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Vikings Seem to Want a Change of Pace on Offense with New Coaching Hire

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Nov 2, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith at press conference at the PSD Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, the Minnesota Vikings made a shocking decision to relieve Kwesi Adofo-Mensah of his duties as general manager.

The move was shocking not necessarily because of Adofo-Mensah’s resume, particularly in the NFL Draft, but because of the timing of the move, which came on January 30 — nearly a month after the Vikings’ season ended.

Now, the Vikings have continued to make some shifts in their leadership as reports came out that the team has made a new coaching hires on Saturday, which could signal a significant shift in Minnesota’s approach on offense.

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Vikings Make a New Coaching Hire

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell in 2025, Week 18.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is seen during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

The initial report came from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, who tweeted, “#Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell continues to remodel his staff, adding former #Dolphins OC Frank Smith as assistant head coach and Keith Carter as offensive line coach, per me and TomPelissero. Smith worked with Mike McDaniel and will help with the offense and run game planning.”

Smith has extensive experience coaching in the NFL, serving various roles for the past 16 years. As Rapoport states, he was most recently the offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins.

Throughout Kevin O’Connell’s head coaching tenure, Minnesota has struggled mightily in the running game, and this hire may signal a real desire to change that.

The highlight of Smith’s offensive coordinator tenure came in 2023 when the Dolphins went 11-6 and ranked second in points per game (29.2). The Vikings have not ranked higher than eighth in points per game (24.9) since Kevin O’Connell took over as head coach.

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Nov 2, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith (left) and coach Mike McDaniel during practice at the PSD Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

That season saw the Dolphins rank first in the NFL with 5.1 yards per carry, sixth in total rushing yards with 1650 (despite only running the ball the 15th-most times in the league), and first in rushing touchdowns, including a league-leading 18 from a 31-year-old Raheem Mostert.

The Dolphins also ranked fourth in yards per rushing attempt this season at 4.7. The Vikings have never ranked higher than 11th in that category during O’Connell’s tenure, which happened to come during the 2025 season.

Smith, a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native, began his NFL coaching career with the New Orleans Saints in 2010 as an assistant offensive line coach. He also held the roles of tight ends coach with the Chicago Bears from 2014-2017 and the Las Vegas Raiders from 2018-2020.

Oct 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith stands on the sidelines during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

He then became the running game coordinator and offensive line coach for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021. That 2021 season saw Austin Ekeler lead the NFL in rushing/receiving touchdowns with 20, nearly doubling his career high of 11.

The move to bring in Smith as assistant head coach comes after Mike Pettine, who previously held that role, retired earlier this month. Pettine’s background almost exclusively came on the defensive side of the ball, but now, the Vikings are bringing in a coach who has proven experience in successful rushing offenses.

If we think about the move for a moment, it makes a ton of sense for the Vikings, especially if they were to stick with J.J. McCarthy at the quarterback position. If we think back to the critiques of the Michigan product heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, the main one that sticks out is “game manager.”

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The Michigan Wolverines had a bruising running game during McCarthy’s tenure at quarterback, but that also brought with it some great success for the program, including a national championship in 2023. An improved running game in 2026 will be crucial for the Vikings getting back into playoff contention, and the Smith hire seems like a real attempt to bring in an assistant coach who can do exactly that.


Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.

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Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey

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“All Good Things Come to an End” — Anisimova split confirmed

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Amanda Anisimova and her coach, Hendrik Vleeshouwers, have officially gone their separate ways, and now we’ve heard from him.

After Anisimova confirmed the split, Vleeshouwers shared his own message reflecting on their time together:

“All good things come to an end, and today marks the closing of an incredible chapter.”

  • Kai Trump backs Sabalenka ahead of Miami FinalKai Trump backs Sabalenka ahead of Miami Final

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“Over the past two years, we’ve reached so many milestones, winning two [WTA] 1000s, making back-to-back Grand Slam finals, and reaching world number three.”

“I’m incredibly proud of what we built, but even more for the journey we shared along the way… the hard work, new experiences, the challenges, the laughs, and the moments that people don’t always see.”

“I will always carry these memories with me.”

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And he ended it on a personal note:

“Amanda, thanks for all the good times and being you.”

“I wish you nothing but success and happiness moving forward, and I’ll always be rooting for you.”

The partnership delivered the best tennis of Anisimova’s career titles, finals, and a rise to world No. 3.

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But 2026 hasn’t quite followed the same path, and now both sides are moving on. What an end to a chapter.

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Mexico’s iconic Azteca is set to reopen. That’s good news for sleep-deprived stadium director

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MEXICO CITY (AP) — Félix Aguirre admits he’s been having trouble sleeping these last few months. On the eve of the reopening of the iconic Azteca Stadium, and with some work still to be done, the stadium director won’t be able to relax until kickoff on Saturday night.

After being closed since May 2024 for renovations in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, the stadium where Pelé’s Brazil and Diego Maradona’s Argentina won the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, respectively, will again open its doors to fans for a friendly match between Mexico and Portugal.

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It will be a crucial test for Aguirre and all the workers who have been racing against the clock in recent weeks to get the stadium ready, not just for that match but also for the World Cup opener on June 11, when Mexico plays South Africa.

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‘We’re ready’

“It’s true that I’ve had trouble sleeping thinking about the project and making sure it’s the best it can be,” Aguirre told The Associated Press. “Today I can tell you that we’ve done it and we’re ready.”

The AP was given access to the stadium on Thursday when work appeared to still be underway in various areas, including the new locker rooms, where the smell of paint is noticeable.

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According to Aguirre, there are currently 2,200 workers on the project, working 24 hours a day.

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With the renovations, the stadium, officially renamed Banorte, increased its capacity from 83,000 to 87,500 spectators. In addition, new seats, a new sound system with 250 speakers, two video screens, new locker rooms, and a hybrid pitch were installed, among other improvements.

To increase capacity, a lounge area located in the lower and central part of the stadium was removed.

“At some point we tore down the lower stands to put in boxes and some lounges that weren’t nice, now we’re bringing back those stands and that’s returning to the original Azteca,” Aguirre said.

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The stadium located south of Mexico City will host five World Cup games next summer. Opened in 1966, Azteca has undergone several renovations — the last one to accommodate NFL games in 2016.

“There were many areas for improvement, but some things we were obsessed with were enhancing the fan experience. To achieve this, we improved the audio, video, and internet, but we also improved the restrooms, entrances and exits, and everything related to the overall experience,” Aguirre said.

“It’s somewhat subjective, but I think we achieved it.”

All about soul

Aguirre was given a clear brief to follow.

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“Another thing we wanted was for it not to lose its soul,” Aguirre said. “This is a historic building that is part of the city; we couldn’t disrespect its essence. We simply had to enhance it, preserve its soul, and provide fans with a better experience.”

The exterior remains a familiar sight to fans. Debris can still be seen in some places, and there will be no car parking available for supporters for Saturday’s game. Authorities have asked fans to use public transportation or shuttles that will depart from public locations throughout the capital.

Aguirre’s mission is to hand over the stadium to FIFA a month before the June 11 opener.

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If all goes well, then he’ll be able to sleep soundly.

“That’s what we hope,” he said with a laugh.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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Gin Twist eyes Flemington straight in 2026 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes

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The Hayes trio of Ben, Will and J D at Lindsay Park were downcast when their two fillies were excluded from the Golden Slipper lineup at Rosehill.

Emergencies two and three were Medicinal and Gin Twist for the country’s wealthiest two-year-old race.

Ben Hayes felt the sting of missing out on the field, as no horses scratched from the 16 entrants in last weekend’s Group 1 spectacle.

“It’s a shame we didn’t get in,” Hayes said.

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“You win a Stakes race, and you normally get in, but this year it was just so open.

“They were taking their turns in winning and with the prize money so strong in New South Wales, we ended up just missing out.”

With Gin Twist as the third emergency into the Golden Slipper, the Lindsay Park team decided against a trip north.

On February 28 she won down the Flemington straight, and now she’s entered for Saturday’s Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) there.

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Last week she ran third in an 800m heat during an easy jump-out at Flemington.

“We made the decision to not even send her up,” Hayes said.

“It didn’t look like she was any chance of getting a run, so we took the opportunity of giving her a jump-out at home instead.”

A filly by Home Affairs, the Golden Slipper-winning stallion, Gin Twist dominated her Listed 1000m victory down the straight on February 28.

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“She’s had that experience down the straight and hopefully that will hold her in good stead on Saturday,” Hayes said.

Medicinal made the journey to Sydney seeking a late Golden Slipper berth, while Gin Twist stayed local.

Hayes mentioned Medicinal will trial in Sydney prior to the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) on April 11 at Randwick.

View the best racing betting markets for the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes via betting sites.

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Tara Jones: Rugby league ref ready for history to cap ‘crazy week’

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Jones said she began officiating when she was no longer able to play rugby league with boys after coming to the end of an under-11s season.

“I went over to a girls’ team and back then the opportunities for girls to play rugby were few and far between,” she said.

“It’s much better now but that’s why I went into officiating, because I was a bit stubborn and I was told I couldn’t do something within the sport I love.

“I was like, I will find a different avenue and no one is going to tell me I can’t be involved in this sport at the top level in the boys’ side of it.

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“So I decided to go into officiating and I haven’t looked back.”

As a player, Jones won a Women’s Super League title, two League Leaders’ Shields and four Challenge Cups before retiring in 2024.

She has been refereeing in the men’s game for a year and said the players “just see me as another referee”.

“I think the biggest problem they have, is what do they call me?” she said.

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“I get that question every week and I find it quite funny. I understand they’re used to having male referees and they always address them as ‘sir’.

“They are only trying to be respectful. I just tell them to call me ‘ref’ or ‘Tara’ and if they do call me ‘sir’ because it’s habit, then don’t worry about it.

“I’m not offended because I know they’re trying to be respectful and do the right thing.”

Jones said she hopes she can be a “trailblazer” for young women in rugby league.

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“I try to be and I want to be – I just do what I do and I hope I can inspire young girls,” she added.

“Just this week I’ve had a message from a young girl who has just started refereeing to say that I’ve inspired her to try it and give it a go.

“That means a hell of a lot to me.”

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Tiger Woods involved in another car crash ahead of Masters

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Tiger Woods was involved in a car crash in Florida on Friday, according to multiple reports. 

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office told ESPN that the crash happened on Jupiter Island on Friday afternoon. Woods’ condition was not immediately known. 

Woods competed in the TGL championship earlier this week with his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, and her daughter, Kai, in the stands. It was his return to competitive golf after rupturing his Achilles last year, just ahead of the Masters.

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Tiger Woods at TGL

Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club looks on before the match against the Los Angeles Golf Club at SoFi Center on March 23, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  (Adam Glanzman/TGL/TGL Golf via Getty Images)

The 15-time major winner, five of which have come at Augusta, was noncommittal about playing at this year’s Masters. President Donald Trump said on “The Five” on Thursday that he would be at Augusta but not play.

Woods has had trouble behind the wheel in the past. In 2021, he got into a wreck that resulted in serious leg injuries that kept him off the golf course for the entire year. In 2017, he was arrested for driving under the influence, also in Jupiter Island, after taking prescription drugs.

Tiger Woods putt

Tiger Woods of the United States lines up a putt on the 12th green during the third round of the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club on May 21, 2022. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

VANESSA, KAI TRUMP TAKE IN TIGER WOODS’ RETURN TO GOLF AT TGL FINALS

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It has been a tough go since Woods made the ultimate comeback in 2019 and miraculously won the green jacket again. In 14 majors since then, he has failed to muster a top 20 finish. It’s his longest such streak since failing to finish in the top 20 in the first six majors of his career in 1995 and 1996. In his last 26 majors, he has only four top 20 finishes.

Since finishing tied for ninth at the 2020 Farmers Insurance Open, his best finish in his 18 official events since then has been T-37 at the 2020 PGA Championship. 

Tiger Woods with golf ball

Tiger Woods preparing for the Open Championship in 2022. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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He has not competed since 2024, when he competed in just five events: the Genesis Invitational and the four majors. He withdrew from the Genesis, finished dead last in the Masters and missed the cut in the other majors.

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Tiger Woods involved in rollover car crash in Florida

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Tiger Woods was involved in a rollover car crash in Florida on Friday afternoon, police have confirmed.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said the incident took place on Jupiter Island, in the same town where Woods lives, just after 2pm local time.

A photograph has been shared of the scene which shows a vehicle laying on its driver’s side.

Further details on the crash or the golfer’s condition have yet to be disclosed, with it reported that sheriff John Budensiek will share more information at 5pm local time (10pm GMT).

There have been claims from WPEC, the local CBS affiliate, citing a source at Martin County Fire Rescue that there were no injuries to anyone involved in the crash, with one person reported in stable condition, while another declined to be taken to the hospital. This has not yet been verified.

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The Martin County Sheriff’s Office was not immediately available for comment when contacted by The Independent.

Woods was previously involved in a high-profile rollover crash in California in 2021, which left him with serious injuries. Authorities said he was driving at least twice the 45mph speed limit when he SUV struck a tree, causing the vehicle to fly through the air and land on its side.

The American was also arrested for driving under the influence in Florida in 2017, after which he checked himself into a clinic for prescription medication.

More to follow.

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Prayers up for WWE legend Jamie Noble

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Jamie Noble sent a personal message to fans ahead of this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown. Tonight’s edition of the blue brand will air live from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

WWE producer Jamie Noble took to social media today to share a heartfelt update. He thanked fans for their prayers, and you can check out his message in the Instagram post below.

“Thank everyone for their prayers🙏🙏🙏🙏,” he wrote.

Noble hasn’t competed in a wrestling match since the company’s Holiday Tour in 2022. He teamed up with Braun Strowman and The Brawling Brutes to defeat The Bloodline’s Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Sami Zayn, and Solo Sikoa. The veteran’s last match on television took place on the June 8, 2015, edition of RAW. He teamed up with Joey Mercury to defeat Seth Rollins in a Handicap match.

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The Bella Twins are scheduled to square off against Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair tonight on WWE SmackDown. Jelly Roll will also be in action against Kit Wilson. Women’s United States Champion Giulia will be facing Tiffany Stratton in a non-title match, and Carmelo Hayes will once again be holding an Open Challenge for his United States Championship.

Jamie Noble comments on his final WWE match

Wrestling veteran Jamie Noble discussed his final match in 2022 that took place in his hometown of Charleston, West Virginia.

In an interview with Byron Saxton, Noble shared that he trained with Drew Gulak and William Regal’s son, Charlie Dempsey, ahead of his final wrestling match.

“Good,” Noble said when asked how his body feels. “When I looked at the dates, trying to get everything ready, I was worried about a training camp and how I’d hold up, but it’s been great. It’s obviously rough getting used to going at it. Some of these guys over here, Regal’s kid, and Drew Gulak came in, so it’s been challenging but I feel like I’m there.”

.@WWENoble sits down with @ByronSaxton to discuss returning to the ring for the first time in over 7 years for his final match in his hometown of Charleston, West Virginia.

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It will be interesting to see if WWE has any surprises in store for tonight’s edition of SmackDown on the road to WrestleMania 42.