Browns interviewing Ben McAdoo for OC

January 17, 2018 at 12:00a.m.

CLEVELAND

A person familiar with the situation says former New York Giants coach Ben McAdoo is interviewing with the Cleveland Browns to be their offensive coordinator.

McAdoo, who was fired by New York in December, is meeting Tuesday with Browns general manager John Dorsey and coach Hue Jackson, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team is not confirming any coaching interviews.

Following a 0-16 season, Jackson said he was open to hiring a coordinator after doing that job over the past two seasons. Jackson is 1-31 with the Browns.

Jackson has previously met with Houston quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan. Former Tennessee coach Mike Mularkey, who was fired Monday, could be on the team’s radar.

Stanford’s Bryce Love returning to school

STANFORD, CALIF.

Heisman Trophy runner-up and Doak Walker Award winner Bryce Love is returning to Stanford for his senior season.

Love released a statement through the school Tuesday saying he will be back next year while continuing to work on his degree in human biology.

Love set a Stanford record with 2,118 yards rushing this season, set an FBS record with 13 runs of at least 50 yards and topped the 100-yard mark 12 times despite being hampered by a sprained ankle the second half of the season and a hand injury in Stanford’s 37-35 Alamo Bowl loss to TCU.

Bengals fans donate to Bortles’ foundation

JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

Cincinnati Bengals fans are thanking Blake Bortles for helping the Jacksonville Jaguars eliminate Pittsburgh from the playoffs.

The Blake Bortles Foundation says more than 100 Bengals fans have combined to contribute nearly $5,000 since Jacksonville beat Cincinnati’s biggest rival, the Steelers, 45-42 last Sunday.

Bortles threw for 214 yards and a touchdown in the victory. He says he appreciates the contributions and adds that Bengals fans “should know their support will make a difference.”

Established in 2016, the Blake Bortles Foundation supports first responders in Florida and helps children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead pursue full, independent lives.

Hornets coach returns after 21-game absence

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Hornets coach Steve Clifford returned to practice following a 21-game absence due to headaches caused by sleep deprivation.

Clifford said Tuesday when he began experiencing intense headaches back in early December it scared him so bad he decided to take a medical leave of absence. Medical tests revealed nothing wrong internally, but Clifford said doctors told him he needed to dramatically change his lifestyle and work habits — and get more sleep.

Clifford, who last coached Charlotte on Dec. 1, says he feels rested and plans to delegate more to his assistant coaches moving forward.

The 56-year-old Clifford returns to the sideline Wednesday when Charlotte hosts Washington, the start of a five-game home stand for the struggling Hornets (17-25).

USL’s league status maintained by US

CHICAGO

The United Soccer League has been sanctioned as a second division league for 2018 by the U.S. Soccer Federation, which says the circuit has been given a two-year path to full compliance with the governing body’s standards.

The USL had been given provisional second-tier status in 2017. It began its professional competition in 2011 and held third-tier status before 2017. It reached an agreement with MLS, the only first division U.S. men’s league, in 2013 to integrate the reserve teams of the top tier.

The USSF board approved the decision last weekend during a meeting in New York.

Staff/Wire Report