LAST UPDATED: 9:47 PM EST.

• Yankees (NYY) 4 - 2 Brewers (MIL)

• Orioles (BAL) 12 - 2 Blue Jays (TOR)

• Phillies (PHI) 7 - 3 Nationals (WSH)

• Red Sox (BOS) 5 - 2 Rangers (TEX)

• Marlins (MIA) 5 - 4 Pirates (PIT)

• Padres (SD) 7 - 4 Braves (ATL)

• White Sox (CWS) 8 - 1 Angels (LAA)

• Astros (HOU) 3 - 1 Mets (NYM)

• Giants (SF) 6 - 4 Reds (CIN)

• Guardians (CLE) 7 - 4 Royals (KC)

• Cardinals (STL) 5 - 3 Twins (MIN)

The Knockout Rounds stage of the NBA Cup has arrived. Which team will be the last one standing?

Steve Aschburner

Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City is in the sweet spot for Emirates NBA Cup excellence over the next eight days, a Goldilocks team just right for this moment. It isn’t so experienced or veteran-laden, like the Milwaukee Bucks or Dallas Mavericks, that winning this tournament would elicit a yawn (aside from the cash, of course). But it also is more accomplished than the Houston Rockets or Atlanta Hawks, teams that might blink in the bright lights of Las Vegas. The Thunder on Tuesday can avenge a November loss to Dallas if it gets enough scoring help for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC was minus-10 that night in the nine minutes or so he sat).

Brian Martin

Milwaukee Bucks. After Franz Wagner joined Paolo Banchero on the sidelines with an oblique injury of his own, the Bucks have the easiest path to Las Vegas as the teams open the Quarterfinals on Tuesday. It was Milwaukee’s Group Play opener against Toronto that was the turning point from the Bucks’ disastrous 2-8 start to their 10-3 run since. Between Giannis Antetokounmpo playing at a Kia MVP level and Khris Middleton’s debut last week, a run to the Cup could spark Milwaukee’s return to the East’s top tier.

Shaun Powell

Dallas Mavericks. When weighing the potential champ of the Emirates NBA Cup, take stock of which of the remaining teams is peaking. And that team is the Mavericks, if only because they’re healthy and their two stars, Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, are doing high-level stuff. Winners of 11 of their last 12, this is the Dallas team that soared in the second half of last season and reached the NBA Finals, with a solid backcourt balanced by bigs (PJ Washington in particular). Oh, and the new ownership is from Las Vegas, the site of the championship … there’s also that omen.

John Schuhmann

Oklahoma City Thunder. Anything can happen on any given night (see Denver at Washington on Saturday), so no pick is a sure bet. The Thunder may have the toughest matchup of anybody, with the Mavs having won 11 of their last 12 games (including one in Oklahoma City) entering their quarterfinal on Tuesday. But let’s make it simple: Of the eight teams in the quarterfinals, the Thunder have the best record. Among all 30 teams, they have the best point differential per 100 possessions (+11.9) by a healthy margin. And unlike their first game against the Mavs, they’ll have Isaiah Hartenstein in the lineup to help them avoid getting killed on the glass again.

The amount of things that happened yesterday… Too much for me to write a single edition about.

We had a death and it was a huge one. Many trades in the NBA including one that was a robbery. The NFL got sued. A lot of big things happened.

I can’t write a paragraph (I wasn’t planning to release anything today), but here is everything that happened.

The Giants won against the Dodgers…

Jury rules NFL violated antitrust laws in 'Sunday Ticket' case.

James Wood set to make MLB debut.

MLB stopped hitters from seeing strike zone to protect umpires.

Orlando Cepeda dies at 86.

Dejounte Murray is traded to the New Orleans Pelicans for Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, a 2025 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick.

South Africa vs India Finals TODAY at 10:30 A.M. EST.

Caitlin Clark is an excellent trash-talker???

Please sigh with me.

My Grade: D

DUDE. WHY GO WITH A CREAM LOOK? Fine, you made the jersey cream. WHY KEEP THE BOTTOM WEAR THE SAME?You gotta make that part navy blue, or green, or even RED! It’ll all look better than same on same!

I love the city connect series for other teams. The Philly jersey looks nice. The Padres one looks pretty cool.

It's always the Dodgers ones that flop isn't it…

Tbh, just looking at this… The Los Dodgers ones look better.

Justin Jefferson just signed a 4 year, 140 million dollar contract extension with the Vikings. 110 million of it is guaranteed.

FROM NFL.COM

The Minnesota Vikings have signed Justin Jefferson to a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Monday, per sources.

Jefferson announced the news himself on social media, quelling any Minnesota worries by confirming he finally signed "the deal I have been waiting for since I was a little kid." The Vikings soon after announced the news.

The three-time Pro Bowler's massive extension not only resets the wide receiver market but makes Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

Jefferson's new deal puts an end to an offseason saga that grew wary with rumors while several wideouts were handed big contracts up until this point, including those of Detroit's Amon-Ra St. Brown, Philadelphia's A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Miami's Jaylen Waddle, Houston's Nico Collins, Indianapolis' Michael Pittman and Calvin Ridley, Tennessee's free-agent splash.

With a new salary of $35 million per year, Jefferson tops Brown's market-setting deal signed in April and surpasses San Francisco's Nick Bosa as the league's highest-paid non-QB in the league. Now under contract through the 2028 season, Jefferson also receives $89 million fully guaranteed at signing, Pelissero added.

Since coming into the league as a first-round pick in 2020, Jefferson has earned a reputation as one of the league's most exciting playmakers while producing historic numbers worthy of such a grand investment.

Jefferson is one of five players ever with 5,000-plus receiving yards in his first four seasons, and his 5,899 career yards are nearly 400 more than any other player in NFL history along that same measure, according to NFL Research. His 98.3 receiving yards per game also stands as the most in NFL history (minimum of 50 games), and he's improved that average on a yearly basis (87.5, 95.1, 106.4, 107.4 in 2023) the past four seasons.

Jefferson's best season came in 2022 when he led the league in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) to earn the AP's Offensive Player of the Year award along with his first All-Pro honor. Adversity struck in the follow-up to Jefferson's extraordinary year due to a hamstring injury in 2023, but he still managed to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in 10 games played.

With his payday in order, Jefferson will enter 2024 with a new quarterback following the offseason departure of Kirk Cousins, and either veteran Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy will be the next to benefit from Jefferson's exceptional play.

Jefferson's long-awaited extension comes just in time for the Vikings to get to work as the club begins mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.

WOW

"Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically -- 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be. I respected this game like no other and I'm blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me. Not many people get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted.

"As I turn my focus to a new chapter, I don't know what the future holds, but I am excited about the off the field possibilities. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Erica, and my kids, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric and Aali. The greatest reward was being able to play this game with them by my side, and I can't wait to watch them live out their dreams just as they watched me live out mine."

"I have given all that I possibly can to respect and honor the game," Slater wrote in a social media post shared by the New England Patriots. "Though it is time for my relationship with the game to evolve, the love I have for it will last a lifetime."

Matthew Slater has officially retired from the NFL. He holds the NFL record for most special team Super Bowl appearances with 10. He has played for 16 seasons.

If you go a bit deep into it, you’ll find something.

Bill Belichick has coached the best offensive player ever (Tom Brady). He’s coached the best defensive player ever (Lawrence Taylor). He’s also coached the best special teams player ever (Mr. Slater).

There isn’t an argument for any of these claims. So, don’t debate with me over this.

Slater, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, was selected by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2008 draft out of UCLA and spent his entire career with New England.

"In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams. In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had," Slater wrote.

Slater won 3 Super Bowls with the Patriots and is the franchise’s all-time leader in special teams tackles. He played in 239 games with the Patriots, which only trails Tom Brady (285). He’s also played in 25 playoff games, which, if you didn’t know, rank 9TH in NFL HISTORY.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft also released a statement: "On the field, his 10 Pro Bowl appearances will likely earn him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day alongside his father. Off the field, he will be remembered for so much more. He is a role model, not just for young players, but for everyone. He is a man of integrity and high moral character who is led by his faith and committed to his family. There is no finer person than Matthew Slater. On behalf of the New England Patriots, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Matthew, in partnership with his wife Shahrzad and the entire Slater family, for his remarkable 16-year Patriots career."

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BOBBY WITT

O

M

G

Bobby Witt Jr. is only in his 3rd year in the MLB and had an amazing season in 2023. This deal contains opt-outs after 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th years. This deal could go to a grand total of 14 years, 377 million dollars as after the 11 years, there is a club option.

The Royals are trying to build a team around Witt and a young team at the same time.

Was this something they wanted all offseason??? Yes.

The signing bonus in this deal is 7,777,777 dollars, which is a perfect fit for the #7. It also includes a no-trade clause.

"This was a difficult decision to make during the season," said Bucks General Manager Jon Horst in a statement. "We are working immediately toward hiring our next head coach. We thank Coach Griffin for his hard work and contributions to the team."

Why would you fire your head coach when he’s gone 30-13? Now when you’re Monty Williams, you should get fired, but what is this?

Milwaukee hired Griffin over the summer to replace longtime coach Mike Budenholzer, who was fired after Milwaukee's first-round exit last postseason. Months after the hire, the Bucks swung a blockbuster trade to acquire Damian Lillard -- putting pressure on the franchise to win big this season.

Okay, THEY ARE WINNING!

The Bucks are planning to pursue a very few group of people, who MUST be accomplished? Doc Rivers is the top target for the job.

Veteran assistant Joe Prunty will take over as interim coach. Horst will speak at a news conference Wednesday, before the Bucks' next home game with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It really doesn’t matter how they win, but ESPN says this.

But despite the impressive record, the Bucks have struggled at times, particularly on defense. They've slipped from fourth on defense last season to 22nd this year and just gave up 135 and 113 points in back-to-back games against the Detroit Pistons.

24 years.

6 titles.

The New England Patriots have lost their to-be hall-of-fame head coach.

Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft spent much of this week meeting and discussing how each side wanted to proceed. There was said to be no conflict, no disagreement, and in the end, important talks resulted in a decision that left both sides comfortable and at ease.

Robert Kraft called Bill Belichick someone who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

"This is a move that we mutually agreed that is needed at this time," Kraft said. "What Bill accomplished, in my opinion, will never be duplicated."

Belichick, who said he will "always be a Patriot," thanked Kraft and his family for the opportunity and support, saying: "We had a vision of building a championship football team that has exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations. I'm very proud of that. I'll always have those great memories, will carry those with me the rest of my life."

Belichick will be allowed to leave the team without seeking compensation, and the Commanders and the Falcons are the biggest fits.

It's unsurprising that Belichick, who will turn 72 on April 16, would want to continue as an NFL head coach. He's only 14 wins away from tying Don Shula for the most in league history between the regular season and playoffs.

Who knows what will happen next for the Patriots? I say, maybe the curse of the bambino? Except the bambinos are both Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

(Pete Carroll)

14 SEASONS, 10 PLAYOFF APPEARANCES, AND PETE CARROLL IS GONE.

This is the most unexpected firing for sure this offseason and there is one of these every single year.

Allen said in a statement that the decision was made "after thoughtful meetings and careful consideration for the best interest of the franchise."

"Pete is the winningest coach in Seahawks history, brought the city its first Super Bowl title, and created a tremendous impact over the past 14 years on the field and in the community," Allen said. "His expertise in leadership and building a championship culture will continue as an integral part of our organization moving forward."

The Seahawks, just like others, are interested in Cowboys DC Dan Quinn. Quinn served as a Seahawks assistant from 2009 to 2010 and was their defensive coordinator from 2013 to 2014.

This change comes after what Carroll stated on Monday.

"I plan to be coaching this team," Carroll told Seattle Sports 710 AM. "I told you that I love these guys, and that's what I would like to be doing and see how far I can go. I'm not worn out. I'm not tired. I'm not any of that stuff. I need to do a better job and I need to help my coaches more and we need to do a better job of coaching, and there's a lot of area for improvement."

Despite defeating the Cardinals on Sunday to close out the season, the 9-8 Seahawks were unable to secure a wild-card spot. After a 5-2 start that shortly put them atop the NFC West, they went on a losing streak that included the Seahawks' only four-game losing run under Carroll that ended their chances of making the playoffs. One of those defeats came on Thanksgiving night in a 31-13 thumping at the hands of the division rival San Francisco 49ers, who have defeated the Seahawks five times in a row (including in the wild-card round of the previous season) by an overall score of 148-72. The Seahawks suffered their second-worst defeat margin under Carroll in November, losing 37-3 to the Baltimore Ravens.

Pete Carroll hasn’t totally dislocated himself from the Seahawks or even the NFL.

He will serve in an advisory role.

In Super Bowl XLVIII, the Seahawks beat up the Peyton Manning-led Broncos 43-8. They might have repeated as Super Bowl champs but were dashed when Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson's pass at the goal line in the closing seconds. The Seahawks have still made it to the playoffs after, but couldn’t find themselves past the divisional round.

PETE CARROLL RECORD:

SEAHAWKS: 137-89-1 and 10 playoff victories.

CAREER IN NFL COACHING: 181-131-1

13th in NFL history in regular-season and playoff wins.

That’s it!

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The Broncos lost any realistic shot at making the playoffs by falling to the Patriots on Sunday, giving them a 7-8 record -- and just a 1.4% chance of reaching the postseason -- with 2023 winding down. Now they're benching quarterback Russell Wilson for the final two games.

The Broncos insist the decision to turn to backup Jarrett Stidham is meant to provide an offensive "spark" after a 1-3 stretch -- that it has nothing to do with the QB's contract, per CBS Sports HQ Senior NFL insider Josina Anderson. But the writing is on the wall: Wilson had recently sidestepped questions about his future in Denver beyond 2023, while an injury in the final two games would've prevented the Broncos from seamlessly releasing the QB after the season, should the team desire to move on.

Why did Sean Payton make the move from Wilson to Stidham? 

"I can tell you, look, we're desperately trying to win," the head coach said, via 9News Sports in Denver. "The No. 1 push behind this, and it's a decision I'm making, is to provide a spark offensively. Obviously it's difficult, and all of us feel like 'man, we didn't do well enough,' but one of the things we saw when we signed Stidham in the offseason, not only from preseason games but regular-season games, but he's a guy I'm excited to see play. 

"If I didn't feel like he gave us the chance to win, we wouldn't be making that move." 

Per The Athletic, Wilson is expecting to be cut in March. He reportedly knew of his fate with the organization for nearly two months. The Broncos reached out to Wilson's representatives in late October if he did not defer the injury guarantee trigger date that he has for 2025 -- which is $37 million guaranteed on the fifth day of the league year. 

Wilson has certainly improved on his erratic 2022 Broncos debut, leaving Week 16 with 26 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 98.0 passer rating -- his best in three years. But Denver's offense has struggled overall, ranking No. 16 in scoring and No. 25 in yards per game. And then there's the QB's lucrative contract, a $245 million whopper set to count $35.4M against the 2024 salary cap.

Might Payton and the Broncos' relatively new ownership group already prefer to hit the reset button under center? Sure. Again, while Wilson was improved this year, he's 35 and very expensive (No. 5 among annual QB earners). But can Denver move on? Is it even possible for Payton and Co. to get out of Wilson's deal following the 2023 season?

The answer is yes, but it likely won't save Denver much money in the short term.

Here are the details: Wilson is currently signed through 2028, but he's only guaranteed money through 2024. That said, his entire 2025 salary ($37M) will be guaranteed if he remains on the Broncos' roster at the start of the next league year (March 17), per Over the Cap. So it's probable Denver will make a decision on the QB's future before then.

The options: The Broncos can outright release Wilson by March 17, but doing so would result in a loss of $49.6M in 2024. Denver is already projected to be at least $18M over the 2024 cap, so cutting him straight-up wouldn't be logical. Designating him a post-June 1 release, however, is a distinct possibility. In that scenario, Denver would eat Wilson's 2024 salary ($35.4M) but avoid any financial blow to the 2024 cap. In other words, they'd save nothing immediately, but millions beyond 2024.

The other option, which is far more unlikely: trading Wilson. It's not that the QB wouldn't have any market; odds are he's restored some of his value to other NFL teams after bouncing back from 2022. But a trade before June 1 would result in an immediate loss of $32.6M against the Broncos' 2024 cap. Denver could deal him after June 1 to save $17M -- the best-case financial scenario for splitting with the QB -- but that would require waiting until the summer, well after the start of free agency, to find a trade partner.

The other factor in all of this: is Wilson's health for the remainder of 2023. Injured players cannot be outright released -- without a negotiated injury settlement, at least -- so that explains Denver's benching of Wilson for the final two games. The Raiders notably demoted former starter Derek Carr, who had a similar injury guarantee in his contract, at the end of 2022 before releasing him in the offseason. But Carr's benching all but guaranteed an eventual breakup; that appears to be happening in Denver.

(ESPN)

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic added his name to a pair of lists featuring some of the game's legends while lighting up the Suns on Christmas night.

Doncic entered Monday's contest only 11 points shy of 10,000 for his career. He hit the milestone in the first quarter and did so in the fewest games of any player since Michael Jordan. He finished the outing by becoming only the fourth player in NBA history with a 50-point performance in a Christmas Day game, leading the Mavericks to a 128-114 win.

"Always, when this kind [of] award comes with a win, it's even more fun," said Doncic, who also tallied 15 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks. "It was a tough road game, and we won. So, outside of the 10K and 50 points, we won the game. So, I'm really happy."

Doncic joined Bernard King, Wilt Chamberlain, and Rick Barry in scoring 50 on Christmas. It was the sixth 50-point performance of Doncic's career, trailing only Jordan (nine) and LeBron James (eight) for the most by any player before turning 25 years old since the ABA-NBA merger, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

Doncic reached the 10,000-point plateau in only 358 games, matching Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo for the seventh-fewest games needed to do so. Chamberlain needed only 236 games to score 10,000 points, the fewest in NBA history. The others who scored 10,000 in fewer contests than Doncic are Jordan, Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, and George Gervin.

At 24 years, 300 days old, Doncic is the sixth-youngest player to eclipse 10,000 points, behind James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, and Tracy McGrady.

Doncic passed 10,000 points when he swished a 34-foot 3-pointer at the 4:52 mark of the first quarter. It was his longest field goal of the season, according to ESPN Stats & Info data. He finished 15-of-25 from the floor, 8-of-16 from 3-point range, and 12-of-12 from the free throw line.

Doncic accounted for 26 points in the first quarter, scoring 17 and dishing out four assists. The Suns scored only 24 points in the quarter.

Doncic, who played 44 minutes, including the entire second half, had a similarly strong finish after the Suns rallied from a 15-point deficit to take the lead entering the fourth quarter. He had 10 points and five assists in the fourth, accounting for 22 points and matching Phoenix's total in the frame.

"As I've always said, we can't take him for granted when he's feeling it," Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. "You're just trying to get him the ball as much as possible. You're also trying to figure out how to get him some rest because we weren't going to take him out there in the second half, so we needed to ask him or someone to be able to run the offense. And I thought he did a great job of letting other guys bring the ball up.

"But again, when he's going like that, you got to get him the ball, and you trust your quarterback will do the right thing."

Doncic accounted for a total of 82 points, surpassing Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic's 78 against the Suns last season for the most by any player on Christmas, per ESPN Stats & Info research. Doncic became the first player since James Harden in 2016 to have 50 points and 15 assists in any game.

"I mean, he does this every game," Suns star Durant said. "He controls the whole game -- passes, rebounds, scores. We kind of expect this from him at this point, right?"

It was the continuation of an incredible month for Doncic, who has averaged 37.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 11.6 assists in December, most of which Dallas co-star Kyrie Irving has missed due to a right heel contusion.

"I have never been on a team where someone is scoring the ball like this at such a high rate and also getting his teammates involved and making sure that everybody feels comfortable on the floor," said eight-year veteran forward Derrick Jones Jr., who put up 23 points for the Mavs (18-12). "It's incredible. It's amazing. I have never seen this before."

Doncic pretended to be offended that he wasn't asked about his defensive performance during his postgame news conference. He smiled while claiming he should at least be considered for second-team NBA All-Defensive honors. He said he was prouder of the four steals and three blocks than the 50 points and 15 assists.

"Trust me, he pointed that out," said Mavs rookie big man Dereck Lively II, who registered 20 points and 10 rebounds in his return after missing the previous four games due to a sprained left ankle.

It was the Suns' ninth loss in 12 games, dropping Phoenix (14-15) below .500.

"We just have to get it together," Suns star guard Devin Booker said. "And that's on me, that's on coach, that's on KD, all the leaders that we have in here to make sure that we're prepared."

Doncic admitted he got a bit of extra pleasure out of his performance given that it came in Phoenix. The Mavs and Suns have developed a rivalry since Dallas upset Phoenix in the second round of the 2022 playoffs, and Doncic and Booker readily acknowledge their disdain for each other.

Doncic was booed when he took the Footprint Center floor for his warmup routine 90 minutes before Monday's tip and every time he touched the ball early in the game. He exchanged trash talk with fans throughout his spectacular performance.

"I love playing in these environments, especially away," Doncic said. "It's fun for me. When you make a shot, the whole gym is quiet, so that's the best feeling in the world."

The Niners spent most of the week practicing without and could be missing about 5 defenders. Tackles Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave. Linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Oren Burks. Also, cornerback Charvarius Ward.

Armstead, Hargrave, and Burks were ruled out Friday and the Niners are holding out hope for Ward and Greenlaw, both of whom are listed as questionable.

Armstead has been dealing with foot and knee injuries, and also did not play last week against the Seattle Seahawks. Hargrave departed that game with a hamstring injury, and Burks did the same with a knee issue.

With Armstead and Hargrave out, the Niners will turn to Javon Kinlaw and Kevin Givens to step in, with Kalia Davis offering depth. T.Y. McGill could also be elevated from the practice squad. Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles is first up to replace Burks.

Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said Thursday he is pleased with how the backup tackles have fared recently.

"A lot of confidence," Wilks said. "You look at what Kinlaw and Kevin have been doing the last couple of weeks, I'm very confident in their performance and how they're going to play. We're not going to put the onus on them. It's going to be critical that they do a great job inside penetrating and trying to play on their side of the line of scrimmage, but across the board, we've all got to step up."

Greenlaw participated in Friday's practice on a limited basis. Wilks said Thursday that he expects to have Greenlaw against the Cardinals. Ward did not participate in practice Wednesday and Thursday but was limited Friday and has been doing some running on the side during the portion of those workouts open to media.

Greenlaw has been battling hip and ankle problems, while Ward left last week's game on the Niners first defensive series with a groin injury. Ward wanted to return to that game but was held out, and the 49ers are working to ensure that he doesn't have any further problems by returning too soon. Especially with the playoffs right around the corner and the 49ers also in the race to get that #1 seed.

Elsewhere, on the injury report, the Niners ruled out running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) and tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle). Guards Aaron Banks (hip) and Spencer Burford (knee) also missed practices during the week and are listed as questionable. Banks tweaked his hip in practice this week and did not participate Thursday before returning on a limited basis Friday.

The 10-3 Niners need a win against the Cardinals or a Los Angeles Rams loss to the Washington Commanders to win the division Sunday. San Francisco beat Arizona 35-16 in Week 4, though the Cardinals did not have quarterback Kyler Murray at the time.

San Francisco is clinging to the NFC's top overall seed and will face the AFC top overall seed Baltimore Ravens in a "Monday Night Football" showdown on Christmas.

Giff Smith, the team's outside linebackers coach, has been named interim head coach. JoJo Wooden, the Chargers' director of player personnel, will step into the general manager role on an interim basis.

The Chargers were 24-24 under Staley, with one playoff berth in 2022 that ended with a 27-point blown lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the third-largest comeback in playoff history. He is the second Chargers head coach to be fired midseason since 1970, joining Kevin Gilbride, who was fired in 1998.

Owner Dean Spanos said in a statement that Chargers fans "deserve more."

"These decisions are never easy, nor are they something I take lightly -- especially when you consider the number of people they impact," Spanos said. "We are clearly not where we expect to be, however, and we need new vision. Doing nothing in the name of continuity was not a risk I was willing to take. Our fans have stood strong through so many ups and downs and close games. They deserve more. Frankly, they've earned more."

The Chargers hired Staley because of his success as a defensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 when they were the NFL's best defense in points and yards allowed per game. But Staley never had that impact with the Chargers, despite having star talent and many of his former players.

Staley's defensive frustrations came to a head after Thursday's 63-21 drubbing by the Las Vegas Raiders, who were starting backup Aidan O'Connell and were without running back Josh Jacobs.

Quarterback Easton Stick made his first start for Los Angeles in place of Justin Herbert, who suffered a fracture to his right index finger in Sunday's loss to the and is done for the season.

This is the second coach the Chargers have fired since drafting Herbert in 2020. Herbert's first coach, Anthony Lynn, was 33-31 from 2017 to 2020, including 7-9 in his final season.

The team also fired Jay Rodgers, the defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach.