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With the Cincinnati Bengals looking to improve after a 6-11 season this past year, the team could be on the verge of making coaching staff changes, especially when it comes to offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher. While Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said there wouldn’t be staff changes, Pitcher’s deal could have interest from other teams, with the recent opening being another offensive coordinator job. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Pitcher will interview for the open offensive coordinator job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as Taylor gave permission to the coach to speak to teams that need play-calling coaches. “The Bucs will interview Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher for their vacant OC job this week, sources say, an opportunity made possible by coach Zac Taylor giving Pitcher permission to speak to teams with play-calling OC opportunities. A significant development,” Rapoport wrote on X, formerly Twitter. With Taylor calling plays for Cincinnati, it is interesting to see Taylor allow Pitcher to interview for another OC job, though he is also “very much in the mix” for the Cleveland Browns’ open head coaching gig, according to James Rapien of Sports Illustrated. “Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher is still ‘very much in the mix’ for the Browns head coaching job, league sources have confirmed…The Browns are expected to bring in multiple candidates for second interviews, including Pitcher, sources say,” Rapien wrote. Bengals’ Dan Pitcher in mix for Browns’ head coaching role © Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images As the Bengals missed the playoffs once again, Taylor is looking to bounce back hugely, though the team could be missing a voice like Pitcher on the offensive staff. Besides the Tampa Bay gig, Pitcher could be in line for Cleveland’s next head coach, which would be a move that has the team go after a candidate that could be considered a candidate in the future, as reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. At any rate, it remains to be seen if Pitcher is retained or leaves for a different role as Cincinnati looks to improve, led by Taylor and Joe Burrow. The post Bengals’ Zac Taylor opens door for Dan Pitcher to leave for different OC role appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Michael Chiesa’s homecoming has finally arrived. After years of competing across the country, the veteran welterweight will step into the Octagon for what promises to be an emotional return to the Pacific Northwest when he faces Carlston Harris at UFC Seattle on March 28 at Climate Pledge Arena. For the Spokane Valley native, this moment represents more than just another fight on the schedule—it’s a chance to cement his resurgence in front of a supportive home crowd. Michael Chiesa will fight Carlston Harris at #UFCSeattle on March 28th. #UFC #MMA #UFCParamount #UFConParamount #UFC2026 pic.twitter.com/4AHg5h2qKk — Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) January 17, 2026 Chiesa enters this matchup riding a three-fight winning streak that has revitalized his career. The 38-year-old “Maverick” secured a unanimous decision victory over Court McGee at UFC Atlanta just months ago, continuing an impressive run that includes stoppage wins against Tony Ferguson and Max Griffin. This momentum is crucial as Chiesa looks to prove he remains a viable contender in the welterweight division, not just a respected analyst at the commentary booth. A submission win for Michael Chiesa on his birthday #UFC310 | LIVE NOW | ESPN+ https://t.co/XX1YuUOYuv pic.twitter.com/X8VW0lqhfH — ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 8, 2024 Harris, conversely, faces significant pressure to break a troubling two-fight losing streak. The Guyanese welterweight’s recent performances have been disappointing, suffering knockout losses to both Khaos Williams and Santiago Ponzinibbio. At 38 years old, Harris finds himself at a career crossroads. While he boasts notable early UFC victories against Impa Kasanganay and Jeremiah Wells, his recent form suggests he’s struggling to keep pace with the division’s elite. This bout represents a critical juncture—a potential springboard back to respectability or another step toward retirement. The narrative surrounding this fight is compelling from both angles. Chiesa’s three-fight winning streak showcases a legitimate rediscovery of form, whereas Harris desperately needs a signature victory to salvage his momentum. The last time Chiesa competed in Seattle, he was submitted by Jorge Masvidal, adding another layer to his desire for redemption in his home state. From an analytical perspective, Chiesa’s superior recent form and home-state advantage position him favorably. However, don’t overlook Harris’s ability to land devastating strikes and sneaky submissions—his knockout power and submission game remain a legitimate threat that could derail Chiesa’s homecoming narrative in one decisive moment. Confirmed UFC Seattle Fight Card Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer (Middleweight – Main Event) Alexa Grasso vs. Maycee Barber (Women’s Flyweight) Marcin Tybura vs. Valter Walker (Heavyweight) Michael Chiesa vs. Carlston Harris (Welterweight) Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Yousri Belgaroui (Middleweight) Casey O’Neill vs. Gabriella Fernandes (Flyweight) Kangjie Zhu vs. Marcio Barbosa (Featherweight) Nicolle Caliari vs. Carol Foro (Strawweight) Julian Erosa vs. Lerryan Douglas (Featherweight) The post Michael Chiesa returns home to take on Carlston Harris at UFC Seattle appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Baltimore Ravens are still in the middle of conducting what is a monumental head coaching search, as they try to find the man who can help Lamar Jackson and company reach the NFL apex. They have seemingly interviewed every available candidate, and now the process is ramping up. Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver will meet with the organization for a second time this Tuesday, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The former defensive end was drafted by the Ravens in 2002 and played four years with the team before later serving as an assistant from 2021-23. He shared the field with greats like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs, and therefore understands the DNA that comprises the franchise. Familiarity may not be enough, though. John Harbaugh had a firm grasp of what fueled Baltimore during its peak (or at least he did), and now he is coaching for the New York Giants. Owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta must find a replacement who can help the squad evolve while also highlighting the Ravens’ classic defensive intensity. The evolution component of that mission is essential. Baltimore has failed to maximize its postseason opportunities and did not even make the playoffs this year. They need someone who can reinvigorate the group. Could Weaver be up to the task? Anthony Weaver will try to pitch himself to the Ravens The 45-year-old’s two-season run as Miami DC produced mixed results. The Dolphins allowed the fourth-fewest yards per game in 2024-25, posting a remarkable effort amid Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion situation. If the quarterback was healthy and under center for a few more weeks, the team could have possibly squeezed into the playoffs. Consequently, Weaver would have drawn far more praise. The defense was outmatched this past season, however, ranking 24th with 24.9 points allowed per game. Plenty of fans will point to a declining roster as a reason for the poor results, hence why Anthony Weaver is generating significant interest in the head coaching circuit. Besides securing a second interview with Baltimore, he will also meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers again. There is understandably a fair amount of skepticism surrounding his potential employment, but first-timers have enjoyed considerable success in recent years. Mike Macdonald and Ben Johnson are proving as much. The Ravens must determine if Weaver can embark on a similar path. This crucial evaluation will continue on Tuesday. The post Ravens holding 2nd head coach interview with Dolphins assistant appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Chicago Bears nearly defeated the Los Angeles Rams to advance to the NFC Championship game agaisnt the Seattle Seahawks, and quarterback Caleb Williams made one of the most clutch plays of his young career in the process. Despite losing 20-17 in overtime, Williams’ touchdown toss to Cole Kmet that helped tie the game deep in the fourth quarter was a moment that won’t soon be forgotten. “It was cool in the moment,” Williams told reporters after the game.” I can appreciate the organization. The city of Chicago. I can appreciate the sacrifice and growth we’ve had as a team. And I can appreciate the growth I’ve had and the trust I’ve had with Ben and my teammates. Those are the things I can appreciate.” Williams threw two touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 23 of 42 passes for 257. Despite the loss, the Bears enjoyed a strong season that saw them go 11-6 during the regular season and win a postseason game. Additionally, Chicago fans got to see Williams and head coach Ben Johnson form a rapport that could help the franchise progress. “That’s something that was very important for me,” Williams told Dan Wiederer of The Athletic. “Because I want to be here for a while. And I know he wants to be here for a while.” It remains to be seen how Williams’ career progresses, but Johnson understands that the group will need to enter next season with renewed commitment. “Next season is next season. It’s a whole different group. It’s a whole different chapter. We’ll have to write a whole brand new story,” Johnson said. “That’s the thing about this. You put in all this work and you sacrifice and you trust the people around you. But you can’t take any shortcuts. I wish I could say this is momentum from Year 1, we’ll take it (forward). It doesn’t work that way. It doesn’t work that way.” The post What Bears’ Caleb Williams said about miracle Cole Kmet TD that almost saved season appeared first on ClutchPoints.