OHIO STATE’S MEYER PLANS TO BE BACK
OHIO» Ohio State football COLUMBUS , coach Urban Meyer addressed speculation that he could step down at the end of the season, saying Monday he felt fine and definitely would be back next year.
Meyer, who was suspended for three games to start the season and has been slowed by headaches caused by a cyst, has been the subject of talk around the college football world that he may retire after the season.
The chatter increased after he looked more distressed and beleaguered than usual on the sideline during the 4920 loss to unranked Purdue on Oct. 20.
Asked to address the rumors at a news conference Monday, the 54yearold Meyer said, “I plan on coaching.” Asked if he would definitely return to Ohio State next year, he answered, “Yes.”
Meyer, who is under contract through the 2021 season, missed training camp and the first three games this season over his handling of domestic abuse allegations against nowfired assistant Zach Smith.
USC’s Helton fires Oline coach.
» Southern California coach Clay Helton fired offensive line coach Neil Callaway and took over playcalling duties for the struggling Trojans.
Helton announced a shakeup of his coaching staff two days after USC dropped to 44 with its second straight defeat, a 3835 home loss to Arizona State.
Helton took away the playcalling responsibilities from offensive coordinator Tee Martin, who remains on staff.
» Illinois defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson abruptly resigned, citing personal “healthrelated circumstances beyond my control.”
Coach Lovie Smith said Nickerson told him it was in the program’s “best interest” to leave. The former NFL linebacker had been defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for more than two seasons after joining Smith and the Illini in 2016.
Iowa State QB to transfer.
» Iowa State sophomore
, quarterback Zeb Noland is transferring after losing the starting job to freshman Brock Purdy.
Coach Matt Campbell announced that Noland, who has already used his redshirt season, will leave at the end of the semester.
Noland started five games for the Cyclones, including four this season.
Bumgarner staying with Giants.
Madison Bumgarner’s $12 million contract option for the 2019 season has been exercised by the San Francisco Giants, keeping the 2014 World Series MVP and ace lefthander with the club for at least one more season after his past two years were shortened by injuries.
The Giants also exercised third baseman Pablo Sandoval’s option for the $555,000 minimum.
RHP Shields becomes free agent.
GO» The Chicago White Sox declined their $16 million option on James Shields and exercised a $2 million buyout, making the veteran righthander a free agent.
Shields was 716 with a 4.53 ERA in 34 appearances — 33 starts — last season.
Goldschmidt remains with Dbacks.
» The Arizona Diamondbacks picked up the $14.5 million option on Paul Goldschmidt’s contract for the 2019 season.
The club option was attached to the fiveyear, $32 million deal Goldschmidt signed in 2014.
Senators’ Borowiecki suspended.
The NHL suspended Ottawa Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki for three games without pay for an illegal check to the head of Vegas Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin.