-6 on Oct. 11 despite starting the season 5-0.

The Sooners are looking to get back in the win column on Oct. 18 when they travel to South Carolina in their third conference game of the season.

It appears the Big 12 might be closely watching for any future social media content.