Football - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Bills fire coach Sean McDermott after 9 seasons of falling short of reaching the Super Bowl

Sean McDermott arrived in Buffalo in 2017, envisioning the day of looking out his office window and seeing a throng of fans celebrating a Super Bowl victory.

By JOHN WAWROW / AP Sports Writer January 19, 2026

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott leaves the field after an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Denver Broncos, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Transfer QBs Mendoza, Beck headline college football’s biggest game and signify broader trend

For the second straight year, the biggest game in college football will be decided by a quarterback who wasn’t on the roster the year before.

By MAURA CAREY / AP Sports Writer January 19, 2026

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti pose with the trophy after a news conference ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship game between Miami and Indiana, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Miami. The game will be played on Monday. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Stidham set to join Staubach, Reich and 4 other QBs to make first start of season in playoffs

Bo Nix's broken ankle has placed Jarrett Stidham into most unusual territory.

By Josh Dubow January 19, 2026

FILE - Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach rears back to pass 22 yards to Ron Sellers (88) on a third down play late in the second quarter, Dec. 31, 1972. (AP Photo)

Rams survive rally by Bears, win in OT to reach NFC title matchup

Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay shot knowing glances at each other, then went to work on the drive that got the Los Angeles Rams one step away from the Super Bowl.

By ANDREW SELIGMAN / The Associated Press January 18, 2026

AP photo by Jeff Roberson / Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) scores a touchdown after evading a tackle by cornerback Jaylon Johnson of the host Chicago Bears during Sunday's NFC divisional round game in the NFL playoffs at Soldier Field.

Mike Vrabel has Patriots in AFC title game for first time in seven years

Mike Vrabel returned to the New England Patriots a year ago on a mission to have the franchise playing again in meaningful games in January.

By KYLE HIGHTOWER / The Associated Press January 18, 2026

AP photo by Robert F. Bukaty / New England Patriots punter Bryce Baringer (17) shakes hands with first-year head coach Mike Vrabel during Sunday's game against the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round of he NFL playoffs at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Broncos backup QB thrust into starting role with AFC title game ahead

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton is convinced backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham can double his number of NFL career wins when he starts next weekend's AFC title game.

By ARNIE STAPLETON / The Associated Press January 18, 2026

AP photo by Jack Dempsey / Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham warms up before Saturday's home game against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Falcons hire former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski as quick search ends

The Atlanta Falcons have hired Kevin Stefanski, a two-time NFL coach of the year, to take over on the sideline for a franchise coming off its eighth straight losing season.

By The Associated Press January 17, 2026

AP file photo by Michael Conroy / Kevin Stefanski has been hired as the next head of the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced Saturday night. Stefanski went 45-56 as head coach of the Cleveland Browns over the past six seasons before being fired earlier this month.

Giants announce hire of former Ravens coach Jim Harbaugh

The New York Giants have hired John Harbaugh as the 21st head coach in the 101-year-old franchise's history, the team announced Saturday night.

By The Associated Press January 17, 2026

AP file photo by Nick Wass / The New York Giants announced Saturday night that they have hired John Harbaugh as their next head coach. Harbaugh held the same role the past 18 seasons for the Baltimore Ravens, who won a Super Bowl while making a dozen playoff appearances under his direction.

Seahawks dominate 49ers in wire-to-wire win, will host NFC title game

The pregame hype was a throwback. The show on the field came from a new generation of talented Seattle Seahawks eager for their own accolades.

By ANDREW DESTIN / The Associated Press January 17, 2026

AP photo by John Froschauer / Rashid Shaheed returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown for the Seattle Seahawks in Saturday night's home game against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Broncos beat Bills to reach AFC title game but lose QB Bo Nix for season

The Denver Broncos wrangled their biggest win in a decade Saturday night, but they took an enormous loss in the process.

By ARNIE STAPLETON / The Associated Press January 17, 2026

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