Kyle Shanahan is eager to work with Lynch

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners coach-in-waiting Kyle Shanahan says John Lynch's lack of front-office experience won't be a detriment for him or the franchise. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Not-Worried-Lynch-is-Inexperienced-412288503.html

Raiders' Super Bowl window should be wide

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With a good young QB and youthful talent across the roster, the Raiders appear to have a wide-open window to the Super Bowl over the next 4-5 years. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Window-for-Super-Bowl-Appears-Large-412292803.html

Working for Spurs' AT&T Center in San Antonio is a kick for senior marketing coordinator Lori Shapiro

Whether it's giving Rod Hot Chili Pepper's bassist Flea a guided tour of the Spurs locker room, or working with the Harlem Globetrotters on a marketing campaign, Lori Shapiro loves her job as a senior marketing coordinator for the AT&T Center in San Antonio, home of the NBA's Spurs and multiple other annual events. My story on her for ESPNW's Cool Jobs series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/voices/article/18554417/cool-jobs-sports-spurs-sports-entertainment-senior-marketing-coordinator-lori-shapiro

49ers' hiring of Lynch as GM a surprise to many

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: John Lynch, who has no front-office experience in the NFL, is the surprise pick to be 49ers GM. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Hire-of-John-Lynch-Leaves-Many-Stunned-412171383.html

Report: Raiders working for longer Del Rio deal

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The team reportedly is working to give head coach Jack Del Rio a contract extension. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Reportedly-Eager-to-Extend-Del-Rio-Contract-412166353.html

Niners may soon have clarity about GM

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's possible that one of the two remaining candidates to be 49ers GM doesn't want to come to San Francisco. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-May-Soon-Get-Clarity-in-Search-for-New-GM-411979805.html

Carr says it was painful to watch Raiders in playoffs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders QB Derek Carr said it was "awful" to be confined to his couch to watch Oakland loses it playoff game, without being able to help. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-It-Was-Painful-to-Have-to-Watch-From-the-Couch-411977445.html

New 49ers alignment could put head coach over GM

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It appears that likely 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan would have control over the roster, not the new GM. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Traveling-a-New-Path-with-Coach-GM-Alignment-411883005.html

Raiders' 2013 draft class could soon be gone

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 2013 draft was disappointing, but did produce some contributors. But they could leave in the next couple of months. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McKenzies-2013-Draft-Class-Could-Soon-be-Gone-411880275.html

A triumphant George Chmiel completes cross-USA run after battling injuries that forced him at times to walk

George Chmiel wanted to run across the country in two months. Instead, it took him more than four. But when he finished in New York City Tuesday, he said the injuries that slowed him were a blessing. By taking his time he was better able to spread awareness about the epidemic of suicides by military veterans. My story about Chmiel for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/18552530/mission-accomplished-ultrarunner-george-chmiel-completes-cross-country-run-schedule-triumphantly

Already, Raiders focus appears to be defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A new assistant coach and several interviews with defensive players at the Senior Bowl this week show that Oakland wants to make defense its offseason priority. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Appear-Zeroed-in-on-Fixing-Defense-This-Offseason-411769485.html

Without a GM, 49ers scouts are still on the job

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners' talent evaluators are at the Senior Bowl to scout, so they'll be prepared for a new GM. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Even-Without-GM-49ers-Are-Preparing-for-Draft-411766645.html

49ers set second interview with Kyle Shanahan

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers will interview the Falcons' Kyle Shanahan Saturday, with the expectation he will be named the team's new head coach after the Super Bowl. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Will-Speak-Again-With-49ers-This-Week-411659875.html

Raiders bring in Pagano to help defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano has been hired by Jack Del Rio to be assistant head coach/defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Bring-In-Extra-Help-for-Defense-411657225.html

Could Kirk Cousins be 49ers' QB target?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Analysts are putting two and two together and coming up with Kirk Cousins coming to the 49ers along with his former coach, Kyle Shanahan. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Niners-May-Have-Eyes-on-Kirk-Cousins-411532045.html

McKenzie praises Osemele's impact on Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie says the impact of Kelechi Osemele on his team went far beyond blocking. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Osemele-Helped-Raiders-Adopt-a-New-Attitude-in-2016-411527375.html

49ers appear to favor Gutekunst as new GM

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners CEO Jed York apparently favors Packers director of player personnel Brian Gutekunst to be new GM. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-York-May-be-Leaning-Toward-Gutekunst-as-GM-411330795.html

Raiders' McKenzie named NFL Executive of Year

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Reggie McKenzie, after being honored for his work, says he's looking ahead, not back. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-McKenzie-Recognized-for-Terrific-Work--411326055.html

Skater Nathan Chen is better than ever after injury

Nathan Chen is just 17, but he's showing he may be the next big thing in U.S. figure skating. He's the favorite in men's singles going into this week's U.S. championships. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/January/19/17-Year-Old-Nathan-Chen-Is-The-High-Flying-US-Figure-Skating-Favorite

Report says Shanahan will be next 49ers head coach

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan already has been told by the 49ers that he will be their next head coach, according to reports. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Report-Indicates-Shanahan-Will-be-Next-49ers-Coach-411210655.html

Mack selected as NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end/linebacker Khalil Mack is this year's Defensive Player of the Year. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Mack-Selected-as-NFLs-Top-Defensive-Player-411214925.html

Shanahan's creativity could be big plus for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If Kyle Shanahan indeed becomes the 49ers' new head coach, Shanahan's creative offensive mind could pump life into the team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahans-Creativity-Would-be-Big-Plus-for-49ers-411083725.html

Raiders' Joseph makes All-Rookie team

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Karl Joseph is named to NFL's All-Rookie Team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Joseph-Makes-All-Rookie-Team-411076365.html

Amara Baptist is Memphis Grizzlies' link to fans via social media

As social media producer for the Memphis Grizzlies, Amara Baptist is the team's link to fans, constantly posting news, video and other content to Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. My story on her for ESPNW.com's "Cool Jobs" series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/voices/article/18461716/amara-baptist-cool-sports-job-memphis-grizzlies-social-media-producer

Just putting one foot in front of the other, over and over again, can be the route to health, fitness and peace of mind

Walking may not be a glamorous way to exercise. It doesn't rate with more vigorous pursuits in the minds of many, such as running, swimming or CrossFit. But for long-term health and emotional benefits, it's sustainable and easy. The benefits of walking are many. My story for the Health section of the Union-Tribune. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-walking-as-exercise-20170116-story.html

Media panel picks Buckner as NFC West's top rookie

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In a season of lowlights, the development of DeForest Buckner was a highlight. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Buckner-Emerged-as-Top-Rookie-in-NFC-West-410949965.html

Jalen Richard was Raiders' most pleasant surprise

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Undrafted rookie Jalen Richard was Oakland's No. 1 surprise player in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Little-Richard-Danced-His-Way-Into-Raiders-Offense-410944945.html

New Raiders contract for Tice would seem automatic

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Offensive line coach Mike Tice did a terrific job in 2016, so a new deal would seem to be a no-brainer, right? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Retaining-Offensive-Line-Coach-a-Key-for-Raiders-410836595.html

McDaniels reported to have "concerns" about 49ers job

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coaching candidate Josh McDaniels may have concerns about working for 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Pats-McDaniels-May-be-Conflicted-About-49ers-Job-410833645.html

Now 49ers are only team still looking for a head coach

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Is Jed York being too cautious in his search for a head coach? Or is he doing exactly what he needs to do? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Are-49ers-Taking-Too-Long-to-Find-a-New-Head-Coach-410647165.html

Raiders' McKenzie is worthy of league-wide honor

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: When voters cast their ballots for NFL Executive of the Year, Oakland's Reggie McKenzie should be considered. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-McKenzie-Deserves-Executive-of-the-Year-Honor-410644035.html

Niners' O-Line remains a weak link toward success

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The middle of the 49ers' offensive line has some major question marks over it. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Will-Have-to-Strengthen-Offensive-Line-410530665.html

Oakland secondary needs more improvement

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland improved its secondary in 2016, but it still has a way to go. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Secondary-Will-be-Under-Review-410536185.html

Where are the young stars on 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In comparison with most other NFL teams, the 49ers roster is lacking in young playmakers at key positions. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/NIners-Roster-is-Lacking-in-Young-Starpower-410402995.html

Raiders promote Downing, part with Musgrave

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland won't renew contract of offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave and will promote QB coach Todd Downing into that role. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Make-a-Change-at-Offensive-Coordinator-410407635.html

49ers fans may have seen their future at Clemson

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Clemson QB Deshaun Watson put on a show in the national college football championship game, and he could be the 49ers' second overall pick in the NFL draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Clemson-Star-May-Have-What-49ers-Need-410275735.html

Raiders' Cooper makes big strides in second year

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Amari Cooper got even better in 2016, dramatically decreasing his number of dropped passes. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Cooper-Continued-to-Improve-in-2016-410271055.html

Raiders believe 2016 was start of something big

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Reggie McKenzie and head coach Jack Del Rio say the Raiders are built for a long, successful run. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/For-Raiders-2016-May-Have-Been-Just-the-Start-410120865.html

York and 49ers must establish stability, now

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers will soon have their fourth head coach in four seasons, a key as to why this franchise is in the basement. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Revolving-Door-Must-Stop-Spinning-Now-410125285.html

With Cook at QB, Raiders ousted from playoffs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With rookie Connor Cook throwing three interceptions, the Raiders lose 27-14 to Texans in playoffs' opening round. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Return-to-Playoffs-is-Brief-409991645.html

Five keys for Raiders vs. Texans in playoff opener

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders are underdogs vs. Texans Saturday. Here are five keys to pulling out a win. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Go-Into-Playoff-Game-With-Texans-as-an-Underdog-409901795.html

Shanahan would give 49ers an offensive spark

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners likely are a long way from picking a head coach, but one candidate who could move the 49ers from a boring to exciting offense is Kyle Shanahan of the Falcons. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Weighing-Multitude-of-Options-and-Candidates-409895745.html

Is football for girls and women? Althea McNichol didn't think so, until she got an opportunity to try it in college, and it's become a passion

As a girl, Althea McNichol played football with the boys in her neighborhood, but went on to other sports in high school. In college she rediscovered the game and has gone on to star in tackle and flag leagues. Her story, for the Weekend Warriors series on ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/18414083/weekend-warriors-football-player-althea-mcnichol-business-analyst-day

Bowman's rehab for 2017 is coming along well

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Injured linebacker NaVorro Bowman's rehab is coming along well. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/New-49ers-Coach-Will-Need-a-Healthy-Bowman-409778395.html

Raiders' Joseph is back for playoff game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After missing four straight games with a toe injury, rookie strong safety Karl Joseph will be back in the lineup for Saturday's playoff game against the Texans. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Joseph-Set-to-Return-at-Safety-for-Raiders-vs-Texans-409782425.html

New 49ers GM (whoever he is) will have draft resources

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco will have as many as 11 picks, plus the No. 2 overall choice, for the incoming general manager. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/New-Niners-GM-Will-Have-Plenty-of-Draft-Picks-409660135.html

Ten promising athletes ready to work and churn in 2017 toward the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo

From swimmers and fencers to track sprinters, these 10 athletes have much in common: they're eager to build off a big 2016 year and take big strides in 2017 toward the next Olympics. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/January/03/10-Promising-Athletes-Ready-To-Get-A-Head-Start-On-The-Tokyo-2020-Olympics-In-2017

Kimber Wukitsch's path to San Diego has led her back to mountain and desert trails

When she was a girl in Colorado, Kimber Wukitsch loved the outdoors. Now that she's moved to San Diego from the east coast, she's fallen in love with hiking again. My story on her for the Union-Tribune's Active San Diego series in the Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-wukitsch-20170103-story.html

Key words in 49ers GM search: Patience and pedigree

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco may need to follow the Raiders' path when they hired Reggie McKenzie as GM a few years ago. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Already-Rolling-Forward-in-Search-for-GM-and-Head-Coach-409538055.html

Raiders' challenge: Texans' No. 1 ranked defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders go into a first-round game with the Texans, who have the top NFL defense in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Must-Face-NFLs-No-1-Defense-409526975.html