SPORTS HEADLINES

Mike Tomlin steps down after 19 seasons as coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Mike Tomlin era with the Pittsburgh Steelers is over. The longest tenured head coach in major American professional sports stepped down Tuesday after yet another quick playoff exit. The announcement came a day after the end of Tomlin’s 19th season in Pittsburgh. Tomlin won a Super Bowl and went to another during his first four seasons with the Steelers before the club settled into a familiar and frustrating pattern of solid if not always spectacular play followed by a playoff cameo that ended with the Steelers on the wrong side of a blowout. Tomlin went 193-112-2 in Pittsburgh but lost each of his last seven playoff games.

Diamondbacks acquire 8-time All-Star 3B Nolan Arenado in a deal with the Cardinals

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from St. Louis for minor league pitcher Jack Martinez in a trade in which the Cardinals also are including $31 million. A 10-time Gold Glove winner, Arenado has played for the Cardinals the past five seasons and was shopped extensively after the 2024 season by a rebuilding team. The 34-year-old isn’t the offensive force he used to be but will still provide a veteran presence at the position after the D-backs traded slugger Eugenio Suárez at last season’s trade deadline. Arenado batted. .237 with 12 homers and 52 RBIs last season.

Supreme Court seems likely to uphold state bans on transgender athletes in girls and women’s sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seems likely to uphold state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams. Lower courts ruled for the transgender athletes in Idaho and West Virginia who challenged the state bans. But the conservative-dominated Supreme Court gave no indication after more than three hours of arguments Tuesday that it would follow suit. Instead, at least five of the six conservatives on the nine-member court indicate they’ll rule the laws don’t violate either the Constitution or the landmark Title IX law. Title IX prohibits discrimination in education and has produced dramatic growth in girls and women’s sports.

How will climate change reshape the Winter Olympics? The list of possible host sites is shrinking

Belgian biathlete Maya Cloetens is concerned about the future of winter sports in a warming world. Training in Grenoble, France, in the hopes of competing in next month’s Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, she’s noticed shorter, milder winters with less consistent heavy snow. She’s not alone. This raises questions about which locations can host winter sports as Earth warms. Grenoble, once a Winter Games site, is no longer considered “climate reliable” by experts. The International Olympic Committee is considering rotating the Games among locations with sufficient snow and infrastructure. The reliance on manufactured snow is increasing, but it has limits. The IOC is planning sustainable practices to protect winter sports for future generations.

Mario Cristobal’s path back to Miami was forged by family. He has Miami on the cusp of a CFP title

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Mario Cristobal, head coach at the University of Miami, has brought the Hurricanes back to the national spotlight. His approach mirrors the values instilled by his Cuban-American parents: hard work, toughness, and dedication. Cristobal returned to Miami four years ago, aiming to build a championship team. On Monday, his Hurricanes face undefeated Indiana in the College Football Playoff championship. Miami seeks its sixth national title, while Indiana aims for its first. Cristobal emphasizes family, hard work, and togetherness, and his leadership has transformed Miami into a contender once again.

Mikaela Shiffrin and US teammate Paula Moltzan 1-2 after 1st run of Flachau night slalom

FLACHAU, Austria (AP) — Mikaela Shiffrin and American teammate Paula Moltzan stand 1-2 following the opening run of a World Cup slalom night race. Shiffrin has won five of the six slaloms in the Olympic season and she finished 0.19 seconds ahead of Moltzan. Moltzan is seeking her first career victory. Katharina Truppe of Austria stood third and Camille Rast stood fourth. There is only one more slalom before the Milan Cortina Winter Games open on Feb. 6. Shiffrin is seeking her record-extending 107th World Cup win and 70th in slalom. She can clinch the season-long slalom title if she wins and Rast finishes below 14th.

It’s been a predictably tough year for Indiana, even with Pascal Siakam playing like an All-Star

Indiana’s Pascal Siakam shines in a thrilling 98-96 victory over Boston. His game-winning shot on Monday night adds to the Pacers’ three-game winning streak, though their record remains the worst in the Eastern Conference. Siakam’s performance bolsters his case for another All-Star selection. Despite the team’s struggles, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle praises Siakam’s leadership and impact. The Pacers have faced challenges, including losing key players, but Siakam remains focused on daily progress. He acknowledges the emotional toll of the season but remains committed to winning and improving.

Tony Stewart returns to NASCAR in Ram Truck debut at Daytona International Raceway

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Tony Stewart is set to return to NASCAR for the first time since 2016. He will drive for Kaulig Racing in the debut of the Ram Truck at the season-opening race at Daytona International Raceway. Stewart, a three-time NASCAR champion, last raced a truck in 2005. He currently drives for Dodge in the NHRA drag racing series. The Ram “free agent program” aims to spotlight proven drivers and rising stars. Stewart’s participation is expected to generate excitement. Kaulig Racing, established in 2016, fields two Cup cars and is the anchor factory team for Ram’s return to NASCAR in 2026.

Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour because it’s better than leaving him off

HONOLULU (AP) — The decision by the PGA Tour to allow Brooks Koepka to return from LIV Golf should have surprised no one. From the time Brian Rolapp took over as CEO, he’s made it clear his priority was to strengthen the PGA Tour. Whether Koepka does that depends on his performance. But the tour is better off with him playing than leaving him on the sideline. Koepka’s performance will be tied to the size of the financial repercussions he faces. Rolapp says there’s no promise of a path for other LIV players to return. That depends on whether they can help the tour.