Yardbarker

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans. You can find him on Twitter/X and Threads at @ericsmithling and at Bluesky at @ericsmithling.bsky.social.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, College Football, NBA, Men's and Women's College Basketball, NHL

NFL coaching openings, ranked: Why Bears have most desirable current opening 

A look at the three current open head coach positions in the NFL, as well as three that could become open in short order.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer's CFP case rings hollow

Having failed to secure a spot in the 12-team CFP on the field, Alabama's Kalen DeBoer has been relegated to talking his way into the national championship picture.

Stars could align for Saints, Arch Manning in 2026 NFL Draft

With their present bleak, it's time for the Saints to plan for their future. If New Orleans peers far enough ahead, it might just see its next franchise quarterback.

NFL is being too lenient with Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair's suspension

On Tuesday, the league suspended Al-Shaair for three games for a dirty, cheap hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Week 13, leaving the No. 1 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft with a concussion.

'MNF' takeaways: Jerry Jeudy's historic game not enough as Broncos win wild one

The wild Week 13 finale between the Browns and Broncos featured 952 total yards, 47 first downs and six Jameis Winston touchdowns — four to Browns teammates and two to Broncos defenders. Here are five takeaways from Denver's 41-32 win.

Watch: Broncos, Browns trade haymakers with deep TD passes

"Monday Night Football" turned into a barnburner.

Watch: Jameis Winston pick-six gives Broncos breathing room on 'MNF'

The Broncos gained breathing room against the Browns with a game-changing pick-six on "Monday Night Football."

Injuries give 49ers' Brock Purdy chance to prove his worth

As 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy seeks a long-term contract extension, the next few weeks could be critical.

Bryce Young should be Panthers' starting QB next season

The Panthers owe it to themselves and Young to give him the keys to the offense in 2025.

Week 13 worst QB performances: Kirk Cousins' leash is getting short

From Kirk Cousins' nightmare to Kyler Murray's fourth-quarter meltdown, let's dig into Week 13's most disastrous quarterback performances.

Watch: Arch Manning's TD run gives Texas road lead vs. Texas A&M

Texas redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning broke a scoreless tie against Texas A&M in a game with massive SEC implications.

LaNorris Sellers' performance vs. Clemson gives South Carolina reason for optimism

South Carolina ended its regular season on a high note. Thanks to sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers' outstanding performance, the Gamecocks might just be getting started.

Watch: Vanderbilt returns opening kickoff for touchdown against Tennessee

Vanderbilt wasted no time putting Tennessee on the ropes.

Andrew Luck hiring could be exactly what Stanford needs

A day after its regular season ended, Stanford scored its most significant win of 2024.

Watch: Remarkable Haynes King effort propels Georgia Tech to surprising three-score lead against Georgia

Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King ruled in the first half against Georgia. 

Mike Gundy tests Oklahoma State's loyalty with no-show in regular-season finale

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy recently shared that he has no interest in retiring, but should the Cowboys even want him back? 

NFL Black Friday takeaways: Chiefs might be luckier than good this season

Kansas City's win is the type that make people think cosmic forces are at play.

Watch: Travis Hunter bolsters Heisman candidacy with interception in Colorado regular-season finale

Colorado cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter is doing all he can to wrap up the Heisman Trophy.

After Matt Eberflus firing, why one name should be at top of Bears' head-coaching wish list

While two former Caleb Williams coaches are already being floated as potential candidates for the Bears' next head coach, here's why another likely contender must be at the top of their list.

Watch: Brutal Tulane turnover leads to major swing in AAC finale

Tulane might have fumbled its chance to make the College Football Playoff.

Five hottest CFB seats: Why two power conference coaches might soon join Mack Brown

Mack Brown became the highest-profile head coach to be fired this season when North Carolina announced on Tuesday that the 2005 national champion at Texas won't return for the 2025 season.