Month: January 2025

DURHAM, NC—Shrugging as he issued a half-hearted apology for his absence, Duke freshman basketball player Cooper Flagg confirmed Tuesday he would be out for two weeks due to a family trip to Hilton Head Island. “I really want to be there for all my Duke teammates, but this is something we’ve had planned for months,” said the 18-year-old NBA prospect, who stood on the curb outside his dorm wearing a backpack and holding a pillow as he waited for his parents to pick him up. “We take a beach trip every year. It’s kind of a big deal, so I can’t miss it. The hotel’s already booked. Plus, it will be good to see Grandma. I’d like to get back to the court as quickly as possible, but it might be kind of tricky considering my Mom scheduled a sunset dolphin cruise for the last day.” At press time, Flagg added that he might return an extra day late if he was sunburned and feeling tired.

If Indiana could land any of these coaches, then Mike Woodson would have to be out the door.

It is clear now that Indiana head coach Mike Woodson is on the hot seat after the loss to Maryland adn the way Woodson acted after the game. The Hoosiers have lost four of their last five games and are ruining their chances at making it into the NCAA Tournament, which is just a little over a month away.

After the final buzzer last night, Woodson seemed like he couldn’t get out of the gym fast enough until forward Luke Goode turned him around to go shake hands with the Maryland coaching staff and bench. The boos rained down on Woodson, but that is no excuse not to shake hands postgame.

It seems like in the last two years, Woodson has lost control of this basketball program and is taking it in the wrong direction. The fans have already stated “Fire Woodson” chants during a home game before, and they certainly will keep doing it if nothing changes. The Mike Woodson experiment might be coming to a close in Indiana either mid-season or after the season.

If Woodson were to be fired anytime in the coming months, Indiana would need to bring in a new coach, but not one with very little coaching experience; they need to bring in a seasoned veteran who can build a winning culture that Indiana basketball is used to.

So if Woodson is fired, here are five coaches that Indiana seriously needs to consider bringing in.

Chris Beard has a lot of head coaching experience with a lot of big-time programs in college basketball. Before being brought in as the Ole Miss Rebels head coach, he spent a season and a half with the Texas Longhorns, five seasons with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, a season with the Little Rocker Trojans, two seasons with the Angelo State Rams, and a season with the McMurry War Hawks.

Beard has had some legal trouble in the past, but the Rebels gave him another chance at a head coaching position, and it has paid off. The Rebels were a team on the rise last season, and this season picked up where they left off. The Rebels have hit a bit of an SEC slide in the middle of the season, but he has been able to get his team on track in the past.

The biggest thing Beard could bring to Indiana would be a winning culture, but the Hoosiers need a solid culture in general with good guys both on and off the court.

Scott Drew has been coaching at Baylor since 2003, so getting him to Indiana may be a long shot, especially when he didn’t leave last season with some high-level positions open. Drew has done a lot of winning with the Bears and has built a program that is used to winning, something Indiana has had in the past.

Drew would bring a lot to Indiana, which includes recruiting. The Hoosiers have been fortunate in the recruiting game in the past few years, but Drew would bring a name to Indiana that recruits will want to play for. Drew has won almost double the games he has lost at Baylor and Indiana fans are used to a winning culture, which Drew could easily bring back to Indiana

Mick Cronin is a proven winning basketball coach, and that is something Indiana desperately needs. The Hoosiers don’t need to try any more experiments; they need someone who has won and can continue to win no matter where they are.

Cronin hit the headlines this season for calling out his entire team for being soft after a big loss to Michigan. The Bruins have a great squad, but Cronin called out his team for being lazy and not meeting his level of intensity. That is the very reason Cronin would be a great fit at Indiana because the Hoosiers are a team that the fanbase will certainly meet his intensity.

Woodson has built a bit of a soft culture of basketball at Indiana, and the Hoosiers need someone who is going to call them out when they get soft or lazy, something that has been missing in Indiana for the last four years. Cronin could be the shot of energy this team needs if brought to Indiana.

Nate Oats has really come into his own at Alabama and would be a great fit at Indiana. Oats led his team to the Final Four last season and almost took out a dominant Purdue team with Zach Edey on their squad. Oats has led Alabama to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances and is on his way to his fifth this season right now.

One thing that a lot of people have taken notice of Oats this season was the benching of star Mark Sears against LSU. Sears was not playing well in the first half, so Oats went with a different lineup in the second half that ultimately got it done to get the win. Oats didn’t talk a lot about it other than saying he went with the guys that did what needed to be done.

Right now, Indiana could use a guy who isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers and do the hard thing. Oats is proving that it doesn’t matter what the name is on the back of the jersey, if you aren’t playing up to his standards, then you aren’t playing, and that is a winning culture right there.

Former Cowboys Assistant to Return to Dallas as Schottenheimer’s Coordinator

 

The Dallas Cowboys are making moves to bolster their coaching staff with a familiar face.

 

In a surprising yet strategic move, the Dallas Cowboys have announced the return of a former assistant coach who will join the team as the offensive coordinator under Mike Schottenheimer. The addition of this experienced coach brings a wealth of knowledge and familiarity with the Cowboys’ system, and it is expected to create a positive shift in the team’s offensive strategy heading into the upcoming season.

 

A Familiar Face in Dallas

 

The assistant, who spent several years with the Cowboys previously, is well-known among the team’s leadership and players. Their return to the coaching staff comes at a time when the Cowboys are looking to make improvements on their offensive game plan. Having worked with key players and understanding the team’s philosophy, the coach is expected to integrate smoothly and hit the ground running.

 

This coaching move also reflects the Cowboys’ commitment to refining their offensive tactics under Schottenheimer, who has been tasked with leading the offense into the new season. Schottenheimer has previously worked as an offensive coordinator with several NFL teams, and his experience will be complemented by the returning assistant, who brings a deep understanding of both the Cowboys’ existing scheme and the modern trends in NFL offenses.

 

The Impact of the Coaching Change

 

The decision to hire this former Cowboys assistant as offensive coordinator signals the team’s desire to enhance their offensive production. Last season, Dallas showed potential on offense, but struggled with consistency, particularly in high-pressure situations. By bringing in a coach who is already familiar with the team’s culture and personnel, the Cowboys are hoping for a smoother transition and quicker development in the upcoming season.

 

This move also comes at a pivotal time for the Cowboys, as they look to make a deeper run in the playoffs after falling short in recent years. The coaching staff overhaul could be the key factor in unlocking the full potential of Dallas’ offensive weapons, including star quarterback Dak Prescott and talented running back Ezekiel Elliott.

 

Conclusion

 

As the Dallas Cowboys continue to evolve and adjust their coaching staff for 2025, the return of a former assistant as Schottenheimer’s offensive coordinator highlights the team’s commitment to improvement. With a mix of familiar faces and experienced leadership, Dallas is poised to sharpen its offensive game and take a stronger position in the NFC this season. Fans will eagerly watch as the team starts its preparations, hoping this new chapter brings success and finally ends the wait for a Super Bowl contender.

 

The future Duke basketball forward boasts a 22-1 record as a senior while leading his top-five team.

Duke basketball recruiting prize Nik Khamenia and his Harvard-Westlake School (Calif.) Wolverines are eyeing a third straight state championship while ranking No. 5 nationally, according to the latest High School On SI Power 25. Now, they might be in line for a ranking bump after improving to 22-1 via Friday’s 73-63 road victory over the No. 17-ranked Notre Dame High School (Calif.) Knights.

Khamenia tallied 18 points and eight rebounds in the contest, eight fewer points than the Knights enjoyed from their five-star forward and top-ranked 2026 prospect, Tyran Stokes. Again, though, it was Khamenia and his squad who prevailed in the win column.

“His makeup is just that he’s about the team,” third-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer explained about Nik Khamenia during a one-on-one chat with Duke Blue Devils On SI earlier this month. “He has all the attributes of what you would want from a guy that can be in a position to have his voice be heard and to speak up and be vocal.”

Scheyer and his Blue Devils have the No. 1-ranked 2025 recruiting haul after snagging four five-star signatures during the early signing period in November.

All four, including Bellaire High School (Texas) forward Shelton Henderson plus the twins who shine for the No. 1-ranked Columbus High School (Fla.) Explorers in forward Cameron Boozer and guard Cayden Boozer, have a shot to become McDonald’s All American Game selections on Monday.

Indiana University basketball player Trey Galloway has announced his decision to leave the team, citing a heated disagreement with head coach Mike Woodson. Galloway, a key player for the Hoosiers, revealed that his departure comes after a serious altercation with Woodson, during which the coach allegedly made threats that the player found unacceptable.

Sources close to the team suggest that tensions had been building between Galloway and Woodson for some time, though the details of their dispute remain unclear. Galloway’s sudden decision to leave the team has left many fans and analysts puzzled, especially considering his contributions on the court. The sophomore guard had been a reliable presence for Indiana, known for his defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively when needed.

The specifics of the threat made by Coach Woodson have not been fully disclosed, but it is said to have involved Galloway’s role on the team moving forward. According to insiders, Woodson’s comments were seen as an ultimatum that Galloway found impossible to accept, leading to his abrupt decision to step away from the program.

Indiana Athletics has yet to release an official statement regarding Galloway’s departure, though they have acknowledged the situation. The Hoosiers will now have to regroup as they navigate this unexpected setback. Galloway’s departure comes at a critical point in the season, and the team will be hoping to fill the void left by his absence as they continue their pursuit of a successful campaign.

For now, Galloway’s future remains uncertain, as he begins to evaluate his options outside of Indiana basketball. The situation marks a significant moment in both the player’s and the team’s season.

Indiana lost a tough one at home against Maryland, but you still gotta shake the other team’s hands, Mike Woodson.

Indiana basketball is going through quite a rough patch right now, losing four of their last five games after a five-game win streak. The Hoosier’s 79-78 loss against Maryland yesterday might have been the toughest loss for Indiana during this streak, as they had the lead up until Maryland’s Rodney Rice three-pointer with seven seconds to go.

Indiana had a shot in the final seconds, but after almost two turnovers and a contested shot from Myles Rice, it just didn’t fall, and the Hoosiers dropped their second game in a row. A tough loss no doubt, but no excuse for head coach Mike Woodson to do what he did after the final buzzer.

Once the play clock hit zero, the boos began to rain down upon Woodson and his team, but everyone in that building was booing only Woodson. It can be seen that instead of lining up to shake hands with the Maryland bench, Woodson booked it to the locker room until forward Luke Goode stopped him and motioned toward the handshake line.

It was a tough loss, but that is no excuse not to show good sportsmanship, shake the hand of the winning coach and players, and then retire to the locker room. Woodson has probably heard all the chatter of fans wanting him fired, but what message does that send to your players?

As a head coach, Woodson should be the shining example for his team, but instead, it took one of his own players telling him to go and shake hands with the other teams to show sportsmanship, which is a big part of this game. That looked like a coach that was giving up on his team and that kind of attitude won’t fly at Indiana.

This Hoosier team could still make a run for the NCAA Tournament, but not if Woodson is quitting on his team. There are still quite a few games left in this season, and Woodson should be behind his team, not leaving them for the locker room to get away from the boos from the Indiana faithful.

Junior Ohio State transfer defensive tackle Hero Kanu reportedly took a surprise official visit to Texas on Sunday.

Multiple reports have confirmed that former Ohio State Buckeyes junior transfer defensive tackle Hero Kanu visited Texas football on Jan. 26. Horns247’s Hank South was the first to report the news that Kanu took a visit to Texas on Sunday.

This was reportedly an official visit that Kanu took to Texas late this weekend. He spent time with Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive line coach Kenny Baker during the brief Sunday official visit to the Forty Acres.

Ohio State transfer DT Hero Kanu during his official visit to Texas today. pic.twitter.com/9ni78DOzCR

— Hook’em Headlines (@HookemHeadlines) January 27, 2025

Kanu spent three seasons at Ohio State, registering 14 career combined tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, five quarterback pressures, and 10 defensive stops. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

He played a career-high 123 defensive snaps for the Buckeyes this past season (per PFF). Kanu played a handful of defensive snaps in Ohio State’s final three College Football Playoff games en route to the Buckeyes winning the national title over Notre Dame on Jan. 20.

Texas offered Kanu as a four-star prospect from Rancho Santa Margarita (CA) Santa Margarita Catholic in the 2022 recruiting class. He is originally from Germany and started playing football in 2021.

Kanu is set to visit Gainesville tomorrow to see the Florida Gators. Other visits are still a possibility for Kanu since he entered the portal a couple of days ago.

Baker and the Longhorns have turned to the transfer portal to add more proven depth and experience at defensive tackle for the 2025 season in the SEC. Texas has signed former North Carolina Tar Heels junior defensive tackle transfer Travis Shaw and Purdue Boilermakers senior grad transfer Cole Brevard from the winter portal this offseason.

Reese’s Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy holds no ill will towards the Ohio State players who withdrew from the annual event after winning the CFP National Championship

There appears to be no bad blood between Jim Nagy and the Ohio State players who pulled themselves out of the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

On Monday, the Buckeyes earned a hard-fought 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff title game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Only a handful of days later, several of the biggest stars from head coach Ryan Day’s squad were slated to take the field in Mobile, Alabama for the Reese’s Senior Bowl – though this will no longer be the case.

According to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, multiple players politely declined to compete in the annual event, which gives highly-touted prospects who’ve used up their college eligibility an opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of the NFL Draft.

“Due to the extended season and playoffs for both Ohio State and Notre Dame, several players will not be playing in the Senior Bowl next week (understandably),” Brugler wrote on X. “Among them: Will Howard, Xavier Watts, Donovan Jackson, Jack Sawyer, Ty Hamilton.”

The news hardly came as a surprise to Nagy, who actively serves as executive director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl. In response to Brugler’s tweet, he said: “We anticipated likelihood that players who participated in CFP could/would be too banged up physically to be in Mobile on short six-day window. Had good conversations with all players that Dane listed and wish them well rest of pre-draft process.”

Nagy noted, however, that not all participants in the CFP Championship Game withdrew their names from the contest on Feb. 1. “Conversely, we would like to applaud three @NDFootball prospects – QB Riley Leonard, EDGE R.J. Oben, & LB Jack Kiser – who will be competing at @seniorbowl,” he added.

LIMITED-TIME $5/3 months SAVE SPORTS Ohio State Gets Bad News on Day of National Championship Celebration By Jonathan D Adams Athlon Sports Updated January 26, 2025 8:26 PM The Ohio State Buckeyes will look different when the 2025 college football season begins.

Head coach Ryan Day was already expecting to have to fight to retain key players from entering the transfer portal.

Additionally, the Buckeyes have several stars heading to the 2025 NFL draft. Now, Day will also need to retool his coaching staff.

A Big Ten rival poached a key assistant from the Ohio State staff despite the Buckeyes attempting to keep the coach with a lucrative contract offer.

Former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is joining Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin’s staff in the same role. The news comes as Ohio State was celebrating the team’s national championship in Columbus.

Sources: Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is finalizing a three-year deal to become the new defensive coordinator at Penn State,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel detailed in a Sunday message on X. “It averages $3.1 million over three years.”

On3.com’s Andy Staples previously reported that Knowles was on track to become the highest paid defensive coordinator in college football history.

The insider added that the Buckeyes made an offer to Knowles that would make him the highest paid defensive coordinator in the nation.

Ohio State has made defensive coordinator Jim Knowles an offer that would make him the highest paid DC in the country, a source told On3 Saturday,” Staples detailed on Saturday. “But Knowles is weighing other options.

“… It seems likely that no matter what Knowles does, he’ll wind up with the richest deal ever seen for a college DC.”

Ohio State will now be in search of a new defensive coordinator for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, fans gathered at Ohio Stadium to celebrate the team’s national championship run.

“What I love about this team is it really embodies what it’s like to be from Ohio,” Buckeyes pass rusher Jack Sawyer said at Sunday’s celebration, per ESPN.

“You get punched in the mouth, you always get back up and keep fighting. That’s what everybody in Ohio does and will continue to do.”