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Two NFL head coaches have already been fired this season. Who else might be on the hot seat?

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Two NFL head coaches have already been fired this season. Who else might be on the hot seat?

After a 23-22 loss to the lowly Carolina Panthers that extended their losing streak to seven games, the New Orleans Saints on Monday fired head coach Dennis Allen.

Allen followed Robert Saleh, formerly of the New York Jets, as the second head coach fired this season. Allen posted an 18-25 record in 2 1/2 seasons in New Orleans. It’s the second time in his career he failed to make it through his third season at the helm of a team. In 2014, the Oakland Raiders fired Allen after just four games of his third year with them. For his career, Allen is 26-53 as a head coach.

Allen will not be the last NFL head coach fired this season. Through nine weeks of action, nine of the NFL’s 32 teams have only two victories apiece. Fifteen teams have losing records.

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Time is quickly evaporating, and without sudden rebounds, some of these losing teams will likely follow the lead of the Jets and Saints and turn their attention to the future.

Here’s a look at the coaches seemingly on the hot seat as the second half of the NFL regular season kicks off.

Jacksonville’s mind-blowing decline continues. Pederson and his team seem headed toward double-digit losses just two seasons after winning the AFC South and reaching the divisional round of the playoffs, where they fell 27-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pederson and the Jaguars went 1-1 on their London trip in Weeks 6 and 7 but returned to the United States and promptly lost games to Green Bay and Philadelphia. Trevor Lawrence’s regression continues, Jacksonville’s defense on Sunday surrendered 400-plus yards for the fifth time this season and the Jaguars are minus-7 in the turnover department (third worst). Next up? A game at home versus the 6-2 Minnesota Vikings, followed by a trip to the 7-1 Detroit Lions. It feels like a matter of when and not if owner Shad Khan pulls the plug, again.


Antonio Pierce fired his offensive coordinator and two more assistants after just nine games on his staff. (Reggie Hildred / Imagn Images)

A year after Pierce took over at midseason for a floundering Josh McDaniels and propelled the Raiders to a feisty 5-4 finish, the former linebacker appears to have lost his touch already. Game management is a huge challenge for the rookie head coach. He has flip-flopped on quarterbacks twice now and on Sunday fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, offensive line coach James Cregg and quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello after just nine games on his staff.

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This roster isn’t well constructed, but Pierce appears to be in over his head. It would be a surprise to see him make it to Year 2. If he doesn’t, keep an eye in the offseason on former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, who has a strong relationship with new Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. Vrabel is now a coaching and personnel consultant for the Cleveland Browns.

Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns (2-7)

Deshaun Watson’s inability to regain his on-field mojo was apparently only part of Cleveland’s struggles. The Browns have regressed on just about every front in 2024. A week after Jameis Winston provided a spark in an upset of the Baltimore Ravens, the Browns came crashing back to Earth in a 27-10 loss to the L.A. Chargers. Stefanski turned play-calling duties over to Ken Dorsey before that win over Baltimore, but three turnovers and a sputtering rushing attack held the Browns in check against the Chargers. Meanwhile, their defense also continues to underperform.

The Browns made a second-half playoff surge with a backup quarterback (Joe Flacco) last season, but that seems highly unlikely this year. Watson is out for the remainder of the season with an Achilles injury, but given the Browns’ apparent commitment to him despite his struggles, they could opt for a coaching change.

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Team owner John Mara said last month that he remains committed to Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, but as Daniel Jones’ ineptitude continues and as the losses continue to mount, it’s hard to envision him sticking with that stance. Especially with running back Saquon Barkley (the one that got away) delivering jaw-dropping highlights just down the road with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jerry Jones continues to say he’s committed to McCarthy, but McCarthy remains a lame-duck coach and his team continues to underperform in virtually every phase of the game. Jones opened up the checkbook for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, but the Cowboys’ offense has gotten worse and things will only get uglier with Prescott now out multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. With or without Prescott, however, McCarthy lacks the innovation to fix this operation. As the embarrassments and losses continue to mount, you have to wonder how much more of this Jones can take.


Matt Eberflus’ Bears are losing pace in the NFC North to the Lions, Vikings and Packers. (Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images)

He entered the season on thin ice, but Eberflus hoped Caleb Williams could spearhead a revival in Chicago. Instead, the coach is overseeing another rocky season that feels destined to end poorly. A shaky start preceded some encouraging developments and a three-game win streak. But then came the embarrassing Hail Mary loss in Washington, followed by Sunday’s flat performance against Arizona — a game in which the Bears failed to score a touchdown despite having Williams and a talented collection of offensive players. Eberflus seemingly is losing control of the team, as his players show signs of poor discipline and professionalism. Hope is fading in the Windy City, and Eberflus might be running out of time and excuses.

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Of course, these coaches aren’t alone with their disappointing bodies of work. Things haven’t played out in a favorable manner this season for the Miami Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel (2-6), New England Patriots’ Jerod Mayo (2-7), Carolina Panthers’ Dave Canales (2-7) or Tennessee Titans’ Brian Callahan (2-6).

It seems like McDaniel will receive the benefit of the doubt, given that his team’s struggles can be tied to Tua Tagovailoa’s four-game concussion-induced absence. If anyone’s seat in Miami is heating up, it could be that of general manager Chris Grier, who neglected to acquire an adequate backup for Miami’s injury-prone starting quarterback. Had Grier given McDaniel a serviceable veteran, the Dolphins possibly could have tread water until Tagovailoa returned.

Meanwhile, despite firing Frank Reich after just 11 games last season, David Tepper will likely give Canales more time. If Bryce Young can build on the shreds of success displayed in Sunday’s win, Canales, Young and the Panthers could enter the offseason with a degree of optimism. Given that Robert Kraft hand-picked Mayo as the Patriots’ coach-in-waiting late in Bill Belichick’s legendary tenure, it seems like the former New England linebacker will be afforded additional time to grow into his role while the Patriots further fortify the roster around Drake Maye. The same goes for Callahan, who is overseeing a roster in the midst of a rebuild that needs a better starting quarterback than Will Levis before he can truly showcase his abilities as a coach.

(Top photos of Brian Daboll and Mike McCarthy: Brad Penner / Imagn Images and Sam Hodde / Getty Images)

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Police report details Zachariah Branch’s arrest days before NFL Draft over sidewalk incident

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Police report details Zachariah Branch’s arrest days before NFL Draft over sidewalk incident

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New details have emerged surrounding the arrest of former Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who is facing two misdemeanor charges following a run-in with law enforcement just days ahead of the NFL Draft. 

Branch, who is a projected second-round pick, was arrested early Sunday morning in Athens, Georgia, and charged with two counts of obstructing public sidewalks/streets – prowling and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. 

Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Nov. 28, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)

He was released after more than two hours in jail after posting $39 in bonds. 

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The NFL Network obtained the police report from Branch’s arrest, which described an encounter over an alleged sidewalk incident with law enforcement, in which police alleged that the former Bulldogs star failed “to comply with multiple verbal lawful commands.”

“A male, later identified as Zacharia Branch, continued to stand on the sidewalk without making an attempt to move. I continued to give Zacharia Branch verbal commands to move from blocking the sidewalk and advised that if he did not, he would receive a citation for blocking the sidewalk,” the excerpt from the report read. 

Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch runs during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Feb. 28, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

TOP NFL DRAFT PICK ZACHARIAH BRANCH ARRESTED IN GEORGIA ON TWO MISDEMEANOR CHARGES

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“Zacharia Branch smirked, then stepped backwards and to the right, then remained standing upon the public sidewalk, so as to obstruct, hinder, and impede free passage upon the sidewalk as well as impede free ingress/egress to or from the adjacent places of business,” the report continued.

“Due to those actions and Zacharia Branch’s failure to comply with multiple verbal lawful commands, he was placed under arrest for misdemeanor Obstruction of LEO and received a citation for Obstructing Public Sidewalks.”

Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch celebrates with wide receiver Colbie Young after scoring a touchdown against Ole Miss during the Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Jan. 1, 2026. (IMAGN)

Branch transferred after two seasons at Southern California and immediately became quarterback Gunner Stockton’s favorite target. He finished the season with a team-high 811 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.

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His status as a projected second-round pick was bolstered after an impressive showing at the combine, where he clocked a 4.35-second 40-yard dash.

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Quick final pit stop helps Alex Palou win Long Beach Grand Prix

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Quick final pit stop helps Alex Palou win Long Beach Grand Prix

For two-thirds of Sunday’s Long Beach Grand Prix, Alex Palou bided his time … waiting for the one break he needed.

It came in the form of a caution on the 58th lap, allowing him to overtake front-runner Felix Rosenqvist exiting pit lane and hold the lead the rest of the way, taking the checkered flag by 3.96 seconds for his third triumph in five IndyCar Series races this season and his first at Long Beach.

Right after being showered with applause and confetti at victory lane, the 29-year-old Spaniard thanked his crew, whose quick work on the last pit stop proved to be the difference.

“Everyone was coming in on that yellow and they did an incredible job,” he said. “We were either going to win it or not win right there.”

Rosenqvist settled for second and Scott Dixon, Palou’s Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, was third.

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It was the 11th win over the last 22 races dating to 2024 for the Barcelona native and the 22nd win of his career, tying Tony Bettenhausen and Emerson Fittipaldi. It also vaulted Palou to the top of the series standings as he chases his fourth series championship in a row and fifth overall. Palou won the opener March 1 in St. Petersburg (also a street course) and the fourth race March 29 in Alabama.

Palou led for only 32 of the 90 laps Sunday and acknowledged it would have been difficult to catch Rosenqvist if not for the stoppage.

“I wasn’t giving up but it would’ve been tough to get him today,” Palou acknowledged. “He was already three seconds ahead. I was happy with my car but I was struggling more on the soft tires than the hards so I’d say my chances were low. The feeling was great seeing all the open space coming out of pit lane because when you spend 60 laps behind a car it disturbs you. I tried to match him on soft tires but it wasn’t working.”

Alex Palou speeds through a curve of the track.

(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)

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In six starts at Long Beach, Palou never has finished lower than fifth.

There is little room to maneuver on the 1.968-mile course with 11 tight turns, but after starting in the third position next to defending champion Kyle Kirkwood, Palou managed to sneak past Pato O’Ward into second place heading into the first turn on Lap 2.

“Making that move on the straightaway was big because I knew it was one of our only chances to get a pass on Pato,” Palou said. “I got that good run on that last corner and he didn’t expect it.”

This year marked the 51st edition of the longest-running major street race in North America, which started in 1975 as part of the Formula 5000 Series, switched to the CART/Champ Car World Series in 1984 and joined the IndyCar Series in 2009.

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The top four qualifiers started on softer, high-grip “alternate” tires to establish position while the rest of the grid started on harder, more durable “primaries” to manage degradation on the 110-degree track surface. Of the 25 starters, 24 completed the 177.12 miles.

“We were going to make the two-stop strategy work but didn’t know if it would be doable or not,” Palou added. “As soon as I saw I couldn’t get Felix it was all about patience, fuel and waiting for the right time. I owe this win to my team. Without that pit stop I probably wouldn’t be sitting here now. It only takes one mistake to go from second to seventh, but they’re great under pressure.”

Cars make their way down a straightaway during Long Beach Grand Prix.

Cars make their way down a straightaway during Long Beach Grand Prix.

(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)

Past winners Will Power and Josef Newgarden moved into the top two positions after Rosenqvist pitted, but the Swede regained the lead when Newgarden pitted for the first time on Lap 37 and dropped back to 14th.

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The first 45 laps were caution-free as Rosenqvist, Palou, Kirkwood, David Malukas and O’Ward held the top five spots. Newgarden’s chances declined upon discovering a flat spot on his left front tire, and he dropped back to 14th.

Rosenqvist’s three-second lead was erased when debris on the track exiting the Aquarium Fountain drew the only yellow flag all afternoon and narrowed the gap. Capitalizing on favorable pit position, Palou emerged from the lane just ahead of Rosenqvist.

Rosenqvist. who won the pole position with a lap time of 1 minute 7.4625 seconds in qualifying, had mixed emotions as the runner-up after leading for 51 laps with no win to show for it.

“You want to win when you have an opportunity, but I’m proud of today,” Rosenqvist said.

“We weren’t as good as Alex on the blacks … the last pit cycle was the defining moment. We had to come around 14, he had more of an opening, and his crew nailed it. That happens.”

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Kirkwood, who was vying for his third win in four years, finished right where he started in fourth.

“I had a good cushion and figured even with a bad stop I’d probably stay ahead but I knew there’d probably be a yellow at some point and there it came,” Rosenqvist lamented. “Considering Alex had primary [tires], also I think we would’ve been able to hold him off. It’s definitely disappointing when you can’t wrap it up.”

Dixon, who started in the sixth position, was third and earned his first podium this season and the 136th of his career.

Fans watch with two laps left in the race.

Fans watch with two laps left in the race.

(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)

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“The race itself was a bit blah — I sat in the same position for most of it,” Dixon said. “Luckily for us we had it easy out of that last stop.”

Al Unser Jr. holds the record for most wins at Long Beach, chalking up six in eight years, including an unmatched four in a row from 1988 to 1991.

Tom Sargent is becoming a fan of street circuits after two wins this weekend. Driving the Porsche 911 Cup for GMG Racing in the Mobil Pro Class, the 22-year-old Australian led from start to finish in Race 1 of the Carrera Cup North America on Saturday. In Race 2 on Sunday morning, he again started from the pole and claimed a 0.965-second victory over Aaron Jeansonne to complete the double.

In his last bid at Long Beach three years ago, he hit the wall on Lap 2 but still finished second.

“Momentum in sports is critical and the past few weeks have been really cool for me,” Sargent said. “I didn’t do any street circuit racing before I came to the States. Maybe it fits my driving style.”

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‘Demon’ Finn Balor settles score with Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 42

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‘Demon’ Finn Balor settles score with Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 42

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Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio were once brothers in arms in the Judgment Day. The two helped the faction run “Monday Night Raw” for several years.

As championships and opportunities came and went, the rift between Balor and Mysterio grew. It came to a head when Balor caused Mysterio to lose the Intercontinental Championship to Penta. Balor leaving the Judgment Day left Mysterio and Liv Morgan as the leaders with JD McDonagh, Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez sticking around.

Finn Balor is introduced before his match against Dominik Mysterio during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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The latter four chose to ride with Mysterio and attacked Balor on one episode of Raw.

The bitter war led to a match Sunday night at WrestleMania 42. To make matters more interesting, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce made the match a street fight hours before the show was set to begin.

Balor had vowed to bring the “Demon” out and he certainly did.

JACOB FATU PUTS DREW MCINTYRE IN THE ‘REAR VIEW’ IN UNSANCTIONED MATCH AT WRESTLEMANIA 42

Finn Balor is introduced before his match against Dominik Mysterio during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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Balor made his way to the ring in his “Demon” gear, dripping with red and black paint. Mysterio was in a mask with other Mysterio supporters.

The two then proceeded to beat the crud out of each other.

Mysterio wrapped Balor’s head in between a chair and hit a 619 on him. He tried to pin Balor, but to no avail. At another point, Mysterio tossed Balor through a table set up in the corner.

As many have learned, it’s hard to keep your demons down. Mysterio learned the hard way.

Balor would not give up. Balor clotheslined Mysterio, hit him with a chair multiple times before wrapping his head in between the chair and drop-kicking him into the corner. Balor put Mysterio onto a table and hit the Coup de Grâce for the win.

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Dominik Mysterio is introduced before his match against Finn Balor during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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Balor excised his own demons, while Mysterio is still haunted.

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