All articles tagged with #coaching changes
Booker High School in Sarasota will not field a varsity football team in 2026, instead fielding a junior varsity squad after losing 21 players to transfers, undergoing a coaching change, and receiving a $500 FHSAA fine with probation, ending a run of three straight state semifinals and signaling a rebuild under new coach Lance Hoeltke.
The Steelers are embracing a tackling-free training camp under new leadership, with the aim of keeping players healthy and fresher for a stronger finish; analysts expect those health dividends to show up late in the season, despite a few minor camp injuries.
The Washington Commanders fired tight ends coach Ben Steele days before training camp following a June arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, with The Athletic citing a policy violation. Steele was placed on leave as Wes Welker coached the TEs during minicamp, and Dan Quinn is expected to announce his replacement. The move comes as the team overhauls its coaching staff, with training camp opening soon and a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins scheduled for Aug. 12.
NFL training camps have begun with Seattle aiming for another title amid coaching changes and quarterback battles, while several teams unveil new head coaches, evaluate new rosters, and sort out unsettled QB duties across the Cardinals, Falcons, Browns, Raiders and Vikings ahead of the 2026 season. The piece also highlights Rams’ repeat bid at SoFi, injury comebacks, and broader questions about the evolving importance of elite quarterbacks.
USA TODAY Sports surveys all 32 NFL teams, surfacing a single focal storyline per club as training camps open, ranging from QB battles and coaching shifts to roster battles and scheme tweaks to shape the 2026 season.
The Portland Timbers named Martí Cifuentes as their new head coach on a three-year contract through the 2028-29 season, adding a coach with more than two decades of experience across Europe and most recently in charge of Leicester City in the EFL Championship. He replaces Phil Neville, with interim boss Jack Cassidy continuing to steer Timbers2 in MLS NEXT Pro until Cifuentes arrives. Cifuentes expressed excitement to join MLS and help build a team with a clear identity and strong unity that represents Portland and its fanbase.
As 2026 training camps open, fantasy managers should track key QB battles (Atlanta’s Penix vs. Tagovailoa; Arizona’s Brissett/Minshew/Beck; Cleveland’s Watson vs. Sanders; Las Vegas’s Mendoza vs. Cousins), a potential RB1 shift in Jacksonville with Bhayshul Tuten replacing Etienne, Green Bay’s changing receiver pecking order after Doubs/Wicks exit, and Mahomes’ adjusted outlook in Kansas City with Kenneth Walker III in the mix. The piece also highlights a wave of new coaches and schemes across teams that could reshape fantasy value, so camp reps and depth-chart changes are crucial for draft prep.
The Vegas Golden Knights appointed former AHL head coach Ryan Craig as their next head coach, replacing John Tortorella after the 2026 Stanley Cup Final loss. Craig, who has spent his career within the Golden Knights organization and most recently led the Henderson Silver Knights, will aim to leverage his familiarity with the organization to guide Vegas back to playoff and Cup contention amid offseason turnover and expiring contracts for core players.
Edmonton Oilers announce head coach Kris Knoblauch and assistant coach Mark Stuart have been relieved of their duties after a season review, about two weeks after a first‑round playoff loss to the Anaheim Ducks; the team expresses gratitude for their contributions and did not announce replacements.
Inter Miami’s 4-3 loss to Orlando City keeps them winless in four as Lionel Messi delivers a moment of magic but the team’s defensive frailties persist, even amid a midseason coaching shift to Guillermo Hoyos after Mascherano’s resignation. The piece also notes ongoing Miami media/access tensions and broader MLS storylines, including 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan’s substitution controversy for the Union and the San Diego FC/Chucky Lozano saga, capped by a stoppage-time winner for LAFC over San Diego amid Lozano’s absence and fan banners calling for his return.
Boston fired Alex Cora and several coaches in a sweeping organizational shake-up led by Craig Breslow, with input from Theo Epstein and others; Jason Varitek was reassigned and is no longer with the organization, and Chad Tracy was named interim manager. Reports linked Cora to a Phillies job, which he declined, and Boston has gone 2-2 since the firing.
Trevor Story says a direct talk with Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow about the decision to fire Alex Cora and six coaches was necessary; Breslow explained the moves at a team meeting, but Story remains frustrated and seeks clearer direction for the franchise.
The Red Sox fired Alex Cora and five coaches after a 10-17 start, calling the move a bold step toward a fresh start, but players like Trevor Story and Garrett Whitlock criticized the lack of clarity and fair process in a Sunday meeting. Interim manager Chad Tracy was named, with GM Craig Breslow and team president Sam Kennedy defending the decision as necessary to reset the season. Boston’s offense and pitching have struggled (OPS .667, 27th; ERA 4.44), and the organization faces questions about its direction as it pursues a return to October play.
The Boston Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora after a rocky start and announced a coaching staff overhaul: Chad Tracy will serve as interim manager, promoted from Worcester; hitting coach Pete Fatse was reportedly dismissed, with Collin Hetzler joining the Boston staff; Jason Varitek was reassigned within the organization; Breslow will oversee a broader leadership reshuffle as the team pivots toward developing its young core.
NBC Sports Bay Area reports that Steve Kerr isn’t expected to return as Warriors coach next season unless he has a major change of heart, as the front office pushes for a shift in philosophy and the aging, injury-plagued roster prompts consideration of a new direction.