Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what's next.
Mayfield out of Cleveland?
Baker Mayfield had himself a wild week.
First, it was reported that the Browns were meeting with now-former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (more on that below). Once that word leaked, Mayfield posted a heartfelt letter on his Twitter page to Cleveland.
With many uncertainties, here is where my head and heart is. pic.twitter.com/psipN96cmh
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) March 16, 2022
But then the Browns were notified they would not be landing Watson, and were looking to mend things with Mayfield. But
Browns notified theyre out of the running on Deshaun Watson, per team official.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2022
#Browns QB Baker Mayfield has requested a trade, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2022
Cleveland has been hoping to move forward after its Deshaun Watson pursuit and offered to fly to Texas to meet with Mayfield. But from the QBs perspective, the bridge is burned and its time to move on now.
Baker Mayfield just told ESPN: Its in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on. The relationship is too far fine to mend. Its in the best interests of both sides to move on.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2022
Clevelands response: https://t.co/F8OjzLb3Mc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2022
Then, in a stunning turn of events, Watson said he would in fact waive his no-trade clause to go to Cleveland, where he subsequently signed a five-year contract extension worth $230 million fully guaranteed, which is a new NFL record
Now, we will see what fate awaits Mayfield. In any event, there is no shortage of drama in Cleveland.
College Hoops Coaching Carousel Heats Up
Since only 68 teams make the March Madness field, many men's and women's teams are looking for new coaches once the regular season ends. One of those is Xavier, and it appears that their new coach will be one of its old coaches, Sean Miller.
BREAKING: Sean Miller has agreed to a deal to return to Xavier, source told @Stadium.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 19, 2022
The ex-Arizona coach spent 5 season as the head coach of Musketeers from 2004-09 and went to four NCAA tourneys including an Elite Eight in 2008.
Miller chose Xavier over South Carolina.
Miller previously coached at Arizona from 2009-2022.
Meanwhile, Miller's brother, Archie, former head coach of Dayton and Indiana, is now headed to another Atlantic 10 school, Rhode Island.
Welcome to Rhode Island @GoRhodyRams @Archie_Miller! (H/T @TheFieldOf68). A great spot!!!!!!
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) March 18, 2022
Florida, which lost its former head coach Todd White to SEC rival Georgia, hired San Francisco coach Todd Golden on Friday. Golden led the Dons to their first NCAA tournament since 1998 this season.
Breaking news: Florida is hiring San Franciscos Todd Golden to be its next mens basketball coach on a six-year deal, sources told CBS Sports.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 18, 2022
Finally, Missouri is close to hiring Cleveland State head coach Dennis Gates to the same position. Gates won the Horizon League regular season championship this season and made the NCAA Tournament in 2021.
Sources: Missouri is closing in on hiring Cleveland State's Dennis Gates as its next head basketball coach, pending board approval this week.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 19, 2022
Barring something unforeseen, Gates will be the next head coach of the Tigers.
Transfer Portal Never Stops Spinning
While the college basketball coaching carousel spins for only a short time, the transfer portal never stops. Florida's Emory Jones is the latest high-profile quarterback to put his name in the portal.
All love Gator Nation! pic.twitter.com/zYpsrqVuzj
— Emory Jones (@eXjones6) March 19, 2022
Some might remember Jones as a one-time Ohio State commit before the Buckeyes ultimately signed Matthew Baldwin instead.
ICYMI
Ohio State Gives Its Best Defensive Performance in Years
The Buckeyes have struggled on the defensive side of the ball all season, but they locked down Loyola during their first-round win over the Ramblers, delivering their best defensive performance in a season.
Buckeye Pipelines: Mike Nugent, Kirk Herbstreit, A.J. Hawk and Michael Bennett Among Ohio State's Finest from Centerville
Our 11W staff takes a deep dive into a rich Ohio State football pipeline.
An Open Letter to Sister Jean
Johnny Ginter politely asks Loyola-Chicago chaplain Sister Jean to get Loyola to lose to Ohio State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Looks like the plea worked.
What's Next
- Men's Basketball: Today vs. Villanova (NCAA 2nd Round, 2:40, CBS)
- Women's Basketball: Monday vs. LSU (NCAA 2nd Round, ...)
- Women's Ice Hockey: Today vs Minnesota-Duluth (Frozen Four National Championship, 4:00, ESPNU)
