The Texas Tech softball program on Monday, July 27, announced the hire of two assistant coaches: Jeff Cottrill from the University of Houston and Shelby Pendley, a former star player at Arizona and Oklahoma.They'll fill the vacancies left by the recent departures of Hunter Veach and Kayla Kowalik.Cottrill was an assistant coach at Houston this past season. Before that, he was a Wichita Softball Academy coach (2011-16), the Oklahoma State director of operations (2016-17), an Oklahoma State assistant coach (2017-22) and a Missouri assistant coach (2022-25). He helped Oklahoma State make two trips to the Women's College World Series. He was the Cowgirls' pitching coach in 2018 and 2019, then took over the hitters in 2020.More: Texas Tech added about 80 scholarships in 2026-27. Here is sport-by-sport allocationMore: What goes into Texas Tech Ring of Honor selection? An inside lookOklahoma State's 2021 WCWS team finished in the top ten in NCAA Division I in home runs (93, sixth), doubles (88, eighth), runs (356, eighth), hits (488, 10th) and slugging percentage (.556, 10th). Two OSU hitters under Cottrill earned NFCA all-American honors that year. Cottrill also coached hitters at Missouri.Pendley played for Arizona in 2012 and for Oklahoma from 2013 through 2015. She hit 19 home runs her first year, two short of the Arizona freshman record. After transferring to OU, she was the Big 12 player of the year in 2013, when the Sooners won a national championship, and again in 2015. From the NFCA, she earned second-team all-America recognition in 2013 and first-team all-America honors in 2014 and 2015.At the time she finished her career, Pendley was sixth in NCAA Division I history with 84 career home runs, seventh with 269 RBIs and 11th with an .842 slugging percentage. She was second in Big 12 history with an .874 slugging percentage and 65 home runs, fourth with a .401 career batting average, 214 RBIs and 458 total bases and ninth with 189 runs scored.She played professionally for the USSSA Pride, where she was coached by Gerry Glasco, the current Texas Tech head coach. Pendley, who went to high school in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, has been on coaching staffs at New Mexico, Jackson State and Belhaven.Tech has been the WCWS runner-up each of the past two years, going 54-14 in 2025 and 61-10 this year. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Jeff Cottrill, Shelby Pendley hired to Texas Tech softball staff

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona's initial anxiety about Spencer Steer's injury was justified.Steer exited the Reds' July 26 game against the St. Louis Cardinals mid-at bat due to concerns about his right wrist. Further medical evaluations July 27 resulted in Steer going on the 10-day injured list for a wrist sprain.Francona said he became concerned when the typically-stoic Steer agreed with the manager's decision to remove him from the game. "The concern is he doesn't say anything, like in Seattle when he got hit in the ribs," Francona said. "He doesn't ever complain, so you worry when he comes out of a game. Like, he didn't fight me to come out of the game. That makes me nervous." The injury hurts the Reds on two fronts. The organization has a clubhouse fighting to avoid being broken apart at the fast-approaching Aug. 3 trade deadline. The team is coming off a nine-game road trip with a 6-3 record and three consecutive series wins, although it might already be too late to prevent some amount of selling off at the deadline for a club that's 49-55 with 58 games to play.The other consideration: Steer was one of the most-discussed Reds players relative to the trade deadline. Steer has been linked to multiple teams, and the fastest possible return from the IL would come well after the trade deadline. Prospective buyers might move off Steer as a trade consideration.Entering play July 26, Steer was hitting .240 with a .743 OPS and 16 home runs. He'd played six different positions defensively for Cincinnati and was a National League Gold Glove finalist at first base in 2025.More than half of his 48 appearances at first base in 2026 were as a substitute, and he played 53 games in the outfield, plus 17 combined games at second base and third base.This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Spencer Steer is going on the 10-day IL. Here's what it means for the Reds

The NFL and its fans woke to shocking news that Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's son shot Bieniemy's wife.According to ESPN, Mia Bieniemy, 57, was hospitalized in stable condition Monday. Police in Loudoun County, Virginia, confirmed that a woman was being treated for "serious injuries" from multiple gunshot wounds. At the time, the police didn't reveal her identity.Mia Bieniemy was shot in the chest and the arm. Now, Elijah Zion Bieniemy, 27, has been arrested and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office."Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after Monday's practice. "Mia is stable, which is a plus. We all love EB, and you hate seeing those things happen."Bieniemy was returning to the Chiefs after spending a few years with the Washington Commanders.Reid makes an interesting comment by saying this may be a blessing in disguise."These kinds of things happen, but there's always a blessing in there somewhere," Reid said. "I know things will work out. The most important thing is that EB has an opportunity to spend some time [with his family] and take care of that business. Everybody loves EB. He's a great person."Things happen. You have to work through it, and time will have to be involved in this to help heal a little bit. It'll all work out in the long run."This is an ongoing investigation, and no word has been given as to why the shooting took place.This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Andy Reid's comments on Bieniemy shooting raise a few eyebrows

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The Chicago Bears have a bright future ahead, due in large part to the pairing of head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams, who found immediate success in their first season together. But there are a number of other cornerstones on the roster, including right tackle Darnell Wright, who's bene a mainstay along the offensive line.Wright, drafted 10th overall by theBearsin 2023, is coming off the best year of his young career earning second-team All-Pro honors while being part of an offensive line that paved the way for the league's third-best rushing attack and allowed the second-fewest sacks in the regular season.Naturally, the offense will go as far as Williams takes them, but Wright has been key to their success, as well. NFL.com's Kevin Patra believes as much, identifying Wright as the Bears' non-QB MVP heading into the 2026 season.The Bears finally employed a sexy offense last season, which overshadowed Wrights ascension toward the top of the right tackle rankings. The 325-pounder has improved in each of his three seasons as both a road grader and pass protector. He shined in Year 1 under Ben Johnson, generating a career-best 3.8 percent pressure rate allowed last year, per Pro Football Focus (a shade below first-team All-ProPenei Sewells 3.3 percent figure). Wright has the tools to continue climbing the charts as one of the best blockers in the NFL. At the very least, the man should earn a Pro Bowl nod after being snubbed last season.Wright has solidified himself as one of the NFL's top right tackles -- landing in the top-six among the league's best tackles, as voted by coaches and execs -- and it's clear Chicago hit a home run with the selection. Wright is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and he's poised to earn a lucrative payday as general manager Ryan Poles looks to extend his first-ever first-round pick.Follow Bears Wire onTwitter,FacebookandInstagramThis article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Darnell Wright dubbed Bears' non-QB MVP for 2026 season

Transfer round-up: Lazio talks for Burnley striker, Castros Roma medical and moreThe mess surrounding the Italian national team has overshadowed Serie A transfer news, including Santiago Castros upcoming medical tests with Roma and Inters verbal agreement with John Stones.Italy are still looking for a new coach, and Andrea Pirlos announcement that he would not become the new Azzurri boss has dominated headlines in the country today.Serie A clubs, however, have continued to move forward in their efforts to get summer reinforcements, and Roma are close to getting a big one, having secured a deal to sign Santiago Castro from Bologna for 35m plus add-ons and a 10% sell-on clause.As reported by Sky Sport Italia, the Argentine will undergo medical tests tomorrow, while Artem Dovbyk will move the other way, joining Bologna on loan for one season.According to Sportitalia, Romero is eager to join Inter, but still hasnt agreed to personal terms with the Nerazzurri, who are trying to lower Tottenhams asking price to 40m given that Spurs are unwilling to loan the Argentine out, even if the deal includes an option to buy.In the meantime, the Nerazzurri have reached a verbal agreement with free agent Stone, a former Manchester City defender, who has also been linked with Juventus.SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND APRIL 12: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur is seen crying during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Another big transfer update comes from Gazzetta and Sky, both claiming that PSG have sounded out Zion Suzukis availability. The Parma goalkeeper is also a Juventus target, as the Bianconeri held talks with the Ducali last week.Besiktas director Onder Ozen said about ex-Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic: Since the player is a free agent, the matter is in his hands.If he prefers one of the major five leagues, then Turkiye isnt one of them. If an opportunity does arise for Vlahovic, then of course we would want to evaluate it as a club.He had the best season of his career with Vincenzo Italiano at Fiorentina and the coach still occasionally speaks with him. He has great respect for the coach.There is surely a desire to work with him again, but the priority for players isnt choosing a coach, its choosing a contract. I imagine Vlahovic is expecting a big contract and a team competing in the Champions League.Last but not least, Milan may miss out on Kostantinos Karetsas, as Gazzetta reports that Borussia Dortmund are nearing an agreement with Genk for a deal worth 30 million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause.Serie A transfer newsFLORENCE, ITALY FEBRUARY 26: Pietro Comuzzo of ACF Fiorentina in action during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)Torino are close to reaching an agreement with Fiorentina over Pietro Comuzzos loan transfer, with an option to buy (Sky).Tiago Gabriel (Lecce) is Napolis top target in defence (Gazzetta).Sassuolo met Verona over Scotland striker Kieron Bowie. Samuele Mulattieri could be included in the deal (Sky).David Romero (Tigre) is a target of Parma to strengthen their attack (Sky).Venezia are interested in Fiorentina defender Matias Moreno (Gazzetta).Lazio are in talks to sign Armando Broja on loan from Burnley (Gazzetta).BRENTFORD, ENGLAND NOVEMBER 29: Armando Broja of Burnley looks on during the warm up ahead of the Premier League match between Brentford and Burnley at Brentford Community Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Serie A official transfer news, July 27Tommaso Vannucchi from Fiorentina to Arignano (Serie C) loanJacopo Simonetta from Como to Vado (Serie C) loanGustavo Varela to Monza from Benfica permanentGabriele Pessolani from Genoa to Crema (Serie D) loan

After Mike Tomlins departure, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have former Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham at the helm of the defense.Grahams arrival in Pittsburgh brings a rush of excitement over a group that, despite the big names on the depth chart, has not produced at a high caliber.With previous teams, Graham was able to make the most of worse groups than the Steelers defensive roster. With certain schematic changes and play styles, the group should rise back into the top ranks of the league.Before exploring Grahams style, Tomlins defenses (and their eventual downfall) must be understood. Learning what made and broke the Tomlin system hypes up Grahams upcoming changes even more.Mike Tomlin Defensive QualitiesTomlins defenses are known for a few things: a 3-4 (three linemen, four linebackers) formation, a bend, dont break mentality that leads to low points allowed per game, and a high volume of sacks and takeaways.His secondaries play out of single high formations (one safety up top) that demand a lot of man coverage out wide. He also runs a lot of nickel packages, making the teams secondary depth much more important.Tomlins defense valued versatility from its players. Stars like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Jalen Ramsey get to shine under the system with its mix of rushers backing into coverage and defensive backs pressuring the quarterback.Cracks in the SystemThe effectiveness of the defense fluctuated throughout Tomlins career with personnel turnover, but last year was a breaking point. The Steelers defense was the most expensive unit in the league last year, yet they severely underperformed in key aspects. On multiple occasions, they were even called predictable.In 2025, the #Steelers allowed a LEAGUE HIGH 31% of total pass completions vs their defense in the middle of the field, 5% higher than 2nd place. #HereWeGoGoing from Tomlin/Austin predictability to Graham is an upgrade. Before you blame Patrick Queen/Payton Wilson, heres pic.twitter.com/Ed5Hv1yCuP Jonathon (@JN_Steve_) July 16, 2026Pittsburghs boogeyman was their third-down defense. According to NFL Analyst Warren Sharps 2026 Football Preview, about 41% of third downs were converted against them, while ranking 29th in EPA per play (+0.11), yards per play allowed (6.2), and third-down EPA over the whole season (+26.08). Completely unacceptable.Fourth quarters were also a key weakness for this team. Per Sharps metrics, they ranked 29th or worse on EPA per play, success rate and yards per play. They also were dead last in score rate per drive (60.4%) and percentage of drives allowed to reach the red zone (40%).In Tomlins last stint at the helm, the defense faltered in key moments and failed to close out games, leading to many one-score games. While a +12-turnover differential helped the Steelers clinch an AFC North title, the defensive performance on third down and end of games was not winning football.Patrick Grahams Defensive TouchGrahams defining trait throughout his career is malleability. Throughout his time at various places such as the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, he has constantly molded his defense to what his personnel is.There is no Pat Graham playbook, said Graham, according to Mike DeFabo for The Athletic.The roster Graham walks into at Pittsburgh is a coordinators dream. A defensive front with Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Patrick Queen alongside a backfield of Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott, and Jalen Ramsey. With versatile, smart, and talented players, Graham has a lot of tools in his kit.#Steelers LB Payton Wilson on the mindset of Patrick Graham's defense:"PG has made it really clear. He wants to be the Steel Curtain. But you have to earn that right." Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) May 18, 2026The Modern Blitzburgh FormulaOne of Grahams tendencies is overwhelming passers early. Blitzes of seven-plus players on early downs disrupt the rhythm offenses try to establish. They can simultaneously pressure quarterbacks and also fill any running lanes with bodies.From the 7-man pressure looks shown early, Graham can also run fire zone blitzes. These simulated pressure packages work to confuse linemen after defenders drop back post-snap. Unlike traditional simulated packages running four rushers, fire zones rush five.The disruption creates the perfect opportunity for edge rushers like Maxx Crosby and now T.J. Watt. Linemen get tangled up in assignments, leaving only a tackle in between the rushing defender and the rattled quarterback.Will T.J. Watt move around this year? He says Patrick Grahams defense allows him to move around more.I think in the past it was a little bit more of me being stubborn, and I think this new system allows a lot of it's built in. So I really can't say no. Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) June 3, 2026The heavy fronts also help disguise coverages, especially for the middle of the field. This helps Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson with their coverage assignments and also allows them to crash the line occasionally. Queen in particular should see a return to form as an excellent blitzer.According to Steelers analyst Jobe Morrison for AthlonSports, Grahams Raiders produced a similar EPA (0.030) to the Steelers (0.025) while only blitzing on almost 20% of defensive snaps. The Steelers needed to blitz 28.7% of the time, which was the fifth-highest rate in the league.This is the formula the Steelers need to bring the best out of their stars. T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen and Jalen Ramsey will likely see monster years under Patrick Grahams defensive philosophy and clever play design. A new age of Blitzburgh is arriving in the Steel City.The post Steelers DC Patrick Graham Will Revive Blitzburgh appeared first on The Lead.

You know football season is right around the corner when EA Sports begins to unveil its annual Madden 99 Overall Club.This year, before the games launch, six NFL superstars have been announced as a part of the exclusive club for Madden 27, which is set to release on August 13, 2026. Fans who purchased the games MVP+ Membership version will be able to begin on August 6, while players who bought the Deluxe Edition & MVP Bundle will have access on August 10. MORE: Buffalo Bills unveil new Nickel City Alternate Jerseys: Heres where to buyFull list of 99 overall playersJaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle SeahawksMadden 26 Overall: 86Adjusted Overall: 95The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, is certainly becoming one of the premier names to get familiar with in the league. Also being honored as Seattles highest-overall receiver in team history, Smith-Njigba heads into his fourth year on a steady trajectory to be a consistent top performer year in and year out. JaMarr Chase, Cincinnati BengalsMadden 26 Overall: 99Marking his second consecutive year as a member of Maddens 99 overall club, JaMarr Chase has proven since his debut in the league that he was going to be a force to be reckoned with and has proven to do so for five straight years in Cincinnati. Josh Allen, Buffalo BillsMadden 26 Overall: 99Going back to back years as a member of the elusive 99 overall club, Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen once again is bestowed the honor as one of the top talents in the league to be chosen for Maddens highest-rated players at launch. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles RamsMadden 26 Overall: 88Adjusted Overall: 98It was almost a guarantee that the NFLs 2025 MVP would be bestowed a 99 overall in Madden this year. After one of the tightest races for the trophy in league history, Stafford proved to be aging like fine wine, edging past the two young talents of New Englands Drake Maye and another 99 overall quarterback, Buffalo Bills Josh Allen.Myles Garrett, Los Angeles RamsMadden 26 Overall: 99Earning his third 99 overall in an EA Sports Madden video game, newly acquired Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Myles Garrett continues to be a dominant force on the defensive side of the football. Before leaving Cleveland, Garrett would claim his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year trophy, becoming the first player to be traded after winning the award in the previous season. Trey McBride, Arizona CardinalsMadden 26 Overall: 92Adjusted Overall: 97Coming off a record-setting season where he logged the most receptions in NFL history for a tight end (126), the Cardinals No. 1 pass catcher, Trey McBride, earns his first 99 overall for Madden 27. Putting together over 1200 yards and 11 touchdowns, McBrides fourth year in the league was nothing short of elite, which makes him a no-brainer for this years 99 overall club.

Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price is in a situation with the defending Super Bowl champions that has him in position to give fantasy football team managers more than what is expected of him at the present next season.According to Bleacher Reports Kristopher Knox, Price is one of 10 players that may be fantasy football sleepers in 2026 in place of stars who departed this offseason, with the Seahawks rookie set to replace Kenneth Walker III, who was the RB22 from the 2025 NFL season.Considering Walker's departure, [Zach] Charbonnet's injury, the fact that Seattle had a run-first offense last season, and the reality that [George] Holani hasn't been a high-volume NFL back, Price should be getting more attention than he is, Knox said.Price has the talent to start his NFL career with a bang, similar to the way that Walker did as a 1,000-yard rusher in his rookie year in 2022. The path is clear for the Seahawks rookie ball-carrier to accomplish that, given the fact that Charbonnet is on the PUP list to begin training camp, which adds to the likelihood of the starting job being all Prices, and will position the 22-year-old to produce at a high level out of the gates in 2026, to the benefit of fantasy football team managers.This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Is Seahawks RB Jadarian Price fantasy sleeper for 2026 season?

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