Brian Flores will return to the Minnesota Vikings in 2026 as the defensive coordinator, and while he cooks that meal on defense, he might just get to buy the groceries. With general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah out as general manager, Flores is expected to have a significant personnel impact in free agency and the draft.

If Minnesota leans defense early, Flores’ fingerprints could be all over the March plan and April board.

Minnesota signed Flores to a monster extension and will have to earn it by obtaining the right players.

Brian Flores Could Wield Rare Roster Influence in 2026

Rejoice: Flores is back — with more power.

The Kwesi Disharmony

Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling noted on Adofo-Mensah last weekend, “Adofo-Mensah’s background led some around the NFL to view him with skepticism, and he acknowledged several times during his tenure that he was learning on the job, in everything from player evaluation to leading his front-office staff.”

“Rob Brzezinski stepped in to assist in some trade negotiations, while coach Kevin O’Connell served as an emissary during tense discussions such as Danielle Hunter’s 2023 hold-in. Sources spoke of frustration from the team’s scouting staff and from defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who let his contract expire before signing a new deal Jan. 21.”

Folks had wondered for months why the Vikings hadn’t signed Flores to an extension. It now appears that he wasn’t necessarily fond of Adofo-Mensah.

Goessling added, “The Vikings’ lack of draft success seemed to be a constant stressor, leaving the roster without the depth it needed to weather injuries and forcing Brzezinski to cover draft mistakes with cleverly structured contracts that were lucrative enough to woo players to Minnesota without putting the Vikings back in cap purgatory.”

Adofo-Mensah did not draft well, the Vikings must hit on rookies as soon as this April, the team will not hire a new general manager until after the draft, and Flores might be the last man standing to make the call when Minnesota is on the clock.

Think about it: Who else would it be?

Flores a De Facto Defensive GM?

Without the buck-stops-here guy — Adofo-Mensah from 2022 to 2025 with his general manager title — drafting defensive players or finding them in free agency is now up to Brzezinski, O’Connell, and Flores. Well, take one wild guess who’s the best defensive mind of the trio. It is, of course, Flores.

Brzezinski does not have an advanced personnel background, at least compared to his capologist magic. O’Connell will presumably run the show on offense, and that leaves Flores for defense.

It’s actually a coach’s dream — the ability to pick his players for his scheme. While other coordinators might have input, Flores may now has the keys to the city. No wonder he returned to Minnesota.

Follow the Money

How is this theory plausible? It’s the money. Minnesota will pay $6 million per year, a record-shattering sum and one deserved for a coach who habitually fosters Top 3 defenses. Why would a coordinator get so much? Foremost, there’s the production. He immediately transformed Minnesota’s defense into a contender from the jump when hired in 2023.

Then, it just makes sense that the guy who’s pulling down the supreme coordinator contract would take on quasi-general manager responsibilities. He probably loves it, but think about it: if the franchise needs Flores to determine the right players from free agency and the draft, shouldn’t he be paid extra handsomely for his services? That’s how the world works.

Flores’ new giant contract reflects that of a man who is about to lead a Top 5 defense and choose the right players from free agency and the draft.

NBC Sports‘ Mile Florio noted on Flores’s salary: “Because coaching pay lacks the transparency of player pay, it’s impossible to know with certainty how much anyone makes. It was reported that Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly received $6 million per year. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio makes $4.5 million annually.”

“With Kelly now fired, those numbers would make Flores the highest-paid coordinator in the league. Minnesota’s willingness to spend that much on Flores may help explain the reluctance of the Cowboys to enter the bidding. Yes, we’d be surprised by the amount of the check that owner Jerry Jones would write to guarantee a Super Bowl win. We’d be surprised, because it’s so small.”

Translation to … Who in the Draft?

Let’s pretend that Flores gets his way, and the Vikings spend their 1st-Round pick — No. 18 — on a defensive player. Flores will have options. These players might blend the best player available at No. 18 and the club’s long-term roster need:

• CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)
• Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
• Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
• Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
• Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
• Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
• Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
• Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
• Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
• Aveion Terrell (CB, Clemson)
• Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
• Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)

Cornerbacks, especially, will be plentiful at Minnesota’s spot, and the franchise hasn’t successfully drafted one in 11 years.

Perhaps GM Flores will snap the naughty streak.

Vikings Territory Breakdown Podcast

The Minnesota Vikings finished the 2024 season with a record of 14-3 and a playoff spot. They finished the 2025 season 9-8 and on the outside looking in at the playoffs. They have spent some time since being eliminated looking inward to divine what went wrong. And late last week they decided that at least part of the blame goes to general manager Kwesi Adolfo-Mensah—despite receiving a new contract before the season began.

Kwesi was relieved of his duties on January 30. And while the disappointing 2025 campaign was not all his fault, by any stretch of this imagination, plenty of blame can be laid at his feet. Since becoming the GM in 2022, Kwesi has produced uneven drafts at best and woefully unproductive ones annually. He made risky trades with division rivals, left holes in the roster that required plenty of free agents to fill, depleted the team’s depth with spotty drafting while producing the oldest roster last season and spending near the most money over the salary cap coming into the next one.

When you throw in some rumored/reported in-fighting with other members of the Vikings staff, it sounds like the timing of the firing (which many pundits were confused by) comes later than it perhaps should have. In fact, at least one of 

the fellas at the Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast, Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory.com and purplePTSD.com and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com) put Kwesi on the hot seat shortly after the team was eliminated from post season play. So, now without a new GM yet named, the Vikings begin again. Tune in to check out our discussion of it all. Skol!

Listen to Vikings Territory Breakdown here or on your favorite podcast network.

Joe Oberle is a veteran sportswriter/editor/reporter and has covered the Vikings since 2008. The author of three books, he … More about Joe Oberle

Tyson Fury is eyeing up another return to the top of heavyweight boxing, with his comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov formally announced. Now, Derek Chisora has named the man whom he believes should be in in his corner, rather than current trainer SugarHill Steward.

Fury underwent a two-and-a-half year hiatus after defeating Wladimir Klitschko to win the unified heavyweight world titles in 2015, piling on the pounds and making a return to the throne seem impossible.

However, with the help of Ben Davison, Fury reduced his weight and went unbeaten in five contests within 15 months, which included a draw in a legendary clash with Deontay Wilder when bidding for the WBC heavyweight crown.

Although, for the rematch with the American, the 6’9” Briton switched trainer, appointing SugarHill Steward and adopting the front-footed ‘Kronk’ style of fighting.

This led to a sensational display where a new-look Fury knocked Wilder out in a performance for the ages, to reclaim the heavyweight throne in impressive fashion back in 2020.

Since then, Fury has remained with Steward, including for the two consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, which put an end to Fury’s undefeated record and led to his retirement.

In an interview with Seconds Out, Chisora explained that he believes Fury requires another change of approach and suggested that he should re-appoint Peter Fury, in an attempt to rediscover the style that he used to defeat Klitschko over a decade ago.

“He needs to go back to his uncle. Go to Peter Fury and he will get that [herky-jerky style back]. He needs to get rid of SugarHill [Steward] and get back to his uncle, if he wants to get that [style], the way he won the world title.”

Fury-Makhmudov is set to take place on Saturday, April 4, live on Netflix, with further details regarding the event expected imminently.

After a 100% winning start in his interim role, Michael Carrick is now odds-on to lead Manchester United into the first match of the Premier League season according to bookies Betfred

Michael Carrick’s future at Old Trafford seems to be secured for the foreseeable if the bookies is anything to go. The former midfielder has succeeded Ruben Amorim on an interim basis and has resurged Man United form to now find themselves going into the weekend looking for their fourth successive win.

The football has improved drastically and there seems to be a harmony along Sir Matt Busby Way which has not been seen or heard for what feels like forever. Since losing to Brighton, under Darren Fletcher’s interim, in the FA Cup third round – securing their shortest season in more than 100 years – United have gone to beat Man City, Arsenal and Fulham in the Premier League and are due to face Tottenham Hotspur at home this weekend too.

Confidence has reached a level that United have not seen in a while as they sit in the top 4 places which is something they failed to achieve at all last season. Bookies Betfred now has Carrick – a former Spurs player himself – lined up to lead the team out at the start of next season at 8/11 and in the lead by some margin ahead of the other candidates potentially lined up for the job.

Betfred’s Robert Ford said: “Punters continue to back Michael Carrick to be managing Manchester United next season as his price continues to be slashed after starting his tenure as interim boss with three successive victories. Carrick remained at even money after the club’s late win against Fulham on Sunday before returning to odds-on at 4/6 on Tuesday. This morning his price has been cut again into 8/11.

“Outgoing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner continues to be Carrick’s closest rival in the market, despite drifting out to 7s from 5/1. Current England boss Thomas Tuchel and former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, have both been pushed out from 12/1 from 10s and have been joined at the same price by Marseille’s Roberto De Zerbi, who’s been cut from 16s.

“The victory against Fulham has resulted in Manchester United having their odds slashed to finish in the top four this season, as they’ve been cut into even money from 11/8 to return to the Champions League next season, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool still ahead of them in the odds.”

Next Man United Manager odds

• Michael Carrick – 8/11
• Oliver Glasner – 7/1
• Gareth Southgate – 12/1
• Roberto De Zerbi – 12/1
• Thomas Tuchel – 12/1
• Julian Nagelsmann – 16/1
• Mauricio Pochettino – 16/1
• Unai Emery – 16/1
• Xabi Alonso – 20/1
• Andoni Iraola – 25/1
• Enzo Maresca – 25/1
• Luis Enrique – 25/1
• Marco Silva – 25/1
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 25/1
• Xavi Hernandez – 25/1
• Eddie Howe – 33/1
• Kieran McKenna – 33/1
• Zinedine Zidane – 33/1

18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change | Odds supplied by Betfred

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Resilient galloper Sandpaper has added another black-type victory to his record, leading throughout to claim the Listed Carrington Stakes at Randwick for trainer Bjorn Baker and syndicator Darby Racing.

Given a perfect ride by Nash Rawiller, Sandpaper was heavily supported into $2.70 favouritism and proved too strong late, holding off stablemate Thunderlips ($14) by a long neck, with Matcha Latte ($6.50) finishing third.

The win followed a midfield effort in The Buffering (1400m) at Eagle Farm, a run Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton felt had plenty of merit.

“He was really tough in Brisbane. He never got any peace. They were three-wide attacking him the whole way and I thought he held his own and boxed on really well,” Hilton said.

“Bjorn just gave him that bit of extra time between runs when he came back, and he looked fantastic in the yard.

“His work during the week was super and Nash gets on with him well.”

Rawiller completed a treble on the program, having earlier partnered Promitto and Kingdom Undersiege to victory.

The jockey admitted there was a nervous moment when the challengers loomed in the straight, but Sandpaper refused to give in.

“He’s a tough bugger,” Rawiller said.

“The way they all got to him at the top of the rise, I thought geez, I’ve been a bit pretty here.

“But I think they get tired chasing him and when he gave that kick, he is just so tough and honest.

“The stablemate probably had him there at the hundred and I think they had a little chat together and he said, ‘mate, you’re not getting past me’.”

Those assessing the Carrington Stakes form can review the latest betting markets for the race following the Randwick feature.

The post Sandpaper leads home stable quinella in Carrington Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

Oregon OT commits Drew Fielder and Avery Michael both probably have a ways to go before they will be starters for the Ducks.

Brian Smith breaks down their film.

On today’s episode of Locked On Ducks, Jay Stephens of ‘Locked On Buckeyes’ joins to talk about DB transfer Aaron Scott Jr.

Is he a lock to start at the outside corner?

Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher was the leader of the defense in 2025 as the “quarterback of the defense” for the Ducks. Who will jump into that role in 2026?

04:13 “Weight vs. Athleticism in Linemen”
10:00 Oregon Recruiting Linemen for Athleticism
13:28 Aaron Scott Jr.’s Immediate Impact
19:35 Debating Cornerback Position Fit
25:14 Linebacker Leadership and Future Picks
30:25 Malik Benson’s Iconic Moments

John Virgo, the legendary snooker player and commentator, has died at the age of 79.

Virgo was one of the best snooker players in the world during the 1970s and 1980s, winning the UK Championship in 1979 and reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship the same year.

But he truly became a household name after retiring from playing, starring alongside host Jim Davidson in hit snooker gameshow Big Break and becoming perhaps the sport’s most well-known commentator – with his iconic catchphrase “where’s the cueball going?” being instantly recognisable.

He was commentating for the BBC as recently as last month at the Masters but passed away at his home in Spain, as confirmed by the World Snooker Tour (WST).

“Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79,” WSt said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV.”

Tributes soon began pouring in for one of snooker’s best-loved figures, led by a touching note from World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis.

open image in gallery

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Francis wrote: “Heart breaking to share the news that we’ve lost the great ‘JV’ John Virgo this morning, he passed away in Spain.

“Rosie and Brooke-Leah would like everyone to know. Our hearts go out to them both, Gary and the grandchildren.

“JV was doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone. Such an important person in my life but in our sport in general. An amazingly loyal friend to me, and someone you felt was sat with you at the match when he was commentating on TV.”

Big Break host Davidson was also quick to add his best wishes following the news.

“Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79. What a character, what a talent,” Davidson wrote on Instagram. “From our time together on Big Break, to the snooker commentary chair, you brought so much joy to so many. Rest easy, John. You will be missed.”

open image in gallery

And Virgo’s BBC commentary colleague Joe Perry described him as “one of the best people” in snooker.

Perry said: “Absolutely gutted to hear the very sad news that John Virgo has passed away. Without doubt one of the best people I’ve ever met through snooker.

“It was always an honour to work alongside him and a pleasure to be in his company. Thoughts go out to his friends and family. What a horrible day! RIP JV.”

More to follow…

John O’Shea admits Napoleonic has a significant task in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) scheduled for Rosehill this Saturday in 2026.

The Wootton Bassett colt, from a late champion sire, confirmed his elite status with a 4-¼ length thrashing in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) on Cox Plate day.

With Tom Charlton as co-trainer, O’Shea rested the Pinecliff Racing-owned colt after that win and reports strong maturation, highlighted by a recent Randwick trial victory.

“He’s great, I’m really happy with him,” O’Shea said.

“He’s trialled up well and made a bit of psychical improvement from last season so we’re looking forward to Saturday.

Satisfied with the return to track work, O’Shea notes the Eskimo Prince Stakes and Autumn pursuits will test Napoleonic anew, especially versus benchmark Tempted.

“She’s the benchmark,” O’Shea said.

“She should’ve nearly won an Everest. In terms of 1200 metre sprinters in Australia, especially three-year-olds, there’s none better than her.

So we’re respectful of her, and we know that we’re going to have to be right at the best of our game to be competitive.”

O’Shea anticipates less flair than the Red Anchor but values the gauge on Napoleonic versus top three-year-olds.

“That was his day, fourth up, he’d had a good foundation going into it,” O’Shea said.

“It was a good day for him to let rip. Saturday is a bit different, he’s got a long campaign ahead, so whatever he does he’ll improve off, but he’s done enough work to run well.

The stable’s strategy for Napoleonic allows versatility, even eyeing Brisbane Winter carnival options.

Visit the best racing betting markets ahead of the Eskimo Prince Stakes showdown.

Napoleonic sits as $3.60 second choice in Eskimo Prince futures, trailing the $1.50 market ruler Tempted.

The post Napoleonic seeking Prince’s crown first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

Cristiano Ronaldo refused to play for Al-Nassr because of Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Hilal, sparking speculation over his future and whether he could return to Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future has come under intense scrutiny following his contentious stand-off in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo, who celebrates his 41st birthday on Thursday, declined to feature for Al-Nassr in their 1-0 win against Al-Riyadh on Monday after becoming incensed by Karim Benzema’s transfer to title challengers Al-Hilal. Benzema, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid colleague, had his Al-Ittihad deal cancelled before securing a free transfer to Al-Hilal, who sit one point clear of Al-Nassr at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) owns all three sides, and Ronaldo is frustrated that the transfer was approved, believing the acquisition of the French forward has unfairly strengthened Al-Hilal’s championship challenge. The circumstances have triggered questions about whether Ronaldo will complete the remaining 18 months of his £488,000-per-day agreement with Al-Nassr.

Could the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient make a remarkable third return to Manchester United? Not according to his former colleague, Wes Brown, who told BettingLounge: “He’s not happy, but would Cristiano Ronaldo come back to Manchester United for a third go? I would say no. I can’t see how that could happen.

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“A move to MLS? Maybe. Maybe he goes back to Portugal and plays there. I’m sure he will still have so many options.

“The main thing is that he still wants to play in the World Cup, and he would have to keep playing and making sure he keeps himself fit to do that. It’s a shock to everyone to see Ronaldo on strike, but I honestly think it will get resolved. We’ll have to wait and see where it goes from here.”

Neither Ronaldo nor any of his teammates and coaching staff have issued public statements following Monday’s victory. Head coach Jorge Jesus had his post-match press conference cancelled, with the squad told not to engage with journalists.

Al-Nassr are next in action on Friday, welcoming Al-Ittihad, though Ronaldo’s participation remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal will take on bottom-dwellers Al-Akhdoud on home soil.

The table-toppers have offered Al-Nassr a glimmer of opportunity in recent weeks, sharing the spoils in their previous two outings. A failure to overcome Al-Akhdoud would give Al-Nassr the chance to claim top spot, having last lifted the trophy in 2019, well before Ronaldo’s switch from United in 2022.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

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And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis, then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

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Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.

After suffering through four-straight 3-9 seasons, Stanford  footballcalled in a familiar name and proven winner to direct the football program as general manager: Andrew Luck

Luck replaced Troy Taylor with interim coach Frank Reich, who broke out of the three-win slump, going 4-8. Then Luck hired former Cardinal quarterback Tavita Prichart.

Stanford football has played 119 seasons through 2025, dating back to 1891.

The Cardinal did not play any games from 1906 to 1917, when the school played rugby instead, and from 1943 to 1945, due to World War II.

The Cardinal claimed national championships in 1926 and 1940.

In 1926, led by legendary coach Glenn “Pop” Warner, the team was undefeated in the regular season and tied Alabama in the 1927 Rose Bowl.

The 1940 team went unbeaten and untied after defeating Nebraska 21–13 in the 1941 Rose Bowl, but the team ranked No. 2 in the final AP poll released before the game was played.

The table below gives season rundowns with Conference, W-L record, win percentage, coach, and bowl game, if any, for each year