Daily Jolt: Chip Kelly waiting for Patriots?
Monday, January 7
Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.
Kelly waiting for the Patriots?
To be sure, Bill Belichick is no threat to leave the Patriots any time soon, but who in the world, when the time comes, would replace him? [When] you turn down three NFL teams in a 12-month period, it can mean only one thing -- you know exactly which NFL job you truly covet and are willing to wait for it. [Chip Kelly] told me once, "My dream job is always the one I have." ... What I believe now is that Kelly, who makes $3.5 million in guaranteed salary and has the blessing of Nike-infused infrastructure, knows his current gig is the best amateur coaching job in America. I now suspect he would only trade it for the dream gig of every little kid who grows up in New England -- head coach of the Patriots. (The Oregonian)Comment
Depending how things go, righties Matt Garza of the Cubs, Gavin Floyd of the White Sox, and even Tim Lincecum of the Giants could be attractive on the trade market. Hard to read the Cubs, since they're building for the future while also signing veteran pitchers. Garza still has to show teams in spring training that his injured elbow is OK; the Cubs would listen on a possible deal. Floyd remains one of the more attractive pitchers who could be had. ... [With] some younger pitchers ready to step into that rotation, [Floyd] is expendable. As for Lincecum, the Giants feel they'll straighten out his mechanical defects. But he is making $22 million this season, and if he's not what he used to be, the Giants may be enticed. (The Boston Globe)Comment
Kobe-Howard now engaged in feud
Perhaps Dwight Howard isn't long for Los Angeles. [Howard] and Kobe Bryant just can't get along, and there's a team in Brooklyn that might be waiting to pick up the pieces. A league source told the Daily News that the Lakers stars got into a heated exchange following a New Year's Day loss to the 76ers, and Bryant went for a low blow -- referencing and agreeing with Shaquille O'Neal's criticisms of Howard being soft. Howard was restrained from going at his teammate, according to the source, and there have been rumblings from the center's camp that he's been unhappy with Bryant since earlier in the season. Three days after the altercation, following a disheartening loss to the Clippers, Howard complained about the lack of chemistry on the Lakers. (New York Daily News)Comment
Must-See Photo
Lonely Zambonis across the NHL will finally get some company after the NHL owners and players came to an agreement to finally start the season this month. (AP)
Must-See Video
In honor of Ray Lewis' final home game with the Ravens, Baltimore's National Aquarium sent someone into shark-infested waters for a tribute to the retiring linebacker.
Game To Watch
Alabama faces Notre Dame in the long-awaited and highly anticipated BCS Championship Game, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
SI Vault: More Los Angeles Lakers
This Day in Sports
- 1972 -- The Lakers notch their 33rd consecutive victory, an NBA record
- 1964 -- Professional bowler Dick Weber rolls a game while flying in a Boeing 707
- 1989 -- The Cleveland Cavaliers block 21 shots in defeating the New York Knicks
