If you think the Minnesota Vikings are “running it back” with their coaching staff, that just isn’t the case. Over the last few weeks, the club has lost six coaches and counting, mostly to promotions, while head coach Kevin O’Connell continues to backfill the positions.

Six departures have piled up, forcing Minnesota to reshuffle some jobs early in the 2026 offseason.

Yes, O’Connell’s coaching tree is germinating.

Six Departures Change O’Connell’s Staff

The 2026 offseason didn’t skimp on purple coaching changes.

Brian Angelichio (offensive passing game)

New Job: Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator

Angelichio departed Minnesota on Wednesday, heading to Mike McCarthy’s new staff in Pittsburgh. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted, “The Steelers are finalizing a deal to hire Vikings passing game coordinator Brian Angelichio as their new offensive coordinator, per me and Tom Pelissero. Angelichio, also the TEs coach, is back with coach Mike McCarthy. They were together in Green Bay.”

It’s the top job Angelichio has held in college and professional football through 30 years, and he’ll inherit a stout offensive line, along with wide receiver DK Metcalf, running back Jaylen Warren — and perhaps even Aaron Rodgers.

Minnesota will need a new passing game coordinator on offense.

Marcus Dixon (defensive line)

New Job: Dallas Cowboys Defensive Line Coach

Dixon’s contract wasn’t renewed this offseason; he evidently stayed his welcome. But in Dallas, he’ll work for Brian Schottenheimer and notably lead defensive tackles like Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark. Life would be easier for Dixon if Micah Parsons still patrolled Dallas’s defense, but that’s not possible after the Cowboys shipped him to Green Bay five months ago.

Ryan Nielson, who interviewed for the Vikings’ defensive coordinator position in 2023, will take over Dixon’s spot after notably coordinating the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense in 2024.

Michael Hutchings (safeties)

New Job: University of California Defensive Coordinator

Hutchings actually left town in December before the end of the regular season, jumping at the chance to lead the Cal Bears’ defense.

SI.com‘s Jeff Faraudo wrote around Christmas, “New Cal football coach Tosh Lupoi continues to assemble a young staff of assistants, officially announcing the hiring on Friday of Minnesota Vikings assistant Michael Hutchings as the Bears’ defensive coordinator.”

“Hutchings, a Bay Area native who was a prep All-American at De La Salle High School and played linebacker at USC, comes to Cal later three seasons coaching defensive backs with the Vikings, the past two years as safeties coach. In that role, he worked with former Cal star Cam Bynum, who had three interceptions during the 2024 NFL season.”

The Vikings’ safety job remains vacant in early February.

Daronte Jones (defensive passing game)

New Job: Washington Commanders Defensive Coordinator

Perhaps the biggest news of this coaching style — after Brian Flores signing an extension to remain with the Vikings — Jones will get his crack at an NFL defense all by himself. He spent five seasons in Minnesota, but left for a year in 2021 to coach LSU’s defense.

Jones won’t walk into a dream situation, yet he’ll have the tutelage of head coach Dan Quinn, who comes from a staunch defensive background.

These players are already on Jones’s depth chart: Trey Amos (CB), Javon Kinlaw (DT), Frankie Luvu (LB), Jer’Zhan Newton (DT), Daron Payne (DT), Jeremy Reaves (S), and Mike Sainristil (CB).

Minnesota hired Steelers defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander to replace Jones. SteelersNow‘s Chris Ward on Alexander: “Alexander is a big loss for the Steelers, especially with how cornerback Joey Porter Jr. developed under his stewardship.”

“He spent the 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders as a safeties coach under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who’s now the DC with the Steelers. Alexander will work under defensive coordinator Brian Flores in Minnesota. Flores was a finalist for the Steelers’ head coach position.”

Chris Kuper (offensive line)

New Job: N/A

The Vikings’ offensive line underachieved in 2025, even after formulating a formidable fivesome that included Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and Brian O’Neill. Injuries rattled the unit, too, and the trenches never really found their groove.

So, O’Connell did not renew Kuper’s contract, and he remains a coaching free agent.

Assistant offensive line coach Keith Carter accepted a promotion to Kuper’s spot last month.

Mike Pettine (assistant head coach)

New Job: N/A

Pettine retired a few weeks ago and claimed he may return to the NFL in time. He later revealed in an interview with a Cleveland Browns-themed podcast that he and the aforementioned Flores didn’t see eye to eye, which is probably why Pettine exited stage left.

O’Connell used Pettine on the offensive side of the coaching staff in 2025 because Pettine couldn’t deal with Flores, or so he implied on the podcast.

Pettine originally joined the Vikings at the dawn of the O’Connell era in 2022.

The Miami Dolphins’ offensive coordinator for the last four seasons, Frank Smith, has taken over for Pettine as assistant head coach, and many believe Smith will force the Vikings to run the football more often and more efficiently. They need it.

The stable of Anthony and Sam Freedman seeks a steadier autumn run for Tom Kitten than the spring’s disruptions.

Spring saw Tom Kitten in perpetual recovery mode following a gate scratch during the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in August.

Tom Kitten joined the Freedman father-and-son operation for his first time after James Cummings left Godolphin.

The new season will see Cummings launch his training in Hong Kong.

According to Sam Freedman, the gelding’s prior prep flowed smoothly to the intended opener, with the co-trainer stating the ongoing one is even stronger.

Comeback awaits Tom Kitten at Caulfield Saturday in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m).

Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) shifted to mid-November, allowing the Kevin Heffernan Stakes to take its place.

Tom Kitten prepared via two jump-outs for the return, Craig Williams taking over the mount as Ben Melham sits out a ban.

January 28 at Balnarring brought a fourth-placed finish over 1000m in his most recent gallop.

“He’s been excellent,” Freedman said.

“His trial last week was sharp, and he’s come back better than when he started his prep last time.

“Plus, there’s no Via Sistina to worry about this time.”

The Freedmans envision an autumn targeting Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) Caulfield on February 21, Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) Flemington March 7, and potentially Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) Flemington March 28.

Visit the leading racing betting markets to find value in the Kevin Heffernan Stakes.

“It will be nice to get a run into him before the Futurity and then he can go to the All-Star Mile and on to the Australian Cup,” Freedman said.

“He’s got a good fresh record and he’s ticking over well.”

The post Tom Kitten purring ahead of return first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

Marcus Rashford’s future appears to lie away from Manchester United, with a move to Barcelona looking a strong possibility at the end of the season

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is reportedly the strongest advocate for wanting to keep Marcus Rashford at the club beyond the summer. Rashford’s loan from Manchester United expires at the end of the season, but Barcelona retain an option to make the move permanent.

Rashford has made it clear he wants a long‑term future at the Camp Nou, having previously reiterated his desire to stay. “Of course what I want is to stay at Barca,” he told Sport.

“It’s an end goal, but it’s not the reason why I’m training hard and giving it my best. The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles. I can’t be in a place where important objectives are not demanded of you;

“For me it is more difficult to be motivated and give my best at a club where the demand is not maximum. I’m in the perfect place and environment to continue my journey as a football player, so I just try to do my best every day and help the team win. We’ll see what happens next summer.”

It’s now being reported in Spain that Flick has already made his stance clear to the board and president Joan Laporta. He is believed to see the England international as a strong fit for the club’s vision and sees his skill set match naturally with the rest of the attacking department.

In Flick’s view, a player with Rashford’s level of international pedigree, still operating in his prime years, is reportedly an asset ‘too valuable to overlook.’

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It comes after Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Barcelona are willing to exercise their £26m option to sign Rashford. It was previously claimed Barca would look to negotiate a lower fee but they are now said to be ready to meet that option.

Rashford joined the La Liga champions on loan in the summer after slipping out of favour under former manager Ruben Amorim.

He had already spent the second half of last season at Aston Villa, with his final appearance for United coming in December 2024.

Now 28, he has delivered 10 goals and 13 assists for Barcelona this season, and his form in Spain has strengthened his prospects of earning a place in England’s World Cup squad in June.

Trabzonspor delivered a strong second-half display to claim a comfortable 3–0 victory over Fethiyespor in Group A of the Turkish Cup.

Nigerian players Anthony Nwakaeme, Paul Onuachu and Chibuike Nwaiwu all featured as the Black Sea side brushed aside their lower-league opponents.

The match remained goalless for much of the contest, with Fethiyespor holding firm for over an hour. However, Trabzonspor raised the tempo late on and quickly took control.

The breakthrough came in the 69th minute when Ernest Muçi finished neatly after being picked out by Nwakaeme, whose vision and movement caused problems for the defence.

That goal sparked a flurry of action. Seven minutes later, Nwakaeme doubled the lead with a fine individual effort, cutting inside before firing a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner.

Trabzonspor wrapped up the win in the 78th minute. Onuachu, who came on at the break, showed his striker’s instinct by tapping in from close range to make it 3–0.

Defender Chibuike Nwaiwu also played his part as Trabzonspor stayed solid at the back and comfortably managed the closing stages.

The result lifts Trabzonspor to the top of Group A with six points from three matches, putting pressure on their rivals in the race for qualification.

The game was particularly encouraging for Nwakaeme, who scored his first goal of the season after returning from a long injury absence. His performance will be a big confidence boost as the campaign progresses.

Onuachu also maintained his impressive form, taking his total to 14 goals in 19 appearances in all competitions.

For Fethiyespor, the defeat leaves them bottom of the group with just one point, leaving their hopes of progressing in the Turkish Cup hanging by a thread.

Gavin McKenna, a star forward for the Penn State hockey team who is widely considered the top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, is facing a felony charge following an alleged incident at a bar in State College, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night, Onward State reports. 

According to a court filing, McKenna is awaiting a preliminary hearing after being charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor simple assault, as well as summary counts of harassment and disorderly conduct. The Felony I charge is defined as “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference.”

According to Onward State, McKenna and other members of Penn State’s hockey team met at Doggie’s Pub with friends and family after Saturday’s game against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium before the alleged assault occurred. McKenna is accused of assaulting an individual, who reportedly suffered a broken jaw in the incident.

McKenna, an 18-year-old freshman from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, has 32 points — 11 goals and 21 assists — in 24 games this season for the Nittany Lions. McKenna, touted before his arrival at Penn State as a potential generational prospect, had a goal and had two assists on Saturday. 

An NCAA rule change allowed junior hockey players from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League to play Division I hockey. In the past, junior hockey players were considered professionals and therefore weren’t allowed to play in the NCAA, but the change allowed a prospect of McKenna’s caliber to go through the college recruiting process in the U.S.

As a 17-year-old, McKenna put together a sensational season for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League in 2024-25. He posted 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 games while also producing 38 points (nine goals, 29 assists) in 16 playoff games as Medicine Hat won the WHL Championship. McKenna, who recorded a 54-game point streak, ranked second in the WHL in points and fifth in goals while leading the league in assists.

Shakur Stevenson is no longer WBC Lightweight World Champion.

The 28 year old from Newark won the vacant WBC strap back in November of 2023 with a victory over Edwin De Los Santos. Despite becoming champion in a third division that night, his performance was widely criticised as too safety-first.

In his first defence, the only fight he had in 2024, Stevenson put on a similar showing against Artem Harutyunyan before stopping late replacement Josh Padley in February 2025. His stock rose significantly when taking on pressure fighter William Zepeda that July, retaining the belt for a third time in a much more fan-friendly affair.

This past weekend, the defensive master moved up to super-lightweight to challenge Teofimo Lopez, winning all but one round on the scorecards in a truly elite performance.

Though his next move is undecided – he has been discussing yet another jump up to compete at welterweight – what is now clear is that he won’t be defending the WBC belt at 135lbs. The sanctioning body today released the following statement:

“On January 31, 2026, WBC World Lightweight Champion Shakur Stevenson gave a brilliant performance to defeat WBO World Super Lightweight Champion Teofimo López. Champion Stevenson is now a 4-time World Champion; a feat achieved by a few boxers in history. Among those boxers we find Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez and Terrence Crawford.

“Throughout his career, Champion Stevenson has maintained a historic and extraordinarily successful relationship with the WBC. His ascent to the top began in January 2019, when he captured the WBC Continental Americas title; signaling the start of a career destined for greatness.

“In 2022, Stevenson solidified his elite status by defeating Oscar Valdez to become the WBC Super Featherweight Champion. Subsequently, in 2023, he moved up to the lightweight division to claim the Green and Gold belt; a title he defended with pride and technical mastery on three consecutive occasions.

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“In light of Champion Stevenson now being the reigning WBO Super Lightweight World Champion and consistent with the WBC Rules & Regulations, the WBC has declared vacant its Lightweight World title.

“The WBC wishes Champion Stevenson continued success in all his future endeavors, both inside and outside the ring.

“The WBC will provide further information regarding the process to crown a new Lightweight World Champion in the near future.”

Stevenson may consider sticking around at 140lbs to defend his newly won WBO strap, though he seems focused more on major names rather than mandatories. Post-fight, as well as targetting Conor Benn at 147, he has named Isaac Cruz as a potential opponent, while also saying he would be willing to face Devin Haney.

Clayton Douglas’ charge Kaye Jay has made giant strides since entering his stable for the first serious test.

Following the gelding’s initial triumph at Sandown, the handler is mulling over a tilt at the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) scheduled for Morphettville in May.

Kaye Jay ($5), on just his second start, secured a decisive three-quarter length success in the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Plate on Wednesday, edging out Mr Independent ($9.50) with Butterscotch ($15) just a long neck behind in third.

“This horse has taken leaps and bounds from the time he arrived,” Douglas said.

“I think he got beaten 20 or 30 lengths in his first ever jump-out. He was completely hopeless, but he has taken that improvement, and you like to see that in three-year-olds, especially staying types.

“I haven’t had to train him up too much this time, he’s got there himself and to run well at his first start and then win at his second, he can definitely go forward.”

Sandown Hillside Race 1 | Kaye Jay

After finishing 2nd on debut, the @c_douglasracing 3YO goes one better, stepping up to a mile in town 👊🏻

📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/HEhdpozFmy pic.twitter.com/80TO3LInFc

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— Racing.com (@Racing) February 4, 2026

The gelding notched a runner-up finish at Cranbourne in his debut last month, and he patently enjoyed the roomy layout at Sandown come Wednesday.

Douglas started off dissatisfied with Kaye Jay’s wide post position, though jockey Jamie Mott navigated him to a prime location.

According to Douglas, the sharp pace upfront handed Mott the opportunity to slot in before it moderated.

Extending beyond Wednesday’s 1600m distance excites Douglas, who sees Kaye Jay evolving into a top four- or five-year-old stayer.

“I would like to think he could be an Adelaide Derby type,” Douglas said.

“He’s a big, strong horse.

“With the facilities (of owner Barb and Barry Saunders) at Deniston Park, we can chop and change things with the Mornington stable.

“He’s a horse with plenty of substance there and when he gets out to those staying trips he should really come into his own.”

Enthusiasts eyeing Kaye Jay’s South Australian Derby prospects should review the leading racing betting markets available now.

The post Clayton Douglas has SA Derby dreams with Sandown winner first appeared on Just Horse Racing.