Sports

Dolphins Bring in Troy Aikman for GM Search: What Miami’s Front Office Reset Means for 2026

Published

3 hours ago

January 16, 2026

South Florida always has a lot going on, but this one is even more unexpected for the Dolphins. It’s a fresh start at the front desk in Miami. A Hall of Fame quarterback is now being brought in to help the organisation choose the next person to hold the keys. For a long time, the old script didn’t end with confetti. This move screams a new direction.

NFL Network says that Troy Aikman is helping Miami with its search for a general manager. The goal is to give the team a respected outside view as it decides what to do next. Mike McDaniel was glad to have the extra information, and he had already been told that ownership was moving.

And yes, this is also the kind of sports ecosystem where fans track every ripple, rumor, and betting chatter that rides shotgun with NFL Sundays. That same pace is why some fans end up looking into no KYC sports betting. There are plenty of no-verification betting sites out there, but the reputable guides all push the same common-sense play. Know your local rules first, then keep your own guardrails tight. That matters in a Dolphins reset week because the news cycle can flip in a heartbeat, and the whole point of reduced friction is reacting quickly without getting dragged into sloppy, emotional decisions.

If you’re keeping score at home, the headline is opposite from “Aikman is the GM.” NFL Network explicitly notes he’s not considered a candidate, and that the expectation is he’ll sit in on interviews and help shape the search with his league-wide relationships. That detail matters because it frames this as a consultant role rather than Miami trying to turn a broadcaster into a front office boss overnight.

This is what the Dolphins want to say about how they want to do this. They’re getting a new general manager after Chris Grier’s departure on October 31. Champ Kelly, who is in charge of personnel, is filling in as interim general manager. When the Aikman news came out, Miami was 7–9 and about to play their last game of the season at New England. That record doesn’t matter. There have been changes to the roster for years, and still no playoff win to show for it.

So why Aikman? Miami’s logic is straightforward on paper. Ownership wants an outside perspective from someone with deep relationships across the league. Aikman has been plugged into the NFL’s weekly bloodstream for decades as both a former star and a current top broadcast voice. A GM search is not just résumés and interview answers. Its background checks are done through trusted people. More importantly, it’s the answer to this question: “What’s this person actually like when the draft clock is melting?”

The profile that Miami is after is another clue. NFL Network says that the Dolphins want the next general manager to have a lot of experience with scouting. Interviews should start next week. That’s a quiet but clear signal. It seems like Miami wants the next era to be built around evaluating talent, not just fiddling with contracts and caps. It’s impossible to fake scouting in a league where the difference between teams is so small. Especially in a division where heavyweights keep coming out.

Here’s the part that should stand out to people who work in Florida sports desks. The Dolphins are treating this like a franchise hinge point, not a normal vacancy. A Hall of Famer shouldn’t be hired as a consultant unless you want to change the mood of the room. Making this public means they know that “business as usual” wasn’t getting them where they need to go.

Additionally, AP points out a second level. Aikman isn’t going to show up as an unbiased outsider who has never said anything bad about the Dolphins. He called Miami’s game against Pittsburgh in December and criticized McDaniel’s clock management. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t like Daniel, but he won’t be there to pose for pictures and sign off on the house plan. The only thing it really means is that Miami wants people to say the uncomfortable part out loud.

In this case, the GM search turns into a philosophy. Are the Dolphins making a mean player? Are they putting together a chess team? Are they making a machine that will lose badly in December and January? When the NFL Network says that the consultant role is similar to how Washington used Bob Myers in its searches a few years ago, it means that Miami is basically following the “bring in a proven people judge” playbook, even though the sport is different.

The real question for Dolphins fans isn’t whether Aikman goes to a meeting or not. That’s the kind of consultant in the GM search who gets the job after this process. You can expect the short list to include executives who are known for getting draft picks, having strict rules about staff, and having a clear internal process. Not just “I can talk ball,” but “I know how to run a department that makes smart choices when no one is looking.” And the fact that interviews are likely to start soon also means that Miami is trying to get ahead of the competition before the job market heats up and the best candidates are snapped up by other employers.

It’s also important to remember that Florida is living in a world of split-screen sports right now. In one corner is the NFL’s weekly urgency, where one hiring choice can change the course of a decade. On the other hand, fan ecosystems move as quickly as social media, with rumors, clips, hot takes, and betting angles added to every drive.

The fact that the Dolphins signed Troy Aikman is news because it’s not common. It’s also a headline because it lets you know that Miami needs to make this next hire. The AFC doesn’t let mistakes go, and South Florida doesn’t wait around when the chance comes up.

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Bills set to play in Denver in key playoff match-up

Published

23 minutes ago

January 16, 2026

Austin Reed

Bo Nix leads the Broncos into the playoffs

The Buffalo Bills reached this round with a 13 and 5 record after a dramatic win over Jacksonville. Buffalo scored late in the fourth quarter to secure a 27 to 24 victory. Their season featured strong offensive production and several close wins that shaped their playoff path. The Denver Broncos earned the top seed in the AFC with a 14 and 3 record. Denver secured a first round bye which allowed them to rest key players. Their season featured a dominant defense and steady quarterback play that helped them control many games. This matchup marks a rematch of last season when Buffalo eliminated Denver in a one sided wild card game. Denver now hosts this game which adds altitude and crowd noise to the challenge.

Key Players Who Will Shape This Game

Josh Allen leads Buffalo with 3,668 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. His ability to extend plays remains the foundation of the Bills offense. James Cook adds balance with 1,621 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. His speed and vision create explosive plays that stress defenses. Khalil Shakir leads Buffalo in receiving with 719 yards and four touchdowns. Dalton Kincaid adds reliable production in the middle of the field. Buffalo’s defense leans on Greg Rousseau who recorded seven sacks. Cole Bishop leads the team with 85 tackles which stabilizes the secondary.

Denver counters with Bo Nix who posted 3,931 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. His accuracy and poise have improved throughout the season. J K Dobbins anchors the Denver run game with 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns. His physical style helps control tempo. Courtland Sutton leads Denver with 1,017 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His size and catch radius create matchup problems. Denver’s defense features Nik Bonitto who recorded 14 sacks. Alex Singleton leads the team with 135 tackles which strengthens the middle of the field. Both teams rely on explosive quarterbacks and aggressive defenses. One turnover could decide this game.

What Awaits the Winner

The winner advances to the AFC Championship Game. Their opponent will be either the Houston Texans or the New England Patriots depending on the results of the other divisional matchup. A Buffalo win would continue their push for a long awaited Super Bowl appearance. A Denver win would move them one step closer to a championship return under Sean Payton.

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Sports

FA Cup Fourth Round schedule provides great weekend of action

Published

54 minutes ago

January 16, 2026

Austin Reed

Can Chelsea make a deep cup run

The Emirates FA Cup fourth round schedule is set, and it delivers four straight days of knockout drama from Friday, February 13 through Monday, February 16. With 11 of the 16 ties selected for live television in UK, and all 16b matches in the United States on ESPN+, fans will have plenty of chances to catch meaningful FA Cup football throughout the long Presidents’ Day weekend.

The action begins on Friday afternoon, February 13, with two matches kicking off at 2:45 PM EST. Hull City host Chelsea in a tie that blends Championship grit with Premier League pedigree, while Wrexham welcome Ipswich Town in another compelling clash that pairs a fast-rising lower-league story with a club flying high in the Championship. Both matches set the tone for a weekend built on contrast and opportunity.

Weekend to watch

Saturday, February 14, offers the most packed slate. Burton Albion face West Ham United early at 7:15 AM EST, giving fans an early start to the day. The traditional FA Cup window follows at 10:00 AM EST, with Burnley vs Mansfield Town, Manchester City vs Salford City or Swindon Town, Norwich City vs West Bromwich Albion, Port Vale vs Bristol City, and Southampton vs Leicester City all kicking off simultaneously. The evening window brings two heavyweight fixtures. Aston Villa host Newcastle United at 12:45 PM EST, before Liverpool take on Brighton at 3:00 PM EST in what looks like one of the marquee ties of the round.

Sunday, February 15, continues the momentum. Birmingham City face Leeds United at 7:00 AM EST, followed by Grimsby Town vs Wolverhampton Wanderers at 8:30 AM EST. Oxford United vs Sunderland and Stoke City vs Fulham both kick off at 9:00 AM EST. The Sunday spotlight belongs to Arsenal, who host Wigan Athletic at 11:30 AM EST with a place in the fifth round on the line.

The round wraps up on Monday, February 16, when Macclesfield host Brentford at 2:30 PM EST. That match also sets the stage for the fifth-round draw, which will take place live during the pre-match coverage.

Beyond the football, the financial stakes remain significant. Clubs selected for TNT Sports and BBC One broadcasts will receive £100,000, while those featured on discovery+ and BBC Wales platforms will earn £50,000. Winners advance with an additional £127,000 in prize money, reinforcing why the FA Cup still matters at every level of the game.

FA CUP FOURTH ROUND SCHEDULE

All kick-off times below are listed in Eastern Standard Time.

Friday, February 13
2:45 PM – Hull City vs Chelsea (ESPN+)
2:45 PM – Wrexham vs Ipswich Town (ESPN+)

Saturday, February 14
7:15 AM – Burton Albion vs West Ham United (ESPN+)
10:00 AM – Burnley vs Mansfield Town (ESPN+)
10:00 AM – Manchester City vs Salford City or Swindon Town (ESPN+)
10:00 AM – Norwich City vs West Bromwich Albion (ESPN+)
10:00 AM – Port Vale vs Bristol City (ESPN+)
10:00 AM – Southampton vs Leicester City (ESPN+)
12:45 PM – Aston Villa vs Newcastle United (ESPN+)
3:00 PM – Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion (ESPN+)

Sunday, February 15
7:00 AM – Birmingham City vs Leeds United (ESPN+)
8:30 AM – Grimsby Town vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (ESPN+)
9:00 AM – Oxford United vs Sunderland (ESPN+)
9:00 AM – Stoke City vs Fulham (ESPN+)
11:30 AM – Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic (ESPN+)

Monday, February 16
2:30 PM – Macclesfield vs Brentford (ESPN+)

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Sports

Bahrain Darts Masters – Quarter final line up, predictions for tournament

Published

7 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Austin Reed

Luke-Littler (John Walton-PA)

The 2026 World Series of Darts has kicked off with the Bahrain Darts Masters. The format sees eight of the best players from the Professional Darts Corporation take on eight regional representatives in the last-16.

After the Bahrain event, the series continues in Saudi Arabia, Denmark, the United States, New Zealand and Australia, before concluding with the Grand Final in the Netherlands in September.

The winner of each international event earns £30,000 from a £100,000 prize fund, while the World Series of Darts Grand Final carries a total prize fund of £450,000, with £100,000 awarded to the champion.

One day for everything: Bahrain Darts Masters heads from quarters to final

It will be a busy day in Bahrain, with the tournament moving from the quarter-finals to the final and a champion crowned tonight.

All eight Professional Darts Corporation representatives came through their last-16 matches against Asian opponents, with two-time world champion Luke Littler producing a tournament-high average of 106 in his victory over 71-year-old Singaporean Paul Lim.

From quarter-finals to champion: line-up and predictions

The quarter-finals, played as best-of-11 legs, get under way at 4pm GMT today. They will be followed by the semi-finals, played over best-of-13 legs, before the tournament concludes with a best-of-15 legs final.

Quarter-finals

Luke Littler v Gerwyn Price

The quarter-finals open with world number one Luke Littler facing former world champion Gerwyn Price. Given Littler’s dominance over the sport over the past year, it is difficult to look beyond a victory for the 19-year-old sensation.

Price’s best chance may lie in catching Littler cold early on and ensuring his finishing on the doubles is close to flawless.

Prediction: Littler 6-3

Michael van Gerwen v Stephen Bunting

It is clear that ‘Mighty Mike’ is not the player he once was, and after a limp fourth-round defeat to Gary Anderson at the World Championship, van Gerwen will be desperate to arrest his slide and return to challenging for the sport’s biggest titles.

He faces a player in Bunting whose form has often come in streaks, but who has shown far greater consistency over the past twelve months. It should be a close contest, but one that may go Bunting’s way and offer further cause for concern for the once dominant Dutchman.

Prediction: Bunting 6-4

Luke Humphries v Nathan Aspinall

Luke Humphries averaged 103 in his last-16 victory, whitewashing Abdulla Saeed. If he can maintain that level, it is difficult to see Nathan Aspinall having enough in the tank to get past the former world champion.

Prediction: Humphries 6-2

Gian van Veen v Danny Noppert

Gian van Veen announced himself in style on the PDC tour over the past three months, defeating Luke Humphries 11–10 in the European Championship final before reaching the final of this year’s World Championship, where he fell to the unstoppable Littler.

Noppert, meanwhile, has struggled to live up to expectations since winning the UK Open in 2022. Formidable on his day, he may still find Gian van Veen has too much in the tank on this occasion.

Prediction: van Veen 6-3

Semi-final and final predictions

It is difficult to see any scenario in which the final does not feature Luke Littler. If Bunting progresses from his quarter-final and finds his best form, he has the quality to come through, though much will again depend on whether Littler is on hot form from the opening leg. And sometimes that isn’t even enough given his ability to claw back any deficit.

Should the second semi-final pit Humphries against van Veen, it would carry the potential to echo their meeting at the World Championship, where the Dutchman dismantled Humphries in a stunning performance.