Sports

Sports coverage from the Orlando Sentinel:

• UCF football coach Josh Heupel leaves to take Tennessee job January 27, 2021
  UCF football coach Josh Heupel has left to take over as the Tennessee Volunteers’ head coach, following former Knights athletics director Danny White and leaving the program with two major vacancies to fill.
  Iliana Limón Romero, Mike Bianchi, Matt Murschel
• Are all 33 sports federations — from archery to wrestling — moving forward with their Olympic planning? ‘All of them. It’s unanimous. They want the games.’ January 27, 2021
  The IOC is adamant the Tokyo Olympics will be held this year despite the pandemic. So, too, are Japanese organizers. Now hear it from the man who represents the track and field, swimming and gymnastics federations as well as every other Summer Games sport.
  Andrew Dampf
• High school scores and top performers for Tuesday, Jan. 26 January 27, 2021
  High school scores and top performers for Tuesday, Jan. 26.
  Dominique Smith, Correspondent
• UCF coach Josh Heupel reportedly top candidate for Tennessee job January 27, 2021
  UCF coach Josh Heupel reportedly is the leading candidate for the vacant Tennessee coaching job.
  Matt Murschel
• Multiple factors drive Magic during record-setting 3-point shooting run January 27, 2021
  The Orlando Magic’s recent record-setting 3-point shooting is being driven by a confluence of factors, including an All-Star-caliber season by Nikola Vucevic.
  Roy Parry
• Girls weightlifters compete for state meet berths January 27, 2021
  Florida has three championship classifications for high school girls weightlifting this season, up from two, and the state meets will be split among two sites for the first time. The FHSAA announced last week that St. Cloud High School will host the Class 3A championship meet. Qualifying continues this week with region meets across the state.
  Buddy Collings
• Father of UCF football Gene McDowell dies at age 81 January 27, 2021
  Gene McDowell, the father of the UCF football program and the Knights’ all-time wins leader, has died at the age of 81.
  Iliana Limón Romero
• Bruce Arians hire put struggling Bucs on path to Super Bowl 55 January 27, 2021
  It took five coaching changes over a decade-plus of futility before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally got it right, luring Bruce Arians out of retirement. Two seasons later, the 68-year-old quarterback expert has them in the Super Bowl.
  Fred Goodall
• By denying Hall of Fame entry to Curt Schilling, Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds, BBWAA assures Derek Jeter will have spotlight this summer January 27, 2021
  The Baseball Writers Association has spoken: There will be no drug cheat controversy at the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies next July and no politics either.
  Bill Madden
• FSU transfers Jarques McClellion, Brandon Moore bolster secondary January 27, 2021
  FSU transfers Jarques McClellion and Brandon Moore bring veteran leadership to a young Seminoles secondary that needs to make up for the loss of Hamsah Nasirildeen, Cyrus Fagan, Jaiden Lars-Woodbey and Asante Samuel Jr.
  Matt Murschel
• George O’Leary on late coach Gene McDowell: ‘He saved UCF football’ | Commentary January 27, 2021
  Gene McDowell's legacy at UCF is complicated, but he deserves to be honored for saving the Knights' football program.
  Mike Bianchi
• Curt Schilling asks to be removed from the next Baseball Hall of Fame ballot after falling 16 votes short as writers elect no one for the 1st time since 2013 January 27, 2021
  If Curt Schilling has it his way, he won’t be on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot next year for what would be his 10th and final shot in the Baseball Writers’ Association of America voting.
  LaMond Pope
• Montverde, OCP take basketball win streaks to record levels January 27, 2021
  Two No. 1 ranked teams, Montverde Academy and Orlando Christian Prep, are closing in on the area with their boys basketball winning streaks.
  Buddy Collings
• UCF welcomes 10 early enrollees from 2021 recruiting class January 27, 2021
  The top four signees from UCF’s 2021 recruiting class are among 10 football players who have enrolled early, joining the Knights for spring semester classes and workouts.
  Matt Murschel
• Baseball Hall of Fame gets no new members; Curt Schilling 16 votes shy January 27, 2021
  The baseball Hall of Fame won’t have any new players in the class of 2021 after voters decided no one had the merits — on-the-field or off — for enshrinement in Cooperstown on this year’s ballot.
  JAKE SEINER
• Tampa Prep, Gainesville coaches near 800 basketball wins January 26, 2021
  Coaches Joe Fenlon of Tampa Prep and Kelly Beckham of Gainesville are both closing in on 800 Florida boys basketball wins, a milestone never before achieved. Retired Oviedo coach Ed Kershner is the state's career wins leader with 901 victories, but that includes his early days of coaching in Indiana. Kershner won 783 games in Florida.
  Buddy Collings
• DeVonta Smith wants to run it back with Tua, and even has an advocate in Dolphins coach Brian Flores January 26, 2021
  The only knock surrounding Alabama star receiver DeVonta Smith is how his slender, yet dynamic frame will hold up at the NFL level. But it appears Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores is willing to overlook Smith’s stature.
  Safid Deen, Keven Lerner
• West Orange adds transfer Asaad Waseem, a 2023 receiver from Wekiva January 26, 2021
  Sophomore receiver Asaad Waseem has transferred from Wekiva to West Orange, bolstering a strong team.
  Chris Hays
• Aaron Rodgers clarifies his postgame remarks about his Green Bay Packers future — but adds it isn’t necessarily in his control January 26, 2021
  All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers says “I don’t think there’s any reason why I wouldn’t be back” with the Green Bay Packers next season.
  Associated Press staff
• Dolphins using co-offensive coordinators at Senior Bowl, but still exploring options to fill vacancy January 26, 2021
  Dolphins running back coach Eric Studesville has served as Miami's run-game coordinator for the past two years, and it's possible he could share the coordinator role with tight end coach George Godsey this coming season.
  Omar Kelly, Safid Deen
• Former Dolphins safety named Chargers defensive coordinator January 26, 2021
  Chargers name former starter on the Dolphins’ 2008 squad that won the AFC East as their defensive coordinator.
  Keven Lerner
• Magic avoid collapse, hold on for win over Hornets January 26, 2021
  Nikola Vucevic scored 28 points, rookie Cole Anthony had a career-high 21 points and the Orlando Magic avoided another fourth-quarter letdown as they beat the Charlotte Hornets 117-108 on Monday night at Amway Center.
  Roy Parry
• Start of spring training up in the air as negotiations between MLB and players union spill into spotlight January 26, 2021
  Baseball’s owners and players are fighting again. Spring must be right around the corner.
  Deesha Thosar
• Why are organizers confident they can hold the Olympics? And will vaccines be required? Q&A about the Tokyo Olympics, which are set to start on July 23. January 26, 2021
  With calls for a cancellation mounting, pressure is building on Japanese organizers and the IOC to explain exactly how they plan to hold the Tokyo Olympics in the midst of a pandemic.
  Stephen Wade
• Dolphins Q&A: Is the return of Davon Godchaux and Vince Biegel enough to improve Miami’s defense? January 26, 2021
  Davon Godchaux and Vince Biegel are decent, but the goal this offseason should be to add pieces that are better than decent.
  Omar Kelly
• 20 potential Dolphins targets to watch at the 2021 Senior Bowl January 26, 2021
  After lacking firepower in losses to the NFL's top teams, it’s clear the Dolphins need help at key offensive positions. While at the Senior Bowl, here's who they could target at receiver and running back, as well at edge rusher and other areas of need.
  Keven Lerner, Omar Kelly
• Vanessa Bryant honors Kobe and Gianna on 1-year anniversary of their deaths: ‘It still doesn’t feel real’ January 26, 2021
  In an Instagram post early Tuesday, Vanessa shared a letter that was recently given to her by a friend of Gianna, who was 13 when she, Kobe and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020 in Southern California.
  Peter Sblendorio
• High school scores and top performers for Monday, Jan. 25 January 26, 2021
  Orlando area varsity scores and top performers from Monday, Jan. 25.
  Steve Gorches
• Steelers promote former Maryland coach Matt Canada to offensive coordinator January 26, 2021
  The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t look very far to find a new offensive coordinator, promoting quarterbacks coach Matt Canada to the position on Monday to replace Randy Fichtner.
  Will Graves
• West Orange WR Jayden Gibson selected for 2022 Under Armour All-American Game January 26, 2021
  West Orange receiver Jayden Gibson showed out during the Pylon Orlando 7 on 7 Tournament during the weekend and was invited to play in the 2022 Under Armour All-American Game.
  Chris Hays
• Chris Mueller says young Lions have chance to shine with USMNT January 26, 2021
  Orlando City forward Chris Mueller says the young Lions called up by the U.S. men's national team have a chance to show off their strengths during a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago Sunday at Exploria Stadium.
  Julia Poe
• 11 potential candidates for UCF athletics director job January 26, 2021
  UCF president Alexander Cartwright said the school will hire a search firm to compile a diverse list of candidates and will move quickly to replace outgoing athletics director Danny White. Take a look at 11 potential UCF AD candidates.
  Matt Murschel
• Some Patriots fans enjoying another Tom Brady Super Bowl run, even though it’s with Bucs January 26, 2021
  As soon as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC title game, Brian Pope went shopping for a Tom Brady jersey to wear when he watches them play in the Super Bowl. One problem: Pope lives in Connecticut. And he isn’t really even a Buccaneers fan — or at least he wasn’t, until Brady left the New England Patriots to make another championship run with Tampa Bay. […]
  Jimmy Golen
• CDC, NFL say league helped refine the meaning of a contact at high risk for coronavirus January 25, 2021
  The NFL and CDC say they observed transmission in less than 15 minutes.
  Pat Leonard
• MLS sets start date for 2021 season despite absence of labor deal January 25, 2021
  Major League Soccer announced the schedule for its 2021 season, which will see Orlando City players returning to their home market to begin preseason training next month.
  Julia Poe
• Miami Hurricanes welcome three transfers, seven early enrollees from 2021 recruiting class for spring January 25, 2021
  Miami Hurricanes welcome their transfers and early enrollees for the 2021 spring semester.
  David Furones
• Two women make NBA history, ref Magic game together January 25, 2021
  Natalie Sago and Jenna Schroeder will break barriers when they officiate the Orlando Magic’s Monday night game against the Charlotte Hornets, marking the first time in NBA history two women work the same game.
  Alicia DelGallo
• FSU to host annual spring football game on April 10 January 25, 2021
  Florida State fans can get their first look at several newcomers including former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton when the Seminoles host their spring game on April 10.
  Matt Murschel
• Jason Pierre-Paul has had a wild ride back to the Super Bowl nine years after winning with Giants January 25, 2021
  Not many people could handle the last decade of JPP's life.
  Pat Leonard
• FHSAA adjusts cutoff date for high school athletes turning 19 January 25, 2021
  FHSAA representative assembly voted Monday to approve three bylaw amendments, including one that changes the age limit for participating in varsity sports. There is also track news and private school news.
  J.C. Carnahan
• Magic, AdventHealth push forward on training facility, sports medicine center January 25, 2021
  The Orlando Magic and AdventHealth announced they are extending their long-running partnership, highlighting ongoing construction of a new practice facility and the team’s plans to provide free home game tickets for local healthcare workers.
  Roy Parry
• Aaron Rodgers’ 4th loss in an NFC title game raises a huge question for the Green Bay Packers: What if this was it? January 25, 2021
  Aaron Rodgers said he was gutted by the Packers' NFC championship game loss Sunday while acknowledging the uncertainty of his future in Green Bay.
  Dan Wiederer
• Orlando Pride’s Jordyn Listro, Erin McLeod called up by Canadian national team January 25, 2021
  The Orlando Pride’s Jordyn Listro and Erin McLeod were called up by the Canadian national team for a two-week camp ahead of the SheBelieves Cup, which will take place at Exploria Stadium in February.
  Julia Poe
• Baseball hero Hank Aaron let his work speak for itself | Commentary January 25, 2021
  A guest columnist describes what the baseball legend's life and death meant to him.
  Cal Massey
• Five storylines to watch as Dolphins enter Senior Bowl week January 25, 2021
  Deshaun Watson trade talk, and the Dolphins' search for a new offensive coordinator are among the storylines to watch during Senior Bowl week in Mobile, Ala.
  Safid Deen
• High school scores and top performers for Saturday, Jan. 23 January 24, 2021
  Orlando area varsity scores and top performers from Saturday, Jan. 23.
  Steve Gorches
• Hank Aaron, legendary baseball Hall of Famer who broke Babe Ruth’s home run record, dies at 86 January 23, 2021
  Hank Aaron, who endured racist threats with stoic dignity during his pursuit of Babe Ruth but went on to break the career home run record in the pre-steroids era, died early Friday. He was 86
  Paul Newberry
• Danny White focuses on quickly hiring new Tennessee football coach January 22, 2021
  Danny White is embracing the opportunity Tennessee is giving him to rebuild a Power 5 program and not even the prospect of potential NCAA punishment deterred him from taking the athletics director job.
  Teresa M. Walker
• Dolphins Q&A: What should Miami’s approach be to improve the run game? January 21, 2021
  One Dolphins rookie is already one of Miami’s top-10 talents on the roster — and it's not quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
  Omar Kelly
• 1985 Bears: Where are they now? August 29, 2016
  What happened after Super Bowl XX? An interactive guide on all 64 players and coaches of the 1985 Chicago Bears team.
  Kori Rumore and Mallory Busch