Football - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Falcons, Titans have multiple selections in AP’s NFL All-Pro recognition

The Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans fell short of the NFL playoffs and are searching for new head coaches, but both teams have notable talent on the roster.

By ROB MAADDI / The Associated Press January 10, 2026

AP file photo by Adam Hunger / Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was a first-team selection at that position and a second-team pick at all-purpose player on offense in All-Pro recognition for the NFL's 2025 season from The Associated Press announced Saturday.

Titans interview former Cowboys coach as search continues

The Tennessee Titans met with Jason Garrett in person Friday, making him the sixth candidate interviewed in the team's search for a new head coach.

By TERESA M. WALKER / The Associated Press January 9, 2026

AP photo by Phelan M. Ebenhack / Jason Garrett, the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants at the time, watches players warm up before a game against the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 22, 2021.

Bears, Packers set to add rare postseason chapter to storied rivalry

The Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers have faced each other more than any other two teams in the NFL, but not very often in the playoffs.

By ANDREW SELIGMAN / The Associated Press January 9, 2026

AP photo by Kamil Krzaczynski / Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams runs the ball during an NFC North Division matchup game with the visiting Green Bay Packers in the regular season on Dec. 20 at Soldier Field.

Rams hope for better results vs. Panthers in postseason visit

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford arrived at training camp last July battling a back injury and unsure if he would even play this season.

By STEVE REED / The Associated Press January 9, 2026

AP photo by Brian Westerholt / Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard is wrapped up by Los Angeles Rams safety Jaylen McCollough (2) and cornerback Cobie Durant, right, during an NFL regular-season game at Bank of America Stadium on Nov. 30 in Charlotte, N.C. The same teams will meet again there Saturday for an NFC wild-card playoff game.

Former Falcons QB Matt Ryan could return to team in new role

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Thursday that Matt Ryan will be one of the candidates interviewed for the franchise's newly created position of president of football.

By CHARLES ODUM / The Associated Press January 8, 2026

AP photo by John Amis / Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank speaks with quarterback Matt Ryan before an NFC South Division game against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Nov. 24, 2019. Ryan played in the NFL from 2008-22, spending his first 14 seasons in Atlanta and his last year with the Indianapolis Colts after being traded by the Falcons.

Titans plan to interview former assistant Arthur Smith in coaching search

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith confirmed Thursday that the Tennessee Titans have reached out to interview him for their head coach opening.

By TERESA M. WALKER / The Associated Press January 8, 2026

AP photo by James Kenney / Arthur Smith was an assistant for the Tennessee Titans from 20011-20 and the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021-23. Smith is currently in his second season as offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will host a wild-card game in the AFC playoffs Monday night.

NFL has eight head coaching vacancies after Dolphins fire Mike McDaniel

Mike McDaniel ran out of luster in sunny South Florida.

By ALANIS THAMES / The Associated Press January 8, 2026

AP photo by Robert F. Bukaty / Mike McDaniel stands on the Miami Dolphins' sideline during their game against the host New England Patriots on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass.

Panthers at full strength on defense ahead of playoff game vs. Rams

The Carolina Panthers made life tough for quarterback Matthew Stafford six weeks ago when the Los Angeles Rams visited Bank of America Stadium for a regular-season matchup.

By STEVE REED / The Associated Press January 7, 2026

AP photo by Rusty Jones / Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is pressured by Carolina Panthers defensive end Derrick Brown during an NFL regular-season game on Nov. 30 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers, who won 31-28 that day, will host the Rams again Saturday in the wild-card round of the NFC playoffs.

NFL’s average viewership for regular-season games up 10% from 2024

The NFL averaged 18.7 million viewers per game during the 2025 regular season that was completed last weekend.

By JOE REEDY / The Associated Press January 7, 2026

AP photo by Ryan Sun / Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrates in front of a television camera after a touchdown run against the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 4.

Baylor’s David Gabriel Georges named national player of the year

An incredible season by Baylor School running back David Gabriel Georges is being recognized beyond local and state levels.

By Stephen Hargis January 6, 2026

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