SBNation.com: All Posts by Jordan Sargenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2013-01-04T11:09:16-05:00https://www.sbnation.com/authors/jordan-sargent/rss2013-01-04T11:09:16-05:002013-01-04T11:09:16-05:00Report: Chiefs hire Andy Reid
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<p>The Kansas City Chiefs snapped up the ex-Eagles coach in the first major NFL coaching hire of 2013.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> have made the first big splash of the NFL offseason, hiring longtime <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> coach Andy Reid to be the new face of the franchise. Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the news Friday morning, roughly an hour after news broke that the team fired GM Scott Pioli.</p>
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<p>Andy Reid and the Chiefs have reached an agreement. Lawyers reviewing contract. Added to ESPN story along with @<a href="https://twitter.com/adamschefter">adamschefter</a></p>
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/mortreport/status/287227035011653634" data-datetime="2013-01-04T16:00:36+00:00">January 4, 2013</a>
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<p>Contract details were not available at the time of the report.</p>
<p>Before being fired by the Eagles on NFL's "Black Monday," Reid was the longest tenured coach in the NFL, having spent 14 years as the head man in Philadelphia.</p>
<p>The Chiefs have been searching for the right fit at head coach since general manager Scott Pioli took over the direction of the franchise in 2009. Todd Haley, hired in 2009, led the Chiefs to the playoffs in 2010 but repeatedly clashed with Pioli and his front office before being let go near the end of the 2011 season.</p>
<p>Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel was named interim head coach. Pioli promoted Crennel to head coach after the 2011 season, but Crennel was fired after a disappointing 2-14 record this year.</p>
<p>The Chiefs announced <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/4/3809614/scott-pioli-fired-chiefs" target="_blank">they had fired Pioli</a> earlier Friday.</p>
<p>Reid has the strongest resumé of almost any head coaching candidate on the market. He was allegedly the top target of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>. Hired by the Eagles in 1999, his career record as head coach stands at 140-102-1. He led the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance in 2004.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/4/3830186/andy-reid-hired-kansas-city-chiefsJordan Sargent2013-01-02T23:24:44-05:002013-01-02T23:24:44-05:00Purdue upends No. 11 Illinois at home
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<p>The Boilermakers notched their first marquee win of the season on Wednesday night.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/purdue-boilermakers">Purdue Boilermakers</a> entered Big Ten play with just a 6-6 record on the season, but on Wednesday night they scored a 68-61 victory over the No.11 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/illinois-fighting-illini">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> that could kick their 2012-2013 season into gear. The Boilermakers were led by junior guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124178/terone-johnson">Terone Johnson</a>, who scored 25 points on 9-18 shooting to go along with nine rebounds and four assists.</p>
<p>Illinois was powered by All-American candidate <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99887/brandon-paul">Brandon Paul</a>, who dropped in 15 points on 5-10 shooting to go along with three assists and three rebounds. But he was the only member of the Illini to play up to par on on Wednesday night, as the team shot just 35 percent from the field. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145486/tracy-abrams">Tracy Abrams</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99674/joseph-bertrand">Joseph Bertrand</a> were the other two Illini in double figures, but they shot a combined 9-27 from the field.</p>
<p>Purdue, meanwhile, shot a steady 41 percent from the field and won the rebounding battle 38-31. Things will only get tougher from here, though, as the Boilermakers will face Michigan State and Ohio State in their next two games. Illinois, meanwhile, will face the Buckeyes and Minnesota in their next two battles, both of which are top 10 teams.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/1/2/3830228/purdue-illinois-final-scoreJordan Sargent2013-01-02T21:34:58-05:002013-01-02T21:34:58-05:00Bears will interview Saints OC
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<p>The Bears will bring in the Saints offensive coordinator for an interview, according to a report.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> have brought in <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a> offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael to interview for the team's open head coaching position, <a href="https://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/status/286655237186535424">according to Pro Football Talk</a>. Carmichael has been with the Saints since 2006, working his way up from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, a position that he's held for the last four seasons.</p>
<p>In New Orleans, Carmichael has helped orchestrate the Drew Brees-led offense, which has become one of the most consistently lethal scoring outfits in the league. Carmichael has been coaching since 1994, and has spent time with the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Browns</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Redskins</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a>.</p>
<p>He is reportedly the first coach to interview for the job once held by Lovie Smith, who was fired by general manager Phil Emery on the NFL's "Black Monday." This will be Emery's first coaching hire in Chicago, and may define his tenure as a first-time general manager.</p>
<p>The team has also not yet fulfilled the league's "Rooney Rule," which stipulates that teams must interview at least one minority candidate for head coaching positions.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/2/3829912/pete-carmichael-chicago-bears-coaching-rumorsJordan Sargent2013-01-02T09:42:14-05:002013-01-02T09:42:14-05:00Wednesday's college basketball slate
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<figcaption>Lance King</figcaption>
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<p>A busy day in college basketball includes Duke headed for a neutral site showdown while the Big East continues its first week of conference play.</p> <p>Here's a rundown of today's college basketball schedule, starting with the top team in the country.</p>
<p><b>No. 1 Duke vs. Davidson, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2</b></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/davidson-wildcats">Davidson Wildcats</a> are the lone obstacle standing in the way of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/duke-blue-devils">Duke Blue Devils</a> jumping into ACC play undefeated, and it would be the major upset of the college basketball season if Mike Krzyzewski's squad was tripped up on Wednesday night. That will likely be at the front of the minds of the Blue Devils players, who are coming off an uninspiring victory over Santa Clara on Saturday in which they found themselves trailing early in the second half. The Wildcats have already knocked off two BCS opponents this season despite their 7-5 record, and it figures that Duke doesn't plan on letting them hang around in this neutral-site match up taking place in Charlotte.</p>
<p><b>Providence at No. 4 Louisville, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN3</b></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/providence-friars">Providence Friars</a> made waves in the college basketball world by bringing in a top 10 recruiting class this year, but so far it hasn't translated to any success on the court. The Friars have dropped four games this season including their last two, with their lone marquee win coming over a lackluster Mississippi St. team. It hasn't helped that top recruit Ricardo Ledo was ruled academically ineligible this year and fellow stud recruit <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175013/kris-dunn">Kris Dunn</a> has played just three games after returning from injury. The Friars can turn their season around though with a road upset of a Louisville team that has already notched victories over Kentucky and Missouri.</p>
<p><b>Rutgers at No. 7 Syracuse, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3</b></p>
<p>The Scarlet Knights enter Wednesday night's game with a 9-2 record that features a few wins over solid mid-major opponents. But the Orange represent the first major game of the season for Rutgers, a team that lost to Ole Miss in its lone notable road game of the year. Syracuse, meanwhile, has skated through an easy non-conference slate, but Rutgers represents their first true test since losing their first game of the year to Temple two weekends ago.</p>
<p><b>Nebraska at No. 8 Ohio State, 6:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network</b></p>
<p>The Buckeyes have fallen to two top 10 opponents so far this season, but have had little trouble dispatching every other opponent. The Cornhuskers are far from the Top 25, let alone the top 10, and have been unimpressive of late after notching early season victories over major conference cupcakes in Wake Forest and USC. In their last two road games, the Cornhuskers scored 52 points against UTEP and 38 points against Oregon, numbers that certainly won't get it done in Columbus.</p>
<p><b>No. 11 Illinois at Purdue, 8:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network</b></p>
<p>At 6-6 on the season, Matt Painter's Purdue program finds itself in a rebuilding year in its first season after the dawn of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/26733/robbie-hummel">Robbie Hummel</a> era. The Boilermakers have long boasted a strong home crowd, and its students figure to be revved up as the Illini make their way to town. But Purdue has already lost two home games this season, and Illinois is road tested, having brought home a road victory over then-No. 10 Gonzaga in early December.</p>
<p><b>No. 16 Creighton at Indiana St., 8 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Net </b></p>
<p>The Bluejays are one of the top mid-major squads in the country, and they'll be aiming for a smooth ride in the MVC after starting conference play with an easy win over Evansville. The Indiana St. Redbirds have been frisky so far this year, taking Northwestern to overtime and losing by just three points to Louisville, and they'll be eyeing a resumé-building victory on Wednesday night.</p>
<p><b>Pennsylvania at No. 17 Butler, 7 p.m. ET</b></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/butler-bulldogs">Butler Bulldogs</a> have some tests lying in the weeds this season, but Penn doesn't figure to be one of them. The Quakers haven't won since defeating Binghamton on Nov. 28 in what was just their second victory of the season. Wednesday night's game is happening far outside the bright lights of national television, and unless Penn pulls off a shocker, the highlights from this one figure to stay there as well.</p>
<p><b>CS Bakersfield at No. 19 San Diego St., 10 p.m. ET, TWC Sportsnet</b></p>
<p>San Diego St.'s lone two losses on the season have come at the hands of Syracuse and Arizona, the latter of which was by just one point. Otherwise it's been smooth sailing for one of the premier mid-major program's in the country, and things shouldn't get too rocky during a visit from the 6-10 Roadrunners. A win on Wednesday night would be Bakersfield's first road victory of the season, and if you can't beat Portland or South Dakota St. on the road, you probably aren't clipping the Aztecs.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/1/2/3827240/college-basketball-schedule-wednesday-duke-louisville-syracuseJordan Sargent2012-12-31T09:39:09-05:002012-12-31T09:39:09-05:00Two key Bengals hurt prior to playoffs
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<p>The Bengals saw two starters hurt in Sunday's win over the Ravens as the team looked to stay healthy before the playoffs.</p> <p>Both the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>, who had clinched playoff spots prior to Sunday's matchup, rested their starters for much of their Week 17 game, but the Bengals did not manage to escape unharmed. Running back <span>BenJarvus Green-Ellis</span> and safety <span>Chris Crocker</span> were both hurt on Sunday and have not yet been cleared for the first round of the playoffs.</p>
<p>Green-Ellis, the team's starting running back, injured his hamstring in pre-game warm-ups. <a href="https://twitter.com/joereedy/status/285509641050419200">Head coach Marvin Lewis noted post-game</a> that Green-Ellis "was a little tight" while warming up, but also said that he did not know the severity of the injury. It's fair to speculate that the team, which likely planned to sit Green-Ellis in the second half, held him out of the game as a precaution. Crocker, meanwhile, suffered a quad injury in the first half. <a href="https://twitter.com/joereedy/status/285507544183623680">Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer told reporters</a> after the game that Crocker, who was replaced by <span>Taylor Mays</span>, is fine.</p>
<p>Over in Pittsburgh, meanwhile, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>' end-of-season loss was punctuated by an injury to top wide receiver <span>Josh Gordon</span>. Gordon hurt his ankle late in the first half on Sunday and was carted off to the locker room. Gordon has been one of the few shining stars on the Browns, finishing his rookie season with more than 800 yards receiving. The team did not offer an update on his status.</p>
<p>The Ravens and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> both exited Sunday with no notable injuries.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/31/3821096/nfl-injury-report-afc-north-week-17Jordan Sargent2012-12-31T08:41:12-05:002012-12-31T08:41:12-05:00Pagano, Colts have 'special day'
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<p>The Indianapolis Colts orchestrated their best performance of the season as head coach Chuck Pagano returned to the sideline.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>' 28-16 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> on Sunday had altered the AFC playoff race, as the Texans fell out of the conference's top two seeds and into a first-round playoff game that they seemed sure to avoid. But the game's biggest story was the return of Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, who coached Indianapolis for the first time since he announced on Oct. 1 that he had been diagnosed with leukemia. For the franchise and its fans, it was a "special day," as <a href="http://www.stampedeblue.com/2012/12/31/3819744/colts-defeat-texans-28-16-in-chuck-paganos-return-to-the-sidelines">Josh Wilson of SB Nation's Colts blog Stampede Blue reports</a>.</p>
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<p>The focus today was on Chuck Pagano, and rightfully so. Pregame the Colts reportedly tried to get him to lead the team out the tunnel, but he refused - not wanting to draw attention to himself. But the attention was unavoidable. Just prior to kickoff, the Colts aired a video on the jumbotrons highlighting Pagano and the team's journey this year. Following that the cameras switched to a live feed of him on the sidelines, but Colts nation didn't need the help. They were already on their feet and as loud as they have been in a long time. Pagano, fighting back tears, saluted the crowd with a fist pump in the air. From the very beginning, you could sense it was going to be a special day.</p>
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<p>(via <a href="http://www.stampedeblue.com">Stampede Blue</a>)</p>
<p>What followed, according to Wilson, was Indianapolis' "best game of the season," especially considering that the Colts had locked up their playoff seed while the Texans were still fighting for a bye. The offense scored three touchdowns on one of the best defenses in the NFL, and quarterback <span>Andrew Luck</span> was interception-free for the third straight game. The defense, meanwhile, stifled one of the league's top offenses, intercepting Houston's <span>Matt Schaub</span> twice. The special teams made an impact, as well -- <span>Deji Karim</span> brought a kick back 101 yards for the go-ahead score.</p>
<p>But the day will be remembered for Pagano's presence on the sideline. The Colts will head to face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> in the first round of the playoffs, hoping to extend what has already been a special season. As Wilson notes: "They're #ChuckStrong -- and who knows where that may take them next."</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/31/3820934/colts-vs-texans-2012Jordan Sargent2012-12-27T08:02:55-05:002012-12-27T08:02:55-05:00Experts see Packers taking down Vikings
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<p>Experts like the Packers to defeat the Vikings despite Minnesota's home-field advantage.</p> <p>There will be a lot on the line when the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> and <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> take the field on Sunday at the Metrodome. For the Vikings, they can complete their surprising run to the playoffs with a win, but a loss puts them in a very precarious position. Green Bay, meanwhile, can secure a bye in the first round and a home game in the second with a win, but could drop to the third seed with a loss.</p>
<p>Experts at both CBS and Yahoo expect the Packers to prevail in a result that would shake up the NFC playoff race. Of <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/picks">Yahoo</a>'s three experts, all of them are picking Green Bay, as is Yahoo's user base. At <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/expert/picks/straight-up/17">CBS</a>, seven of their eight experts are siding with the Packers -- the lone dissenter is Mike Freeman. The site's "Prediction Machine" also sees Green Bay defeating Minnesota.</p>
<p>The game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX, and by the game's end the NFC playoff teams could be set.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/27/3806728/vikings-packers-picks-nfl-week-17Jordan Sargent2012-12-26T23:05:28-05:002012-12-26T23:05:28-05:00Wade kicks Sessions where you don't kick people
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<p>In the fourth quarter between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a> on Wednesday night, Miami guard <span>Dwyane Wade</span> delivered a blow to Charlotte guard <span>Ramon Sessions</span> that may earn him a call from the league office. Wade was dribbling the ball up the floor with a little over eight minutes left in the game when Sessions attempted to steal the ball as he crossed half court. Sessions was called for a foul as he engaged Wade, who then appeared to kick Sessions in the place where people really shouldn't kick each other.</p>
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<p>Sessions and Wade then argued as the other players on the floor milled about, gently nudging each other. Wade appeared to be telling Sessions that he didn't intentionally go for a low blow, but Sessions didn't seem to be buying his argument.</p>
<p>The Heat went on to win the game, with Wade putting up 29 points, nine rebounds and five assists, continuing his stellar play over the last month.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/26/3806912/dwyane-wade-ramon-sessions-kickJordan Sargent2012-12-26T11:30:58-05:002012-12-26T11:30:58-05:00Browns ink free agent QB Josh Johnson
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<p>The Browns shore up their depth at quarterback by signing the ex-49er.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a> have signed free agent quarterback <span>Josh Johnson</span>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/283967287072006144">according to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network</a>. Johnson spent the first three seasons of his career with the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> before heading to the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a>, who cut him during the preseason. He then migrated to the UFL, where he started for the Sacramento Mountain <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lions</a> up until the league ceased operations, before <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000110208/article/chicago-bears-try-out-quarterbacks-sign-amobi-okoye">trying out for the Chicago Bears</a> in early December.</p>
<p>Cleveland, meanwhile, is in need of quarterback help after starter <span>Brandon Weeden</span> was injured last week in a loss to the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a>. Weeden hurt his shoulder in the third quarter of the game after being sacked by <span>Von Miller</span>, and it's unclear what his status will be for this Sunday's game. If he is unable to go, it's expected that <span>Colt McCoy</span> will start, with Johnson potentially sliding in as his backup.</p>
<p>Johnson, despite having spent three seasons in the NFL, also becomes a developmental prospect for a Browns team still looking to find consistent play from the quarterback position.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/26/3804640/cleveland-browns-sign-josh-johnson-brandon-weeden-injuryJordan Sargent2012-12-19T22:03:41-05:002012-12-19T22:03:41-05:00Gerald Green leads Pacers to easy win over Jazz
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<p>The Pacers had little trouble taking care of the Jazz on Wednesday night.</p> <p>Five <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Pacers</a> (14-12) were in double figures on Wednesday night as the they defeated the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a> (14-13), 104-84. Indiana was led in scoring off the bench by Gerald Green, who dropped in 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, and both Paul George and George Hill were right on his heels with 20 points each.</p>
<p>The Pacers were also stellar on defense, where they held the Jazz to just 37 percent shooting from the field and 2-of-15 from three-point range. There was one quarter that doomed the Jazz, though -- it was the second, in which they scored just eight points. It forced them into a deficit that they would not recover from.</p>
<p>Indiana's starting lineup was also absolutely dominant on the night -- every Utah starter had a plus-minus at -23 or worse. Derrick Favors had a solid game for the Jazz off the bench, putting up 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting to go along with nine rebounds, but the rest of the team struggled to put the ball in the basket.</p>
<p>The Pacers will take Thursday off before visiting the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> on Friday night, while the Jazz will jet south to visit the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a> on Saturday night.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/19/3786776/jazz-vs-pacers-final-score-recapJordan Sargent