Two names have surfaced in the search for a new defensive coordinator at LSU. The Baton Rouge Advocate reports Alabama’s Kirby Smart has been in contact with LSU, also Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker has also been in touch. Smart is 39-years-old and just completed his seventh season as Alabama’s defensive coordinator. He previously spent one season as an assistant coach at LSU in 2004. Tucker is another former LSU assistant and will likely be let-go by the Bears once they hire a new coach. Chicago’s defenses have been historically bad the last two seasons.

Will New Orleans native Peyton Manning return next season? Manning didn’t play well in the Broncos playoff loss to the Colts yesterday and today, Denver head coach John Fox has decided to move on. Some speculate that Manning will not want to play for another head coach.

In other coaching news….it’s being reported that Louisiana Tech defensive line coach Oscar Giles has accepted a job with the University of Houston and Brad Bradshaw has been named the interim head coach at Bastrop.

In other coaching news….it’s being reported that Louisiana Tech defensive line coach Oscar Giles has accepted a job with the University of Houston and Brad Bradshaw has been named the interim head coach at Bastrop.

The Pelicans begin a five game road trip in Boston tonight. A three-team deal involving New Orleans was finally completed today. Defensive-minded guard Quincy Pondexter comes to New Orleans from Memphis, while Austin Rivers heads to the Celtics. It’s expected that Boston will trade Rivers to the Clippers.

Louisiana Tech’s Raheem Appleby has been named Conference USA Player of the Week. The senior guard averaged 23.5 points and shot 64-percent from the field in two victories on the road last week. The Bulldogs host UAB on Thursday night.

ULM’s Marvin Williams has been named Sun Belt Player of the Week. The senior from Memphis averaged nearly 21 points and nine rebounds in three victories last week. Williams and the Warhawks host Troy on Thursday night.