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The Buffalo Bills are embarking on an unexpected head coaching search after firing Sean McDermott, and a former backup to Josh Allen could be on their list of interviews. The team announced on Monday that McDermott was fired, cutting ties with their longtime coach just two days after a crushing loss to the Denver Broncos. The Bills lost the divisional-round matchup in overtime, falling 33-30 after erasing a 13-point deficit to take a late lead in the fourth quarter. The Bills decided to take a different direction after falling short of the Super Bowl again, despite years of sustained success under McDermott including five straight AFC East titles. Bills Could Interview Davis Webb for Coaching Gig While the Bills are late entrants to the head coaching cycle this year and have seen a number of top candidates already land new jobs, the team is expected to attract some strong interest for the job. SI.com’s Randy Gurzi suggested that Davis Webb could be one of those candidates. The former Bills quarterback is the offensive passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos and is considered an up-and-coming coach. “Davis Webb isn’t the most experienced candidate out there, but he’s helped the Denver Broncos find success with Bo Nix, who led them to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons,” Gurzi wrote. “That’s why he’s already had four interviews this cycle, and could add one more.” Webb has some work ahead of him, with the Broncos forced to turn to backup Jarrett Stidham after starter Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle late in the win over the Bills. The Broncos will host the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game next week. Davis Webb Has Existing Ties to the Bills Webb served as the No. 3 quarterback on the Bills, forging a close relationship with Allen. He later moved to the New York Giants, starting a game in the 2022 season under former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Gurzi added that Webb has maintained a close relationship with Allen since retiring from the NFL and joining the coaching ranks. “If it’s not, perhaps his relationship with Josh Allen could convince Bean to roll the dice. Webb spent three years as a backup to Allen, recently calling Allen his best friend. If they want a coach who their franchise leader supports, it could be Webb.” The Bills could look at other candidates with recent ties to Buffalo — and to Allen. Daboll is considered a potential candidate after being fired by the Giants during the season. Buffalo’s offense found success under his tenure as offensive coordinator, and he maintained a close relationship with Allen. In announcing McDermott’s firing on Monday, owner Terry Pegula said the team appreciated his success but wanted to go in a different direction. The team opted to keep general manager Brandon Beane, giving him a promotion to become the president of football operations for the franchise. Beane will help lead the search for the next Bills head coach, which is expected to kick off in the coming days. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Bills QB Josh Allen’s Former Backup Named Candidate to Replace Sean McDermott appeared first on Heavy Sports.

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL= Arlington 43, Poultney 35 BFA 36, Rice Memorial 22 Bellows Falls Union 68, Long Trail 49 Blue Mountain 49, BFA 39 Mount St. Joseph Academy 54, Leland & Gray 11 Mt Mansfield 51, Champlain Valley 36 Richford 47, Missisquoi Valley 30 Rutland 55, Hartford 40 Sharon Academy 38, Twin Valley 32 Thetford Academy 40, Harwood 28 West Rutland 58, Springfield 44 White River Valley 53, Woodstock Union 46 ___ Some high school basketball scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/ Source

The Indiana Hoosiers and star quarterback Fernando Mendoza are taking on the Miami Hurricanes in the college football national championship game tonight.While all eyes are on Indiana pursuing a perfect season that ends with a national title, the future of Mendoza is also in the picture. He is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders.Mendoza has put on a show this season. His impressive campaign for the Hoosiers ended up leading to him winning the coveted Heisman Trophy.During tonight’s game, there are two extra pairs of eyes watching him in person. Both Brady and Raiders owner Mark Davis are in town to watch Mendoza live.Yahoo Sports was the first to share a video of Brady on the field. Tom Brady and Mark Davis pulled up to take a look at potential No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza for the Raiders 👀 pic.twitter.com/hdlpcmyQK6 — Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 19, 2026 Social Media Reacts After Tom Brady, Fernando Mendoza LinkFans quickly started commenting about Brady being in attendance for the game. Las Vegas badly needs a franchise quarterback. Mendoza could be that guy.“The Silver and Black front office better be looking at Mendoza like a life raft, because this No. 1 pick is the only thing keeping that franchise afloat,” one fan wrote.Another fan chimed in, “Brady and Mark Davis ready to see their next QB.”“He’s wearing Raiders gear but it’s mostly covered up LOL,” another fan said, noting Brady’s gear.“Don’t let the Raiders pick #1. They have no idea what they’re doing. JaMarcus Russell still haunts everybody,” a fourth comment read.Fernando Mendoza Has Had a Remarkable Season for IndianaAfter making the decision to transfer to Indiana to play for head coach Curt Cignetti and alongside his brother, Alberto Mendoza, the older Mendoza has put on a show this season.Heading into the national championship game, Mendoza had completed 73 percent of his pass attempts for 3,349 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also has picked up 284 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.Landing with the Raiders would put a lot of pressure on Mendoza’s shoulders. It has been a long time since they were a contender and they are desperate for that to change.No rookie quarterback is a sure thing. However, the skill-set that Mendoza possesses, his personality, and his work ethic make him as close to a sure thing as a rookie can be.Not only does Las Vegas need a franchise quarterback, it also needs a franchise leader. Mendoza has embraced that role this season with the Hoosiers. He has put the team on his back and cleared the path on the way to the national championship.More than likely, Brady and Mendoza will be connected with each other for many years to come. For the young quarterback, being able to learn from the best of all-time would be an excellent situation to begin his NFL career.Hopefully, Mendoza is able to finish out his college career by leading the Hoosiers to a national championship win. After that goal is accomplished, the future with the Raiders can become front and center for him. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Tom Brady, Fernando Mendoza Connection Turns Heads at National Championship appeared first on Heavy Sports.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Andrew Wiggins, with that infectious smile that left a lasting mark on Warriors teammates, coaches and fans, stood near the Golden State bench long before tipoff waiting for a moment to catch up with old pal Stephen Curry. Curry took a quick break from his routine and they chatted and hugged before each got back to work. Wiggins returned to Chase Center with the Miami Heat on Monday night just shy of a year since the Warriors traded him to acquire Jimmy Butler. “He’s the best,” Curry said before heading out for his pregame warmup. Wiggins received a warm ovation during pregame introductions, waving, clapping and putting his hand to his heart. A video tribute played on the big screen. Warriors coach Steve Kerr knew it would stir up emotions to see Wiggins again, given how much he meant to the franchise in 5 1/2 seasons that included his contributions to the team’s 2022 title. “Wiggs is just such a great human being and beloved in our locker room. Had so much success here and helped us turn things around from that two-year stretch when we didn’t make the playoffs,” Kerr said. “He was just a joy to coach every single day. When you get a guy like that on your team and you go through a lot together, both on and off the court, then you make a trade, it’s just like that. It’s just crazy, this league, how this business operates. You have to just deal with it but it is sad when your relationships like that are all of a sudden — I mean you still have a relationship but you don’t see each other.” Also Monday, Butler returned to play against his former team after sitting out Saturday’s 136-116 win over Charlotte for personal reasons. Wiggins is averaging 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in his first full season with Miami. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra could appreciate how meaningful Wiggins’ return was for both sides. “We know it’s important to him, he had some great moments here, particularly during that championship run,” Spoelstra said. “And he’ll be received great, as he should, here in this building. We’re just grateful that we have him. He’s been doing so much for us on both ends of the court. I think as a complete game and all the responsibilities, you can make a case that this is the best that he’s played in his career, because of all those responsibilities he has for us.” ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA Source

TORONTO (AP) — Marcus Foligno had his first NHL hat trick to double his season goals total, Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice and the Minnesota Wild beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 on Monday night. The 34-year-old Foligno in the second period at even strength and on a power play, then into an empty net in the third. Ryan Hartman added a goal and an assist, and Kirill Kaprizov and defensemen Quinn Hughes and Brock Faber each had two assists. Hughes has two goals and 18 assists in 18 games with the Wild since being acquired from Vancouver on Dec. 12. Filip Gustavsson stopped 27 shots. The Wild have won two straight to open a three-game trip after being swept on a three-game homestand. They beat Buffalo 5-4 in overtime Saturday. Auston Matthews scored his 25th goal of the season and had an assist for Toronto. John Tavares and Nicholas Robertson also scored. Joseph Woll allowed five goals on 29 shots in two period. Dennis Hildeby stopped nine shots in the third. The Maple Leafs had won seven in a row a home. Foligno gave Minnesota a 3-1 lead at 6:53 of the second, Tarasenko followed with his second of the game at 8:24 and Foligno made it 5-1 on a power play with 46 seconds left in the period. Up next Wild: At Montreal on Tuesday night. Maple Leafs: Host Detroit on Wednesday night. ___ AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl Source