BRIAN FLORES

The NFL has taken several steps to improve diversity among leadership positions, yet Mike Tomlin is the only Black head coach after Brian Flores and David Culley were fired this week.

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio says it was his decision to fire head coach David Culley after just one season.

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio says it was his decision to fire head coach David Culley after just one season.

The Houston Texans have fired coach David Culley after just one season.

Around 20 million people are restricted due to coronavirus measures in China, amid a surge in COVID-19 cases just one month before the Winter Olympics will be hosted in Beijing. But as Elizabeth Palmer reports, the fast-spreading Omicron variant is bringing the safety of the Games into question.

The NFL is gearing up for the start of its playoff season. Meanwhile, the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide for their first college football championship title since 1980. CBS News special correspondent James Brown, host of "The NFL Today" and "Inside the NFL," joins CBSN to discuss the latest headlines in sports.

The firing in Miami was a head scratcher, considering Brian Flores won eight of his last nine games and seemed to have the Dolphins moving firmly in the right direction. Black Monday offered up the usual number of casualties across the NFL, where missing the playoffs means a pink slip might not be far behind. No reason to dally around looking for a new coach, either, though diversity interviews — and hopefully some diversity hires — will slow the process some.

Media members were in for a treat during halftime of the national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium — world-famous shrimp cocktails from St. Elmo Steakhouse.

Former NFL executives and network television voices blasted the Dolphins for dismissing Brian Flores as coach on Monday, while some of his players sounded stunned and disappointed.

From the NFC North to the AFC East, the firings began almost immediately after the NFL’s first 17-game season concluded.

Back-to-back winning seasons were not enough for Brian Flores to keep his job as coach of the Miami Dolphins.

NFL executive Troy Vincent hopes hiring minority candidates becomes so common that the Rooney Rule is unnecessary.

Not only is there no clarity on when starter Daniel Jones — who missed Sunday’s 20-9 loss to Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins with a neck injury — can return, but now his backup may be looking at an extended absence as well. Mike Glennon was diagnosed postgame with a concussion, the hardest hit on a day where the Giants took many in Miami. “Look, I don’t know if you guys saw my high school quarterback tape, but I’m going to put it out there, emergency,” Giants safety Logan Ryan said.

It may be that the schedule got a little bit easier as the Miami Dolphins were getting a little bit healthier. Turns out, everything changed at the trade deadline for the Dolphins after all. Instead of swinging a deal for embattled Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson or shedding big names to acquire assets for the future, the Dolphins traded an old attitude for a new one.

The Miami Dolphins held on to defeat the Houston Texans and extend Houston's losing streak to eight games.

The Kansas City Chiefs have ended the Green Bay Packers’ seven-game winning streak.

Miami considered making a trade with Houston for Deshaun Watson but did not ask his accusers to sign nondisclosure agreements in the hopes of resolving the sexual assault and misconduct cases against the embattled quarterback, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said Wednesday.

Miami coach Brian Flores says Tua Tagovailoa is “our quarterback," reiterating his standard line amid trade speculation.

Brian Flores is trying to do the right thing. The coach of the Miami Dolphins hasn’t blamed his team’s 1-5 start on injuries, on not having Tua Tagovailoa for nearly four full games, on bad calls or anything else. Flores has been repeating similar refrains over the past five weeks, as the Dolphins have fallen from first to worst in the AFC East.

Current and former NFL players and others who work in the league have varying opinions whether the attitudes expressed by Jon Gruden in emails over several years are pervasive throughout the sport these days.

Brian Flores is reasonably certain of this much: None of his players will be smoking cigarettes inside the Miami Dolphins locker room at halftime on Sunday. Sunday’s Dolphins game against the Jacksonville Jaguars will be the third time that Flores coaches an NFL game in London; he was on the New England staffs that won blowouts at Wembley Stadium in 2009 and 2012. Flores served one game as defensive coordinator for the Napoli Briganti, an Italian club team.

Tom Brady is facing another familiar opponent this week, minus the emotional element.

Tua Tagovailoa has fractured ribs and won't play Sunday when the Miami Dolphins visit the Las Vegas Raiders.

It was a rough day for NFL quarterbacks.

Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was carted off the sideline during the first quarter of Sunday’s game against Buffalo with a rib injury.

All-Pro cornerback and reigning NFL interception leader Xavien Howard wants a new contract from the Miami Dolphins.

The Florida Panthers entrusted their season to a rookie goalie making his playoff debut.

Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 32 shots, Steven Stamkos and Ondrej Palat had first-period goals and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Florida Panthers 3-1 on Tuesday night to take a 2-0 lead in their Central Division first-round playoff series.

Jacoby Brissett has experienced everything in the NFL from starting to playing behind Tom Brady, Andrew Luck and Philip Rivers.

The San Francisco 49ers have made a big move to grab their quarterback of the future by trading up with Miami for the No. 12 pick along with first-round picks in 2022 and 2023 and their compensatory third-rounder in 2022 to get the third overall pick. The Dolphins then immediately traded the 12th pick, the 123rd pick and their own 2022 first-rounder to Philadelphia for the No. The Dolphins have stockpiled draft picks since beginning a rebuilding project when Brian Flores was hired as coach two years ago. 3 overall pick, the Dolphins gave up their primary bargaining chip in a potential deal to acquire Watson.

Regardless, on Monday, two days before the NFL's 2021 business year begins, the 32 teams and agents for the players will be making deals. “Legal tampering, and tampering is illegal? AdOf course, free agency always is a buyer-beware situation. AdVoila: Lavonte David, a key linebacker, was re-signed, and several other key guys in the title run could be back. “We do have some money from a cap standpoint that we can spend; but again, it’s an interesting year.

American Team quarterback Kellen Mond of Texas A&M (12) has his throw tipped by National Team offensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa of UCLA (92) during the first half of the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala., Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)MOBILE, Ala. – Texas A&M's Kellen Mond was the Senior Bowl Most Valuable Player but two fellow Southeastern Conference Western Division products made the decisive big play. Fitzpatrick had six catches for 90 yards in the showcase game for senior and graduate NFL prospects, earning offensive player of the game honors. Obviously, kind of shaky at the beginning but it definitely shows a lot of poise to be able to bounce back.”North Carolina running back Michael Carter also had a big game. Jamie Newman completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Trevon Grimes with 49 seconds left for the American team after Franks and Yeboah made it a two-score game.

(AP Photo)(AP) – The NFL expanded the Rooney Rule to give more minority candidates opportunities to become a head coach and reward teams who develop them. The Houston Texans hired David Culley this week, making the 65-year-old longtime assistant the league’s third Black head coach hired. Culley and Saleh join Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Miami’s Brian Flores and Washington’s Ron Rivera as the league’s only minority head coaches. “We didn’t make as much progress on the head coaching side as we would have liked,” Rooney said. AdPerhaps an increase in minority executives will lead to more minority head coaches.

Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Chan Gailey walks on the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. There are two Buffalo memories Dolphins offensive coordinator Chan Gailey would prefer not be brought up as Miami travels to face the Bills needing a win to clinch a playoff spot in the season finale on Sunday. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)MIAMI – Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has resigned one season after coming out of retirement. “He played an important role on the staff and in the development of our young roster.”Gailey's resignation means Flores will have his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons in 2021. Godsey was offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans in 2015-16.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) warms up before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Miami Dolphins need a good game Sunday to ensure they get to keep playing, and that's especially true for Tua Tagovailoa. Coach Brian Flores has benched Tagovailoa twice in the fourth quarter, including last week at Las Vegas, when backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick helped Miami overcome a pair of deficits in the final 10 minutes. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI – Any debate about who should start for the Miami Dolphins this week at quarterback ended Thursday with backup Ryan Fitzpatrick's positive test for COVID-19. The Dolphins placed Fitzpatrick on the reserve-COVID-19 list.

during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. Fitzpatrick's desperation heave to Mack Hollins set up Jason Sanders’ 44-yard field goal as the Dolphins drove the field in the final 19 seconds to move one step closer to a playoff berth with an improbable 26-25 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night. The move to play for the field goal backfired as the Raiders lost on a kick instead. My head was getting ripped off.”The penalty moved the ball down to the Las Vegas 26, setting up Sanders’ winning kick. Las Vegas then ran out most of the clock but not enough.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws under pressure against the Denver Broncos in the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. One of the things that has made the Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback so dynamic is his ability to unload a pass to his deep and talented group of wide receivers from seemingly impossible spots. “Every week you guys ask me about a record here or there, so I think he's cooking pretty good,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said with a grin. His quick release from so many angles allows him to squeeze the ball through the smallest of holes. He has one of its best rookies in Clyde Edwards-Helaire and one of its best veteran running backs in LeVeon Bell.

The Florida Panthers on Tuesday hired Brett Peterson as an assistant general manager, making him the first Black executive to hold that position in the NHL. Peterson's hiring comes days after the nearby Miami Marlins hired Kim Ng as the first female GM in Major League Baseball. The NFL's Miami Dolphins have a Black GM, Chris Grier, and coach, Brian Flores. "It’s a great move by the Florida Panthers, and Wasserman Hockey will certainly miss him," Wasserman Hockey senior vice president Judd Moldaver said in a phone interview. "First person of color that’s been an assistant general manager in the NHL — that’s breaking barriers," York said.

Tua Tagovailoa had help from a less-heralded rookie while Justin Herbert struggled against a relentless pass rush, and the surprising Dolphins earned their fifth consecutive victory by beating the Los Angeles Chargers 29-21 Sunday. The Chargers could never catch up after they were hurt by two mistakes in the kicking game that allowed Miami to take a 14-0 lead. “I was disappointed in the special teams and some of the things that went on there. “It changed the momentum.”SPECIALMost lopsided of all was the special teams matchup. Jakeem Grant, the NFL leader in punt return yards, helped the Dolphins’ field position with three runbacks for 57 yards.

As he walked off the field after taking a knee on the final play, Tagovailoa presented the ball to Flores. Flores said Tagovailoa appears to have regained all of his mobility, and might be even shiftier than he was at Alabama. “As a rookie, you don’t know what you don’t know,” Flores said. And while his NFL career is off to a good start, his perspective is different from before the hip injury. “I don’t know if I'll ever be my old self,” he said.

Midway through the 2020 season, performance has altered perception all around the NFL. Here’s a look at who’s up and who’s down:UPDALVIN COOK: While running backs have generally been devalued during this pass-happy era, Cook is showing the impact a big-play back can make. He leads the NFL with 858 yards and 12 touchdowns despite missing one game with an injury. He’s the first NFL player with at least 50 catches, 600 yards receiving and eight touchdown receptions over his first six games of a season. Evans has been a productive threat near the end zone with seven TD catches, but six of those have come on passes from inside the 10.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)The AFC doesn’t lack for drama or star power even though Tom Brady has taken his talents to Davis Beach. WEST: The Chiefs (8-1) are still the class of the conference despite a hiccup against the resurgent Raiders (5-3), who won 40-32 at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 11. Mahomes became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 100 TD passes, doing it in 40 games, four fewer than Dan Marino. The Broncos (3-5) have been waylaid by injuries and COVID-19 opt-outs, exposures and infections and Drew Lock went 45 drives without a TD pass.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) embrace after Tagovailoa throws his first touchdown pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Margaret Bowles via AP)When the Dolphins leave the oceanfront and head to the desert to play the Cardinals on Sunday, it will be about more than Tua vs. Kyler. Tua Tagovailoa, as touted as any signal caller coming out of college in years, will make his second start for Miami. Henry has eight rushing touchdowns, finding the end zone in five straight games. The Patriots will try to avoid losing five straight games for the first time since 1995.

“But I don’t have to agree with it.”And that’s absolutely fine, said Ish Smith, the Wizards guard who signed Pittman’s cap. “When I played, players and coaches were never — maybe not never; rarely — asked about politics and voting,” Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. It’s an environment that led Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal, Tennessee Titans linebacker Will Compton, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace and others to proudly note they were voting for the first time. And led WNBA players Tamika Catchings and Chiney Ogwumike to sign up to be poll workers. And led Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Chris Paul to join nearly 2,500 people on a march to a voting site in North Carolina.

He entertained those along the bench by dancing after the Miami Dolphins' first touchdown, and greeted 5-foot-6 Jakeem Grant with a leaping chest bump to the face mask after another score. The early 33-yard scoring drive was the Dolphins' longest, as the big lead allowed them to keep Tagovailoa mostly under wraps. We tried to make him see a lot of different things, and for the most part it worked.”The Rams' defense received little support from their offense, though. “We heard a lot about the Rams' defense," Miami safety Eric Rowe said, “but they had to worry about our defense.”INJURIESTwo-time Rams Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey became ill before the game and didn’t play. ANTHEMFifteen Rams players knelt during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The Dolphins stayed in the locker room during the national anthem.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) celebrates his first NFL play with Miami Dolphins running back Matt Breida (22), Miami Dolphins guard Ted Karras (67) and Miami Dolphins running back Lynn Bowden (15) against the New York Jets during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Tagovailoas winning personality helped the Miami Dolphins avoid locker room backlash when he was promoted to replace popular veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)MIAMI – Tua Tagovailoa’s winning personality helped the Miami Dolphins avoid any locker room backlash when he was promoted to replace popular veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. Even so, players who have spoken publicly regarding the change say they're excited about Tagovailoa becoming the starter. Under Tagovailoa, the Dolphins hope their offense will be even more dynamic. “Just like everybody else, I'm excited to see him in his first start.”___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL___Follow Steven Wine on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Steve_Wine

Miami Dolphins quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) and Tua Tagovailoa (1) warm up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)MIAMI – Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores says he regrets that his players found out about the team's switch to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa through social media rather than from him. And Flores says the decision to bench popular veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick was difficult. “The one thing in this situation that’s unfortunate is that I didn’t get a chance to address the team before this was out in the media,” Flores said. The 37-year-old Fitzpatrick, who is in his second season with his eighth NFL team, has been characteristically inconsistent.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)MIAMI – Tua Tagovailoa will make his first NFL start next week for the Miami Dolphins, who are turning to him to replace Ryan Fitzpatrick, a person familiar with the team's decision said Tuesday. Tagovailoa will start at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 1. Tagovailoa made his pro debut in mop-up duty at the end of Miami's 24-0 victory Sunday over the New York Jets. "We were all excited to see him get out there.”Tagovailoa takes over an offense much-improved from a year ago, when Miami went 5-11 under rookie coach Flores. At Alabama, Tagovailoa threw 76 touchdown passes in 24 starts over his final two seasons.

The Jets (0-6) became the NFL's only winless team and continued their worst start since 1996, increasing the heat on embattled coach Adam Gase. The Dolphins blanked the Jets for the first time since the January 1983 AFC championship game, which they won 14-0. The two teams were a combined 0 for 19 on third downs before the Jets finally converted with 11 minutes left. The Dolphins' only third-down conversion came on a completion by Tagovailoa, who went 2 for 2 for 9 yards. ANTHEMRunning back Ty Jackson was the only player kneeling for the Jets during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”The Dolphins stayed in the locker room.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI – Ryan Fitzpatrick will remain the Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback for at least another week, further delaying the NFL debut of Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins announced Tuesday on Twitter that Fitzpatrick will get the nod Sunday at San Francisco. Against the Seahawks, Miami settled for field goals on five consecutive scoring drives, but Gailey declined to blame Fitzpatrick. “He’s one play away from going in to play,” Gailey said. “He’s a rookie who hasn’t played a preseason game or been in a game at all.

– Patriots running back James White says he is having trouble processing the sudden death of his father, but is finding comfort in celebrating his son's first birthday. I hope I can be as good of a father to you as my father was to my brother and I!” White wrote. James White found out about the crash prior to the Patriots' matchup at Seattle on Sunday night and was inactive for the game. In the days since, his teammates and scores of players and coaches around the NFL have voiced condolences for White both publicly and on social media. But Patriots teammate Matt Slater said everyone understands that football is secondary for White right now.

MIAMI – Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores says the team's new video addressing racial injustice was player-driven, had the team owner's support and sought to send a message that “we can all do better.”The 2-minute, 15-second video features nearly 20 players trading stern rhymes about the nation’s social protest movement. Flores, who speaks at the end of the video, said it was directed “at everyone.”“I think every individual in this country can do a little bit better,” he said Friday. Flores said team owner Stephen Ross was supportive of the video, which was posted on social media Thursday. Kaleb Thornhill, the Dolphins' director of player engagement, worked with the team's social justice committee to create it, Flores said. “The message is to try to create unity, not divide,” he said.

MIAMI NFL cutdown day forced the Miami Dolphins to acknowledge the failure of their Josh Rosen experiment. Miami released Rosen, who was acquired from Arizona in April 2019 for second- and fifth-round draft picks. You dont hit on every play, on every trade, on every draft pick. I'll applaud that team.The decision to cut Rosen signals the Dolphins are confident in the health of top draft pick Tagovailoa, who has returned from a career-threatening hip injury that ended his Alabama career in November. Rosen began last season as Miamis backup QB, replaced Fitzpatrick as the starter in Games 3 through 5, and spent the rest of the year in the No.

The theory that NFL teams would go with three quarterbacks to start the pandemic-impacted season took a hit Saturday. Lots of third-stringers were sent packing as the 32 teams got down to the 53-man limit. "The most important thing is to kind of move forward and not look back, Dolphins coach Brian Flores said. Georgia linebacker Tae Crowder, the final player taken in April's draft, is on the roster. As a child growing up in Georgia, it was always my dream to play in the NFL, Watson wrote on social media.

Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton (22) goes down during the second half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game against the Miami Heat Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Having the NBA's best record during the regular season shows the obvious potential of the Milwaukee Bucks. They are now, facing a pivotal Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the rolling Miami Heat on Friday night. We're not focused on anything after Game 3," Bucks center Brook Lopez said. We're not looking back on anything from Game 2 or Game 1.

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The Detroit Lions have activated wide receiver Kenny Golladay from the reserve/COVID-19 list. The list was created for players who either test positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with an infected person. ___Louisville has paused workouts for mens and womens soccer, field hockey and volleyball after 29 members of those programs tested positive for COVID-19. Team members who have not tested positive or been identified through contract tracing may be permitted to return to on-campus workouts on Aug. 10. He is the second Browns guard to opt out, following Drew Forbes.

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2020, file photo, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. The rookie quarterback has reported to Miami Dolphins training camp and will practice without restrictions as he comes back from a knee injury and begins to compete to overtake veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick for the starting job. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)MIAMI Rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa passed his physical when he reported to Miami Dolphins training camp and will practice without restrictions as he begins his bid to overtake veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick for the starting job. The all-clear will allow Tagovailoa to practice for the first time since a career-threatening hip injury ended his Alabama career in mid-November. The usual training camp regimen has been altered because of the coronavirus pandemic, which also forced the cancellation of offseason drills throughout the NFL.

The biggest takeaway following the NFL's two-day quarterback coaching summit aimed at improving the league's diversity, is that there's no shortage of qualified minority candidates waiting for opportunities to be head coaches and coordinators. (Rob Maaddi/Zoom via AP)The biggest takeaway following the NFLs two-day quarterback coaching summit is theres no shortage of qualified minority candidates waiting for opportunities to be head coaches and coordinators. It becomes reality when the people respond to it.After the 2018 season, eight head coaches lost their jobs. That makes four minority head coaches out of a possible 32 in the league. The NFL amended the Rooney Rule last month to require more interviews of minority candidates for head coaching and coordinator positions.

FILE - This is a Nov. 24, 2019, file photo showing Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores answering questions after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, in Cleveland. Dolphins coach Brian Flores is mourning the death of Chris Beaty, a good friend and former Indiana University football player who was fatally shot after violence erupted during an Indianapolis protest. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)MIAMI MIAMI (AP) Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores' roiling emotions of late regarding social injustice were compounded with the death of Chris Beaty, a good friend who was fatally shot after violence erupted during an Indianapolis protest. Beaty, 38, was a business owner in Indianapolis, a former Indiana University football player, and the ex-teammate of a Dolphins assistant coach. Flores said he supports the right of his players to protest on social media or in the streets, although he stressed the need to be careful.