It’s been a good summer to be the world No 114. First Maja Chwalinska produced one of tennis’ great fairytale stories to reach the French Open final as a qualifier, winning nine matches in a row to get there; then Britain’s Arthur Fery embarked on a similarly unpredictable run to the Wimbledon semi-finals as a wildcard.
All in all 15 Britons were to fall in the first round. Some of those were wildcards or qualifiers who simply ran into far superior opposition; others, including some of Britain’s best players, utterly failed to take the golden chance offered to them. There is a wider crisis in British tennis; Fery’s feelgood run has simply papered over the cracks.
Since Andy Murray’s retirement British tennis has been led by Cameron Norrie, usually a dependable, solid player who was left bitterly disappointed by a first-round exit. In his absence there is little leadership among the Brits on the men’s tour, which is largely populated by talented if injury-prone athletes who are yet to turn themselves into consistent features at big tournaments, or the women’s, which has the odd top-50 presence but is mostly top-100 players who have probably reached their ceiling.
It’s not like there are no Brits at all – there are 19 men in the top 300, a good return – but few have been able to truly break through, or stay there, and the gulf between winning at Challenger level – as three Brits did this weekend – and on the ATP Tour is mighty.
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Despite having much more financial might, particularly as the host of a grand slam which generates a huge chunk of overall Tour revenue, the UK’s tennis system is light-years behind the likes of Italy (eight men in the top 100, including five-time major winner Jannik Sinner, grand slam semi-finalist Matteo Arnaldi and French Open runner-up Flavio Cobolli) on the men’s side or Czechia (nine in the top 100 and three of the last four Wimbledon champions) on the women’s.
There are lessons to be drawn from those countries, but also from much closer to home: the scarcely believable success story which is British men’s doubles. For the last four years running a Brit has won the Wimbledon title; last year it was two, Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool. There are five British men in the world’s top 20 and they frequently battle for the top titles, notably at the ATP Finals last year, where all of those five made the semi-finals. Their success is owed in part to the highly regarded Louis Cayer, the national men’s doubles coach – the only one in existence.
Arthur Fery has jumped up the rankings to world No 36 and British No 1 (PA Wire)
One could point simply to luck of the draw: you can’t manufacture a tennis prodigy out of thin air, and there’s nothing to be done about once-in-a-generation talents cropping up elsewhere in Europe. But a lot of it comes down to the environment players are raised in and the access they have to opportunity.
Some would suggest the fact that promising young players are recruited to the National Academy in Loughborough, and the nature of the centralised model the LTA has recently opted for, have weakened grassroots tennis. Few local clubs are given the resources to produce top players in the manner in which clubs across Europe’s tennis behemoths do, while children who aren’t talent-spotted at a young age can fall through the cracks without the opportunity to develop. There is little investment in coaching and clubs at a micro level, with the inevitable result that young players who can’t afford or access expensive coaching, top-class facilities, or regular, quality tournament fields go by the wayside.
And it hardly bodes well for the health of the centralised system that most of the top British players of the current era, rather than progressing all the way through that pathway, went to college in the US. Norrie paved the way in playing college tennis at Texas Christian University, which Jacob Fearnley also attended, while Fery progressed to the professional tour via a tennis scholarship to Stanford, where he became the top-ranked college player in the States. Andy Murray famously joined Barcelona’s Sanchez-Casal Academy as a teen and grew up training in Spain rather than in the UK. It hardly inspires confidence in a system if players choose to leave it in their droves – and if they achieve greater things than those staying behind.
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Cameron Norrie was knocked out by collegiate player Michael Zheng in a surprise first-round defeat (PA Wire)
And there are concerns over the durability of home players, too. Jack Draper is capable of astonishing highs, reaching a peak ranking of fourth in the world last year, but since then he has been consigned to the treatment room with a series of worrying injuries, having already endured numerous injury layoffs earlier in his budding career. The litany of injuries Emma Raducanu has had to deal with could fill an entire book. Another promising Brit, Sonay Kartal, has missed the entire clay and grass swings with a troublesome back injury. Perhaps it is simply awkward timing, a strange coincidence; but few other countries have half their top talent laid off at the same time.
There are further awkward questions to be asked, too. Until Fery’s glorious run, discussions about wildcards at Wimbledon largely centred around Dan Evans, the retiring hero who was not granted a proper send-off at his home slam, his career instead coming to an end on the lowkey Court 15 alongside doubles partner Henry Searle.
Dan Evans’ playing career came to an end in front of around 300 people on court 15 (Getty)
He lambasted the LTA for “not having the minerals” to tell him explicitly why he wasn’t given a singles wildcard (the governing body advises the AELTC on its wildcard selection), and for its failure to wish him well on his retirement in person. It all added to the impression of a governing body locked away in an ivory tower, interested in bottom lines rather than nurturing players both young and old.
Perhaps this is unfair, but sport is a results-based business, and those results aren’t forthcoming. Fery’s run to the semi-finals is a stunning achievement and not to be trifled with. But it shouldn’t obscure the deeper issues within British tennis, which cannot be solved by one young starlet having a dazzling breakout run every few years. Instead, it should be the catalyst to turn those runs into sustained success and consistency at the top, to put Britain’s talent among the tennis elite.
France are preparing for a highly anticipated semi-final against Span following their qualification thanks to a win against Morocco. The Spanish team is expected to be France’s toughest challenge yet, as La Roja have only let in one goal so far. FRANCE 24’s James Vasina tells us more.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) celebrates with running back Cam Akers (27) after a touchdown, reacting to the score during fourth-quarter action against Chicago on Dec. 16, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis as the Vikings built momentum late in a divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Go ahead and listen to Kevin O’Connell discuss the blocker along the right side. Or, perhaps, check out how Keith Carter discusses the large lad. In a chat with the VEN’s Tatum Everett, Coach Carter ventured into a variety of topics across the roughly 10-minute conversation. Getting the chance to discuss Mr. O’Neill led to no shortage of praise.
RT1 Brian O’Neill is the Coach Translator
A major part of O’Neill’s value rests in his capacity to untangle what the coach is teaching.
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Carter insists that O’Neill is “another coach in the room,” a compliment that points toward the OT’s capacity to transcend the normal responsibilities of a lineman. He can do his job on the field while doing plenty of work off the field, as well, to coach up his teammates. “He has a way to take stuff that we say,” Carter explained, “and put it into a player’s words that they’re going to understand.”
Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) reacts with the crowd after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Another key part of the mix is Brian O’Neill’s ability to tell the coaches to slowdown when teaching new things. Anyone who has coached youth football understands what it’s like to explain an idea in seemingly clear terms only to later realize that the players didn’t understand. Apparently, that issue can extend all the way to being a pro.
Carter offered more thoughts: “He makes sure we get those coaching points in. And then there’s a level of trust with him. You’re not worried about teaching B.O. the details of the game plan.” No doubt, that’s some great praise from the OL coach.
O’Neill got chosen at No. 62 in the 2018 NFL Draft. The early word was that he was super athletic but needed time to marinate before getting tossed onto the grill. But while those plans appeared wise, the Vikings quickly had to throw the rookie into the fire due to injury. At no point did he appear to be in over his head.
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Indeed, Brian O’Neill has been a fantastic football player since jumping into the starting lineup. Last year, O’Neill earned an 81.6 PFF grade, good for 12th overall among the 84 offensive tackles under consideration. He allowed a pair of sacks alongside 1 QB hit and 21 pressures.
Recent seasons have involved that sort of assessment: being the 16th best in 2024, 24th best in 2023, 8th best in 2022, and so on.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Will Fries (76), offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) and fullback C.J. Ham (30) celebrate after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
But then consider that the PFF assessment — or something such as ESPN’s pass-block and run-block win rates — only corrals the on-field component. What Keith Carter is speaking to is the value that gets added with O’Neill being a coach who wears shoulder pads.
Lately, a lot of the focus has been on the unsigned Brian O’Neill extension. Over the Cap clarifies that offensive tackle carries a $23,115,657 cap charge. Extending him could involve clearing $14.16 million.
Sounds good, right?
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Clearly, there’s some issue with arriving at a sort of unhappy medium. The best deals are the ones where both sides walk away feeling a touch uncomfortable but (mostly) satisfied. Think, for instance, a deal that possibly gives the team a way out after a couple seasons while the player squeezes the franchise for a headline-grabbing number.
New GM Nolan Teasley has been in the Twin Cities for a short time. Still, he shouldn’t struggle to understand how important O’Neill is to the Vikings. The possibility exists that he’ll look to Ryan Van Demark and/or Caleb Tiernan as the long-term solution, but that would be a bold move that appears to contradict what the coaching staff has been saying for a long time.
Feb 4, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Brian O’Neill (75) during NFC practice at the Las Vegas Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
Brian O’Neill, 30, stands at 6’7″ and is listed as being 310 pounds. The team captain has always been a rugged, athletic guy. Further proving his value by adopting the responsibilities of a pseudo coach enhances his shot at finishing his career as a Viking via extension.
NFL Los Angeles Rams offensive line Alaric Jackson
Los Angeles Rams starting left tackle Alaric Jackson will not face felony charges after an arrest on suspicion of domestic battery in June, ESPN reported Monday.
Jackson’s case was assigned last week by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for a pre-filing diversion that is an alternative to misdemeanor criminal prosecution, per the report.
The 27-year-old could still face discipline by the NFL according to its personal conduct policy.
Per the police report, Los Angeles police officers responded to Jackson’s home in the San Fernando Valley late on the night of June 8. NBC Los Angeles reported the 6-foot-7, 340-pound Jackson engaged in a verbal argument with a woman and allegedly attempted to take a phone out of her hand after he felt she was recording the exchange.
The woman had scratch marks on her arm following the alleged interaction, per the television report.
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Bail was set at $50,000, and Jackson was released from the jail in Van Nuys on bond.
Jackson is the blind-side protector of star quarterback Matthew Stafford. The former was signed to a three-year, $56.3 million contract prior to the 2025 season. He played 2024 on a one-year deal after signing his restricted free agent tender the previous offseason.
Jackson has appeared in 57 career games (51 starts) since catching on with the Rams after undergoing undrafted out of Iowa in 2021.
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He was suspended two games by the NFL in 2024 for violating its personal conduct policy.
He was also sued last November by a woman who alleged Jackson recorded her without her consent during sex, repeatedly refused to delete the recording and taunted her with it, which she reported to the NFL as well. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by a federal court in April.
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after he was removed from the list of officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dieperink had been selected to serve as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the tournament before his appointment was withdrawn in May following a police investigation in the United Kingdom.
He was arrested in April over an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy. After a full investigation, authorities concluded there was not enough evidence to support the case, and no charges were filed.
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The Royal Dutch Football Association described Dieperink as a respected referee and a dedicated colleague, while FIFA also paid tribute to the official and offered condolences to his family and friends.
The cause of his death has not been made public.
After being removed from the World Cup officials’ list, Dieperink maintained that he had been wrongly accused. He said he had fully cooperated with investigators and had kept football authorities informed throughout the process. Although disappointed to miss the World Cup, he thanked the Dutch Football Association for standing by him.
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Dieperink became an Eredivisie referee in 2017 and later established himself as one of Europe’s experienced VAR officials. He also served as a VAR at UEFA Euro 2024 and officiated in several major European club competitions.
His death has saddened the football community, bringing an end to the career of a referee who worked at the highest levels of the game.
Anderson signs, EFL deals, player returns: Everything you need to know about Man City transfers – Manchester Evening News
Need to know
The summer transfer window closes in 50 days and Manchester City have been hard at work to get deals done
Elliot Anderson has signed for Manchester City this summer(Image: MB Media/Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Manchester City’s summer transfer business:
City are just 50 days out from the summer transfer window shutting and they have already completed a chunk of deals.
The standout move was announced at the beginning of July when Elliot Anderson joined from Nottingham Forest for £116m. Read the full story here.
Mathys Detourbet also arrived at City from affiliate club Troyes that week. He joined for £21m and has immediately joined AS Monaco on loan for the 2026/27 season.
Making his return to City is goalkeeper Pierce Charles. He arrives from Sheffield Wednesday for £3m, although the deal could rise to £10m. He originally left City at 16 and, having now returned, will spend next season on loan at Queens Park Rangers.
City’s second EFL signing of the summer was announced last week as Jeremy Monga arrived from Leicester. The Blues have splashed £10m on the 17-year-old and that could rise to £12.5m. Read the full story here.
There have also been notable exits from the Etihad Stadium. Long-term servants John Stones and Bernardo Silva left at the end of their contracts – the latter joining Real Madrid.
Manuel Akanji completed his £13m transfer to Inter after spending last season on loan at the San Siro.
Nathan Ake was sold to Fenerbahce for £7m, potentially rising to £8.5m. Meanwhile, young defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey made his switch to FC Koln permanent for £4.7m rising to a potential £6.4m.
Youngster Isaac Smith has joined Barnsley for an undisclosed fee.
Highly rated goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff has joined Stockport County on loan until the end of the season but will spend the summer with City to supplement the tour goalkeeping group, while youngsters Ezra Carrington and Ashton Muir have departed for free.
The summer transfer window closes on September 1. Read the full story here.
Minnesota Vikings fans Carey “ValCarey” Lundberg and her daughter Bailey react in the stands after Cleveland scores a late fourth-quarter touchdown at the Metrodome. On Sep. 22, 2013, the pair watches the Browns seize control of a tense finish before Minnesota falls 31-27 in front of a stunned home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings signed a new quarterback, fired their general manager, found a replacement, traded their best defensive player, and onboarded a new draft class in the last several months, and all that work is good enough for a ‘D+’ offseason, according to Yahoo Sports‘ Frank Schwab,
Most Vikings fans would grade the offseason much higher, but as an outsider, Schwab is not very impressed.
Vikings Cap Reset Affected Every Major Decision
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray scrambles away from pressure against Minnesota at U.S. Bank Stadium, keeping the play alive as defenders close during fourth-quarter action. On Oct. 30, 2022, Murray uses his mobility to extend the possession while Arizona pushes for points late in the road matchup against the Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
Schwab Delivers ‘D+’ Offseason Grade for Vikings
Sizing up each team heading into the 2026 regular season, Schwab wrote about the Vikings last week, “The Vikings lost three good linemen from their defensive front, which is evident from the salaries they commanded with other teams. A lot is now expected from edge rusher Dallas Turner, a 2024 first-round pick who did take strides with eight sacks last season.”
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“Minnesota also lost receiver Jalen Nailor, who the Raiders thought was worth more than $35 million over three years. Minnesota didn’t do much in free agency, feeling the cap crunch. They did sign former 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings for $8 million over one year, and also cornerback James Pierre for $8.5 million over two years.”
In July, the Vikings have $13 million remaining in cap space.
“No other outside free agent got more than $1.5 million, though Kyler Murray’s minimum $1.3 million deal is included in that. The draft class, led by defensive lineman Caleb Banks and linebacker Jake Golday in the first and second rounds, was panned,” Schwab continued.
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“Minnesota’s draft got the fourth-worst consensus grade, and two of the three teams behind them didn’t have a first-round pick. Jennings was a good addition and Murray was a value, but the roster overall took some hits. Grade: D+.”
Murray Alone (for $1.3M) Should Be Good Enough for At Least a ‘B’
In March, after much anticipation, the Arizona Cardinals finally dumped Murray, refusing to explore a trade and instead letting him walk to the open market and willing to pay him to play for another NFL squad. The Vikings pounced, handing him a contract worth $1.3 million.
All signs point to Murray starting for the Vikings after he partakes in a quarterback competition with J.J. McCarthy in a couple of weeks. Finding and empowering a starting quarterback for $1.3 million — especially one as productive as Murray — is just phenomenal value.
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Even if Murray doesn’t pan out for the long term, giving him an audition for $1.3 million is enough to drag an offseason grade from a ‘D+’ to the ‘B’ range. Not long ago, Murray was considered a Top 15 quarterback in the business. Now, the Vikings employ him for the NFL’s version of free.
Jonathan Greenard Trade Less Than Ideal
The offseason wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, however. Outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard wanted a new contract, and Minnesota apparently could not afford his asking price, which turned out to be $100 million over the next four seasons. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski traded Greenard and a 7th-Round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for two 3rd-Rounders. One of those picks has already fetched safety Jakobe Thomas, and the other is on the way in April 2027.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard speaks with reporters at Croke Park after facing Pittsburgh, reflecting on the afternoon as the team completes its postgame media responsibilities. On Sep. 28, 2025, Greenard answers questions following the International Series matchup while Minnesota processes the result and prepares to move forward from Dublin later that evening. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Still, it’s risky business to trade productive pass rushers, and there’s a chance that Minnesota regrets the Greenard swap. He was the team’s best defensive player, and while he didn’t register many sacks in 2025, his quarterback pressure numbers remained top-notch.
Most serious and playoff-contending football teams stack EDGE rushers — like the Eagles. The Vikings hope to replace Greenard with Dallas Turner.
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If Schwab’s offseason grade proves right, offloading Greenard might be the smoking gun.
Doing More with Less
Minnesota’s plan became crystal clear once free agency began.
The Vikings had a choice to pursue high-profile players. However, that strategy would have necessitated pushing substantial cap hits into future seasons, inevitably leading to a difficult reckoning — a path exemplified by teams like Philadelphia for years and New Orleans until their recent financial restructuring.
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Instead, Minnesota’s front office opted for a different approach, prioritizing value. Murray’s acquisition perfectly illustrates this strategy: securing a potential starting quarterback on a modest deal allowed the Vikings to address a critical position without overextending their budget.
Minnesota Vikings owners Mark Wilf and Zygi Wilf watch the team face Cleveland at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, taking in the International Series atmosphere from the sideline. On Oct. 5, 2025, the brothers observe Minnesota’s overseas matchup as the organization represents the franchise before a packed crowd in London on Sunday afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
The decision also enabled them to avoid expensive bidding wars. Tyler Linderbaum was never a serious target, nor did Minnesota engage in the frenzy for Trey Hendrickson. This offseason was fundamentally about creating financial flexibility.
The Vikings effectively designated 2026 as a salary cap reset year while assembling a competitive team. Therefore, by next spring, their financial outlook should be vastly improved, granting the front office considerable freedom to address remaining roster needs.
If you want the Vikings to have a busy offseason in 2027 and 2028, low spending was required in 2026. That alone might fetch a grade higher than a ‘D+.’
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Javelin thrower Anand Singh and the women’s 4x400m relay team clinched a gold medal each as India ended their campaign on a strong note at the inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships here on Sunday.
Overall, the Indian team won 16 medals — 3 gold, 4 silver and 9 bronze — in the championships.
On his way to winning the gold medal, Anand joined the 80m club. His brilliant gold winning throw of 80.57m, a personal best, was achieved in his last attempt.
Shivam Lohakare, the second Indian in the fray, won the bronze medal with a distance of 77.70m.
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The gold winning quartet of Shravani Sachin Sangle, Sandramol Sabu, Pravallika Narimalla and Nofisa Khatun clocked 3:33.62 seconds in the women’s 4x400m relay.
China won the silver medal (3:35.14 secs), while Kazakhstan settled for the bronze (3:37.65 secs),
India won a silver medal in the women’s 4x100m relay, clocking 44.68 seconds, behind China (43.75 secs). Kazakhstan settled for bronze (50.90 secs). The members of the women’s shorter relay team are Sanjana, Akshaya Saravanan, Sudheeksha V and Shreeya Rajesh.
The men’s 4x400m relay team also won a silver with a time of 3:04.24 secs. The team comprises Astik Pradhan, Sharan Megavarnam, Setu Mishra and Aman Choudhary.
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China won the gold with a time of 3:03.46 secs, while Qatar took home the bronze (3:06.19 secs).
However, the men’s 4x100m relay team finished fourth with a time of 39.38 seconds.
In the men’s high jump, Sudeep finished fifth after clearing 2.10m, while Bhumeshwory Devi Huidrom ended at seventh in the women’s 1500m, clocking 4:29.81 secs.
Earlier in the day, Sachin Garhwal finished sixth in the men’s half marathon race walk with a time of 1:36:48, while Aarti (1:45:40) was fourth in the women’s corresponding event.
Gavin Carmody, host for Sky Thoroughbred Central, provided a concise assessment of the Cactus Imaging Handicap (1100m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday, noting Benevac’s commanding front-running display.
The talented young jockey Grima has now reached 32 city wins and is two victories ahead of her closest competitor, Braith Nock, in the Sydney apprentices premiership, having partnered Benevac for her maiden win with champion trainer Ciaron Maher.
She made the most of the opportunity on Benevac, starting brilliantly from the barriers, controlling the race from the lead, and cruising to a comfortable victory.
Maher’s Sydney stable representative confirmed that Benevac was the first winner Grima had ridden for the stable.
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“Siena has only had a few rides for us before so it is great she has won for the stable on Benevac,” said Johann Gerard Dubord, Maher’s Sydney stable representative. “She’s riding really well and did everything right on the horse.”
Benevac, the striking chestnut runner priced at $2.70, led throughout the race and was never in doubt as the immediate chaser, Zoufame ($2.30 favourite), finished two-and-three-quarter lengths behind, with Escargoes ($6) securing third place.
Gerard Dubord noted that Benevac is a lightly-raced young sprinter who continues to improve as he gains more racing experience.
“He’s a lovely horse and we feel there is more to come from him,” Gerard Dubord elaborated. “He’s got a lot of upside.”
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Benevac, cleverly named as he is by Godolphin’s highly-regarded young sire Bivouac out of Houston Benefactor, was purchased by Dean and Adam Watt’s Dynamic Syndications for $140,000 at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale two years ago. His latest win at Randwick was the second of his career from 10 starts (plus five minor placings), and he has already earned over $290,000 in prizemoney, with the promise of more to come.
The Randwick meeting also featured a significant achievement for Eagle Farm-based trainer Todd Pollard, who prepared his first Sydney winner with All Kinds Of Folk in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1800m).
In fact, All Kinds Of Folk was Pollard’s inaugural runner in NSW, with the trainer having only obtained his licence in February.
Pollard has made a remarkable start to his training career, accumulating 10 winners from just 44 starters, including two wins at Listed level.
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“I don’t think we will keep that strike-rate going but I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my career,” he commented. “And to get a winner here at Randwick with my first runner is a very special moment for me.”
All Kinds Of Folk ($4.40 favourite), ridden with skill by champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy, overtook the front-running Tambela ($4.80) near the finish line to win by a long neck, with Existential Bob ($5.50) finishing nearly three lengths behind in third place.
Take advantage of the racing odds for the next major event.
Florida State is expected to hire ex-Texas, Houston and FAU coach Tom Herman in a support staff role, Noles247 confirmed Monday. The 51-year-old coaching veteran’s position with the team has not yet been clarified, but he will likely assist Seminoles coach Mike Norvell on the offensive side of the ball as he resumes playcalling duties following Gus Malzahn’s offseason retirement.
Florida State is counting on experienced transfer quarterback Ashton Daniels to jump-start an offense that sputtered last season. Herman brings two decades of coaching experience with him as the Seminoles look to get back on track.
Herman has never been short on offensive answers. At his best, he was one of college football’s most creative playcallers, building systems that marry quarterback strengths with tempo, spacing and a physical run game. His work as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator helped power the Buckeyes to the inaugural College Football Playoff national championship, while his offenses at Houston turned Greg Ward Jr. into a star.
Even during an up-and-down tenure at Texas, Herman consistently produced explosive offenses that stressed defenses in multiple ways. Norvell isn’t handing over the keys, but adding Herman gives the Seminoles another experienced set of eyes in game-planning, quarterback development and in-game adjustments. The Seminoles don’t need to lead the ACC in scoring to rebound in 2026, but they do need consistency, and Herman has built a career helping offenses find it.
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The Herman files
Herman’s first head coaching position came at Houston in 2015 after a couple of years on Urban Meyer’s staff at Ohio State as the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Herman won the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant in 2014 and went 22-4 as the head man at Houston before that success led to him taking over at Texas. After posting a 32-18 overall record in Austin, Herman was fired following a 7-3 campaign during the 2020 COVID season. He earned a $15 million buyout from the Longhorns.
Herman later served as an offensive analyst for the Chicago Bears before accepting the head job at FAU. He went 6-16 over two years with the Owls before his firing — and $4 million buyout — after the 2024 season and hasn’t actively coached in the collegiate ranks since.
Florida State welcomed 57 newcomers to the roster this offseason, including 23 transfers, many of which have already found roles within the two-deep. In what amounts to a make-or-break season for Norvell, given recent struggles, perhaps Herman’s presence could help extend his tenure.
1 min read Last Updated : Jul 13 2026 | 11:26 AM IST
Senegal fired its men’s football coach Pape Thiaw, according to a statement issued by the national federation on Sunday.
The Senegalese Football Federation added that Thiaw’s technical staff were also dismissed.
The decision followed Senegal’s elimination in the round of 16 at the ongoing World Cup.
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“After an evaluation of the performance of the national team and its prospects, the Executive Committee believes that a change is necessary in the interest of Senegalese football,” the federation said.
Thiaw, 45, was appointed in 2024 and led the West African nation to a disputed continental title in Morocco earlier this year before the victory was overturned by the Confederation of African Football. Senegal has approached the Court of Arbitration about appealing the decision.
Senegal was eliminated from the World Cup by Belgium despite leading 2-0 until the 83rd minute. The team also came close to elimination in the group stage after losses to France and Norway.
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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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