Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell watches the action from the sideline at U.S. Bank Stadium, captured during first-half play on Sep 21, 2025, as Minnesota hosted Cincinnati. The moment reflects in-game oversight and communication as O’Connell monitored personnel groupings, situational decisions, and tempo against an AFC opponent in a regular-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
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.
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Six Departures Change O’Connell’s Staff
The 2026 offseason didn’t skimp on purple coaching changes.
Brian Angelichio oversees practice duties at Hanbury Manor during the Vikings’ international session in Thundridge, captured on Sep 30, 2022, as Minnesota prepared offensive installations abroad. The image reflects Angelichio’s role in coordinating tight ends and passing concepts while players adjusted to travel, schedule changes, and a condensed preparation window. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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.”
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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
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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
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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.
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Daronte Jones (defensive passing game)
New Job:Washington CommandersDefensive 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.
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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)
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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.
Chris Kuper stands on the sideline at State Farm Stadium during playoff action on Jan 13, 2025, as Minnesota faced the Rams in the NFC wild card round. The moment captures Kuper tracking offensive line adjustments, protection calls, and in-game communication amid postseason pressure and elevated tempo and overall execution. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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)
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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.
Mike Pettine speaks with defenders along the Vikings’ bench at Ford Field during first-half action on Jan 5, 2025, as Minnesota met Detroit. The scene highlights Pettine’s in-game leadership, offering schematic reminders and situational adjustments while the defense regrouped between series during a tense divisional matchup under playoff implications. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
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.
Sep 11, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings don’t necessarily have oodles of spending money on hand for free agency, but if they find some, the organization has a clear connection to New York Jets running back Breece Hall. Before joining the Vikings in 2025, new offensive line coach Keith Carter served as the Jets’ run game coordinator, and it really doesn’t get any closer to Hall than that from a coach’s perspective.
If Minnesota wants more juice from the ground game, Hall fits the profile, and he has a previous connection to the Vikings’ new OL coach.
Hall won’t be cheap, but Minnesota has a real shot at landing his services if interim general manager Rob Brzezinski is in the mood.
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A New Decision Looms in the Vikings’ Backfield
It’s another name for your Vikings’ free-agent bingo board.
New York Jets running back Breece Hall lowers his shoulder while navigating traffic at MetLife Stadium, captured during first-half action on Sep 29, 2024, as Denver’s Nik Bonitto closes in. The play reflects Hall’s balance and burst through contact, a consistent trait in his workload-heavy role within the Jets’ offense. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Hall to MIN with Carter Promoted?
Carter drew scorn on social media from former Tennessee Titans players a while back, but that didn’t stop the Vikings from hiring him as an assistant offensive line coach last offseason. And when the 2026 offseason rolled around, head coach Kevin O’Connell opted not to retain main offensive line coach Chris Kuper.
That put Carter in the driver’s seat to earn the top OL job in Minnesota, which he fulfilled last week.
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From 2022 to 2023, Carter was in charge of the Jets’ rushing offense, a group highlighted by Hall. Fast forward to 2026 free agency, and Hall is a free agent, expected to command about $10 million to $12 million on the open market.
So long as Hall doesn’t share any of the aforementioned resentment toward Carter and his alleged grueling practices, there’s a path for Hall to land in Minnesota via free agency. Most other Hall suitors won’t have his former coach on staff.
Hall’s Career to Date
Hall’s resume starts with availability, which matters more at running back than almost anywhere else. Outside of a rookie year injury, he’s been consistently on the field, a rarity at RB. Over four seasons, the production has followed: 681 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2022, 1,585 and 9 in 2023, 1,359 and 8 in 2024, then 1,415 yards with 5 scores in 2025. He’s sitting on a 4.5 yards-per-carry career average.
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Minnesota, though, would draw little pushback if it found a way to add him. The Vikings know what that level of output looks like, but the money is tight. That matters, especially with more than $20 million already tied up in the running back room through Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. That’s significant money for the RB spot.
The 2025 rushing attack was serviceable, but it never dominated opponents. O’Connell leaned pass-heavy even when quarterback play faltered, and the ground game never forced defenses to adjust. The draft remains the cleanest long-term answer, yet Hall offers something different: certainty. He’s not a rookie, and he removes draft guesswork. Minnesota would onboard a sure thing in Hall.
Sportsnaut‘s Andrew Buller-Hall on Hall to MIN: “The Vikings should make a strong play for free agent Breece Hall this offseason. Minnesota could have an inside line to signing Hall after promoting OL coach Keith Carter, Hall’s running game coordinator from 2023 to 2024. Yet, other teams will surely have interest in Hall after he compiled a career-high 1,065 rushing yards this season.”
“Hall’s longest rush this season went for 59 yards, and he averaged 4.4 yards per carry. He’d also help replace Jones in the passing game, giving Vikings QBs another option out of the backfield. He’d surely be an upgrade over Jones, especially if the Vikings can still pair Hall with Mason to form an extremely effective 1-2 punch. Not only would that duo help take pressure off whoever plays QB for the Vikings in 2026, it might be one of the best rushing tandems in the NFL.”
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Getting Serious about Fixing the Rushing Offense
These are the numbers for the Vikings’ rushing offense since the arrival of O’Connell four years ago:
O’Connell has never featured a game-changing running back. Dalvin Cook had begun his age-related decline in 2022. Alexander Mattison stunk in 2023. Ty Chandler and Cam Akers are backup tailbacks. Aaron Jones represented a refreshingly productive alternative, but he’s over the age of 30. Jordan Mason is a wonderful roster piece, but is more of a mid-tier RB1 — or elite RB2.
New York Jets running back Breece Hall accelerates upfield after securing a pass at MetLife Stadium, shown in early action on Sep 24, 2023, against New England. The moment highlights Hall’s versatility as a receiver, turning short touches into chunk gains while stressing linebackers and safeties in space. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
It’s time for O’Connell — now a de facto general manager, too — to sign Hall or draft a high-round rookie running back. Don’t leave it until Round 5 for half-measured solutions.
Other Options if Not Hall
For the sake of argument, let’s assume Minnesota will pursue a free-agent running back, but Hall is not interested in the Vikings. These high-profile halfbacks are also scheduled to test free agency:
JK Dobbins
Travis Etienne
Isiah Pacheco
Kenneth Walker
Rachaad White
Javonte Williams
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. jogs across the field during pregame warmups at EverBank Stadium, framed ahead of kickoff on Dec 15, 2024. The image captures Etienne’s readiness and routine as Jacksonville prepared its offensive personnel, emphasizing tempo and focus before divisional competition at home. Mandatory Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
That’s about seven prominent free agents and arguably 5-6 rookie running backs who could move the needle as an RB1.
Now, it’s up to Minnesota to decide if these options are wiser than Jones + Mason again in 2026.
The NCAA denied an appeal for a sixth year of eligibility filed by Ole Miss on behalf of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and Brandon Marcello reported on Wednesday. The NCAA previously denied Chambliss’ waiver request for an additional season in January. Ole Miss appealed the decision and the NCAA informed the school of its decision — another denial — on Wednesday.
Chambliss, who after transferring from Division II Ferris State led Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff semifinals, sought a medical redshirt for the 2022 season when he played in only two games. The waiver was denied by the NCAA athletics eligibility subcommittee, a decision Ole Miss called “indefensible.”
“The NCAA athletics eligibility subcommittee’s decision to deny Trinidad’s appeal is indefensible in light of the undisputed facts,” Ole Miss said in a statement. “The NCAA staff and the subcommittee asserted that Trinidad was not denied the opportunity to compete during the 2022 season, despite the reality that he did not dress for a single game while suffering from severe, incapacitating medical conditions. Those conditions were fully and contemporaneously documented by his treating physician, yet this waiver request was still denied when it should have been approved at the NCAA staff level”
On Jan. 16, Chambliss filed a lawsuit against the NCAA for a temporary and permanent injunction that would allow him to play another season for the Rebels. Chambliss’ case will be heard on Feb. 12 at the Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Mississippi. CBS Sports reported last month that there is optimism around the football program that Chambliss will eventually be granted an injunction, which would clear the path for him to play in 2026.
“Trinidad’s representatives will continue to pursue all available legal remedies, and we will publicly stand behind Trinidad while holding the NCAA accountable for a decision that fails to align with its own rules, precedent, and the documented medical record,” Ole Miss said.
The legal team for Chambliss criticized the NCAA’s waiver process and claimed their client was “never going to receive fair and good faith consideration of Ole Miss’ request for an additional season of eligibility from the National Collegiate Athletics Association.”
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Notably, Ole Miss and Chambliss agreed on a deal last month — contingent on the NCAA accepting his eligibility waiver for a sixth year — that would see him return as the starting quarterback. Chambliss, who didn’t begin the season as the Rebels’ starting quarterback and eventually won the job from Austin Simmons, guided the program to an 11-1 regular-season record and College Football Playoff wins over Tulane and Georgia before a 31-27 loss to Miami in the semifinals.
With Chambliss’ eligibility in limbo, the Rebels signed former blue-chip quarterback recruit Deuce Knight, an Auburn transfer. Knight would be the projected starter for Ole Miss in 2026 if Chambliss is unable to return to college. Ole Miss also signed Louisiana transfer Walker Howard. Howard had a previous stint at Ole Miss after beginning his career at LSU.
Spire Motorsports driver Daniel Suarez’s wife, Julia Piquet, called out NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi over a misquoted radio message. Suarez is currently competing in the 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium and had a few run-ins with his former teammate, Shane van Gisbergen. Following that, according to Piquet, Bianchi misquoted a message from Suarez.
The Mexican driver and the Kiwi driver were once teammates and are now enemies. They both drove for Trackhouse Racing, and now Suarez pilots the #7 for Spire Motorsports, while Gisbergen still drives the #97 Chevy Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse. The 34-year-old has been making his debut with Spire and is in the mood for a fight.
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Following that, during the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, Daniel Suarez had a heated moment with his former teammate SVG. Reflecting on that, the #97 driver commented on Suarez:
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“Is the 7 (Daniel Suarez) beefing with everyone?”
Continuing further, the Spire Motorsports driver issued a warning to Shane van Gisbergen. But Jordan Bianchi misquoted the radio message in his X post and wrote:
“I’m going to kick his f***ing ass. Tell (SVG) I’m coming for him.”
Upon stumbling upon that, Julia Piquet was not impressed by his mistake and called him out, sharing an X post along with the full quote. She wrote:
“If you’re going to quote drivers at least be accurate. First part was referring to the sh*t BW was pulling after the caution came out. He actually said “tell the 23 spotter if he pulls that sh*t one more time I’m going to kick his a**.” And then he said “I’m coming for the 97.””
Daniel Suarez joined Trackhouse Racing in 2021 and spent five seasons with the team piloting the #99 Chevy. He secured two wins, 16 top-five finishes, 43 top-ten finishes, and one pole position in 180 starts. He parted ways with the team after wrapping the 2025 season, and NASCAR prodigy Connor Zilisch replaced him.
“I’m not sad for this”: When Daniel Suarez opened up about his exit from Trackhouse Racing
In July 2025, NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez appeared in an interview with SiriusXM. During the conversation, the former Trackhouse Racing driver opened up about his exit from the team, along with his future plans.
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The Cup Series team initially fielded two cars with Ross Chastain in the #1 Chevy and Suarez in the #99. However, Trackhouse Racing acquired another charter from Stewart-Haas Racing and added one more entry with Shane van Gisbergen in the #88 Chevy.
Later, Daniel Suarez claimed he was not sad about his departure and was mentally prepared for the decision. He further told the press:
“I want to make sure that you guys and all the people listening (know) I’m not sad for this. This is just a new chapter. That’s all it is. This is not a sad moment, it’s just a change.”
Daniel Suarez wrapped the 2025 Cup Series season in P29. He secured two top-five finishes at the spring Las Vegas Motor Speedway race and fall Daytona International Speedway race. Additionally, Suarez clinched seven top-ten finishes in 36 starts.
On Wednesday, the organization announced that former health insurance executive Terry Clark will take over as CEO on March 2. Derek Sprague resigned from the position on January 7 to spend more time with his family.
Clark has served as an independent director on the PGA of America’s board since 2024. He spent 20 years at United Health Group, where he rose to the role of Chief Marketing Officer. He has also served on boards for the YMCA and the Special Olympics.
“Golf is a game with a rare and enduring impact on individuals, families, and communities, and the PGA of America sits at the center of that influence,” Clark said in a statement. “Our greatest strength is our PGA of America Golf Professionals — trusted leaders in their communities who introduce, teach, and grow the game in every corner of the world. At an important moment for golf, we have the right people, the right assets, and a meaningful opportunity to lead with purpose.”
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PGA of America vice president Nathan Charnes, who will become president in November, said that Clark earned the board’s trust with his long track record of judgment and leadership.
“As an independent director, Terry has developed a first-hand understanding of our strategic priorities and the critical role PGA of America Golf Professionals play at every level of the game,” Charnes said. “He brings a proven ability to lead complex organizations with clarity and rigor, while fostering collaboration and accountability across diverse stakeholders. At a time when continuity, stability, and long-term focus are essential, the Board is confident Terry is the right leader to guide the Association forward and continue advancing the game in meaningful and sustainable ways.”
The PGA of America will be under the spotlight again in May when the PGA Championship takes place at Aronimink outside of Philadelphia. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be contested in June at Hazeltine.
Now in its 91st edition, the WM Phoenix Open has a storied history. Before the tournament became the “Greatest Show on Grass” at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium course in 1987, the Tour stop called the Phoenix Country Club home — a course (and club) older than Arizona’s statehood.
Phoenix Country Club was founded in 1899, while Arizona became the United States’ 48th state more than two decades later, in 1912. Located in the middle of downtown Phoenix, Phoenix Country Club remains an integral and vibrant part of the WM Phoenix Open’s history to this day, with a star-studded list of champions that includes Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Billy Casper and Johnny Miller.
The club hasn’t changed much over the years either. While it includes every modern amenity, there are no tee times. Instead, every day’s tee sheet is first-come, first-served — in person. But members can also opt to participate in nearly a dozen standing money games each week, some of which have existed for decades.
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“It’s amazing — the history of the place, the amount of players, the tournament history — and yet the size of the golf course hasn’t changed,” said Phoenix Country head professional Paul Griffin. “It still holds its own to this day.”
In Episode 2 of Destination GOLF: Phoenix, our editors explore the WM Phoenix Open’s origins at Phoenix Country Club and its tenure at modern-day host, TPC Scottsdale, where it continues to be the PGA Tour’s most-attended tournament each year. We hear from the Thunderbirds, the philanthropic organization that puts on the WM Phoenix Open every year, as well as from tournament fans like you, about just what makes the WM Phoenix Open so beloved.
The grand takeaway? The tournament is truly an event unlike any other. To experience a slice of the WM Phoenix Open’s illustrious history, take a look at the second episode of Destination GOLF: Phoenix below. Missed Episode 1 on Phoenix public golf? Catch up by clicking here.
This feature video also is available on our YouTube channel. Check it out and subscribe to our channel here.
DC captain Jemimah Rodrigues and RCB captain Smriti Mandhana during a press conference ahead of the WPL 2026 final T20 cricket match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, at Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Kotambi in Vadodara, Gujarat. (PTI Photo)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana has a chance to lead her team to a second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title and draw level with Mumbai Indians (MI) in terms of trophies, while the Delhi Capitals (DC) will look to end their run of final defeats when the two sides meet in the final on Thursday.RCB, champions in 2024, have had a strong campaign this season. They have often responded well in difficult situations and showed consistency early, becoming the first team in WPL history to start a season with five straight wins. Throughout the tournament, different players have stepped up at key moments to shape results.In the previous match, Grace Harris played a major role with 75 against UP Warriorz, helping RCB to an eight-wicket win after a mixed season. Earlier, Gautami Naik scored 73 against Gujarat Giants, which proved crucial in a 61-run victory. RCB will now aim to win their second title and match Mumbai Indians’ tally.The RCB batting unit, including Mandhana, Harris, Georgia Voll and Richa Ghosh, has not been consistent across the season, but timely contributions have often been enough. In the bowling department, pacers Nadine de Klerk and Sayali Satghare have delivered important spells.De Klerk is currently the third-highest wicket-taker of the season with 15 wickets from eight matches, including a best of 4 for 22. Spinner Shreyanka Patil has also played a key role, highlighted by her five-wicket haul against Gujarat Giants.RCB’s strength has been their ability to perform as a unit at key moments. Mandhana will hope more players contribute in the final as they take on Delhi Capitals.Delhi Capitals, led this season by Jemimah Rodrigues, are chasing their first WPL title after finishing runners-up in all the previous three editions.Their campaign has been driven largely by their bowling attack. Pacers Chinelle Henry and Nandani Sharma have made early inroads with the new ball. Nandani has taken 16 wickets this season, making her the second-highest wicket-taker, and her performances have put her in contention for higher honours.Delhi’s batting has also shown improvement in recent matches. Lizelle Lee contributed at the top in the Eliminator against Gujarat Giants, while Shafali Verma found form and added a half-century stand with Lee. Laura Wolvaardt has provided stability at the top order through the season.With both batting and bowling influenced by South African players, the Capitals have benefited from a group that has played together for several years. That understanding could help them in the final as they look to end their title wait under Rodrigues, who will be hoping for a strong performance after a quiet season so far.
Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you become a smarter, better golfer.
The easiest ways to shoot lower scores for most recreational golfers come from fixing fundamentals — and the simple ones at that. That means dialing in your grip, ball position, aim, posture, etc. It may not be fun to work on these things, but getting them in a consistent place will do wonders for your game.
Aim may be the most consequential of these fundamentals once you get to the course. If you aren’t aimed where you think you are, you’re putting yourself in a poor position before you even swing the club.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve hit a terrible shot on the course only to discover you were aimed directly where you hit it. Sometimes, our brain will play tricks on us and make you feel like you’re aimed one way, when in reality you are aligned in a totally different spot.
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If that sounds like you, watch the video below. It’ll teach you an easy trick for alignment so you never have to worry about where you’re aimed again.
Try this aim trick
There are only two areas where you get to place your ball before you hit a shot (assuming you’re playing it down): the green and the tee box. When you’re on the green, you always line up your ball when you place it down, so why not do the same thing on the tee box?
When I go to tee up my ball, I always point the logo or my sharpie line down my target line. It doesn’t have to be super precise, but by having that line pointed down my target line, I can take my stance with confidence knowing I’m aimed properly.
If you want to get your ball lined up even more precisely, try choosing an intermediate target in between your ball and the distant target. I like finding a discoloration in the grass or divot and then using that as my intermediate target. With that spot picked out, I line my ball up pointing right at it.
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When you are having trouble with your aim, sometimes you’ll put the ball down aimed correctly only to find that when you step up to the ball it feels all wrong. That’s ok! So long as you orient the ball correctly when you place it, you can swing away knowing you’re aimed at your target.
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The 2026 Winter Olympics sports program opened with the first curling matches scheduled in Italy‘s Cortina on Wednesday night, two days before the official opening ceremony.
Several hundred spectators watched as eight teams unpacked their equipment in the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
The matches had barely begun when a brief power outage blacked out the scoreboards for the matchups between Sweden and South Korea, Great Britain and Norway, Canada and the Czech Republic, and Estonia and Switzerland.
Curling players slide granite stones toward a circular target called the ‘house’ in an attempt to get closer to the center, or ‘button,’ than their opponentsImage: Jennifer Lorenzini/REUTERS
The officials paused the matches when the lights dimmed and flickered, and when the main lights and heat in the nearby media center went out.
However, the curlers continued sliding on the ice to stay ready, and the fans cheered when the bright lights returned soon after and play resumed.
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The organizers acknowledged the brief interruption to the competition “due to an energy-related issue” and noted that it lasted approximately three minutes.
First Olympic results
The British pair of Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds started their journey with an 8-6 victory over the Norwegians. Sweden, Canada, and Estonia also won their opening matches.
The reigning Olympic champions in the mixed doubles, Italy, will begin their bid for gold against South Korea on Thursday.
The Canadians won their opening match against the CzechsImage: Jennifer Lorenzini/REUTERS
The opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday will primarily take place at the San Siro football stadium in Milan. Three other venues will host the traditional parade of athletes, reflecting the widespread nature of this year’s Olympics.
The Games will use a variety of existing venues, stretching 350 kilometers (217 miles) across northern Italy from Cortina to Milan.
Pep Guardiola said Manchester City will ask the Football League for permission to play Marc Guehi in the Carabao Cup final after they breezed past Newcastle to set up a showdown with Arsenal.
The ineligible Guehi had to watch from the sidelines as City beat the Magpies 3-1 in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, completing a 5-1 aggregate win.
While fellow new boy Antoine Semenyo could play, Guehi was ineligible because he joined City after the first leg against Newcastle took place – and the rules mean the England international will be ineligible again come the final on March 22.
Guardiola acknowledged he did not expect City to be successful, but said they will make their case regardless.
“Why should he not play? Why not?” Guardiola said. “He’s our player, we pay his salary, we hired him…
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“We want to ask. I said to the club we have to ask definitely. I don’t understand the reason why he cannot play in the final of the Carabao Cup in March when he has been here a long time…
“Of course we are going to ask because it’s pure logic. (But) to change the rule, no way. But we will try.”
Omar Marmoush was the star for City as he scored the opening two goals of the night before Tijjani Reijnders added a third, all inside 35 minutes.
Guardiola would have been concerned by the number of chances Newcastle created after the break, but with Anthony Elanga’s 62nd-minute strike the only one they converted, City were never overly troubled.
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The win continues City’s run of having played at Wembley at least once every season since 2010-11.
“I do not take it for granted,” Guardiola said. “I know how difficult it is. I don’t know how many semi-finals and finals we have played in the FA Cup but it’s really good, and in 10 years five Carabao Cup finals so it’s really good: top, top, top.”
Marmoush, who previously scored a hat-trick against Newcastle, once again grabbed his chance against the Magpies with Erling Haaland starting on the bench.
“He gives us a special quality,” Guardiola said of the Egyptian. “His pace, his moments in behind, and his work ethic.”
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Newcastle arrived in Manchester trailing 2-0 from the opening leg and knowing a strong start was essential.
Instead, they found themselves quickly 3-0 down and effectively out of it.
“(I was) really annoyed with the first half display,” boss Eddie Howe said. “We pride ourselves on being really organised and tactically we want to be able to handle any problem the opposition gives us. That first half we weren’t good enough individually and our duels were off and it gave us huge problems.”
To add to Howe’s worries, Anthony Gordon was forced off before half-time.
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“It looks like a hamstring problem,” Howe said. “I don’t qute know how bad it was but it was enough for him to come off so that’s a big worry.”
The Maryland Freedom Caucus, a group of GOP delegates in the Maryland state legislature, made a post on social media showing a sign that appeared to have been hung by Democrat colleagues, dismissing concerns over trans athletes in women’s sports.
The sign, which has a signature from the Maryland Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus, was hung on the offices of Democrat state delegates Eric Ebersole and Nick Allen.
The sign makes the unsubstantiated point that “trans women have no competitive advantage,” in women’s sports. In 2021, the British Journal of Sports Medicine published a study that said transgender women maintain an advantage over biological women even after a year of hormone therapy treatment.
Democrats who voted down a bill to protect trans athletes in sports.(Fox News)
The sign also went on to state, “anti-dignity policies put transgender youth at risk,” “banning transgender youth is illegal,” and “invasive enforcement creates fear.”
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Ebersole, Allen and the Maryland Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus for a response.
The post and apparent sign comes a day before the Maryland state legislature is set to vote on the Fairness in Girls’ Sports Act.
The bill would require “certain interscholastic and intramural junior varsity and varsity athletic teams or sports sponsored by certain schools and certain locker rooms to be expressly designated based on biological sex; prohibiting certain entities from taking certain adverse actions against a school for maintaining separate interscholastic and intramural junior varsity and varsity athletic teams or sports or locker rooms for students of the female sex.”
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So far, 27 states in the U.S. have similar laws in effect that enforce bans on trans athletes in girls’ sports.
Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.
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