North Carolina intend to hire former Denver Nuggets boss Michael Malone as the university’s next basketball head coach.
The appointment comes a month after the Tar Heels dismissed Hubert Davis following a disappointing first-round exit from the NCAA tournament.
The veteran tactician will make the transition to the collegiate game following a decade-long tenure in the NBA.
Championship pedigree arrives in Chapel Hill
The incoming manager brings significant elite-level experience to the esteemed university programme.
He famously guided Denver to the only NBA championship in their franchise history during the 2023 season.
However, the title-winning coach was relieved of his duties last April and subsequently worked as a television analyst.
A new era for the Tar Heels
The former NBA analyst faces the immediate task of rebuilding a collegiate roster that fell short of expectations this year.
His predecessor, Davis, was removed from his post after a shock defeat to VCU abruptly concluded their postseason campaign.
North Carolina will now rely on their new leader to restore the historic basketball powerhouse to national prominence.
Sir Craig Reedie, the former chair of the British Olympic Association and president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, has died at the age of 84.
The influential administrator led the BOA between 1992 and 2005 before serving as the third president of Wada from 2014 to 2019.
During his tenure as BOA chair, the 84-year-old played a pivotal role in London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
He subsequently served as a director for the organising committee and held vice-presidential duties on the International Olympic Committee executive board.
A driving force for clean sport
The Scotsman’s tenure at Wada coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in modern sporting history.
He presided over the global anti-doping watchdog during the exposure of state-sponsored doping in Russia.
This monumental investigation ultimately led to the nation’s athletes being banned from competing under their national flag.
Current BOA chair Dame Katherine Grainger paid tribute to his unwavering commitment to integrity across the sporting spectrum.
“He always fought hard for Olympic sport, and fought harder still for clean sport.”
“Few knew the Olympic movement better and fewer still served it with such distinction. It was the measure of Craig that it never diminished his love of sport.”
From badminton court to boardroom
Before embarking on a transformative career in sports administration, the former Great Britain international was a distinguished badminton player in the 1960s.
His passion for the racket sport translated into executive success when he spearheaded the campaign to introduce badminton to the Olympic programme at Barcelona 1992.
The IOC’s Kirsty Coventry highlighted his enduring legacy in athlete development and ethical governance.
“He was a steadfast guardian of integrity, guiding the global sporting community through some of its most challenging moments with dignity and resolve.”
In recognition of a lifetime dedicated to athletic advancement, the sporting pioneer was knighted in 2006 and elevated to Knight Grand Cross in 2018.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade and will skip the team’s offseason workouts following a prolonged contract dispute.
The 28-year-old and the franchise have spent two offseasons attempting to negotiate a new deal that reflects his value, but talks have reportedly stalled.
Consequently, the three-time Pro Bowler will not participate in the mandatory offseason programme when it commences on Tuesday.
Contract standoff disrupts Harbaugh’s start
The former first-round draft pick still has two years remaining on his current agreement and is scheduled to earn $20m this upcoming season.
Despite initial optimism that a restructured coaching staff might accelerate discussions, the stalemate leaves new head coach John Harbaugh without one of his premier talents.
“How important is he? Really important,” Harbaugh stated in February.
“He’s a cornerstone football player – not really a cornerstone, more like the middle stone. He’s right in the middle. He’s a very big stone, and he’s a very active, athletic one.”
A dip in form for the imposing lineman
Since being selected 17th overall in 2019, the formidable defender has anchored the New York defensive line, accumulating 30.5 career sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception.
However, his production notably dipped during a dismal 2025 campaign that saw the franchise finish with a poor 4-13 record.
The imposing run-stuffer was limited to just half a sack and eight quarterback hits last year, recording an underwhelming pass rush win rate of 8.3%.
The Giants organisation now faces a critical decision on whether to trade their defensive centrepiece or attempt to salvage a fractured relationship before training camp begins.
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is not planning an immediate return to football despite being linked with Benfica and Juventus following his January departure from Old Trafford.
The Portuguese coach has been out of work since being dismissed by the Premier League club.
He departed with a £12m severance package after his contract, which was due to run until 2027, was cut short following a 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
During his 12-month tenure in Manchester, he oversaw 63 matches, registering 25 wins, 15 draws and 23 defeats.
Benfica and Juventus register interest
Recent reports suggest the former Sporting CP boss has attracted attention from several top European clubs.
Juventus reportedly approached his representatives in January, though the Italian giants now appear likely to extend Luciano Spalletti’s contract.
He is also being considered as a potential successor to Jose Mourinho at Benfica should his compatriot leave the role.
Furthermore, the tactician is viewed as a future candidate for the Portugal national team position once Roberto Martinez’s tenure concludes after the World Cup.
Taking a break from the dugout
Despite the high-profile interest, an immediate return to the touchline is not currently on the agenda.
The Lisbon-born coach is understood to be relishing his time away from the sport.
He recently spent the Easter period holidaying in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He has also been spotted playing padel with close friend and Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana, whom he played alongside at both Braga and Sporting.
Carrick leads United revival
Meanwhile, Manchester United are formulating a strategy for their next permanent appointment.
Caretaker manager Michael Carrick has impressed since taking temporary charge, securing seven wins from his 10 fixtures at the helm.
His influence has helped guide the team to third place in the Premier League table, putting them in a strong position for Champions League qualification.
While Carrick has significant backing for the permanent role, the club have been linked with several other prominent coaches.
Julian Nagelsmann, Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Gareth Southgate are all reportedly under consideration by the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Manchester United are prepared to sell £50m midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer, with Turkish club Galatasaray emerging as the frontrunners for his signature.
The Uruguay international has struggled to secure regular first-team football since arriving from Paris St-Germain.
He has managed just seven Premier League starts during a turbulent campaign at Old Trafford.
Midfield overhaul planned under Carrick
The Red Devils are currently third in the top flight under the interim guidance of Michael Carrick.
Carrick took charge after Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January, and the club are now targeting Champions League qualification.
A significant midfield restructure is expected at the end of the season to create squad space and raise transfer funds.
The combative midfielder is understood to be keen on a departure to secure more consistent playing time.
European interest in former PSG man
Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the situation following the appointment of their new manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Newcastle United have also made contact with the player’s representatives regarding a potential move.
Meanwhile, Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan are keeping a close eye on developments.
Despite the widespread Premier League and Serie A interest, a switch to Istanbul is currently viewed as the most likely outcome.
Galatasaray lead the race
Galatasaray came close to securing a deal for the defensive specialist during the winter transfer window.
That initial exit was blocked because the Manchester club were unable to source a suitable replacement in time.
The Super Lig outfit have maintained their strong interest and possess the financial capability to complete the transfer.
United are actively seeking midfield upgrades who can contribute effectively to both defensive duties and attacking build-up play.
Ipswich Town came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Birmingham City at Portman Road, significantly boosting their hopes of a return to the Premier League.
The hosts were forced to show immense character and resilience after falling behind early in the pivotal contest.
Tractor Boys show promotion credentials
Securing all three points ensures the Suffolk outfit maintain their upward momentum in a fiercely competitive race for the top flight.
This latest triumph underlines the formidable home form that has consistently underpinned their successful campaign to date.
Overcoming adversity to claim maximum points is a traditional hallmark of sides destined for elite-level football.
Blues frustrated after positive start
For the visiting side, relinquishing a hard-earned advantage will serve as a bitter source of frustration.
The Midlands club initially controlled proceedings before ultimately succumbing to relentless attacking pressure from the home side.
They must now regroup quickly and focus on their upcoming fixtures to salvage crucial points for the remainder of the season.
Pre-race favourite Soldier In Milan has delivered a commanding performance to win the 2026 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse for trainer Emmet Mullins.
The Paul Byrne-owned runner tracked the early leaders before surging clear of the chasing pack in the closing stages.
Showurappreciation finished a distant second, while The Enabler took third and Argento Boy completed the top four.
Monbeg Genius had dictated the pace for the majority of the prestigious steeplechase but ultimately faded to finish fifth.
Dramatic incidents shape the chasing pack
The gruelling test of stamina took its toll on several prominent contenders throughout the contest.
Kiss Will threatened to mount a challenge before suffering a heavy fall at the third-last fence.
Meanwhile, The Jukebox Kid was pulled up prior to the conclusion following a series of costly jumping errors.
Attention shifts to Aintree showpiece
This decisive victory provides a significant boost for the winning connections amid the fiercely competitive Irish National Hunt trainers’ championship.
Racing fans will now turn their focus across the Irish Sea for Saturday’s highly anticipated Grand National at Aintree.
I Am Maximum is currently the heavy favourite to conquer the famous Merseyside fences in that upcoming marathon.
Lincoln City have secured promotion to the Championship for the first time since 1961 following a remarkable decade-long ascent from non-league football.
The Imps dropped out of the Football League in 2011 and were languishing in the National League just ten years ago.
Supporters are now dreaming of facing top-tier opposition, with chants of away days at Tottenham Hotspur echoing around the LNER Stadium.
A decade of unprecedented success
Only Wrexham have climbed the English football pyramid quicker than the Lincolnshire outfit in recent times.
The newly-promoted side achieved their success without celebrity owners or lucrative international sponsorships.
Their extraordinary journey has also included an unprecedented run to the FA Cup quarter-finals and an EFL Trophy victory at Wembley.
Building a sustainable future
Chief executive Liam Scully attributes their steady climb to a sensible financial structure and careful long-term planning.
It takes a village and arguably, boringly consistent behaviour over a length of time.
Liam Scully, Lincoln City Chief Executive
We’ve been this broad version of us since 2019 and have rarely deviated from our plan.
The foundations were laid by the Cowley brothers during the late 2010s before the club solidified its League One status.
Tactical evolution under Skubala
Despite operating with only the 18th-largest budget in their division, the team consistently outperformed financial expectations.
Mark Kennedy was dismissed last season as the hierarchy sought a more technically progressive approach to player development.
Current head coach Michael Skubala, a former England futsal tactician, was appointed to successfully guide the club into this new era.