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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially added another intriguing name to their offensive coordinator search, one with direct ties to one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. According to NBC Sports, the Buccaneers will interview Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher for their vacant OC position this week.  Ian Rapoport reported that Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has granted Pitcher permission to speak with teams offering play-calling opportunities. 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. pic.twitter.com/fX0zpxubsH — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2026 “The Bucs will interview Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher for their vacant OC job this week, sources say,” Rapoport wrote. “An opportunity made possible by coach Zac Taylor giving Pitcher permission to speak to teams with play-calling OC opportunities.” This is a notable development given Pitcher’s current role in Cincinnati. While Pitcher holds the offensive coordinator title with the Bengals, Taylor retains play-calling duties. This makes a move to Tampa Bay a potential step forward rather than a lateral shift. Pitcher is widely credited as a key contributor to Joe Burrow’s early NFL success. For the Buccaneers, it represents a clear signal that quarterback development is a priority in this hiring cycle. Dan Pitcher’s Role in Joe Burrow’s NFL Development Pitcher’s resume is closely tied to the rise of Joe Burrow. Pitcher joined the Bengals’ staff in 2016 and became Burrow’s quarterbacks coach shortly before Cincinnati selected Burrow first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. From Burrow’s rookie season through his ascent to Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl appearance, Pitcher played a central role. He was a huge part of weekly game planning, film study, and helping Burrow command Zac Taylor’s offense at an elite level.  That trust and continuity ultimately led to Pitcher’s promotion to offensive coordinator. This was a move designed to preserve the structure around Burrow as the franchise QB entered his prime. That QB background could be especially appealing to Tampa Bay, where Baker Mayfield showed flashes of high-level play but also endured stretches of inconsistency.  The Bucs appear to be prioritizing a coach with a proven track record of refining quarterback mechanics, preparation, and decision-making. All of these are areas where Pitcher has excelled at the NFL level. Where Pitcher Fits in the Buccaneers’ OC Search The Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator search is massive. Pitcher joins a growing list of experienced and creative offensive minds under consideration. Tampa Bay has already interviewed or expressed interest in candidates such as Todd Monken, Mike Kafka, Brian Callahan, Zac Robinson, David Shaw, Israel Woolfork, and Mike McDaniel.  Pitcher’s interview represents a different profile than the rest of the bunch. He brings a development-first profile rooted in quarterback growth. As the Buccaneers continue evaluating their options, the response Pitcher’s meeting this week will tell a lot about their OC search going forward. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Buccaneers OC Search Linked to Coach Who Helped Shape Joe Burrow’s NFL Rise appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The Atlanta Braves have had a busy offseason to this point, but were dealt tough news before the season has eveb started with the news that Ha-Seong Kim will miss 4-5 months with a hand injury. Injuries have plagued the Braves for the last two seasons, and GM Alex Anthopoulos has been adamant this offseason about adding another impact arm, which should be a starter. Atlanta has made ample additions to their bullpen, but it might not mean much if the rotation falters again. However, if the Braves can add one more durable starter to the current rotation, many fans and analysts would feel more comfortable with the roster heading into the upcoming season. As of now, the Braves have two strong frontline starters in Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach. After Sale and Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider appears to be the third option, and Hurston Waldrep, Joey Wentz, and Grant Holmes follow behind Strider with hopes of having a 4th/5th option role. Here are three starting pitchers the Braves could target this offseason to cap a busy offseason: Lucas Giolito Among the top available starters in free agency, Lucas Giolito is probably the fourth or fifth name on the market, but he would be a really valuable addition to the Braves. After missing all of 2024, Giolito enjoyed a nice campaign in 2025 by being able to make 25+ starts. In 26 starts, Lucas Giolito posted an ERA of 3.41 over 145 innings and struck out 121 batters. His market value projects him to earn somewhere between a $45 million and $60 million contract over three-four years. More MLB on Heavy: Four Low-Cost Free Agent Infield Options Braves Could Target After Ha-Seong Kim Injury Chris Bassitt A lot of teams are being linked to Chris Bassitt, and for the right reason. Â The 36-year-old starter has made 30+ starts and posted 170+ innings in four straight seasons. This is the type of durable arm that the Braves need to ensure some stability in the rotation. As great as Sale and Schwellenbach have been when healthy, Bassitt would add another layer of depth and could firmly slot in ahead of Strider on Atlanta’s depth chart. GettyCould the Braves end up signing Chris Bassitt? In 2025, Bassitt posted a 3.96 ERA over 170.1 innings. His market value projects him to receive an AAV deal of around $20 million, so Atlanta could opt to sign him to a one-year deal if they pleased. More MLB on Heavy: Braves-Rays Trade Pitch Offloads $73 Million All-Star For Griffin Jax Zack Littell The last option, and probably the most affordable option for the Braves among this group if Zack Littell. Littell has made 61 starts over the last two seasons and posted a sub-4.00 ERA in both seasons. 2024 was really the first time Zack Littell transitioned into a full-time starter, and he’s proved his value, similar to the other two names on this list, by being able to take the ball every fifth day. According to Spotrac, Zack Littell is projected to earn a three-year, $38 million deal. That’s a price the Braves can more realistically afford, but it would be looked at as a good signing if Atlanta ultimately did strike a deal with Littell. Other external options the Braves might target during the last four weeks of this MLB offseason include Patrick Corbin, Justin Verlander, Chris Paddack, and Nick Martinez. More MLB on Heavy: Mets Predicted to Land Former All-Star, 220-Strikeout Pitcher in Free Agency More MLB on Heavy: Mets-Pirates Trade Idea Sends $77 Million All-Star Starter to Queens for Top Prospect More MLB on Heavy: Braves Urged to Sign $61 Million Projected Starter in Free Agency Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Three Starters the Braves Could Target to Cap Off Busy Offseason appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Dustin Poirier shared his perspective on the upcoming interim UFC lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Poirier’s insight carries weight, having fought Gaethje twice and observing what Pimblett is capable of inside the octagon.The interim lightweight title bout headlines UFC 324, set for this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. UFC 324 also marks the promotion’s new era on Paramount+. The winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett will earn a title unification bout against reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.Much has been made about how the what could unfold when the two meet inside the octagon. ‘The Highlight’ enters with extensive championship fighting experience, while ‘The Baddy,’ faces the biggest test of his career.During his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Poirier offered his prediction for the UFC 324 main event. He said he favors Gaethje to pull off what oddsmakers consider an upset win.Poirier cited Gaethje’s experience in grueling fights as the key advantage over Pimblett.“I just think [Gaethje’s] been in those 25-minute fights. He’s been in dogfights before. I think Paddy is gonna have a tough time stopping him on the feet, and I don’t think Paddy’s gonna be able to get him down,” Poirier said. “Justin is just a bigger puncher and he’ll put himself in harm’s way to land one of those shots. It’s tough to stay away from that for 25-minutes.”Dustin Poirier Predicts Justin Gaethje Finishes Paddy PimblettDustin Poirier also predicted the method of victory for the UFC 324 main event between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.Poirier believes that Gaethje is a much better striker and that it will be on full display against Pimblett. ‘The Diamond’, who lost to Gaethje by knockout in their second bout, expects him to finish Pimblett the same way.Poirier expressed confidence in Gaethje’s knockout potential, saying he even plans to wager money on that outcome. Now that he is retired, Poirier is allowed to wager money on fights he feels strongly about.“Yeah, I think that Justin stops [Pimblett],” Poirier told The Ariel Helwani Show. “Every now and then [I partake in sports betting]. I’m definitely gonna partake in that [fight]. Yeah, [I’m going with Gaethje by knockout].” Poirier Says Pimblett Winning Would Be Ideal Outcome for UFCPoirier also discussed the business implications of the fight outcome. He noted that Pimblett would be more marketable if he won instead of Gaethje.During his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Poirier noted that Gaethje doesn’t have many fights left in his career. Because of that, Pimblett winning the interim lightweight champion gives the UFC more options.“Probably [would be ideal for the UFC if Pimblett won]. Justin’s talking about retirement,” Poirier said. “Paddy’s still young and they can continue to build him. There’s a bunch of fights we haven’t seen with Paddy. So, it’s more marketable if Paddy wins [at UFC 324].”Additionally, Pimblett already has a rivalry with lightweight champion Ilia Topruia. The two faced off in the octagon after Topuria won the title, so that unification bout could generate significant interest. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Dustin Poirier Predicts Gaethje vs. Pimblett Outcome Ahead of UFC 324 appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The San Francisco 49ers‘ offseason is underway after their elimination from the playoffs after losing 41-6 in the divisional round to the Seattle Seahawks. One of the main storylines for the Niners heading into the 2026 NFL season will be the recovery of George Kittle.Kittle suffered a torn Achilles tendon injury during the 49ers’ wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles. It was another blow for San Francisco, who couldn’t escape the injury bug all season to their top and even depth players. On Jan. 19, Kittle spoke with the media and shared the latest regarding his recovery, as the veteran will likely do his best to be ready for Week 1 later this year. “Overall, I’m fantastic,” Kittle said (h/t 95.7 The Game). “Surgeon went really, really well. The surgeon was incredibly happy with it. A little background into it: He said, ‘Best-case scenario when you tear an Achilles is that you tear it up high by your soleus,’ which is what I did. I had a clean tear. I didn’t have to drill into my heel. Where the repair was is where there was more blood flow. “It takes some time off the recovery time. He’s very excited about everything—my recovery, when I’ll be running, when I’ll be ready to play again. He’s very excited about it. That puts me in a really good mood. It’s not as bad as the other ones, so just excited about that.”49ers’ George Kittle Confirms Tequila StoryMoreover, Kittle also confirmed the tequila story, noting that he had the alcoholic drink in the locker room once the 49ers star knew he tore his Achilles tendon. “My first response to that is, ‘Can I get Jed fined? What’s the question? Can I get Jed fined by talking about tequila?’ I would stop,” Kittle added (h/t 95.7 The Game). “Yeah, it happened. Had a great time.”If the 49ers pursue a tight end either in the draft or free agency, perhaps it will allow them to take their time with Kittle and not rush him for Week 1 to ensure that the player is fully healthy once he’s ready to go for the 2026 season.49ers Need to Address Injury Woes This OffseasonInjuries have been a major storyline for the 49ers for a while. As a result, CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones is urging San Francisco to find the root of the problem and address it as injuries have held this team back.“The Niners have to figure out how to get healthier,” Jones said during a Jan. 17 appearance on CBS Sports HQ. “This continues to happen to them time and again because if you look at it, if they can stay moderately healthy, average health, they will make the playoffs every year. They will make noise in the playoffs. I can go on, and we could talk about how they need another wide receiver, and they do.“They need some depth on the defense and certainly they could use some pass rush and some corner help. There’s no doubt that if they ran it back with the team that they have and even lose the free agents that they’re going to have, if they could stay healthy, 75 to 80 percent healthy, they’re in the NFC Championship game. I absolutely mean that. But instead, they can’t.” Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post 49ers’ George Kittle Shares Big Achilles Injury Update appeared first on Heavy Sports.