Northwestern fires DC, two assistants in shake-up

Published

2 years ago

November 29, 2022

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1:46 PM ET

Northwestern has fired defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil and two other assistants following a 1-11 season that marked its worst since 1989, the school announced Tuesday.

Longtime defensive line coach Marty Long and wide receivers coach Dennis Springer are also out.

“Our entire football family is grateful for what these three men brought to our program on and off the field,” coach Pat Fitzgerald said in a statement. “They recruited and developed student-athletes who will be prepared for life and make our university community proud for years to come.

“Ultimately, these difficult decisions were made with the intention of putting our team in the best position for success on gameday moving forward.”

Fitzgerald hired O’Neil in early 2021 following the retirement of decorated defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz, who had been at Northwestern since 2008. Northwestern’s defense regressed significantly the past two seasons, ranking 91st nationally in points allowed and 117th in yards per rush allowed.

Fitzgerald worked with O’Neil as assistants at Northwestern in 2003 and 2004. O’Neil then began a career in the NFL, serving as defensive coordinator for the Browns and 49ers.

Long had been with Northwestern since the 2008 season and produced several top pass-rushers, but the line has struggled recently, especially at the defensive tackle position. Springer joined the staff before the 2011 season.

Northwestern recorded its third losing season in the past four after finishing under .500 during the regular season just twice between 2007 and 2018. The Wildcats won their opener against Nebraska in Dublin, Ireland, before dropping their final 11 games.

Sports

Tigers’ Vierling (shoulder) to miss Opening Day

Published

2 hours ago

February 28, 2025

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Tigers' Vierling (shoulder) to miss Opening Day

Field Level Media

Feb 28, 2025, 12:49 PM ET

Detroit Tigers outfielder Matt Vierling is nursing a strained right rotator cuff and will not be ready by Opening Day, manager A.J. Hinch said Friday.

The team announced that Vierling, 28, will complete a period of rest before being reevaluated for baseball activities.

Vierling batted .257 with career highs in homers (16), doubles (28), RBIs (57) and runs (80) in 144 games with the Tigers in 2024.

He is a career .259 hitter with 34 homers and 139 RBIs in 429 games with the Philadelphia Phillies (2021-22) and Tigers.

Detroit opens the season with a three-game road series against the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers from March 27 to March 29.

Sports

Phillies’ Harper back in lineup 2 days after HBP

Published

2 hours ago

February 28, 2025

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Phillies' Harper back in lineup 2 days after HBP

ESPN News Services

Feb 28, 2025, 10:59 AM ET

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Bryce Harper returned to the Philadelphia Phillies‘ lineup Friday, two days after getting hit on the arm by a pitch.

Harper hit second and went 2-for-3 with a strikeout while playing in his usual spot at first base against the Boston Red Sox in a 7-5 victory.

Harper had a bruise on his right arm after getting hit by a 92 mph pitch from Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Richard Lovelady. Manager Rob Thomson said that Harper had a scheduled day off Thursday and that the team was “not really overconcerned at all.”

Thomson told reporters the team’s initial diagnosis was a bruised right triceps.

The two-time National League MVP had entered play Friday still looking for his first hit of the spring. Harper was 0-for-2 with a walk in his three plate appearances in Grapefruit League play before Friday.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Sports

Mets’ Madrigal might miss season due to injury

Published

2 hours ago

February 28, 2025

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Mets' Madrigal might miss season due to injury

Associated Press

Feb 28, 2025, 10:57 AM ET

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets infielder Nick Madrigal could miss the entire 2025 season with a fractured left shoulder.

Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Friday that Madrigal needs surgery to repair his non-throwing shoulder, which the player dislocated Sunday when he fell to the ground after throwing a ball to first base against the Washington Nationals.

An MRI on Monday revealed the extent of the injury, with Mendoza saying at the time that Madrigal would likely be out for an extended period. The club immediately placed Madrigal on the 60-day injured list and acquired Alexander Canario from the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations.

Madrigal was looking for a fresh start with the Mets, who signed him to a one-year deal in January after he was non-tendered by the Cubs following a season in which he hit just .221 in 51 games.