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--GIANTS-SCHOEN
DESCRIPTION: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Joe Schoen will return as New York Giants general manager, team owners John Mara and Steve Tisch announced. Mara and Tisch gave Schoen a vote of confidence in November when firing coach Brian Daboll midway through the regime’s fourth season in charge. The Giants were 2-8 at that time and lost five of their final seven games under interim coach Mike Kafka to finish with a 4-13 record. Assembling talent by drafting receiver Malik Nabers, running back Cam Skattebo, pass rusher Abdul Carter and, most importantly, potential franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart paved the way for Schoen to keep his job and oversee the search for the team’s next coach. By Stephen Whyno. 950 words, photos. Stands for FBN--Giants-Wrapup
SENT: UPDATES UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 3:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBN--RAVENS-WRAPUP
DESCRIPTION: The Baltimore Ravens have plenty of tough decisions ahead after their season ended Sunday with a missed field goal in the final seconds. By Noah Trister. 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BKC--UNRANKED FLORIDA
DESCRIPTION: GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Defending national champion Florida is now unranked, falling out of the Top 25 after starting the SEC season with a road loss. By Mark Long.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BBO--ASTROS-IMAI
DESCRIPTION: HOUSTON — The Houston Astros will introduce right-hander Tatsuya Imai after signing the Japanese star to a three-year contract last week. By Kristie Rieken. 600 words.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 4:00 p.m. EST, Text
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SOC--AFCON-ROUNDUP
DESCRIPTION: Seven-time champion Egypt plays Benin and Nigeria faces Mozambique in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 4:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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FBN--COLTS WRAPUP
DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- Carlie Irsay-Gordon liked what she saw the first 10 weeks this season. Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor were operating at an MVP level, coach Shane Steichen’s offense was operating at a historically efficient pace and general manager Chris Ballard made the deadline deal needed to fill their most glaring need. Then Jones got hurt and the whole season unraveled. On Monday, Irsay-Gordon explained why she opted to keep Ballard and Steichen one more season in the wake of an incredible second-half collapse. By Michael Marot. 750 words, with photos by 5 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text
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CAR--NASCAR-IN THE PITS
DESCRIPTION: The new year began with a celebration of life for Emma Biffle, the 14-year-old daughter of of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers who was among seven killed when Greg Biffle’s plane crashed one week before Christmas. It was just one of the brutal blows to hit the NASCAR community in its short and traumatic offseason that has an entire industry reeling as the new season is just weeks away. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBN--STEELERS-ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION: The Pittsburgh Steelers’ first AFC North championship in five years was not easy to come by. Yet Pittsburgh believes its erratic regular season will help make them a dangerous team in the playoffs. By Will Graves.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 5:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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FBC--CFP-PEACH BOWL-RUNNING HOOSIERS
DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza draws most of the attention when people talk about Indiana football. But even Mendoza knows the top-seeded Hoosiers would not be here, one win away from playing for a national championship, without a physical offensive line paving the way for one of the nation’s premiere running games. By Michael Marot. 750 words, with photos by 6 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--FIESTA BOWL-QUARTERBACKS
DESCRIPTION: Miami quarterback Carson Beck was a five-star recruit who rakes in NIL money and has an affinity for European cars. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chamblis has a much different background, working his way up from a Division II program after nearly giving up football. By John Marshall. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--ALL-BOWL TEAM
DESCRIPTION: Breaking down the top performers at each position in all the bowl games that weren’t part of the College Football Playoff. By Steve Megargee. 1,100 words, with photos, expected by 5 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 6:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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FBN--FALCONS-WRAPUP
DESCRIPTION: The Atlanta Falcons are facing an offseason of turnover after coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot were fired hours after a 19-17 win over New Orleans on Sunday capped an 8-9 season. By Charles Odum. 650 words, photos
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 6:04 p.m. EST, Text
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BKN--SUNS-ROCKETS
DESCRIPTION: HOUSTON — Kevin Durant faces his former team when the Houston Rockets host the Phoenix Suns. By Kristie Rieken. 300 words.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 8:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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FBC--FCS CHAMPIONSHIP
DESCRIPTION: Illinois State is playing for the Football Championship Subdivision title Monday night for the first time since 2014. Montana State is back for a second straight season looking to take the title that eluded the Bobcats last year. By Teresa M. Walker. UPCOMING: 550 words. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 8:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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BKC--T25-USC-MICHIGAN STATE
DESCRIPTION: USC plays Michigan State at Jack Breslin Students Events Center. By Larry Lage. 300 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 8:30 p.m. EST, Text
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HKO--WORLD-JUNIOR
DESCRIPTION: Sweden faces Czechia in the first all-European final in the world junior hockey tournament since 2016. 350 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 01/05/2026 11:30 p.m. EST, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--CARDINALS-GANNON-FIRED
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon fired following dismal third season that ended with 3-14 record
SUMMARY: Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon was fired Monday following a dismal third season that started with high expectations but quickly collapsed thanks to injuries, embarrassing gaffes and a long string of losses that became increasingly noncompetitive. The final indignity came Sunday, when the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cardinals 37-20 after scoring the final 21 points. It was the team’s ninth straight loss and 14th setback in 15 games.
WORDS: 603 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:09 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8a78ad7baac5321a6eea7b63b8f6fa1d&mediaType=text
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BKC--T25-MEN’S-POLL
Arizona holds No. 1 spot over Michigan by single point in one of the closest AP Top 25 races ever
SUMMARY: Arizona holds onto the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 by a single point over Michigan. This marks one of the closest races in the poll’s 78-year history. The Wildcats received 32 first-place votes, while the Wolverines got 29. The top six teams remain unchanged, with Iowa State, UConn, Purdue, and Duke following Michigan. Nebraska is in the top 10 for the first time since 1966, riding an 18-game winning streak. The Big 12 has seven ranked teams, including four in the top 10, while the Big Ten has six in the poll and three in the top 10.
WORDS: 807 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:01 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:12ed5e0439a24268482bef53b1f81590&mediaType=text
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FBC--CFP-MIAMI’S DEFENSE
Miami’s defense has been airtight to fuel run to CFP semifinals. And now Ole Miss awaits
SUMMARY: Miami’s biggest signing this season might be defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman from Minnesota. He was hired in January 2025 to fix a struggling defense. The Hurricanes are now allowing their fewest points per game since 2001, their last national championship season. They’ve given up only 9.7 points per game in a six-game winning streak. Miami faces Mississippi in a CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday night. Hetherman’s philosophy, “excitement, swarm, violence,” has transformed the team. With standout players like Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, Miami’s defense is thriving.
WORDS: 1035 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 12:06 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:321e549be6c5e066e5d431914ac72abb&mediaType=text
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BKW--T25-WOMEN’S POLL
Kentucky, Vanderbilt into top 10 in women’s AP Top 25 after 4 of top 10 teams fall; UConn, Texas 1-2
SUMMARY: Kentucky and Vanderbilt made significant jumps in The Associated Press women’s basketball Top 25. This follows a week where four of the top 10 teams lost, causing a shakeup in the rankings. UConn remains No. 1, followed by Texas, South Carolina, and UCLA. Oklahoma has moved up to fifth. Kentucky and Vanderbilt each rose five spots to sixth and seventh after defeating LSU. Vanderbilt’s win was its first against a top-five team in 17 years. Maryland and Michigan both dropped after losses. Only four teams remain undefeated: UConn, Texas, Vanderbilt, and Texas Tech.
WORDS: 462 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 12:01 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d2f425b1952665515f2b7922bbe0a957&mediaType=text
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FBN--RAIDERS-CARROLL FIRED
Raiders fire Pete Carroll after 3-14 season and will look for a new coach for third straight year
SUMMARY: The Las Vegas Raiders have fired Pete Carroll after just one year. Carroll had high hopes for success, but the Raiders finished 3-14, including a 10-game losing streak. They ended the season with a win over Kansas City on Sunday. Owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady will work with general manager John Spytek to find a new coach. The team might look for an offensive-minded coach to work with a young quarterback. Carroll, 74, was the NFL’s oldest head coach and previously led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title.
WORDS: 403 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 11:44 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c44b16de6922ba557f0a5f4ccb4a4417&mediaType=text
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FBN--BROWNS-STEFANSKI
Browns fire two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski after six seasons
SUMMARY: The Cleveland Browns have fired coach Kevin Stefanski after six seasons. Stefanski is the fourth NFL coach fired this season, joining Tennessee’s Brian Callahan, the New York Giants’ Brian Daboll and Atlanta’s Raheem Morris. The Browns won their final two games to finish 5-12, including a 20-18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Stefanski, a two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year, led Cleveland to playoff appearances in 2020 and 2023. He is the sixth coach fired since owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam bought the franchise in 2012. The Browns have struggled with a 73-139-1 regular-season record since 2013.
WORDS: 693 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:45 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:616f4cb2b382d8b81398c38680a8f604&mediaType=text
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OLY--SMO-SKI MOUNTAINEERING PREVIEW
A brand new Olympic sport, ski mountaineering, will debut at the Milan Cortina Games
WORDS: 537 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:33 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8a42ed24a79504f0c4548d7020f54392&mediaType=text
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BBO--PHILLIES-MATTINGLY
Phillies hire Don Mattingly as bench coach, reuniting him with GM son Preston
SUMMARY: The Philadelphia Phillies have hired Don Mattingly as a bench coach on Rob Thomson’s staff. Mattingly reunites with his son, Preston, who is Philadelphia’s general manager. He has spent the last 22 seasons on major league staffs, including three years with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mattingly, a former Yankees first baseman, was a six-time All-Star and 1985 AL MVP. He managed the Dodgers and Marlins, earning NL Manager of the Year in 2020. Mattingly replaces Mike Calitri, now the major league field coordinator.
WORDS: 244 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:09 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e39c61b430fc4282b75930017621da27&mediaType=text
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SOC--MAN UNITED-AMORIM OUT
Manchester United coach Amorim out one day after provocative comments about club structure
SUMMARY: Manchester United says Ruben Amorim is out as coach. His ouster comes one day after the Portuguese made provocative comments about his own role and the club’s management in a postgame news conference. Amorim lasted just 14 months in what has proved one of the most difficult jobs in English soccer in 13 years since club legend Alex Ferguson retired. United has failed to win a Premier League title in that time.
WORDS: 957 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:05 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c82fc4e4a8ea5c59b5fb13c580c4db7f&mediaType=text
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EU--BE WELL-TRAIL RUNNING
Trail running legend Kilian Jornet advises beginners to enjoy the view and go easy
SUMMARY: Hikers navigating rugged terrain may have noticed more people speeding along the same trail while leaping over rocks and roots like two-legged mountain goats. Trail running has exploded in popularity in recent years. The sport encompasses everything from jogs on unpaved coastal paths to alpine ultra-marathons. Few elite competitors have done more to bring long-distance running in the wilderness to the mainstream than star Spanish mountain athlete Kilian Jornet. The 38-year-old holds numerous world records in both trail running and ski mountaineering. Jornet’s says anyone can try trail running. He recommends starting slowly, taking sensible safety precautions and remembering to enjoy and protect your surroundings.
WORDS: 1188 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 9:50 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4d05f1c6be7fd424d0140564d0ee2c72&mediaType=text
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BKN--NBA-CHINA GAMES
Mavericks, Rockets headed to China in October to play pair of preseason games
SUMMARY: The NBA is heading back to China next season. The league announced Monday that the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will play preseason games in Macao in October. The games will be at the Venetian Arena, owned by Sands Corp. Sands president Patrick Dumont, also governor of the Mavericks, expressed pride in bringing the team to Macao. Houston’s selection is logical because of its popularity in China, largely thanks to Yao Ming. The NBA’s return to China marks the end of a rift that began in 2019 after a controversial tweet by a former Rockets executive.
WORDS: 386 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 9:36 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:88cee91abdc43b87499db05f480bc7ee&mediaType=text
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FBN--NFL-PLAYOFF PICTURE
Steelers, Panthers, Jaguars secure division titles. Broncos clinch AFC’s No. 1 seed
SUMMARY: Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers sent Lamar Jackson and the Ravens home for the playoffs. The Panthers are NFC South champions for the first time in 10 years. The Broncos are the AFC’s No. 1 seed. Rodgers threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds left and Pittsburgh secured the AFC North title with a 26-24 victory when Baltimore’s Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal wide right as time expired on Sunday night in the final game of the NFL’s regular season. Carolina clinched its division title when the Falcons beat the Saints 19-17 on Sunday to eliminate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
WORDS: 926 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 9:32 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2b3feea18e0c9876e3185aa2ba004bf2&mediaType=text
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FBN--FALCONS-FIRINGS
Falcons fire coach Raheem Morris, GM Terry Fontenot hours after finishing 8-9 season
SUMMARY: The Atlanta Falcons have fired coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. The team announced the moves hours after completing its its second straight 8-9 finish under Morris and eighth consecutive losing season. Morris said after Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Saints that he expected to return for a third season. Instead, his 16-18 record was not enough for him to keep his job after the year began with optimism that the Falcons would reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Owner Arthur Blank said in a statement that he has “great personal affinity” for Morris and Fontenot but he believes a change is needed.
WORDS: 796 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 9:01 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:69499fae4ba4d818adf1326ca61e20f6&mediaType=text
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TEN--UNITED CUP-COCO GAUFF
Gauff clarifies comments on American tennis fans just before a surprising loss at the United Cup
SUMMARY: Coco Gauff has tried to clarify her comments about American tennis fans on social media just before her United Cup singles match against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The opening match Monday didn’t go well for Gauff — a 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-0 loss. Gauff explained her earlier comments about American fans being the “worst,” saying she was comparing the loud and visible support players from smaller countries receive to that of American players abroad. She emphasized that her remarks were an observation and expressed gratitude for any support. Gauff finished the session by helping win the mixed doubles to secure the contest for the U.S. team and a place in the quarterfinals.
WORDS: 639 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 6:59 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:22823ed54a92b355ee6a5c92e94a9fca&mediaType=text
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OLY--CUR-CURLING PREVIEW
What to know about curling, the popular Olympic sport with an Italian star seeking more gold at home
WORDS: 632 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 3:10 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:64d55b7582479467d114298a6865346b&mediaType=text
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OLY--SKI-ALPINE SKIING PREVIEW
Vonn, Shiffrin, Odermatt chase gold in Alpine skiing at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics
WORDS: 542 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 3:10 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b6541b08466527959803b2479c9a3416&mediaType=text
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OLY--BIA-LASER RIFLES
Laser rifle program, new shooting ranges means growth for biathlon in the US
SUMMARY: Biathlon is the most-watched winter sport in Europe, where many athletes grow up on skis and have access to biathlon ranges. That has helped European biathletes dominate international competitions, including the Olympics. The sport is less popular in the U.S. where participation has been hampered by a limited access to shooting ranges and the high cost of biathlon rifles. But that’s changing thanks to the investment into new biathlon centers and a laser rifle program that’s bringing biathlon to cross country ski centers across the country. It lets people of all ages and abilities participate in the sport. It’s hoped these efforts will foster a new generation of biathletes and level the playing field on the world stage.
WORDS: 898 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 3:00 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1605ecf11b0eec43862b6588f9152c7a&mediaType=text
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FBN--STUNNED RAVENS
Ravens have a long offseason to think about where to go next after stunning loss to Steelers
SUMMARY: The Baltimore Ravens head into an uncertain offseason following a sloppy 26-24 loss to Pittsburgh in the regular season finale that cost the Ravens the AFC North title. Quarterback Lamar Jackson passed for 238 yards and three touchdowns but Baltimore’s defense wilted late against Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers. The Ravens finished a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations with a record of just 8-9. The club has several questions to answer in the offseason, including whether head coach John Harbaugh will return for a 19th season.
WORDS: 934 - MOVED: 01/05/2026 2:11 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:017e1d5df179988d95605c03d5d21e33&mediaType=text
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MOVING TOMORROW ___
—OLY--Milan Cortina-Russia
—Winter Olympic Sport Previews (formatted previews for every sport)
