Sean Payton is no longer the head coach of the Saints. It’s hard to hear that after 15 seasons that saw the Black and Gold become a consistent winner in the NFL under Payton, who arrived in New Orleans a few months after Hurricane Katrina. Payton led the Saints to their only Super Bowl championship in the 2009 season, but he’ll never forget that 2006 team that came out of nowhere and went to the NFC Championship game…
cut 11 (12) “….that 06 team” (2x)
It’s unknown what the 58-year-old Payton will do next. Payton says he would like to return to coaching one day, but getting a job as an analyst with a major TV network is a possibility.

So the search begins for a new head coach…NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will get a long look. He’s been Payton’s D-C since 2015 after three unsuccessful seasons as head coach of the Raiders.

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to snap a three-game losing streak tonight when the Tigers host Texas A-and-M at 8 PM. LSU Coach Will Wade the Aggies present another difficult challenge for his team…
cut 16 (20) “….turnovers under control”
Wade says injured starters Xavier Pinson and Darius Days will be game-time decisions.

The Pelicans were short-handed last night and lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 117 to 107 at the Wells Fargo Center.

Tiger Rag Magazine reports Sharon Lewis, a central figure in LSU’s Title Nine scandal, is no longer employed by LSU. Lewis sued the university in April for 50 million dollars claiming the school retaliated against her and created a hostile work environment after reporting sexual misconduct cases. LSU is not commenting, but Lewis’ attorneys call her firing a wrongful termination.

Sean Payton officially stepped down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints Tuesday afternoon. The franchise’s all-time winningest coach, helped take the Saints from the despair of the post-Katrina rebuild to the glory of a Super Bowl title. After 16 years with the organization, Payton simply said it’s time…

Cut 10 (20) “…time was right.”

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Payton’s departure means there are now nine head coaching vacancies in the NFL and the Saints are getting a relatively late start, but Canal Street Chronicles Editor in Chief Ross Jackson says New Orleans is an attractive job opening…

Cut 14 (10) “…on the other side.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team looks to snap a three-game losing streak Wednesday when the Tigers host Texas A-and-M at 8 PM. LSU Coach Will Wade the Aggies present another difficult challenge for his team…

Cut 16 (20) “…under control.”

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Tiger Rag Magazine reports that Sharon Lewis, who filed a $50 million Title IX lawsuit against LSU in April of 2021 is no longer with the University. Lewis’ attorneys released a statement to Tiger Rag through Delta Media confirming that she had been fired as the school’s associate athletic director of football recruiting and alumni relations by AD Scott Woodward. Lewis’ legal team said in the statement that they believe the termination to be an act of retaliation for the reporting of violations within the athletic department.

Who Dat Nation continues to wait for news on the future of Coach Sean Payton. Fox Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer reported Monday that Payton’s choice is between retirement and the Saints, and that the coach has no interest in leaving New Orleans for another team. NOLA.com Saints reporter Rod Walker says that it’s clear that even with the success that Payton has enjoyed on the field, his decision whether or not to stay is bigger than just Xs and Os.

Cut 18 (17) “…a lot of times.”

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Meanwhile, Saints owner Gayle Benson has partnered with the Crescent City Classic road race, along with Caesars Entertainment, Inc., to keep the race going for the 44^th straight year. Benson believes that with the support of the Saints, the Crescent City Classic can become one of the nation’s premier road races.

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The Pelicans have won two in a row after beating the Pacers, 117-113 last night at the Smoothie King Center. Devonte Graham led the Pels with 23 points. After a rough start, the Pels are 15-12 in their last 27 games, and Coach Willie Green believes that things are finally starting to come together.

Cut 28 (11) “…slowly but surely.”

New Orleans is back in action again tonight on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers.

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Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is in Chicago today, interviewing for the Bears’ vacant coaching position.  Allen has been with the Saints since 2015 and is seen as a major reason that New Orleans has transformed from one of the worst defenses in the NFL to one of its stingiest over the past three seasons. He would also be a leading candidate to replace Sean Payton if Payton does decide to step down as coach of the Saints. Allen was 8-28 as coach of the then Oakland Raiders from 2012 to 2014.

Though Sean Payton is back from his vacation, there is still no word on his coaching future. Questions about Payton’s status as the coach of the Saints found their way to owner Gayle Benson on Monday, who didn’t have any updates. Rod Walker, who covers the Saints for NOLA.com, thinks Mrs. Benson is much like the rest of Who Dat Nation; awaiting word from the man himself as he processes one of the most exhausting seasons of his career.
Cut 17 (16) “ …looking really good.”
The 58-year-old Payton is under contract with the Saints through the 2024 season.

Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen interviews with Chicago as the Bears continue to search for a new head coach.

LSU is ranked 10th by Baseball America in its preseason poll.

Five-star linebacker Harold Perkins has de-committed from Texas A-and-M. His uncle has told the media that Perkins will visit LSU this weekend. Perkins is six-foot-three, 210 pounds from Cypress Park High School in Cypress Texas. He committed to the Aggies earlier this month.

The Pelicans kicked off a busy stretch of games by beating Indiana 117 to 113 last night. Devonte Graham, who was listed as questionable with ankle soreness, drilled five three-pointers and finished with 25 points. Josh Hart added 22 points. New Orleans is on the road tonight to visit the 76ers.

The LSU men’s basketball team is down six spots in the latest A-P Top 25 poll to number 19. The Tigers host Texas A-and-M on Wednesday and Coach Will Wade says it’s possible the Tigers could be without Xavier Pinson and Darius Days. LSU has lost three in a row.

After losing on the road to Florida on Sunday, the LSU women’s basketball team is down to number 12 in the AP poll.

Saints coach Sean Payton has been silent about his plans for next season thus far, but speculation continues. The NFL Network reported that Payton has remained uncommitted regarding his status, but Saints insider Mike Detillier says even if Coach Payton flirts with some other opportunities, including in the broadcast booth, he expects to see him back on the sidelines in 2022.

Cut 8 (10) “…he returns.”

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Joe Burrow led Cincinnati past the top seeded Tennessee Titans to put the Bengals into the AFC Championship game this weekend. The Bengals start the week as seven-point underdogs to the Kansas City Chiefs, but Burrow says his team isn’t paying attention to the odds or the narratives…

Cut 20 (12) “…for it all.”

The 49ers and Rams will play to see who represents the NFC in Super Bowl 56.

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The Pelicans are back on the court at home tonight, as they host the Indiana Pacers at the Smoothie King Center.

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After its third consecutive conference loss, LSU has fallen to 19^th in the latest AP men’s college basketball top 25. The Tigers have struggled to score since starting SEC play, averaging just over 62 points per game. Guard Brandon Murray says the team’s problems are the result of poor discipline and execution.

Cut 17 (16) “…offense right.”

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The 11^th-ranked LSU women’s hoops squad suffered its first SEC road loss on Saturday at Florida, falling to the Gators, 72-73. Khayla Pointer scored a career-high 35 points in the losing effort for the Tigers.

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The Ragin’ Cajuns snapped their three-game losing streak with a 69-59 win over first-place Troy in Sun Belt action Saturday.

And Louisiana teams are well-represented at the top of the Southland Conference after this past weekend. UNO has won six in a row to claim the top spot with Southeastern and McNeese both tied for second.

LSU men’s basketball extended its slide to three games after losing to 24^th-ranked Tennessee Saturday, 50-64. The Tigers allowed the Volunteers to get off to a 14-0 start that they could never overcome. Will Wade, looking at his first 3-game losing streak since 2018, shared his disappointment in his team’s performance.

Cut 16 (14) “…all season.”

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Southern University maintained its hold on first place in the SWAC men’s basketball standings with a 99-51 rout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the Clark Center. Terrell Williams led the Jags with 21 points and seven rebounds, who improve to 5-1 in conference play.

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The Pelicans are back on the court at home tonight, as they host the Indiana Pacers at the Smoothie King Center to start a brutal week of four games in six nights. The Pels are currently 11^th in the Western Conference standings, 2.5 games out of the play-in tournament.

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A weekend report from the NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport has begun speculation as to whether or not Saints coach Sean Payton will return for a 16^th season in New Orleans. Saints insider Mike Detillier says fans shouldn’t read much into Payton’s silence, and that he believes the coach will be on the sidelines again next season.

Cut 6 (12) “…in 2022.”

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Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals will play for their first trip to the Super Bowl since 1989 when they face Kansas City for the AFC Championship this weekend. Cincy knocked off the top-seeded Titans 19-16 with Burrow throwing for 348 yards. Burrow said there’s nothing quite like winning a playoff game on the road.

Cut 19 (13) “…unbelievable.”

What a weekend of NFL football as the four divisional playoff games ended on the final play. It all started with Cincinnati’s 19-16 upset victory over Tennessee on Saturday. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 348 yards and fourth-seeded Cincinnati is just one win away from an appearance in the Super Bowl…
cut 20 (13) “….coming for it all”
But the Bengals will be underdogs this Sunday when they face Kansas City. The Chiefs beat the Bills last night 42-36 in overtime in a back and forth game.

The N-F-C championship game will have the Rams hosting the 49ers.

And the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Saints Coach Sean Payton has not committed to coaching in 2022. Rapoport says it’s possible Payton could take a job in T-V.

LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade says changes are coming after the Tigers lost their third straight game on Saturday as they fell to Tennessee 64-50 in Knoxville. LSU is now 3-and-4 in the SEC and moving leading scorer Tari Eason into the starting line-up could be a part of that change.

Louisiana Tech had its 18-game home winning streak and its seven-game overall winning streak snapped after losing to UAB 83-76 on Saturday. The loss drops the Bulldogs to 6-and-1 in Conference USA and they are tied with the Blazers for the West Division lead. Bulldogs coach Eric Konkol says they will need to bounce back…
Cut 18 (18) “ …works.”
The Dogs host Rice Thursday.

More good news for LSU on the recruiting trail. Four-star running back TreVonte’ Citizen has announced his commitment to the Tigers. The Lake Charles product averaged more than 120 yards per game last season.

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Former LSU Heisman trophy winner Joe Burrow will lead the Bengals into a divisional matchup with the Titans on Sunday afternoon. In just his second season, Burrow is a legitimate candidate for the NFL’s MVP award, but he will be tested by top-seeded Tennessee. The key for Burrow is being prepared for whatever may come his way.

Cut 17 (12) “…confidence in.”

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It’s one moving in and one moving out for the Southern Jaguars. A day after defensive back Devin Bush made a commitment to the Jags, he changed his mind and is now headed to rival Grambling. Southern did add former LSU linebacker Donte Starks earlier in the week.

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The Pelicans ended their two-game losing streak with a road win over the Knicks, Thursday. Brandon Ingram left the game with a right ankle injury. No update as to his status as of now.

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Louisiana Tech starts a critical, three-game home stand tomorrow with a battle for first place in Conference USA’s Western Division. The Bulldogs enter their matchup with UAB, riding a seven-game win streak. The Blazers were the preseason pick to win the conference title, so coach Eric Koncol knows his team will have to be at its best to hold on to the top spot.

Cut 19 (10) “…this Saturday.”

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LSU may be without two major pieces when the 13^th-ranked Tigers face number 24 Tennessee, Saturday. Will Wade says that guard Xavier Pinson remains doubtful and forward Darius Days will be a game-time decision. LSU has lost two in a row, but beat the Vols at home on January 8.

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In the SWAC, first-place Southern hosts Arkansas-Pine Bluff tomorrow at 5pm. The Jags are coming off their first conference loss of the season, a six point loss at Grambling.

Meanwhile Grambling sits in second place in the SWAC. The Tigers welcome Mississippi Valley Saturday at 2:30.

LSU football announces the addition of eight transfers to its roster. The eight additions are defensive back Greg Brooks, punter Jay Bramblett, defensive back Joe Foucha, cornerback Mekhi Garner, wide receiver Kyren Lacy, long snapper Slade Roy, offensive lineman Tre’mond Shorts and linebacker West Weeks, who recorded 31 tackles and a sack at Virginia last season.

Last week, former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow led the Cincinnati Bengals to their first playoff victory in more than 30 years. Now, he prepares to face the top-seeded Tennesse Titans in the AFC’s divisional round. Burrow says postseason pressure and big games are nothing new to him.
cut 16 (10) “…situation before.”
Kick-off in Nashville on Saturday is at 3:30.

Also, Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will interview with the Bears next week about their vacant head coaching position.
___________________________________________________
The 13th ranked LSU men’s basketball team will look to snap a two-game losing streak on Saturday when they visit 24th ranked Tennessee. The Fighting Tigers took down the Vols two weeks ago in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana Tech brings a 15-3 record into tomorrow’s big Conference USA match-up with the Blazers. The Bulldogs are 6-0 in league play. Tech’s early success already has fans wondering just how far the Bulldogs can go. Tech Coach Konkol isn’t looking too far ahead as he keeps his young team improving each day.
Cut 20 (09) “…real strengths.”
Tip off against the Blazers in the Thomas Assembly Center is at 3 PM.

In action last night, the Ragin Cajuns fell to South Alabama 77-70, ULM also lost at home to Sun Belt leader Troy 73-66.

UNO won its fifth straight knocking off Southeastern Louisiana 78-72. Nicholls defended its home floor by beating Northwestern State 69-58. McNeese lost at Texas A-and M Corpus Christi 60-56.

Another big weekend of NFL playoff action is on tap. It starts tomorrow afternoon with the Cincinnati Bengals taking on the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow has put up some eye-popping numbers this year, but he does not have the NFL figured out yet…
cut 18 (10) “…still see”
Cincinnati is a 3.5 point underdog.

On Sunday, Tampa Bay hosts the Los Angeles Rams. Former LSU Tiger and Bucs running back Leonard Fournette has returned to practice. Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich says they’ll have a better idea after today if Fournette will play. He hasn’t played since December 19th because of an injured hamstring.

Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will reportedly for the Chicago Bears head coaching job next week. And former Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz has found a new job as he’s been named the new head coach for the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions, which begins play in April.

The Pelicans finished off a three-game road trip with a solid 102-91 win over the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden last night. The Pels shot 50-percent from the field and six players scored in double figures led by Jonas Valancinuas who had 18 points and 10 rebounds. New Orleans will return to the hardwood on Monday when they host Indiana.

The 13th ranked LSU men’s basketball team returns to action tomorrow when they visit 24th ranked Tennessee. The Tigers are looking to snap a two-game skid.

Louisiana Tech will look to stay undefeated when they host Conference USA rival UAB at 3 PM inside the Thomas Assembly Center.

In action last night, the Ragain Cajuns dropped their third straight as they fell to South Alabama 77-70, ULM also lost at home as they Sun Belt leader Troy 73-66.

UNO is off a 2-and-0 start in the Sun Belt as the Privateers won their fifth straight knocking off Southeastern Louisiana 78-72 as Troy Green had 16 points and 13 rebounds.

Pierce Spencer poured in 20 points as Nicholls defended its home floor by beating Northwestern State 69-58.