ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has reported that the Saints are seeking to interview Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy, possibly as soon as Saturday. Bienemy, a New Orleans native, has been with KC since 2013, and has overseen the team’s offense since 2018. The Chiefs have been to the postseason in eight of the last nine seasons, winning the Super Bowl two years ago.

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Mobile sports betting has been live in Louisiana for a week, and already the state has made history. Houston business owner “Mattress Mack” crossed state lines to place a bet of more than $4.5 million on the Caesars Sportsbook app for the Cincinnati Bengals to win Super Bowl 56. It is the single-largest mobile wager of all-time and the second-largest Super Bowl wager ever, trailing only a $4.9 million bet on the 2002 Super Bowl. The payout would top $7.7 million.

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The New Orleans Pelicans are back in action tonight, as they visit the Denver Nuggets. The Pels are 0-2 against Denver this season. Billy Hernangomez and Garrett Temple are out, Josh Hart is listed as questionable. New Orleans is 3-4 over its last seven games.

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Next Sunday, Joe Burrow will try to become the first Heisman-trophy winning quarterback to win a Super Bowl since Jim Plunkett in 1983, and only the third ever, along with Hall of Famer Roger Staubach. If Burrow had his way as a kid, he never would have been under center…but now there’s no place he’d rather be or a position he’d rather play.

Cut 20 (17) “…lose with me.”

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In college basketball around the state this weekend, 25^th ranked LSU is at Vandy Saturday, as the Tigers try to snap a two-game skid. Both UL’s men’s and women’s teams are taking on Arkansas State, with the women in the Cajun Dome, and the men on the road. Northwestern State visits McNeese in a Southland Conference showdown at 4 pm.

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Louisiana Tech looks to bounce back from a loss to Florida Atlantic by topping Florida International tomorrow night, and the UNO Privateers will go hunting for their 10^th straight victory when they take on Incarnate Word.

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News on the Saints coaching search…Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy is on the team’s radar. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says the team would like to interview Bienemy, possibly as soon as Saturday. Bienemy, a New Orleans native, has been with KC since 2013 and has run the team’s offense since 2018. The Chiefs have been to the postseason in eight of the last nine seasons, winning the Super Bowl two years ago.

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You can take Doug Pederson’s name off of the list of candidates. Pederson was announced as the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. Pederson, who was a star quarterback at ULM and head coach of Calvary Baptist in Shreveport, takes over for Urban Meyer, who was fired 13 games into his first and only season in Jacksonville.

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Mobile sports betting has been live in Louisiana for a week, and already the state has made history. Houston business owner “Mattress Mack” crossed state lines to place a bet of more than $4.5 million on the Caesars Sportsbook app for the Cincinnati Bengals to win Super Bowl 56. It is the single-largest mobile wager of all time and the second-largest Super Bowl wager ever, trailing a $4.9 million bet on the 2002 Super Bowl. The payout would top $7.7 million.

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Former LSU and current Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth is in a unique position. Whitworth was drafted by Cincinnati in 2006. Next weekend though, he’ll be facing his old team in Super Bowl 56. Whitworth was with the Rams in 2018 when they lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 53, so the four-time Pro Bowler isn’t taking his second shot at a championship for granted.

Cut 17 (10) “…lot to us.”

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Across the field will be fellow LSU alum Joe Burrow. His Cincinnati Bengals weren’t even supposed to be here, but after knocking off the top two seeds in the AFC, they’ve shown they belong. With just over a week to go before the big game, Burrow isn’t letting the hype get to him.

Cut 18 (11) “…feels normal.”

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The Saints are expanding their search for a new head coach. The Times-Picayune reports the team plans on interviewing New Orleans native and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

One of the Saints head coaching candidates, Doug Pederson, has accepted the job as the new head coach in Jacksonville. The former ULM quarterback gets his second NFL head coaching job after winning a Super Bowl with Philadelphia.

Former LSU and current Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth is in a unique position. Whitworth was drafted by Cincinnati in 2006, and spent a decade with the Bengals, earning All-Pro honors three times. Next weekend though, he’ll be face his old team in Super Bowl 56. Whitworth appreciates his time with the Bengals and welcomes the opportunity to play against them.
Cut 16 (09) “…so much to me.”

The Ragin Cajun and Warhawk men’s basketball teams both picked up Sun Belt victories last night. ULM ended a four-game losing streak by beating Arkansas State 60-59. Andrew Jones matched his season-high with 21 points.

The Ragin Cajuns scored 51 points in the second half and defeated Little Rock 75 to 51 last night. Jordan Brown had 20 points. The Cajuns are now 5-and-5 in the Sun Belt.

Louisiana Tech got down by 18 points in the first half and lost to Florida Atlantic 83-73. The loss drops the Bulldogs record to 16-and-6 overall, 7-and-3 in Conference USA. They drop into third place in the West Division.

UNO stayed undefeated in the Southland with a 79-70 win over Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi. Southeastern Louisiana defeated McNeese 83-78.

Nicholls edged Incarnate Word 63-60 for its third straight victory. Northwestern State tied a school record with 17 three-pointers and defeated Houston Baptist 97-87.

Louisiana Tech football signed five players on Wednesday..defensive back Devontae Mozee, offensive linemen Elijah Bowser and Joe Ta’ase, running back DeAnthony Gatson, and tight end John Locke. Gatson is the most high-profile signee. The three-star recruit had previously committed to USC. New Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie credits the hard work of his assistant coaches in recruiting Gatson…

Cut 20 (20) “…are important.”

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Some other first-year coaches made their marks as well. Grambling State’s Hue Jackson welcomed the largest recruiting class in program history, announcing the commitments of 36 players. Southern’s Eric Dooley added 27 new Jaguars on his first signing day on the Bluff, and UL’s Mike Desormeaux added five signees on Wednesday, bringing his first class to 13 players.

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What’s old is new again in Lake Charles, as McNeese football returns to its traditional 7 p.m. kickoff time for all home games after two seasons of noon starts. The Cowboys released their 11-game schedule Thursday, which includes six games at The Hole. McNeese opens their season September 3 on the road at FCS National Runner-Up Montana State. The Cowboys’ home opener is slated for September 17 against Alcorn State. McNeese went 4-7 last season under Frank Wilson, who is now with LSU. Gary Goff takes the reigns this year after going 22-3 as head coach at Valdosta State.

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One day after revealing his team’s new name, Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder is facing new allegations of misconduct. Six former Washington employees met with the House Oversight Committee and made several disturbing claims, including one that stated Snyder instructed a team employee to produce a video that featured nude images of cheerleaders that had been recorded without their knowledge.

The NFL fined Snyder and Washington $10 million after its own investigation concluded that the club’s workplace culture was toxic and fell far short of the NFL’s values, per a statement by the league’s special counsel

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Brian Kelly’s first National Signing Day at LSU is in the books, and the Tigers produced some mixed results. Kelly lost out on a number of high-profile in-state recruits, including Louisiana’s number one player in safety Jacoby Mathews out of Ponchatoula, along with Westgate tight end Danny Lewis, and Lake Charles running back TreVonte’ Citizen. But the Tigers did land their top target in linebacker Harold Perkins. Perkins is ranked as one of the top 20 players in the country and his high school coach, Greg Rogers, says LSU is getting a great one.

Cut 17 (12) “…that’s for sure.”

The Tigers finished with the 12^th-ranked recruiting class in the nation according to 247 sports. LSU finished fourth in the SEC, behind Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia, who grabbed the top 3 spots.

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New Grambling State head coach Hue Jackson has made his impression felt as he announced the signing of 36 players Wednesday, the most in Grambling football history.

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The NBA trade deadline is just a week away, and speculation continues as to whether the New Orleans Pelicans will be buyers or sellers. Indications are that the Pels will be looking to bolster their roster for a push to make the play-in tournament and reach the postseason for the first time since the 2017-18 season. New Orleans trails Portland by 1.5 games for the tenth spot in the Western Conference. Next up for the Pels, the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

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After dropping five of its last six games on the hardwood, projections for LSU’s postseason destiny are all over the place. The Tigers could land anywhere from as high as a three seed, according to CBS Sports, or as low as a sixth seed as forecasted by ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi. LSU is back in action Saturday when they visit Vanderbilt.

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In other college basketball news…sixth-ranked Houston defeated Tulane 73-62 last night. La Tech is at F-A-U, ULM visits Arkansas State, the Cajuns are at Little Rock. McNeese hosts Southeastern Louisiana.

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Interviews continue for the Saints head coaching job, with current special teams coach Darren Rizzi expected to meet with team officials today

On national signing day, the LSU football program signed five-star linebacker Harold Perkins from Texas. The New Orleans native chose the Tigers after he originally committed to Texas A-and-M last month. LSU also signed a three-star cornerback from Texas, Jaelyn Davis-Robinson.

But LSU lost out on three in-state prospects. Lake Charles Collegiate prep Running back Trevonte Citizen signed with Miami, Westgate tight end Danny Lewis signed with Alabama, and Ponchatoula safety Jacoby Matthews signed with Texas A-and-M. The Aggies finished with the top recruiting class.

ESPN Baton Rouge sports talk show host Matt Mascona says the Texas A-and-M business community’s ability to put together attractive NIL deals helped the Aggies and it’s something the LSU community could not match ..
cut 18 (12) “…producing milk”
According to 24-7 sports, when you factor in the transfer portal, LSU finished with the sixth-best recruiting class.

The Saints have interviewed Doug Pederson, Brian Flores, and Aaron Glenn for their vacant head coaching job. Today, the team is expected to interview defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. General Manager Mickey Loomis talked about Allen’s credentials with reporters who are covering the Senior Bowl in Mobile…
cut 28 (20) “….as well”
Saints special teams coach Darren Rizzi is also expected to interview for the head coaching job today.

Also, it’s being reported the Saints will play a game in London in 2022. The date and opponent have not been finalized.

In college basketball…sixth-ranked Houston defeated Tulane 73-62 last night. La Tech is at F-A-U, ULM visits Arkansas State, the Cajuns are at Little Rock. McNeese hosts Southeastern Louisiana.

Brian Kelly’s first National Signing Day has not gone according to plan, thus far. After scoring an early win with the commitment of cornerback Jaelyn Davis-Robinson, the Tigers have missed out on running back TreVonte Citizen, who signed with Miami, and Westgate tight end Danny Lewis, who joins the Alabama Crimson Tide. LSU is still awaiting word on prospects Jacoby Mathews, Harold Perkins, and Caleb Douglas.

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After the most successful season in program history, the Ragin’ Cajuns have had a solid day on the recruiting trail, securing four in-state commitments. UL has announced the signing of Zachary receiver Charles Robertson, Franklin running back Zylan Perry, and offensive linemen Kaden Moreau of Pineville and Trent Murphy out of Opelousas as part of Mike Desormeaux’s first class as head coach.

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Tuesday night, the LSU men’s basketball team lost for the fifth time in six games, falling to Ole Miss, 72-76. The Tigers made a furious second half rally after trailing by as many as 24, but Will Wade says they could not overcome their slow start.

Cut 21 (8) “…to get better.”

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Tiger Rag Magazine has obtained a letter from the attorneys that represent Sharon Lewis, who was recently fired from her position as LSU’s associate athletic director of football recruiting and alumni relations, which requests the opportunity for Lewis to testify before the state, in the school’s ongoing Title IX investigation.

Now that Lewis is no longer with the University, she’s ready to talk. Tiger Rag editor Adam Hunsucker spoke with Committee chairperson, State Senator Regina Barrow, who is working to get another committee meeting on the docket as soon as possible.

Cut 10 (12) “…to do this.”

Lewis filed a $50 million lawsuit in Apr. 2021, claiming LSU officials violated the RICO Act to cover up Title IX complaints. The suit also claims Lewis was a victim of retaliation for reporting allegations former LSU football coach Les Miles sexually harassed student workers.

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Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has confirmed that Doug Pederson, Brian Flores, and Aaron Glenn have interviewed for the team’s head coaching position. The Saints have yet to meet with in-house candidates Dennis Allen and Darren Rizzi.

The LSU men’s basketball team is really struggling as the 25th ranked Tigers were upset at home by Ole Miss as the Rebels defeated the Bayou Bengals 76-72 last night. LSU trailed by as many as 24 points as Ole Miss hit nine three-pointers on its way to just their third SEC win of the year. LSU has lost five of its last six and they are now 4-and-6 in the SEC.

Brandon Ingram returned to the Pelicans after missing the last three games with an ankle injury to lead New Orleans to a 111 to 101 win over the Pistons in Detroit. Ingram had 26 points as New Orleans ended a four-game losing streak. New Orleans is now 19 and 32 and will visit Denver on Friday.

It’s national signing day, so who is LSU targeting as they complete their 2022 recruiting class? Glen West, editor of LSU Country for Sports Illustrated gives us a run down…
cut 17 (14) “…..another offensive lineman
Three Louisiana prep stars could sign with LSU today. Ponchatoula four-star safety Jacoby Matthews, Lake Charles Prep four-star running back Trevonte Citizen and Westgate three-star tight end Danny Lewis.

The Saints reportedly interviewed former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores yesterday. The interview took place on the same day Flores sued the NFL and three teams alleging racist hiring practices for aspiring coaches. He also accuses the Dolphins of offering him 100-thousand dollars to lose games in order to get a top draft pick. Miami fired Flores last month.

After 22 NFL seasons, Tom Brady has officially announced his retirement. A sixth-round pick out of Michigan, Brady retires as a seven-time Super Bowl champion, five-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time league MVP, and the holder of every major passing record, including: wins by a quarterback, and the lead in career passing touchdowns, yards, and completions.

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Practices for the Reese’s Senior Bowl began today in Mobile, Alabama, with some of the top pro prospects in the country getting another opportunity to impress NFL coaches and scouts. LSU is represented by defensive lineman Neil Farrell Jr., linebacker Damone Clark, and offensive lineman Ed Ingram. Offensive lineman Max Mitchell of the U-L Ragin Cajuns, joins the LSU trio on the American Team roster. The Senior Bowl is this Saturday, February 5^th at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

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National Signing Day is Tuesday, the first for Brian Kelly as the head man at LSU. Glen West, editor of LSU Country for Sports Illustrated says even with the outstanding job that Kelly has done already, the Tigers can never have too much talent.

Cut 21 (7) “…on the roster.”

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LSU men’s hoops has fallen all the way to 25th in the AP rankings after dropping four of their last five games. The Tigers are back home in the P-MAC tonight as they host Ole Miss. The Rebels are just 2-6 in SEC play but are allowing opponents to score only 66 points per game. It wasn’t that long ago that the Tigers were challenging for a top-4 seed in the NCAA tournament, but Coach Will Wade is far more concerned with the games remaining on the SEC schedule, which has not been kind so far.

Cut 18 (8) “…get to work

Game time is 8:00 pm.

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The New Orleans Pelicans lost their fourth game in a row, falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 90-93 on the road to finish off a very rough January where they went just 5-10. Devonte Graham led four players in double-figures with 20 points. The Pels are right back at it tonight as they visit the Detroit Pistons. They remain two and half games out of 10^th in the West. Brandon Ingram is once again listed as questionable to play. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.

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Interviews continue for the Saints head coaching job, with former Dolphins coach Brian Flores reportedly meeting with the team today. Aaron Glenn, Dennis Allen, and Saints special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi are on deck for later in the week.

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After 22 seasons, the man whom many consider the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady has officially announced his retirement. Brady’s announcement came via an Instagram post Tuesday morning. A sixth-round pick out of Michigan, Brady retires as a seven-time Super Bowl champion, five-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time league MVP, and the holder of every major passing record, including: wins by a quarterback, and the lead in career passing touchdowns, yards, and completions. Fun fact: the Saints are the only division team to sweep Brady during his career, and they did it twice. Enjoy the retirement, TB12.

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It appears online sports wagering got off to a big start over the weekend. And while he doesn’t have exact figures yet, State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says when you compare activity for the inaugural weekend to other states Louisiana is not an underdog.

Cut 7 (11) “…weeks ago.”

Six sports betting platforms were online for opening weekend and Johns says to expect even more in the coming weeks.

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The LSU Tigers have tumbled all the way to 25th in the AP rankings after dropping four of their last five games. LSU is back home in the P-MAC tonight as they host Ole Miss. Injuries have been a major factor for the Tigers, dating back to the loss of Adam Miller before the season began. Only center Efton Reid has been able to start all 21 games, and several players are still fighting injuries. Coach Will Wade says he’s hopeful the team’s health will improve, but is preparing for if it doesn’t.

Cut 17 (18) “…back healthy again.”

Game time is 8:00 pm.

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The Pelicans lost their fourth game in a row, falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 90-93 on the road to finish off a very rough January where they went just 5-10. Devonte Graham led four players in double-figures with 20 points. The Pels are right back at it tonight as they visit the Detroit Pistons. They remain two and half games out of 10^th in the West. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.

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