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