I Dig Sports
MOORESVILLE, N.C. Spire Motorsports has signed 2024 ARCA Menards Series Champion Andres Perez de Lara to pilot the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado full time in pursuit of 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors.
Perez de Lara made his Truck Series debut with Spire Motorsports last June at World Wide Technology Raceway where he qualified 16th and finished ninth. Veteran crew chief Chad Walter will lead the team from pit road and call the No. 77 teams efforts in 2025.
As Spire Motorsports continues to look toward the future, its important that we identify who we expect to be long-term contributors to the growth of not only our organization, but to the sport as a whole, said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. Andres Perez da Lara has a very bright future. He has a huge upside and is already integrated into our processes and methods of preparation. Were thrilled to officially add him to the Spire family.
The 19-year-old drove the No. 2 Chevrolet to the 2024 ARCA Menards Series title, racking up 10 top-five and 17 top-10 finishes. He is the first Mexican-born driver to win the ARCA national title in its 72-year history.
In his first season of ARCA competition in 2023, he earned 10 top fives and 15 top 10s. He was the series championship runner-up in his first attempt at an American national touring series.
In just two seasons on ARCAs national tour, Perez de Lara scored three poles, 20 top-five and 33 top-10 finishes, logged a 6.4 average start, a 7.5 average finish while pacing the field for 108 laps.
The Mexico City, Mexico native started racing karts when he was 11-years-old before transitioning to L-A Formula 4 and NASCAR Mexico Trucks competition. Perez de Lara is the 2022 NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series champion the Mexican equivalent to the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He earned his first NASCAR Mexico Series victory at Ovalo Aguascalientes Mexico.
Telcel, infintium and Claro will all be featured aboard Perez de Laras No. 77 Chevy Silverado and showcased throughout the season.
Its such a great opportunity for me and one that I have been working extra hard to get, said Perez de Lara. Its awesome to work with a team like Spire, and what that means for me as a driver having so many experienced and very accomplished people working with me to make the most of this opportunity. I think Im looking forward to the competition more than anything. Im ready to step up my game and ready to work on getting the most out of every race. Daytona cant come soon enough. All the new tracks Ill be racing will be another big challenge. I am really looking forward to it.
Walter has over two decades of experience and called the shots for Spire Motorsports No. 71 Craftsman Truck Series team last season with driver Rajah Caruth. In total, the potent Walter/Caruth pairing accounted for two Cometic Gasket Pole Awards, one win, five top fives, 12 top 10s and a Round of 8 berth in the playoffs.
He began his career with NEMCO Motorsports in 1993. The Albion, New York, native has also served in engineering and crew chief roles for some of NASCARs most distinguished teams including Hendrick Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Inc., Penske Racing, Richard Childress Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing.
After two successful seasons with Rajah Caruth, Im excited to work with Andres Perez de Lara, said Walter. Ive always enjoyed the opportunity to help mold drivers into the future stars of NASCAR. Andres has proven that he can be that next one. Weve taken the time to assemble a great race team to surround him. Our goal is always to be competitive, maximize our weekends, and race the right way with our competitors. Im grateful to our leadership team for having the confidence in me to lead Andres and the 77 team in 2025.
Penske Entertainment To Promote Nashville IndyCar Weekend
INDIANAPOLIS Penske Entertainment Corp. and Big Machines Scott Borchetta jointly announced an updated event structure for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix with Penske Entertainment assuming responsibility for the promotion of the race weekend at Nashville Superspeedway.
Big Machine will remain the events entitlement partner, continuing to enhance the events connectivity to the entertainment industry and downtown Nashville.
Penske Entertainment executive Anne Fischgrund has been named president of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.
Big Machine served as the original entitlement partner for the event across its first three editions and stepped up in an additional promoter capacity as the race weekend transitioned to Nashville Superspeedway last year. Moving forward, its continued involvement as entitlement partner will be an asset for exciting musical programming and to showcase the brands artists, products and community endeavors. All things Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta also will serve as a liaison to Nashvilles entertainment community and civic leaders, keeping the event fully connected to the Music City.
Following a successful debut at famed Nashville Superspeedway this past season, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix will continue as the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series finale, taking place Sunday, Aug. 31 with a national network showcase on FOX. The 2025 Indy NXT by Firestone finale will precede the NTT IndyCar Series championship race that day.
Year one at Nashville Superspeedway was a tremendous success, thanks in great part to the terrific partnership and strong leadership exhibited by Scott Borchetta and his team at Big Machine, said Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles. As we grow our event portfolio at Penske Entertainment, its strategically important to take the reins of our season finale at such an exciting and renowned racetrack. And to see the relationship with Big Machine carry forward through this continued partnership only underscores the growth opportunities before us in the Music City.
A thrilling 2024 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix championship finale produced the best IndyCar Series numbers on record at Nashville Superspeedway, including the most on-track passes, passes for position, passes in the top 10 and passes in the top five. Colton Herta picked up his first win on an oval while Alex Palou celebrated his third NTT IndyCar Series championship.
The event also was highlighted by a street festival alongside Nashvilles iconic honky-tonks, including the Battle on Broadway Pit Stop Challenge, to begin championship weekend.
We are very proud to continue our relationship with IndyCar and build from our record-breaking 2024 season finale as the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix becomes a true crown jewel for Nashville, Middle Tennessee and global motorsports fans, Borchetta said. We will also continue to produce the incredibly successful downtown street party, which will serve as the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix kickoff event, on Friday, Aug. 29, so make plans to be with us.
1962 The First Running Of The Daytona Continental
By Bernard Kahn
Editors Note: What is today the Rolex 24 At Daytona, was first run at Daytona Intl Speedway in 1962 as the Three Hour Daytona Continental. After two seasons, the event was extended to 2,000 kilometers in 1964 and first became a 24-hour test in 1966. Heres the National Speed Sport News race report from the 1962 event, which was written by legendary sportswriter Bernard Kahn.
Tall Dan Gurney of Costa Mesa, Calif., won the fastest sports car race ever run in this country Sunday the inaugural Three Hour Daytona Continental with one of the slowest finishes in the history of racing.
Gurney was speeding along with about a four-mile lead over his closest pursuer when the engine on his red Lotus Mark 19 failed in the Easter turn 1,200 feet from the finish line.
The 5 p.m. checkered flag was due to fall in one minute and 40 seconds. Gurney, thinking quickly, coasted and braked to a dead stop just 14 feet from the yellow finish line.
He sweated out the clock and at the 5 p.m. signal, he used the starter to jump his crippled race car across the finish line as the winner.
If the 31-year-old had passed the finish line even a fraction of a second before 5 p.m., the 1962 International Sporting Code would have required him to complete another lap. Id never have made it, said the lipstick smeared, grease stained, windblown Gurney as well wishers crowded around him in victory circle.
Ricardo Rodriguez of Mexico, relief driving for Phil Hill, blazed over the line in a new rear engine two and a half liter Ferrari V-6 just 46 seconds behind Gurney.
Gurney, driving a Lotus powered by a two and a half liter Coventry Climax engine, covered 312.42 miles in three hours. He completed 82 laps on the 3.81-mile course at Daytona Speedway and averaged a torrid 104.101 mph.
Jim Hall, Midland, Texas, in a Chaparral placed third in the sports car bracket of the race. He also completed 82 laps.
True to form, Englands Stirling Moss captured high honors in the Grand Touring car division of the Continental.
The GT division only was for points toward the 1962 FIA Worlds Manufacturers Champinoship. Moss bagged nine points for the Ferrari team in his factorized 1962 three-liter Berlinetta couple.
Moss staged a remarkable performance in completing 80 laps and finish fourth overall against the swifter sports car field. He covered 304.80 miles in his silver Berlinetta.
Glenn (Fireball) Roberts, the Daytona stock car charger, making his debut in international championship competition was a surprising second in the GT division. Driving a 1961 Berlinetta factory entry, Roberts was three laps behind Moss and a strong 11th overall. He bagged six more points toward the World Manufacturers title for the Ferrari North American Racing team, which Moss also represented.
Ironically, the 1-2 cars in sports car and GT overcame troubles in scoring. Gurneys engine failed dramatically in the closing heart throbs of the race.
Hill, the FIA World driving champion from Santa Monica, Calif., and the prerace favorite, missed the first corner on the course in the 44th lap. Earlier he picked up a sea gull in his radiator. In the 45th lap, Hill pitted for 68 seconds, refueling, changing a rear right tire and also changing drivers. Ricardo Rodriguez replaced Hill for the remainder of the race. Rodriguez pitted again in the 55th lap as the cockpit appeared to be heating up.
Oil sprayed the windshield of Moss car. He said: I couldnt see a bloody thing out there. In the 20th lap, Joe Weatherly spun out on the infield in front of Moss. Bebop Joe Norfolk, of stock car fame, was driving a Lister Corvette. Weatherly nicked Moss in the spin and both cars received dented fenders.
Roberts pitted in the 48th lap for a routine gas stop. Mechanics hurriedly tried to repair a hood latch, and sent him on his way. Roberts returned to the pits in the 51st lap and this time waved the crew to remove the hood. He finished up without a hood.
There were 34 cars still running at 5 p.m. and the first Continental was completed without injury to a single driver.
The international classic drew 14,000 fans in 58 degree weather. A stiff northwest wind that blew up to 22 mph chilled the crowd and gave the cars a lift, too.
It was a unique race the first international sports car GT championship in which spectators could watch the entire operation, including all of the 3.81-mile course and the pit action.
New York born Gurney, a well built 6-2, 185-pound blond had an eight mile lead at one point in the race. He looked like the Lone Ranger, wearing a black leather mask on his face from goggles down. Gurney said he used it for the first time in December. He won, although, he finished in Nassau with no clutch and his exhaust system hanging by a thread.
The mask is a big help, Gurney said. I dont have to duck behind the windscreen and drop back when Im following another car through a corner. It protects me from wind and rocks or anything else that might be thrown up off the road.
CONCORD, N.C. Bill Rose has tabbed Zach Hampton to pilot his No. 6 machine with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars this season.
Hampton becomes the latest driver in a loaded rookie class as the upcoming season will mark his first with The Greatest Show on Dirt. He joins Cole Macedo, Chris Windom, Garet Williamson and Skylar Gee in the chase for the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year award.
Knowing he wanted to put someone in the seat as he continues to heal from injuries sustained last year, Rose recently reached out to Hampton. It was fortuitous timing for the Mooresville, Ind., native as he went from an uncertain future to a shot on sprint car racings biggest stage.
Im actually selling most of my stuff, and I was kind of prepared to be done unless I could drive for someone else but didnt really have anything in the works, Hampton explained. Bill was going to buy a few things like my mule and other small stuff, and we got to talking. It kind of started from there. Then he called me while I was at Chili Bowl and asked if Id be interested. We talked some more and got a deal worked out that works well for both of us.
Hampton has plenty of sprint var laps under his belt. His 2024 campaign was highlighted by several top 10s in weekly Knoxville Raceway action. In 2023 he picked up an impressive FAST victory in his home state at Circle City Raceway.
Now he takes the step up to the demanding World of Outlaws calendar where hell face off with the best of the best every night.
Im really excited, Hampton said. Theres going to be a big learning curve in a lot of areas. I think theres like 90 races on the schedule, and the most by far Ive ever done in a year is, I want to say, 52. Thats definitely going to be a big step up, but I think thatll only help me from a driving standpoint being on the track more and more consistently.
The opportunity is one that Hampton is motivated to take advantage of. It wasnt all that long ago that he was selling his equipment without a solid situation ahead. The time is now for Hampton.
Its nice that people see potential there and that Bill trusts me not only driving his car but to be a part of this team, Hampton said. The drivers are usually kind of the face of it. It means a lot that he trusts me enough in all of those aspects to come race with them.
While Rose has added Hampton to the team, fans can still expect to see Rose himself behind the wheel. Hes still ironing out the details as he continues to await medical clearance, but with it being his 50th overall year in racing, Rose has no intentions of only being a crew chief all season.
Red Bull Returns To NASCAR With Trackhouse Racing
MOORESVILLE, N.C. Red Bull, one of the biggest names in motorsports, is joining forces with Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Red Bull will serve as the official energy drink of Trackhouse Racing and the primary partner on Shane van Gisbergens No. 88 Chevrolet in five NASCAR Cup Series races as well as the Cup Series debut of 18-year-old Connor Zilisch, who will drive the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas on March 2.
The sponsorship also marks Red Bulls return to NASCAR after an absence of more than a decade.
Its an incredible chapter in the history of Trackhouse Racing to welcome Red Bull back to NASCAR, said Trackhouse founder and owner Justin Marks. Red Bull is one of the most powerful brands in the world and its an honor for us to embark on a partnership with such an iconic company.
Red Bull and Trackhouse share a passion for racing, stories, and memorable experiences. This is a huge win for our sport and a moment that will resonate with the millions of NASCAR fans around the world. Im thrilled for Connor, Shane, and every member of Trackhouse to partner with who I consider to be the greatest motorsport company in the world. We are more than honored to welcome Red Bull to the Trackhouse Racing family.
Van Gisbergen has been a Red Bull Athlete since 2016 when the Auckland, New Zealand native raced in the Supercars series where he won titles in 2016, 2021 and 2022 and scored 78 wins and 47 pole positions making him the fourth most successful driver in series history. He also won the Bathurst 1000 in 2020 and 2022.
He made his NASCAR debut at the Chicago Street Race in 2023 as part of Trackhouse Racings PROJECT91 program Marks created to give international racing stars an opportunity in NASCAR. Van Gisbergen took advantage, becoming the first driver in 60 years to win his Cup Series debut.
That victory led to Van Gisbergen moving to America as a Trackhouse Development driver and competing for Kaulig Racing in the Xfinity Series where he won three times in 2024. In 2025, he embarks on his rookie year in the Cup Series.
Van Gisbergen will drive the familiar Red Bull paint scheme at the March 16 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, July 13 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway, Aug. 3 Iowa Speedway, Aug. 23 at Daytona (Fla.) Intl Speedway and Sept. 28 at Kansas Speedway.
I have enjoyed a lot of new experiences and met a lot of new people since coming to NASCAR, but it is nice to be joined by Red Bull who has been a big supporter of mine for many years back home, said Van Gisbergen.
Id love nothing more than to give Red Bull a victory as a way to thank them for joining myself, Connor and Trackhouse Racing.
Zilisch is a Trackhouse Racing development driver, stormed onto the racing scene in 2024 compiling an impressive résumé that includes winning his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen Intl plus two Craftsman Truck Series poles, victories at the Rolex 24 in Daytona, the Twelve Hours of Sebring, four ARCA races and a CARS Tour event.
Zilisch is racing full-time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports. He already has a relationship with Red Bull when the company selected him as a Red Bull Athlete in August.
I was surprised when they presented me my Red Bull helmet and hat last summer and doubly surprised when they told me I would make my Cup debut in the No. 87 with a Red Bull paint scheme, said Zilisch. Red Bull is going to bring a lot more eyes to NASCAR, and I think everyone will win when that happens.
Agyemang & Co. make January case for future USMNT involvement
The annual January camp for the U.S. men's national team has reached its conclusion, and while the full scope of its success or failure won't be known for some time, the initial reaction is positive. The USMNT came away with wins over Venezuela and Costa Rica by 3-1 and 3-0 scores, respectively. The U.S. looked solid on both sides of the ball and was deserving of its victories.
Yet the takeaways from these matches skew more toward individual performances than the result, although the two often go hand in hand. And while those initial assessments usually focus on up-and-comers, there is an opportunity for the revival of some international careers that were thought to be dormant. It is those players who often have a better chance of an immediate recall than some of the newbies. That's as good a spot as any to lead off with in terms of which players were the winners of the camp.
Steffen makes his case to be No. 1
Matt Turner has been solid in his recent USMNT performances, but his lack of playing time with Crystal Palace has left enough of an opening that a goalkeeper hitting top form could make a push to take over. Based on Wednesday's encounter against the Ticos, Zack Steffen could very well be the player to provide that challenge.
The Colorado Rapids No. 1 certainly has plenty of experience. He was the starter for much of the 2022 cycle before losing his spot to Turner, which was followed by Steffen's shocking omission from the World Cup roster. The way back has been difficult.
Desperately in need of playing time, and coming off a knee injury, Steffen had to give up on his European dream to return to MLS. There were certainly some early struggles in Colorado, but Steffen has been on U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino's radar since the Argentine was hired, coming into both of the previous camps, although he didn't see the field. Given that the January matches were played outside of an international window, an opportunity beckoned against Costa Rica, and Steffen took full advantage.
Steffen's appearance on Wednesday was his first in a USMNT uniform since the end of 2022 World Cup qualifying, when the Ticos beat the U.S. His memories of this window's match were far brighter. Steffen delivered three saves on the night, two of which were outstanding efforts to deny Alejandro Bran in the 37th minute and Allan Cruz 11 minutes after halftime.
This is just a first step. As Pochettino put it with regard to all the players in the January camp, "They need to push themselves now, they need to come back to their clubs and be the best."
Steffen appears to be ready.
A tale of two strikers
Over the course of the two games, the U.S. got excellent performances from both of its No. 9s. Patrick Agyemang tallied in both games, while Brian White opened the scoring against Costa Rica.
Of the two, White is the more polished performer. The timing of his runs is better and his movements more subtle. That sense of anticipation explains how he has been able to score 71 goals in 196 league and cup appearances, first with the New York Red Bulls and more recently with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
It makes sense. At age 28, White is entering his eighth professional season compared to Agyemang, who is beginning his third.
Agyemang has the higher upside, though. He's four years younger, and at 6-foot-4, he has the kind of frame -- as well as deceptive mobility -- that is a nightmare for defenders to deal with. It's expected that he'll become more refined as he adds experience.
RSL pair shine in midfield
If there was one enduring image of this January camp, it was the sight of Diego Luna with cotton stuffed up his nostrils after suffering a broken nose thanks to a wayward elbow from Creichel Pérez. Then, just seconds after re-entering the match because of his injury, it was Luna who received the ball in midfield, ran at the Ticos' defense, and laid in a perfect through ball for White to latch onto and finish.
Luna's perseverance personified the competitiveness and spirit that Pochettino has been preaching since he took the job last September.
Afterwards, during a postgame interview with TNT, Pochettino said that Luna had "big balls," which sent the TNT crew into howls of laughter. In his subsequent interview with the rest of the media, Pochettino's comments were more G-rated.
"[Luna] showed great character because he wanted to stay," the U.S. manager said. "He wanted to play."
The only pity was that Luna did have to come off at halftime because of his injury. Yet his 45-minute stint showed enough for Pochettino to at least keep an eye on the Real Salt Lake midfielder going forward. Luna is ready for the next step and remains the most intriguing prospect to come out of the January camp.
He was by no means the only midfielder to shine, though.
Emeka Eneli, Luna's club teammate, was a force in more of a defensive midfield role, providing plenty of steel against a side known for its bite. Eneli also proved adept at connecting his passes and assisted on the second U.S. goal, a very sharp finish from Caden Clark. That said, Eneli looked a bit labored at times in terms of his recovery defense. It is still preseason for all of these players, which explains why there were some uneven displays from the likes of Matko Miljevic, Indiana Vassilev and Benjamin Cremaschi.
Jack McGlynn proved to be arguably the player of the camp, riding his goal and assist against Venezuela into another composed performance in 45 minutes of work against Costa Rica. Not only was his passing sharp, but his eight recoveries led the team.
Fresh faces emerge to challenge familiar backline
The U.S. defense contained more familiar names than any other part of the field, and Shaq Moore, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman all acquitted themselves well across two matches. The only goal conceded came from a set piece.
It was a pair of relative newcomers who caught the eye, though. George Campbell looked strong against Venezuela, even when he ventured forward. DeJuan Jones earned his 10th cap and was given license to get forward as much as possible from left-back. He took advantage, and dazzled with a gorgeous, outside-of-the-foot pass that sprung Agyemang for his stoppage-time tally.
Will it be enough to get called up in March for the Nations League semifinals? Jones finds himself battling a numbers game, as do many of his teammates in this camp. There just don't appear to be too many spots open, but Pochettino has accumulated plenty of data. For the likes of Steffen, McGlynn, Agyemang and Luna, there is a greater level of comfort at bringing them into the full team should the situation arise.
Browns' Stefanski reclaims playcalling in 2025
BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski will reassume playcalling duties next season after relinquishing them midway through 2024.
Stefanski made the announcement Thursday as he introduced Tommy Rees as the team's new offensive coordinator.
"I'm going to call plays, and I reserve the right to change my mind," Stefanski said.
Stefanski, a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, called plays during his first four seasons as the Browns coach. He gave up the playcalling duties to Ken Dorsey amid a 1-6 start to the season and days after quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending right Achilles tendon tear.
Rees, who served as Cleveland's tight ends coach and pass game specialist in 2024, will be tasked with helping rebuild a scheme that was configured to bring Watson back to Pro Bowl form but failed. Cleveland ranked 28th in total offense and 32nd in scoring this season. Watson had the lowest Total QBR in the NFL before he sustained a season-ending injury for the second straight year.
Watson underwent surgery earlier in the month after re-tearing his Achilles and will likely miss a significant portion of the 2025 season. Watson, who has played in 19 games since Cleveland traded three first-round picks for him, has two years remaining on the five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million deal he signed before the 2022 season. The Browns owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons, and he has cap hits of $72.9 million in 2025 and 2026, the second highest in the NFL.
Cleveland is expected to add multiple quarterbacks this offseason and will look at options in free agency and the draft, where the team holds the No. 2 pick.
Rees declined to comment on former Alabama quarterback and draft prospect Jalen Milroe, whom he coached during the 2023 season as the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Asked what attribute he wants in the Browns' next quarterback, Rees said, "I've always started with the ability to make decisions and make the right decisions. ... I want a decision-maker at the position."
Lions GM: Goff will still shine despite OC's exit
ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Brad Holmes is already back to work.
Not even a full week has passed since the top-seeded Lions suffered an upset loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round on Saturday, but Detroit's general manager and members of the organization no longer have the energy to waste any more time feeling sorry for themselves.
They've now lost both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson (Chicago Bears) and defensive coordinators Aaron Glenn (New York Jets) to head coaching jobs while former defensive line coach Terrell Williams has also accepted a defensive coordinator position with the New England Patriots.
"There's literally nothing else to do but pick yourself up and get back to work," Holmes said during his end-of-season availability.
Despite all those sudden changes, Holmes isn't expecting a drop-off in veteran quarterback Jared Goff's play after losing Johnson, or anyone for that matter.
"I think the guy's in his prime. He's gotten better and better every year. And when I say prime, I think like just entering it," Holmes said of Goff. "It's because he keeps ascending. I think like every single year we've been here, the next year, it's been 'man, he's playing at a high level.' And the levels keep improving. Again, I just have a lot of faith in [head coach] Dan [Campbell] and I know that he'll make sure that Jared's gonna be in a good position."
With Johnson as the Lions' offensive coordinator the past three seasons, Goff experienced a career revival in Detroit after being traded from the Los Angeles Rams. Johnson and Goff developed a close-knit bond to lead the organization to a franchise-best 15 wins in 2024 as Goff became the first player in NFL history to complete at least 72% of his passes and throw for more than 4,500 yards in a season.
On Thursday, Goff was named an MVP finalist by the Associated Press. He also received Pro Bowl honors for the fourth time of his career after ending with 4,629 passing yards with 37 touchdowns to 12 interceptions this season.
Holmes said he has the ultimate faith in Campbell, who was also named an AP Coach of the Year finalist, to fill those coordinator spots.
"Obviously we were prepared to lose those guys. Those guys were great coaches, and I mean, just call it what it is, we were lucky to have both of them this year," Holmes said. "But I know Dan has been preparing for it and I have the full faith and trust in Dan to make sure we're gonna have the right people in place in those spots and he's had to encounter that before. Not at the coordinator level, but other position coaches and it's always worked out."
During the process, Campbell plans to incorporate Goff's input "a lot" in finding a new offensive coordinator to take over for Johnson.
"To me that's important. That's what Ben did a great job of, is those guys working together, and the system was kind of built from the ground up, and it was to help him and for him to be a part of," Campbell said Monday. "And so, yeah, that's huge, he'll have a lot of input. What he says, says a lot to me, I should say. Now, is it going to be the ultimate decision? No, it's not, but what he says is going to mean a lot to me."
Like Campbell, Holmes doesn't feel as if Detroit's Super Bowl window has closed after losing in their playoff opener. He still feels the team is "very close" to winning a Super Bowl and the process has already started for 2025 to make that happen.
"I just think that we just stay the course and keep building like we've been. I do think that we're very close," Holmes said. "Obviously, I thought we were very close this year, but nothing's gonna kinda alter what our approach has been in terms of trying to continue to improve and keep building.
"Obviously, I do think we're very close and I felt really good about this season but fell short but we're gonna stay committed and stay committed to the process."
China to host BJK Cup Finals for next three years
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will be held in Shenzhen, China for the next three years.
China, reigning champions Italy and six qualifiers will contest the week-long Finals in 2025, with a date yet to be confirmed.
Three venues in Shenzhen are being considered - including the 12,000 capacity Shenzhen Bay Sports Arena, which staged the WTA Finals in 2019.
Prague, Glasgow, Seville and Malaga were chosen as hosts for the first four editions, but organisers say a global event of this nature cannot stay in Europe for too long.
"The announcement demonstrates our commitment to bringing the passion and excitement of nation v nation team tennis to markets around the world," Billie Jean King said.
The tournament, formerly called the Fed Cup, sees 18 teams split into six groups of three in qualifying, with the group winners progressing to the Finals.
The draw for April's qualifying competition will take place later on Thursday.
Great Britain are one of the seeded nations but have not been selected to host one of the groups and already know they will be heading to either Japan or the Netherlands in April.
Watch GB's Patten and Heliovaara reach Australian Open doubles final
Watch Britain's Henry Patten and Finnish team-mate Harri Heliovaara reach their first Australian Open men's doubles final together against Germany's Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz.
READ MORE: GB's Patten & Finn Heliovaara 'ride the wave' to reach Melbourne doubles final
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