Richt retires, Diaz takes over at Miami
Manny Diaz is back at Miami, before he ever left. And a most whirlwind day for the Hurricanes has Diaz taking over as the school’s head football coach.
Diaz agreed Sunday night to become Miami’s coach — hours after Mark Richt stunned the school by announcing his retirement. The Hurricanes announced the move about 10 hours after Richt’s retirement was made public.
Diaz was Miami’s defensive coordinator under Richt for three years, and agreed earlier this month to take over as the coach at Temple.
He never made it to the Owls. The Turnover Chain is staying in Miami. So is its originator.
The 58-year-old Richt told his staff Sunday morning that he was retiring and informed athletic director Blake James of his decision around the same time. With players away for the holiday break, Richt and James alerted them by text and email shortly before the school issued a news release.
Houston fires Applewhite
Houston fired coach Major Applewhite on Sunday after two seasons.
The school announced the move a little more than a week after the Cougars were trounced in a 70-14 loss to Army in the Armed Forces Bowl.
Houston (8-5) lost four of its last five games after starting 7-1.
Jets fire Todd Bowles
The New York Jets fired coach Todd Bowles Sunday night after four seasons, ending a disappointing tenure that began with plenty of promise but finished with lots of losses and no playoff appearances.
The team announced the long-expected decision that it moved on from Bowles, who went 24-40, a few hours after the Jets wrapped up their season with a 38-3 loss at New England.
Buccaneers fire head coach
Dirk Koetter has been fired as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The team made the announcement Sunday night, a little more than three hours after the Bucs concluded a disappointing season with a 34-32 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Koetter was promoted from offensive coordinator to his first NFL head coaching position when Tampa Bay fired Lovie Smith in January 2016. He led the Bucs to a 9-7 record that year, but followed up with consecutive 5-11 finishes.
Nuggets waive Nick Young
The Denver Nuggets have waived veteran guard Nick Young with several players starting to return to health.
The team announced the move Sunday on its Twitter account.
Young, 33, was signed earlier this month with the Nuggets missing several starters because of injuries.
Federer looking forward to Serena’s serve
Roger Federer’s wish is about to be granted — he’s getting the chance to return Serena Williams’ powerful serve.
The famously unflappable Swiss acknowledges being excited about the prospect of taking on his fellow tennis great on Tuesday in a Hopman Cup mixed doubles match between Switzerland and the United States in Perth, Australia.
Federer made an impressive start in preparation for his Australian Open title defense with a seemingly effortless 6-1, 6-1 victory over Cameron Norrie on Sunday.
His playing partner Belinda Bencic also won to seal defending champion Switzerland’s victory over Britain in Group B.
Federer and Bencic will next take on Williams and Frances Tiafoe to kick-start the New Year with arguably the most anticipated match in the tournament’s three-decade history.