Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
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UPCOMING
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TUESDAY TAKEAWAYS
DESCRIPTION: The NFL regular season has ended and the MVP debate continues. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi. 670 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--CFP-PEACH BOWL-LANNING VS CIGNETTI
DESCRIPTION: Oregon coach Dan Lanning and Indiana coach Curt Cignetti look like exact opposites. Lanning is the flashy, budding star who wins by defying conventional wisdom. The blunt-spoken Cignetti takes a decidedly old-school approach. Now the two former Alabama assistants will soon find themselves back in SEC country, sharing mutual admiration for their very different styles as they chase one goal — reaching the national championship game. By Mike Marot and Anne Peterson. 1,000 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBN--RAIDERS-SPYTEK-BRADY
DESCRIPTION: Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek will work together on the coaching search and other team matters. What does that mean? By Mark Anderson. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text
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HKN--DEVILS-ISLANDERS
DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Rookie of the year front-runner Matthew Schaefer and the New York Islanders host Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. 300 words, photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 01/06/2026 10:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL
Season of the kicker unravels with missed field goal sending Ravens home and Steelers to playoffs
SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Steelers narrowly defeated the Baltimore Ravens after a dramatic ending on Sunday night. Steelers kicker Chris Boswell missed an extra point, leaving the Steelers with a slim 26-24 lead. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson then set up rookie kicker Tyler Loop for a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal. Loop missed the kick, pushing it to the right. Ravens coach John Harbaugh defended the decision to attempt the kick from that distance. The game highlighted the increasing accuracy and expectations for NFL kickers, who have been making longer field goals more frequently.
WORDS: 685 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 1:35 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:945ab56e51702545e81a324054193113&mediaType=text
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FBN--NFL-PLAYOFF-GUIDE
SUMMARY: This year’s NFL playoffs could represent a shift to a new generation of winning players — particularly at quarterback. The top two seeds in both the AFC and NFC are led by a quartet of young or unheralded quarterbacks, including Bo Nix, Drake Maye, Sam Darnold and Caleb Williams. All while perennial MVP candidates like Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson are sitting at home. That doesn’t mean there won’t be some familiar postseason faces taking snaps in the coming weeks. Veterans like Buffalo’s Josh Allen, Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers, Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts and the Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford are back in the postseason, vying for a spot in Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 8.
WORDS: 448 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 1:27 p.m. EST
https://apnews.com/article/nfl-playoff-schedule-how-to-watch-bfc17ae2f5394d317d9e9cd8af33c325
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SOC--MAN UNITED-COACH
Man United candidates for interim coach include Solskjaer and Carrick, AP source says
SUMMARY: Manchester United has approached Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick in its search for an interim coach to take over until the end of the season, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition on anonymity because the recruitment process has not been made public. United is considering a short-term replacement for Ruben Amorim who was fired on Monday with a view to a long-term appointment in the summer.
WORDS: 684 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 1:12 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e30af73c397f719e06eea4acc6c2d58e&mediaType=text
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FBN--COMMANDERS COORDINATORS FIRED
Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt Jr. are gone from the Commanders after a 5-12 season, AP source says
SUMMARY: A team official with knowledge of the moves says coordinators Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt Jr. are both gone from head coach Dan Quinn’s staff with the Washington Commanders after a 5-12 season. Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator, and Whitt, who had been in charge of the defense until being stripped of play-calling duties during the season, both arrived in Washington with Quinn before the 2024 season. Quinn and Kingsbury mutually agreed to part ways, according to the person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the staff changes hadn’t been announced. Whitt was dismissed, which was not surprising given his earlier demotion.
WORDS: 356 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 1:12 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1454e6a32d18fcfef5207cdfd5042258&mediaType=text
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FBC--CFP-FIESTA BOWL-PREVIEW
No. 6 seed Ole Miss, No. 10 Miami set up College Football Playoff game like no other
SUMMARY: The Fiesta Bowl will be a College Football Playoff game like no other. Either No. 6 seed Mississippi or No. 10 Miami will play in the national championship game following a battle of teams left out of the CFP a year ago. The Hurricanes have rekindled some of the magic of their last championship in 2001 behind a stifling defense and steady quarterback Carson Beck. The Rebels have kept winning despite coach Lane Kiffin bolting for LSU. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been superb since taking over as the starter in the third game of the season.
WORDS: 691 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 1:07 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0e8df705cc5266f60fd1b8caaaf435a1&mediaType=text
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FBN--COWBOYS-EBERFLUS FIRED
Cowboys fire defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after one season filled with poor showings
SUMMARY: The Dallas Cowboys have fired first-year defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after they allowed the most points and intercepted the fewest passes in franchise history. It’s the second consecutive season in which Eberflus has been fired. He was let go midseason in 2024, his third year as coach of the Chicago Bears. Eberflus made it to the end of the season in his return to Dallas, where he had been an assistant from 2011-17 before going to Indianapolis as defensive coordinator. But the 55-year-old’s fate appeared sealed before Sunday’s finale. Dallas’ 34-17 loss at the New York Giants set a club record as the ninth game of allowing at least 30 points.
WORDS: 652 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 12:45 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ddc1eb75a1085de9356538c360a47ebb&mediaType=text
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GLF--GOLF NOTES
LPGA Tour gets its turn at tech-infused indoor golf with WTGL to start next season
SUMMARY: Now it’s the LPGA Tour’s turn to compete in the tech-infused indoor golf league. TMRW Sports and the LPGA have announced the creation of WTGL. Still to be determined before the 2026-27 season is how many LPGA teams will be fielded. It will be run separately from the TGL. But the matches will be held in the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Craig Kessler is the new LPGA commissioner. He says this is a great opportunity to give the LPGA more visibility and grow its fan base. Rory McIlroy would love to see Brooks Koepka back on the PGA Tour and in TGL matches.
WORDS: 1468 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 12:18 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bee61f8e968865f01a5fb84e636f770e&mediaType=text
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OLY--SAFESPORT-CEO
SafeSport Center turns to Olympic gold medalist Benita Fitzgerald Mosley as new CEO
SUMMARY: The U.S. Center for SafeSport announced Benita Fitzgerald Mosley as its new CEO, placing the 1984 Olympic gold medalist in charge of rebooting an agency that has been plagued with problems over most of its nearly nine-year history. Fitzgerald Mosley will start her job Feb. 1, saying in a statement provided to The Associated Press that it is “more than a job opportunity for me, it is a calling.”
WORDS: 496 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 12:09 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fdaef2566df4599c9b92e21523074187&mediaType=text
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OLY--HKO-SMALLER-ICE
IIHF president on Olympic arena delays: ‘We’re going to have a tournament’
SUMMARY: The head of the International Ice Hockey Federation says parts of the main rink for the Milan Cortina Olympics might not be fully finished on time. However, the playing surface, practice facilities and dressing rooms will be ready for the men’s event on Feb. 11. He spoke Monday at the world junior championship, noting the main arena will have 11,800 seats, which is less than expected. Construction delays have raised concerns, especially with the NHL returning to the Winter Games. The NHL plans to send experts to Italy to ensure the ice is safe. The IIHF isn’t overseeing construction but remains confident about the infrastructure.
WORDS: 415 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 11:39 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1c461e77b4a267102d7e0974201ce4be&mediaType=text
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BKC--MICHIGAN STATE-FORMER PLAYER EJECTED
Former Spartans player Paul Davis ejected from game after criticizing officials from the stands
SUMMARY: Former Michigan State and NBA player Paul Davis was ejected from the Breslin Center after vocally criticizing officials from the stands during the 12th-ranked Spartans’ 80-51 victory over Southern California on Monday night. Michigan State led 67-46 with just over six minutes left when officials motioned toward the stands to point out Davis. Davis eventually was ordered to leave. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said after the game that “what he said, he should never say in the world.”
WORDS: 333 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 11:11 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:73cfa72a74468d828e05f56aeb668442&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR-PHELPS RESIGNS
NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps resigns after inflammatory texts revealed in trial
SUMMARY: NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps has announced his resignation after over 20 years with the organization. His departure follows a federal trial where inflammatory texts he sent during revenue-sharing negotiations were revealed. Phelps will leave at the end of the month, ahead of the season’s start. His texts, including a derogatory comment about Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress, led to backlash from supporters. Despite his contributions to NASCAR, including expanding its international presence and returning the sport during the COVID-19 shutdown, his resignation comes amid controversy. NASCAR has not announced plans to replace him immediately.
WORDS: 1057 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 11:01 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:269f842e90ca62d5caa59ad0c620a08d&mediaType=text
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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-2026
Scheffler’s bid for career slam and Koepka’s search for new home among golf topics for 2026
SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler goes for the career Grand Slam. Brooks Koepka is searching for a new path now that he’s no longer with Saudi-backed LIV Golf. And the annual question in golf always seems to go back to the future of Tiger Woods. These are among six pressing topics for golf going into 2026. The season is starting a week late because The Sentry at Kapalua was canceled because of water issues. It’s only fitting that on what would have been the start of the first week of the PGA Tour, Maui was under a flood watch.
WORDS: 1169 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 9:50 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8da2aca28617aeb503d7f61b2becfa8c&mediaType=text
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SOC--CHELSEA-ROSENIOR
Chelsea gives new manager Liam Rosenior a six-year contract
SUMMARY: Chelsea has confirmed hiring Liam Rosenior as the new manager. Rosenior left Strasbourg on Tuesday and has signed a contract to 2032. The attack-minded Rosenior becomes the second Black Chelsea coach after Ruud Gullit. He has been praised for transforming Strasbourg into a force in French soccer. Rosenior’s previous roles include assistant coach at Derby under Wayne Rooney. This marks his first coaching job in the Premier League. Chelsea recently parted ways with Enzo Maresca after 18 months. Rosenior will face the challenge of bringing consistency to a talented but underperforming team. He sees this as a rare opportunity for a Black British coach in the Premier League.
WORDS: 763 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 9:11 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4d318b3b1628641a08a1938edb991e3d&mediaType=text
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FIG--US CHAMPIONSHIPS PREVIEW
Alysa Liu’s second act: Once burned out by skating, world champ now setting sights on Olympic glory
SUMMARY: Alysa Liu has rediscovered her passion for figure skating after stepping away from the sport. She retired unexpectedly after the 2022 Beijing Olympics at 16, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of training. Liu then attended UCLA, traveled, and expanded her social circle. A skiing trip reignited her love for skating, leading to a comeback. By January 2025, she placed second at nationals and later won the world championships. Liu continues to thrive, winning multiple titles and embracing a healthier approach to the sport. Now 20, she enjoys a balanced life, skating on her own terms, as she prepares for the U.S. championships this week.
WORDS: 970 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 8:56 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cdff631e9b9a82bf8ffbe24f6b0df673&mediaType=text
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OLY--SPD-SPEEDSKATING-STOLZ’S TRIALS
Jordan Stolz focused on the Olympics at US speedskating trials. Everyone will focus on him in Milan
SUMMARY: Now star speedskater Jordan Stolz can really turn all of his attention to being fully prepared to pursue four gold medals at the Milan Cortina Olympics. During the U.S. long track speedskating trials, Stolz didn’t actually need to perform well or produce good results. To earn his spots for the Feb. 6-22 Winter Games, the 21-year-old from Wisconsin simply needed to show up at the starting line for his quartet of events at the Pettit National Ice Center. He wrapped up the four-day trials Monday by winning the mass start. He also will compete in Italy in the 500, 1,000 and 1,500 meters, events in which he owns two world titles apiece.
WORDS: 589 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 6:00 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5564aacec42158bd4b816229d56dba03&mediaType=text
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BKN--AROUND THE NBA
The NBA season is nearing the midway point. There are some surprises, good and bad
SUMMARY: The Boston Celtics have surprised many by maintaining their strong performance despite major lineup changes. Jaylen Brown is the only starter remaining from last year, with Jayson Tatum out due to injury and others traded. As of Monday, the Celtics are 23-12 and second in the Eastern Conference. Coach Joe Mazzulla credits the team’s understanding and execution of their roles. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons lead the East with a 27-9 record, surprising some but not their coach, J.B. Bickerstaff. Other surprises include the Phoenix Suns’ resilience and struggles for teams like Milwaukee and Atlanta.
WORDS: 738 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 6:00 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b2e099c04cf4a7e54cb0556a08dcd59e&mediaType=text
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FBN--COACH SEARCH-EXPLAINER
What are the NFL’s rules about timing and interviews for coaching searches?
SUMMARY: The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing as six teams search for new head coaches. The New York Giants, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Cleveland, and Arizona have already fired their head coaches. This month, top assistants on playoff teams must balance their current roles with potential interviews. The NFL has strict rules on when and how these interviews can occur. For playoff teams, virtual interviews are limited to three hours and vary based on playoff schedules. The Rooney Rule requires teams to interview diverse candidates for head coach and coordinator positions. General manager interviews follow slightly different rules.
WORDS: 598 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 6:00 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cf65fbc2dd60730fc8d9dd00d2eafbe3&mediaType=text
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BKL--UNRIVALED-SEASON TWO
Unrivaled’s second season provides key gathering place for WNBA players during CBA negotiations
SUMMARY: Napheesa Collier sat on the bench at Sephora Arena laughing with her Unrivaled teammate Skylar Diggins moments before tipoff between the Lunar Owls and Rose BC. It was a tiny glimpse of what Unrivaled provided star WNBA players in Year 1: high-level competition and camaraderie while offering an arena for players to sharpen their skills ahead of the WNBA season. Unrivaled’s second season began on Monday. Now the league is providing a central gathering place for players to strategize and build solidarity as players negotiate a new collecitve bargaining agreement.
WORDS: 599 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 5:55 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b7c29a5852f899efccc8ceba74207b01&mediaType=text
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OLY--LUG-LUGE PREVIEW
Feet first downhill on a sled at cheetah speed: What to know about luge at the Winter Olympics
WORDS: 612 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 3:10 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a9d5463bb04b3ebfba5f47b69b1c5bb3&mediaType=text
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OLY--BOB-BOBSLED PREVIEW
What to know about bobsled at the Winter Olympics: The Germans vs. everyone else
WORDS: 524 - MOVED: 01/06/2026 3:10 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f7abaed92a294763a66c5d8b58315cbd&mediaType=text
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MOVING TOMORROW
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FBN--PRO PICKS-WILD-CARD WEEKEND
Three road teams are favorites, including the only double-digit spread of wild-card weekend.
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FBN--NFL PLAYOFFS-BETTING
The Seahawks, Rams and Broncos are the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
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FBC--CFP-PEACH BOWL PREVIEW
