The Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Ben McAdoo as the team’s quarterbacks coach, the club announced today.
“Coach McAdoo brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the quarterback room, and we’re excited to add him to our offensive coaching staff,” said Head Coach Doug Marrone. “He has mentored several great quarterbacks throughout his career, and his understanding of the position will be a valuable addition to our team and for the development of that group.”
McAdoo, 42, has 17 seasons of coaching experience, including 14 seasons in the NFL. Most recently, McAdoo served as the head coach of the New York Giants from 2016-17 after serving as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2014-15. As head coach of the Giants, he led the team to an 11-5 record in 2016 en route to a playoff berth.
In McAdoo’s two seasons (2014-15) as the offensive coordinator for the Giants, he inherited an offense ranked 28th in 2013 and improved them to 10th and eighth, averaging 367.2 total net yards per game in 2014 and 372.3 total net yards per game in 2015. Under McAdoo’s tutelage, two-time Super Bowl MVP QB Eli Manning averaged a 62.9 completion percentage, 4,290 yards and 30 TDs.
In 2012, in his first season as the quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers, McAdoo mentored QB Aaron Rodgers, who was named the NFC Pro Bowl starter after completing 371 of 552 attempts for 4,295 yards and 39 TDs against eight INTs. Rodgers also led the NFL in passer rating for the second consecutive season (108.0). In 2013 as the quarterbacks coach, despite losing Rodgers for seven games with a fractured collarbone, the Packers’ offense finished the season ranked third in the NFL (400.3 yards per game) and sixth in passing yards (266.8 yards per game).
Now, whether it’s Nick Foles or Gardner Minshew, the Jaguars are hoping that McAdoo can help Jacksonville’s quarterbacks get to the next level.
The first weekend of the XFL is in the books, and after a weekend full of football action, the first impressions are not bad. The first time around for the XFL was filled with a lot of gimmicks, but this time, the focus is on football, and it showed.
In their first game, the New York Guardians, behind the throwing of former NFL QB Matt McGloin(182 yards, one TD, one rushing TD), and a stingy defense, which forced three turnovers, including Jamar Summers’ 27-yard fumble return for a touchdown. New York defeated the Tampa Bay Vipers 23-3 in the first XFL game at MetLife Stadium in front of 17,634 fans on Sunday.
Obviously, Guardians head coach Kevin Gilbride was happy with the victory, but Gilbride, who last coached at MetLife Stadium when he was the New York Giants offensive coordinator(2007-2013), was also pleased with all the games this weekend in the XFL.
“I think the quality of play has been surprising how good it is,” Gilbride said after the game. “We were hopeful that it was going to be good. I think everybody in the league was, but it has been outstanding. Now again, we would have liked to put a few more points up offensively, but in terms of the full gamut of the game – Jerry Glanville’s been around a long time defensively and did everything under the sun, and yet, we still responded well and still had even numerous other chances that we didn’t quite finish off the way we would have liked.
“But I think the quality of play – I think people, I’ll bet people are surprised at about how good the play is and how good the quality of coaching is, which has helped serve as a very important catalyst of bringing the ability level of these guys to where they are able to perform the way they did.”
It’s always going to be challenging to build a football league when the best players are in the NFL, but the XFL should be proud of their first weekend. The crowd at MetLife Stadium was lively, and the fans were very much into the contest. Now, the league needs to build on Week One’s success and continue to put out a quality product, which I think they will do as the season progresses.
The slogan for the XFL is, “For the Love of Football,” and after Week 1, the love for the game from the players, coaches, and fans appears to be very real!
WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. successfully defended his title by winning a unanimous decision over mandatory challenger Tugstsogt Nyambayar live on SHOWTIME Saturday night in a Premier Boxing Champions event from PPL Center in Allentown, Pa. Russell won by the scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-main event, 39-year-old Guillermo Rigondeaux moved down in weight to win a world title in a second-division, capturing the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title with a split-decision win against former champion Liborio Solís. Rigondeaux became the oldest boxer to win the world title at 118 pounds. The scores were 116-111 and 115-112 in favor of Rigondeaux with the third judge giving the fight to Solis, 115-112.
Russell (31-1, 18 KOs) made the fifth defense of his 126-pound crown by piling up rounds early, winning the first three frames on all three cards and out landing Nyambayar in the first four rounds according to the PunchStat Report.
“We put the work in every day in the gym,” said Russell. “I’m a perfectionist. We knew we had a very tough opponent and I knew he was going to bring his physical best. He had everything to gain and nothing to lose. We just focused, and showed I’m one of the longest reigning champions for a reason.
“The difference was ring generalship, hand speed and boxing IQ. He only had 11 pro fights, of course he was an Olympic silver medalist, but he only had those 11 pro fights. I’ve had over 30 and I think my experience was enough to overcome and win this fight.”
Nyambayar (11-1, 9 KOs) significantly picked up his punch output in the second half of the fight, but believed that he waited too long for Russell to come to him.
“It wasn’t my night,” said Nyambayar. “He was the better man tonight. I didn’t do my work the way I was supposed to. He is a great champion who fought a great fight. I made a mistake by waiting for him during the fight. I’d love the rematch if I can get it.”
The 31-year-old Russell is part of one of boxing’s premier fighting families as he is trained by his father Gary Sr. and brother Gary Allan. Earlier in the night, Gary Jr. worked the corner for his younger brothers, unbeaten super lightweight Gary Antuanne and undefeated bantamweight Antonio, who both posted convincing victories.For Russell, who has held the WBC 126-pound crown since 2015, he plans to stay sharp in the gym and move up in weight in order to land a fight against another big name.
“We never take a day off,” said Russell. “I’ll probably be back in the gym next week. We’ll keep our wheels turning and stay sharp. If we have to move up in weight for these top fighters to feel like they have an advantage and take the fight, then we’ll do it.”
Photo: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, the big-talking, undefeated, 300-plus-pound heavyweight who hails from Brooklyn, has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Top Rank. Miller, who is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Salita Promotions, will make his Top Rank on ESPN debut in 2020.
“Jarrell Miller is serious about coming back, doing things the right way and becoming heavyweight champion of the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is one of boxing’s most unique and exciting characters, but most importantly, he can fight.”
“Minor setback for a major comeback. I’m coming for everything and everyone; no one is safe. Say hello to the bad guy,” Miller said. “Everyone wants to portray the superhero. We don’t live in a sunshine world. I’ll never be the superhero. In my world, the majority of the time, the villain wins.”
“I couldn’t be happier that after months of hard work and perseverance, we were able to make this deal a reality,” said Greg Cohen, CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions. “Top Rank is the perfect partner and ESPN the perfect platform for Jarrell to realize his full potential and become the dominant force in the heavyweight division. Time for Big Baby to get back in the ring!”
“Top Rank was my first promoter when I was fighting, so I know firsthand that Bob Arum and his team will create the right opportunities for Jarrell,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Top Rank promotes many of the top heavyweights, including Tyson Fury, and Jarrell fits right in with all of the big names in the division. Since I started promoting Jarrell as a six-round fighter, I have been saying that he would be the next heavyweight champion from Brooklyn. Working with Top Rank, I am confident he will have the chance to realize that goal.”
Miller (23-0-1, 20 KOs) is one of boxing’s most polarizing figures, a combination-punching heavyweight who also went 22-2 as a professional kickboxer. Under the Marquess of Queensberry rules, he has won 19 consecutive bouts since a four-round draw in his fifth professional fight. From 2017-2018, he rose the ranks with dominant wins over Gerald Washington, Mariusz Wach, Johann Duhaupas and Tomasz Adamek, all of whom had previously challenged for a heavyweight world title. He last fought in November 2018, knocking out Bogdan Dinu in four rounds.
Miller signed to fight Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden for the unified heavyweight title last June, but he failed multiple VADA tests and was denied a license by the New York State Athletic Commission. Now, armed with a new long-term deal, Miller is determined to reclaim his status as one of the world’s best big men.
Spurs Sports & Entertainment CEO RC Buford today released the following statement on behalf of the Spurs organization on the death of Kobe Bryant:
“Kobe inspired all of us. In San Antonio, we were blessed to have enjoyed a front row seat to his greatness. He had an unmatched combination of determination, skill, competitiveness, personality, grace, passion and intelligence. The loss of Kobe and Gianna leaves a giant hole in our hearts. It’s impossible to express the pain we feel for Vanessa and the Bryant family.”
Bryant, 41, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter accident on Sunday in Calabasas, California.
Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban issued the following statement on the passing of Kobe, and his daughter, Gianna Bryant, who, along with seven others, tragically passed away from a helicopter accident in California on Sunday.
Here what Cuban had to say:
“We are shocked and saddened by the devastating news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. Kobe was an ambassador for our game, a decorated legend and a global icon. Above all, he was a loving and dedicated father.
“Kobe’s legacy transcends basketball, and our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick.
“Our hearts go out to all the lives lost and the families impacted by this terrible tragedy. We send our thoughts and prayers to Vanessa and the family, the Lakers organization and Kobe Bryant fans everywhere.”
The Delaware Blue Coats (16-11), the NBA G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers, defeated the Erie BayHawks (9-19), 134-103, in front of a sellout crowd on Saturday night at 76ers Fieldhouse. In the second game of a home back-to-back for the Blue Coats, the team posted season-high totals for 3-point field goals (22) and rebounds (63). Delaware totaled 134 points for the second-consecutive contest and outscored its opponents by a combined 70 points in the pair of victories this weekend.
Xavier Munford led all scorers with 34 points (13-19 fg, 8-10 3fg), while tallying seven rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes for the Blue Coats. Eight 3-point field goals tied a G League career-high total for Munford.
76ers two-way contract player Marial Shayok posted 26 points (12-24 fg, 2-7 3fg), seven rebounds, five assists and season-high four steals in 33 minutes for the home team. Haywood Highsmith (15 points, 11 rebounds, three steals) and Christ Koumadje (12 points, 16 rebounds, two blocks) each added a double-double for the Blue Coats in the win.
The Blue Coats held a six point edge entering the fourth quarter, but they bested the BayHawks 40-15 in the final frame. Delaware held a 63-40 rebounding advantage, in addition to outscoring the visitors 58-38 in the paint. 63 rebounds is one shy of the Delaware franchise record, and the team improves to 7-0 this season when corralling 55 rebounds or more.
New Orleans Pelicans two-way contract player Josh Gray paced Erie’s attack with 24 points (9-18 fg, 2-4 3fg, 2-3 ft), seven rebounds and three assists in 36 minutes of work. Jalen Adams came off the Erie bench to score 18 points (6-8 fg, 4-6 3fg, 1-1 ft) in addition to seven rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes. Scottie Lindsey added 15 points (6-13 fg, 2-7 3fg, 1-1 ft), six rebounds and two steals in 32 minutes for the BayHawks.
The Blue Coats hit the road to take on the Canton Charge on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET. The team then travels to Erie for a 7 p.m. tip-off on Saturday, Feb. 1 before returning home to 76ers Fieldhouse on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. against the Windy City Bulls.
Former unified 154-pound champion Jarrett Hurd(23-1, 16 KOs) is back, and he comes with a new trainer. Hurd fired his trainer Ernesto Rodriguez after his loss to Julian Williams last May and hired trainer Kay Koroma.
Now, Hurd is focused and ready to battle Francisco Santana(25-7-1, 12 KOs) on January 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
“I’m so focused on taking care of Francisco Santana; I can’t look past him,” Hurd said at a media workout on Wednesday. “He’s a guy who comes forward. This is a fight where I want to see how things work out with my new trainer Kay Koroma, but Santana comes to fight just like Jeison Rosario did. I have to be on my toes.
“People say this is the new Jarrett, but I feel like it’s the old me, and I’m just getting back to it. I used my defense and my height against Frank Galarza and other earlier fights. But when I was training for Erislandy Lara, I was developing this pressure style, and we didn’t have enough of the fundamentals set behind it.
Hurd has had some tough fights in his career, including battles with Williams and Erislandy Lara. In those fights, Hurd took a lot of punishment, something he believes needs to change.
“I look back at my fights, and it kind of scares me all the hits I was taking,” Hurd said. “I had back to back Fight of the Year battles. Those were back and forth fights. I don’t want those each and every year. I want to win in one-sided fashion.
The Accokeek, Maryland native wants to get back to the top, and he hopes to become the undisputed champion at 154.
“I was close to becoming undisputed champion at 154-pounds, and that’s still a goal of mine,” he said. “I want to accomplish that feat in this division before we move up. I know I had a bad night against Julian Williams, but it was just a small hiccup. I’m coming back for my number one spot.”
Photo: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
The Delaware Blue Coats (14-10), the NBA G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers, defeated the South Bay Lakers (10-17), 119-109, on Monday afternoon at 76ers Fieldhouse. Seven Blue Coats players scored at least 10 points for the third time this season, improving to 2-1 in such games.
76ers two-way contract player Marial Shayok tallied a game-high 29 points (12-21 fg, 5-9 3fg) with six rebounds and three assists in 31 minutes for the Blue Coats. Xavier Munford scored 17 of his 21 points (6-13 fg, 3-7 3fg, 4-4 ft) in the first half for Delaware, while Doral Moore registered 17 points (7-12 fg, 2-2 ft), seven rebounds and three blocked shots in 29 minutes off the bench.
Zhaire Smith, on assignment from the 76ers, finished the game with 14 points (5-12 fg, 4-8 3fg), three rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes of action for the home team. Smith matched his career-high mark with four 3-point field goals made. Julian Washburn notched his first double-double of the season for the Blue Coats with 10 points (3-4 fg, 2-3 3fg, 2-2 ft) and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes, while Christ Koumadje neared a double-double with 10 points (4-7 fg, 1-2 ft), nine rebounds and five blocked shots in just 16 minutes of work.
The Blue Coats led 75-54 at halftime and by as many as 34 points in the third quarter. Delaware outrebounded the visitors 54-50, marking the team’s sixteenth game with at least 50 total rebounds.
Zach Norvell Jr. paced South Bay with 22 points (6-10 fg, 3-6 3fg, 4-5 ft), six rebounds and a pair of assists in 35 minutes as a starter. Los Angeles Lakers two-way contract player Kostas Antetokounmpo secured his third-straight double-double with 21 points (9-18 fg, 1-4 3fg, 1-2 ft) and 13 rebounds in 33 minutes for South Bay. Marcus Allen and Javan Felix each finished with 18 points in reserve roles for the visitors, with the duo combining for 16 points in the third quarter.
The Blue Coats will hit the road to take on the Memphis Hustle on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Anthony Sims Jr will fight for his first pro title as he meets Roamer Alexis Angulo for the WBO Latino Super-Middleweight title on Thursday January 30 at the Meridian in Island Gardens in Miami, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) secured three wins in 2019 to further underline his credentials for landing major clashes in 2020, finishing the year with a stoppage win in Chicago in October after going the ten-round distance for the first time in April in California.
WBO #9 Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) represents a stiff test for Sims Jr’s aspirations with the Miami-based Colombian KO artist only having one blemish on his record, coming against Gilberto Ramirez when he challenged the Mexican for his WBO World title in June 2018.
“I’m delighted to be fighting for my first belt in Miami – I plan to make it the first of many,” said Sims Jr. “I’ve been ready for this step up for some time and I will prove that I am ready to mix it with the best with a devastating performance on January 30 – it’s time to bring the funk!”
“I am always well prepared when I step in the ring,” said Angulo. “On January 30, my opponent will be facing the most difficult test of his young career. I will do everything I can so that he fails. I hope many of my fans and fellow Colombians living in Miami will come out to see me give my all.”
Sims Jr and Angulo clash on an action-packed night of World championship boxing in Miami, topped by WBO World Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) defending his crown against Irish challenger Luke Keeler (17-2-1 5 KOs).
Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defends his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs), unified World Super Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) defending his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6 KOs) and YouTube stars Jake Paul and AnEsonGib clashing on their pro debuts.
Photo: Matchroom Boxing
