Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken looks on during pre-game warm-ups before a game against the New England Patriots on Dec. 21 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Monken hired

by Browns

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns hired Todd Monken as the franchise’s 19th full-time head coach, wrapping up a three-week search. He replaces Kevin Stefanski, who was fired on Jan. 5, the day after Cleveland finished a 5-12 season. T

his is Monken’s first NFL head coaching job after 11 years in the league as an assistant. He spent the previous three seasons as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator. He first interviewed on Jan. 10 and had a second interview on Jan. 20. Monken previously served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2019.

Yankees acquire

Chivilli

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees have added to their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Angel Chivilli in a trade with the Colorado Rockies. They sent minor league infielder T.J. Rumfield to Colorado for Chivilli.

The move Wednesday is the Yankees’ latest in an offseason that also included them getting lefty starter Ryan Weathers from Miami in exchange for four prospects. Chivilli had a 7.06 ERA in 43 relief appearances for the Rockies last year. He had a 4.55 ERA in 2024, his first major league season.

Naumov heads

to Olympics

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Maxim Naumov reflects on his journey to the Milan Cortina Olympics, carrying the memory of his parents, former world champion skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. They were among 67 people killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a military helicopter on January 29, 2025.

The tragedy a year ago deeply impacted the figure skating community. Naumov, who finished third at the U.S. championships, often finds solace in memories of his parents. He wears a gold chain and ring as reminders of them. Naumov hopes to inspire others by sharing his story and honoring his parents’ legacy.

Girls prep BB

sees decline

NEWELL, Iowa (AP) — The northwest Iowa towns of Newell and Fonda are outliers at a time participation in girls basketball is in steep decline. The Mustangs have been Class 1A state champion or runner-up seven of the last eight seasons and the team packs its gym whenever it plays.

High school girls basketball participation has dropped 21% since 2000 while volleyball participation is up 29%. In Iowa, girls basketball has seen a 38% drop over that time and even the state’s largest and most successful schools are losing players.