O'Neil will come to Berea after serving on Mike Pettine's staff with the Bills.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Buffalo Bills linebackers coach Jim O'Neil could soon be joining the Browns as defensive coordinator and bringing other Bills assistants along with him.

Bills coach Doug Marrone said O'Neil, the team's linebackers coach is headed to Cleveland and "to the best of my knowledge," will be become the Browns' coordinator, per ESPN Buffalo's Mike Rodak.

Marrone also revealed that two other Bills staffers, Jeff Hafley and Brian Fleury, will be be reunited with former Buffalo defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, named Browns new coach on Thursday. The Bills' twitter account released the information.

The Browns have not confirmed the information.

There were reports earlier today the Bills, who hired Jim Schwartz as their new defensive coordinator, had given the Browns permission to interview O'Neil. The Bills linebackers coach had followed Pettine from the New York Jets, where he coached for four seasons, to Buffalo last season.

Hafley will serve as a secondary coach for the Browns, Marrone said. He was a defensive assistant last season with the Bills. Fleury will work as an assistant linebackers coach, Marrone said. He was a defensive quality-control coach for the Bills last season, his first in the NFL.

Earlier in the day, cleveland.com reported the Browns are hiring former Bills linebackers coach Chuck Driesbach, who has a long history with Pettine. Driesbach, 61, fired by the Bills on Jan 13, will join the Browns defensive staff in some capacity.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This week we're switching things up on the Pick-and-Roll podcast. In order to better discuss the week past and the week upcoming of Northeast Ohio girls basketball, Mark Kern and Stephanie Kuzydym decided to switch the day the podcast airs.  Instead of Thursday, after half a week of new games have been played, the podcast will...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This week we're switching things up on the Pick-and-Roll podcast. In order to better discuss the week past and the week upcoming of Northeast Ohio girls basketball, Mark Kern and Stephanie Kuzydym decided to switch the day the podcast airs. 

Instead of Thursday, after half a week of new games have been played, the podcast will air on Wednesday, to discuss all that happened the previous week and take a better look ahead.

This week, Solon coach Trish Kruse as well as senior guard Kristen Confroy and junior guard Jordan Bekelja will join the podcast, as well as adidas Girls Basketball National Director Kevin McNamara. The fourth-edition of the Pick-and-Roll podcast will air Wednesday at 10 a.m.

If you have any questions for our guests, or want to submit discussion topics for this week's podcast, you can do so in the comments section below. You can register here for an account if you don't have one.

Girls basketball reporters Stephanie Kuzydym (@stephkuzy) and Mark Kern (@mkern11) will break down all things girls basketball.

We'll discuss the new Top 25 rankings, some more players that are surprising us and what the consequences of all this bad weather could mean for the area teams. We'll also break down last week's results and look ahead to this week's matchups.

The Pick-and-Roll is a weekly podcast, featuring insight from Kuzydym and Kern as well as discussion from players and coaches. We'll have a promo post each week inviting you to share any questions you have for our guests.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the high school basketball season and engaging with you through the year.

Contact high school sports reporter Stephanie Kuzydym by email (skuzydym@cleveland.com) or on Twitter. (@stephkuzy). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Lattimore will join Glenville teammates Erick Smith and Marcelys Jones in Ohio State's 2014 recruiting class.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – In anticipation of National Signing Day on Feb. 5, Cleveland.com is putting together player profiles for each prospect Ohio State will soon officially add to its roster.

Marshon Lattimore

School: Glenville High School

Position: Defensive back

Height, Weight: 6-foot, 185 pounds

Rivals.com rating: Lattimore is ranked as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, the No. 3 player in Ohio, behind Glenville teammate Erick Smith and SVSM linebacker Dante Booker,  the No. 9 athlete among players ranked without a specific position and the overall No. 134 player.

Other schools: Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, Penn State, West Virginia

How he fits into Ohio State’s plans: A receiver and defensive back at Glenville, Lattimore projects on the defensive side of the ball with the Buckeyes. But you never know how things are going to work out, as Ohio State has in the past juggled the futures of young players who play both those positions. Lattimore has the tools to start at corner sooner than later, but the Buckeyes have several young options in the secondary, with Eli Apple, Gareon Conley, Cam Burrows and Vonn Bell all part of the 2013 class. Ohio State will be replacing Bradley Roby at one starting corner spot, but Lattimore has competition in front of him there for now. But at some point down the line, it's not hard to imagine one of those starting corner jobs belonging to him.

Projection for 2014: Lattimore is easy to project as an immediate contributor on special teams, especially for anyone who saw his leap to block a field goal against Solon. Defensive backs are major parts of special teams, and Lattimore could help immediately on kick coverage, punt block, kick block and as a blocker in the return game. The Buckeyes love to talk about how the best way to playing time on offense or defense is through special teams, and expect Lattimore to understand that message very quickly.

What we’ve written about Lattimore:

• Lattimore picks Ohio State as Glenville pipeline flows 

• Lattimore finalist for U.S. Army All-American Bowl POY award

• Breaking Bama: Buckeyes and Alabama both chase Lattimore and teammates

• Lattimore opens eyes with block of field goal

What others have written about Lattimore:

• Lattimore on choice: "It just feels like family"

• Lattimore on offense, too?

Videos:

NORTH CANTON, Ohio -- On Saturday, Huntington Prep (W.Va) guard RJ Jones had a bit of a homecoming at the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout. While North Canton is still about an hour from Cleveland, the former Benedictine guard had friends and family in the crowd to watch him play against Shaker Heights. Jones came off the bench and scored six...

NORTH CANTON, Ohio -- On Saturday, Huntington Prep (W.Va) guard RJ Jones had a bit of a homecoming at the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout.

While North Canton is still about an hour from Cleveland, the former Benedictine guard had friends and family in the crowd to watch him play against Shaker Heights. Jones came off the bench and scored six points for his team in a 78-36 win over the Raiders.

"It was fun getting back here," Jones said. "It was nice to see a lot of people that I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to before."

Jones, a junior, transferred from Benedictine to Huntington Prep earlier this month. His last game for his old team was on Jan. 4.

His decision to leave had nothing to do with his former school, he said.

"It wasn't because of Benedictine at all," Jones said. "It was a good opportunity for me, and I couldn't resist it."

In his brief time with the Lakers, Jones has taken on the role of backup point guard behind Josh Perkins, a Gonzaga commit.

"In just two weeks, I feel like I've gotten a lot better, bigger and stronger," Jones said.

With Perkins a senior, Jones could see an increase in minutes for the Lakers next season. Huntington Prep has produced many college players, including Kansas freshman Andrew Wiggins.

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao is questionable for Tuesday night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans with a left knee contusion.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao is questionable for Tuesday night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans with a left knee contusion, coach Mike Brown said at shootaround Tuesday morning at Cleveland Clinic Courts.

Varejao was injured late in Sunday's 99-90 loss to Phoenix at The Q. He finished the game, and an MRI on Monday confirmed the left knee contusion and hyperextension.

Brown said Varejao's knee had been bothering him, but on Sunday, Varejao shrugged off any concern.

"I'll be fine," he said. "I'm trying to stay positive."

Brown said if Varejao was unable to play, Tyler Zeller likely would start. Varejao has played 44 games with the Cavs this season, the most in four seasons after a variety of bizarre injuries.

Cavs vs. Pelicans

Probable starting lineups: Cavs -- F Tristan Thompson, F Luol Deng, C Anderson Varejao, G C.J. Miles, G Kyrie Irving. Pelicans -- F Anthony Davis, F Al-Farouq Aminu, C Alexis Ajinca, G Eric Gordon, G Brian Roberts.

Injuries: Cavs -- Varejao (left knee contusion) is questionable. Carrick Felix (left patellar stress fracture) is out. Pelicans -- Ryan Anderson (herniated disc), Jrue Holiday (right tibia, stress fracture), Jason Smith (right knee cartilage) are out.

Officials: Marc Davis, Dick Bavetta, Matt Boland.

Up next for Cavs: Thursday at Knicks.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — With the wrestling postseason getting into full swing, we want to know which postseason tournament you prefer. With one year under its belt, do you prefer the dual team tournament? Or are you a traditionalist that prefers the individual tournament?

CLEVELAND, Ohio — With the wrestling postseason getting into full swing, we want to know which postseason tournament you prefer.

With one year under its belt, do you prefer the dual team tournament? Or are you a traditionalist that prefers the individual tournament?

What are the best aspects of each tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

New this school year: Readers can now comment on all cleveland.com high school sports stories — and we encourage it.

Look for the comments section at the bottom of every post. Registering for an account is free and takes just a few minutes (click here for an account). Once you register you will have the ability to comment on all posts.

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Is Mike Pettine the right hire for the Browns? Does Kyrie Irving deserve to be a starter in the All-Star game? Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

Is Mike Pettine the right hire for the Browns? Does Kyrie Irving deserve to be a starter in the All-Star game?

Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com’s Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Who will be the next offensive coordinator?

• Who needs to step up and be a leader on the Cavs?

• Will the Indians re-sign Ubaldo?

• Can the Browns re-sign Alex Mack and T.J. Ward?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to also like Terry Pluto on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — This week’s boys basketball podcast, the Full Court Press, will feature representatives from the Cleveland Central Catholic and East Tech boys basketball teams. Central Catholic coach Jonathan Harris will be on to discuss his team’s tough slate, which included two games against nationally-ranked teams last week, and a matchup with Villa Angela-St. Joseph on Thursday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — This week’s boys basketball podcast, the Full Court Press, will feature representatives from the Cleveland Central Catholic and East Tech boys basketball teams.

Central Catholic coach Jonathan Harris will be on to discuss his team’s tough slate, which included two games against nationally-ranked teams last week, and a matchup with Villa Angela-St. Joseph on Thursday.

East Tech coach Brett Moore will also join the podcast, along with some players, to break down the Scarabs season and give an early look at next week’s Senate League playoffs.

Starting this week, the boys basketball podcast will be posted at 10 a.m. on Thursday on cleveland.com.

If you have questions for any of our guests, or want to submit discussion topics for this week’s podcast, you can do so in the comments section below. You can register here for an account if you don’t have one.

Boys basketball reporter David Cassilo (@dcassilo) will be joined by Mark Kern (@MarkKern11) and Bill Landis (@blandis25) of the Northeast Ohio Media Group to break down all things boys basketball.

The Full Court Press is a weekly podcast, featuring insight from David, Mark and Bill as well as discussions with area players and coaches. We’ll have a promo post each week inviting you to share any questions you have for our guests.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the high school basketball season and engaging with you throughout the year.

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Shanahan worked with Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins offense.

NEW YORK -- Former Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will interview with the Browns Wednesday for their offensive coordinator position, a league source confirmed for cleveland.com.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen first reported the interview is Wednesday and earlier Tuesday, espn.com's John Keim noted that the Browns had reached out to Shanahan, 34, who was turned down for similar positions in Miami and Baltimore.

Shanahan spent the past four seasons as Redskins' coordinator under his dad, Mike, before both were fired a day after the season.

The two were let go because of second-year quarterback Robert Griffin III's rocky season and the Redskins' 3-13 season. Discord between the younger Shanahan and Griffin was well-documented, and may have hurt his chances of landing other jobs.

The NFC East's last-place team finished 23rd in points per game this season after ranking fourth in 2012.

Before joining his father in Washington, Shanahan served as offensive coordinator in Houston under Gary Kubiak, becoming the league's youngest coordinator at 28.

In Houston, Shanahan's offenses finished third fourth in total yards in 2008 and 2009, and 10th and ninth in points per game.

NFL Network's Albert Breer also reported that the Browns like Cowboys offensive coordinator Bill Callahan, but that the Cowboys might not grant permission for him to interview. The Ravens were denied permission to interview him last week, but that was before the Cowboys hired former Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan Tuesday as their new playcalled.

Callahan, who's served as the Cowboys offensive coordinator/offensive line coach the past two seasons, is signed through this season. He became the playcalled in 2013 when Jerry Jones stripped head coach Jason Garrett of that responsibility.

Callahan spent four seasons with Browns new coach Mike Pettine with the New York Jets, from 2008-11. Callahan was assistant coach/offensive line, and Pettine was defensive coordinator.

On Cavs Insider, cleveland.com's Glenn Moore talked Cavs with The Plain Dealer's Mary Schmitt Boyer.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Are the Cavaliers too nice to each other? Has Mike Brown improved the offense?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mother nature is at it again here in Cleveland, as many teams are having to reschedule games and play some back-to-backs. One team that has not been affected is the Solon Comets, who are playing their best basketball at the right time of the year.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mother nature is at it again here in Cleveland, as many teams are having to reschedule games and play some back-to-backs.

One team that has not been affected is the Solon Comets, who are playing their best basketball at the right time of the year.

We are excited to introduce comments to all cleveland.com high school sports stories this school year. Please sound off and share your top 25 in the comments section at the bottom of this post.

Make sure to also check out our talking points article, which explains some of our Top 25 decisions . It’s posted every Tuesday, too.

Which girls basketball team do you think is the best in Northeast Ohio? Let us know in the comments.

Teams are entering the final part stretch in the regular season, with potential playoff seeding on the line

(Records through Monday. Last week's ranking in parentheses.)

1.Wadsworth, 16-0 (1)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Green.

This week: Wednesday vs. Copley, Saturday vs. Tallmadge.

What makes the Grizzlies such an effective team is the composure they show on the court. A potential showdown looms on Feb. 5 with Solon.

2.Berea-Midpark, 15-0 (2)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Brunswick.

This week: Wednesday vs. No. 14 Westlake, Saturday at No. 6 Magnificat.

The Titans were supposed to play Magnificat on Monday, but the weather forced the game to be changed to Saturday.

3. Solon, 14-3 (4)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated No. 8 Mentor and then No. 7 Stow-Munroe Falls.

This week: Wednesday at No. 9 Walsh Jesuit, Saturday vs. No. 11 Stow-Munroe Falls.

The Comets are playing as well as anybody in the area, defeating two consecutive top 10 teams on the road by an average of 28 points.

4. St. Vincent-St. Mary, 16-1 (3)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Defeated Hathaway Brown, Youngstown East and Mansfield Sr.

This week: Wednesday vs. No. 5 North Royalton , Saturday vs. Canton Central Catholic.

The Irish are quietly going about things, and have one of the best players in the area in Jordan Korinek.

5. North Royalton, 15-1 (5)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated then-No. 10 Westlake and Elyria.

This week: Wednesday at No. 4 St. Vincent-St Mary, Saturday at Brunswick.

The Bears have not lost since their second game of the season, and have one of the area’s top players in junior Alison Smolinski.

6. Magnificat, 11-4 (11)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Hudson and then-No.17 St. Joseph Academy.

This week: Wednesday at No. 10 Holy Name, Saturday vs. No. 2 Berea-Midpark.

The Blue Streaks are in the midst of a difficult part of their schedule where they play five games in 12 days.

7. Lakewood, 12-3 (12)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Bay.

This week: Wednesday at Vermillion, Thursday vs. North Ridgeville and Saturday vs. No. 15 Elyria Catholic.

In their last victory over Bay, 11 different Rangers were able to score.

8. Mentor, 11-4 (8)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated then-No.6 Walsh Jesuit, Lost to then- No. 4 Solon.

This week: Wednesday at No. 20 St. Joseph Academy, Saturday at Hudson.

The Cardinals have a star in Kayla Gabor, who has scored in double figures in all but one game this season.

9. Walsh Jesuit, 11-3 (6)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Lost to No. 8 Mentor.

This week: Wednesday vs. No. 3 Solon, Saturday at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.

The Warriors have four scorers capable of leading the team in scoring on any given night.

10. Holy Name, 13-3 (13)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Padua and St. Thomas Aquinas.

This week: Wednesday vs. No. 6 Magnificat, Saturday vs. Warren John F. Kennedy.

Kim Cook is one of the most dominating post players in the area, averaging 16.5 points for the Green Wave.

11. Stow-Munroe Falls, 15-3 (7)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Defeated Canton GlenOak and Shaker Heights, Lost to then No. 4 Solon.

This week: Wednesday at No. 25 Twinsburg, Saturday at No. 3 Solon.

The Bulldogs have hit a rough spot in their schedule, going 3-3 in their last six games.

12. Cuyahoga Heights, 17-0 (10)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Defeated Wickliffe and Independence.

This week: Wednesday vs. Willoughby South, Saturday vs. Beachwood.

The Redskings defense was impressive last week, allowing just 19.5 points in their two victories.

13. Eastlake North, 13-1 (15)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Willoughby South.

This week: Wednesday at Perry, Saturday vs. Ashtabula Lakeside.

Steph Clad is an emerging star for the Rangers, scoring 26 points in her last outing.

14.Westlake, 12-3 (10)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Lost to No. 5 North Royalton.

This week: Wednesday at No. 2 Berea-Midpark, Saturday at North Olmsted.

Sophomore Monica Fury is coming off a big performance in the loss to North Royalton, finishing the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

15. Elyria Catholic, 14-2 (15)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Midview.

This week: Wednesday at North Ridgeville, Saturday at No. 7 Lakewood.

Freshman Jessie Lee is coming off a strong game against Midview, scoring 15 points.

16. Avon, 11-5 (16)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated North Ridgeville.

This week: Wednesday vs. Rocky River, Saturday at Bay.

The Eagles are getting hot at the right time, and have the potential to make a run in the playoffs.

17. Brecksville-Broadview Heights, 10-4 (21)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.

This week: Thursday at Olmsted Falls.

Erin Livingston scored 17 points in the win over Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.

18. Mogadore, 15-0 (22)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Streetsboro.

This week: Wednesday at Garrettsville Garfield.

The Wildcats were able to win a close game against Streetsboro, as Ashley Barker scored 22 points in the victory.

19. Gilmour, 11-3 (23)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated North Olmsted.

This week: Thursday vs. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy,

The Lancers have one of the best inside-outside duos in guard Kelsey Duggar and Jess Janota.

20. St. Joseph Academy, 10-5 (17)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Defeated Lake Catholic, Lost to then- No. 11 Magnificat.

This week: Tuesday vs. Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, Wednesday vs. No. 8 Mentor, Saturday vs. Avon Lake.

The Jaguars' are a streaky team, but can hang with anybody when they are hitting from the perimeter.

21. Nordonia, 12-4 (17)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Lost to Cloverleaf.

This week: Wednesday at Tallmadge, Saturday at Highland.

 The Knights have two games before a showdown with Wadsworth on Feb.3.

22. Beachwood, 10-5 (NR)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: N/A.

This week: Thursday at Hathaway Brown, Saturday at No. 12 Cuyahoga Heights.

The Bison have three players averaging at least 12 points, including Aryana Jackson with 17.5 points.

23. Ravenna, 12-5 (NR)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Norton.

This week: Wednesday at Coventry.

The Ravens have been playing well as of late, winning three consecutive games.

24. East Tech, 11-4 (NR)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Whitney Young.

This week: Tuesday at Rhodes.

The Scarabs have been clicking on the offensive end, averaging 74.5 points in their last four games.

25. Twinburg, 8-8 (25)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Mercy Academy, Lost to Notre Dame Academy.

This week: Wednesday vs. Stow-Munroe Falls,  Saturday at Shaker Heights.

The Tigers have one of the top scorers in all the area in Baleigh Reid.

Dropped out: Villa Angela-St. Joseph and Independence.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This week's girls basketball Top 25 poll was released Tuesday. Check out the new top 25 here. Each week after posting the updated Top 25, we'll post another story like this with talking points, including insight into why some teams moved up or down, or in or out of the rankings.

Fans braved the cold weather to make their way to Progressive Field for Tribe Fest this past weekend. They were able to get autographs and meet their favorite current and past players. Check out our coverage from the weekend

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fans braved the cold weather to make their way to Progressive Field for Tribe Fest this past weekend. They were able to get autographs and meet their favorite current and past players.

Francona believes that Asdrubal Cabrera will have a good season, adding the shortstop "has something to prove." That something meaning that his season (.242, 14 HR, 64 RBI, .700 OPS) is not the new normal. Francona was pleased that Cabrera cut his errors from 15 and 19 in the previous two seasons to only nine in 2013.

Smith, who came to Ohio State in 2005, said he plans to retire at Ohio State, with the latest extension taking him through 2020.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Forget about $1 million football assistant coaches - Ohio State will have an athletic director making nearly $1 million per year.

Gene Smith will receive a four-year contract extension, a promotion to vice president and a raise, retroactive to last July, that will pay him $940,484 per year in base salary, the university announced on Tuesday. He was also announced as assuming new duties with the business office that Smith said in a phone interview he actually has been performing for about a year.

With Ohio State less than three years removed from an NCAA scandal that cost football coach Jim Tressel his job, Smith, 58, now has a raise, a promotion, an extension and a plan to finish his career at Ohio State. Some questioned his status in 2011, but there's little doubt about it now.

“I made sure I did what I should do and what was right,” Smith said Tuesday when asked about the idea that his job may have been on the line after the scandal. “I never swayed in my integrity. I understand that point of view, but the powers that be here and the people that I work with every day know what I stand for.

"So I've had a positive impact on Ohio State athletics and Ohio State University, and I have a vision for the future."

Smith said at the Orange Bowl that he didn't see an Ohio State assistant football coach making $1 million a year in the near future, but he said you never know what might happen. Salaries continue to escalate in big-time college sports. While Smith is taking on other duties, he said he wants to remain in charge of the athletics department as well.

“I am an athletic director, so that's the core of who I am,” Smith said. “But I've been blessed enough that we've created a culture here and we have the leadership here that it's given me an opportunity to help in some other areas.”

Smith said he went to OSU interim president Joseph Alutto with the desire to put in place a plan for Smith to finish his career in Columbus. Alutto, in a news release, called Smith one of the nation's most accomplished athletic directors.

A Cleveland native, Smith came to Ohio State in 2005 after previously serving as the athletic director at Arizona State, Iowa State and Eastern Michigan. Now he plans to be at Ohio State for good, mentioning that his extension through 2020 puts him basically in line with the current contracts of football coach Urban Meyer and basketball coach Thad Matta.

"Our goal is to have an athletic department that's stable," Smith said. "Talent retention among the coaches is critical. So hopefully we can do that and stay on this upward trajectory with what we've been able to do athletically and academically."

Here is the full new release from Ohio State:

Ohio State Names Eugene Smith Vice President

Extends contract to 2020, recognizes broad leadership

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio State University Interim President Joseph Alutto today announced the promotion and contract extension of Eugene Smith, naming him vice president in addition to his continuing duties as director of athletics, pending approval by the Board of Trustees later this week.

The contract extends his term for an additional four years, from June 30, 2016, to June 30, 2020, and also formalizes his added responsibilities as vice president. Under terms of the agreement, Smith continues to report directly to the university president. Smith’s base salary, effective July 1, 2013, is $940,484 per year, and he is eligible for standard, university wide merit-based salary increases each year. His compensation is paid entirely through athletics department revenues, using no tuition or tax dollars.

In addition to overseeing the university’s intercollegiate athletics programs, Smith now has joint oversight responsibility with the Office of Business and Finance for the Business Advancement Division of Ohio State. Business Advancement includes: the Jerome Schottenstein Center, the Blackwell Inn, Drake Union, the Fawcett Center and the Office of Trademark and Licensing Services. Smith also has responsibility for the Nationwide Arena Management agreement to increase existing revenue streams and pursue new revenue opportunities through creative collaboration and innovation. In addition, he will partner with the Office of Business and Finance for responsibility of the university’s affinity agreements.

"Gene Smith is one of this country’s most accomplished collegiate athletics directors, with an exemplary record of national leadership and service,” said Alutto. “Thanks to his dedication to student success, graduation success rates of Ohio State’s student-athletes have risen by 11 percentage points, to 89 percent. His vision and commitment to excellence have made Ohio State’s Department of Athletics one of the strongest in the nation. Expanding his leadership reach to work more closely with other university functions can only strengthen us all. ”

Since becoming Ohio State’s eighth athletics director in 2005, Smith’s guidance has brought national recognition in both athletics and academic achievements for its 36 fully funded varsity programs supporting more than 1,000 student-athletes yearly.

Under Smith’s leadership the Buckeyes have won 10 team national championships, 60 individual national championships and eight National Players of the Year; produced 662 All-Americans, 22 Olympians, 53 Big Ten Conference team championships, 149 Big Ten Conference individual champions and 70 Big Ten Conference athletes of the year as well as 471 First-Team and 361 Second-Team All-Conference selections and numerous coaching awards.

Ohio State student-athletes have participated in numerous conference championship and NCAA post-season competitions. During Smith’s tenure, the football team has participated in six BCS bowl games with two national championship game appearances. The men’s basketball team has competed in five Sweet 16 and three Elite Eight games, as well as two Final Fours. Most recently the women's rowing team captured the 2013 NCAA national championship.

At the conclusion of the 2010-11 year, Ohio State’s Athletics Department placed second in the Director’s Cup, enjoying one of the most successful seasons under Smith and celebrating the highest national finish for the university with this prestigious award.

Student-athletes also have continued to thrive academically with Smith’s direction. In terms of the NCAA Graduation Success Rate improvement, all Ohio State student-athletes had a GSR of 61 percent in 2005-06. That has increased to 89 percent in the most recent NCAA report (Oct. 24, 2013). Over that same time frame, the GSR for football improved from 55 to 75 percent. The Federal Graduation Rate has gone from 69 percent in 2005-06 to 76 percent in 2012-13. Smith has seen 2,408 academic all-Big Ten selections and 336 Big Ten Distinguished Scholars, over 1,500 student-athletes graduate and 80 athletes return to Ohio State to graduate from the Degree Completion Program.

Smith’s comprehensive leadership has been nationally recognized. He was honored with the 2013 National Association for Athletics Compliance Organizational Leadership Award, recognizing leaders who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting compliance within their organization and at a national level. He has served on numerous NCAA committees and administrative cabinets. He was a five-year member of the NCAA Men’s Basketball committee, concluding as the committee chair during the 2010-11 season. He was honored as the Sports Business Journal Athletics Director of the Year in 2010. Smith also accepted the Diversity in Athletics Award in 2008 for overall excellence in diversity within the Ohio State Department of Athletics.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the athletics program at a university with a national reputation for excellence that encompasses a broad-range of areas,” said Smith. “Working with the coaches, athletics staff, faculty and staff across the university enables us to provide positive experiences for the young people we serve, while finding ways to help them become global citizens impacting the world,” he continued.

“Ohio State is an amazing institution and I am proud to be a Buckeye.”

As a successful fund raiser, in partnership with the development staff, he has raised over $400,000,000. He has overseen major construction and renovations throughout the athletics footprint.

The athletics department is completely self-supporting; it receives no state tax or student tuition dollars. In fiscal year 2013, the department transferred nearly $30 million in assessments to the university, including more than $16 million in grant-in-aid reimbursement.

BEDFORD, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5. Name: Antione Stone.

BEDFORD, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Name: Antione Stone.

School: Bedford.

Position: DB.

Height, weight: 5-10, 185.

Rivals.com rating: 2-star.

College: Western Michigan.

Others considered: Ohio and Florida Atlantic.

Major: Education.

How I fit: They’re changing the program around and I think I can be a big contributor to help them win. I fee like I can make a big impact right away.

I knew I made the right college decision when… During the football season when teams started coming to me, I had a talk with the head coach and he told me everything I could possibly want in life after football, they could help me.

What people don't know about me is… I love to swim.

What others have written about Stone

June 19, 2013: WMU wins MAC battle for Stone (Rivals.com)

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Ohio's three Olympians and their family members told The Plain Dealer they are undeterred and cautiously optimistic about what will be most heavily guarded Winter Olympics.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The closer the Sochi Olympics draw near, the louder safety concerns become in the wake of explicit terrorist threats.

British anti-terror chiefs recently warned an attack on the Games “is very likely to occur,'' while Russian authorities reportedly search for as many as three “black widow” suicide bombers who could be planning an attack on the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, next month.

“There are things going on over there that can put fear in you, and worry and concern,'' said Columbus Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards, who will be in Sochi as a U.S. hockey assistant coach.

The U.S. State Department issued an updated travel alert for the 10,000 American fans expected in Sochi, where more than 37,000 Russian police and other forces are said to be forming a “ring of steel.'' The U.S. Navy has two war ships in the Black Sea ready to evacuate Americans in the event of an attack.

In Ohio, the state's three Olympians and their family members told The Plain Dealer they are undeterred and cautiously optimistic about what will be most heavily guarded Winter Olympics. The Games begin Feb. 7.

“I don't have any concerns and I know that us in the athletes village will be protected,'' said hockey center Kelli Stack of Brooklyn Heights. “We will be safe. I'm more concerned about my family that will be outside the village.''

Since Palestinian terrorists captured and eventually killed 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Games, the Olympic athletes villages have been among the most secure places on the planet.

“Do I have concerns? Yes and no. The athletes will be safe,'' said longtrack speedskater Kelly Gunther, a Lorain native.

View full sizeU.S. Olympic hockey goalie Brianne McLaughlin clowns around with her father, Briant, while Brianne wears the Olympic silver medal she won in 2010. Briant McLaughin said he has concerns about going to Sochi, but feels he and his family will be safe.Photo courtesy McLaughlin family

Hockey goalie Brianne McLaughlin of Sheffield Village said on Tuesday that security has been a major point of emphasis leading up to the team's departure Saturday. “We've only heard great things about the security. I think they are taking really big measures to make sure everything is safe,'' she said.

Family members can visit the Olympic athletes' village, but they cannot stay there. McLaughlin's husband, parents, brother and neighbors will have rooms on one of several cruise ships docked next to the Athletes Village, where they will be part of a highly secured zone.

“We're a little concerned, but as long as we stay in the village area and not go outside the area, we'll be fine,'' said Briant McLaughlin, who is Brianne's father. “USA Hockey, the United States and also the Russians will make that area safe.''

Richards is less sure. The hockey coach plans to travel with his wife, but they are leaving their two sons at home.

“That's still a discussion I'm having at home with my wife,'' he said. “Would I love for my kids to experience the Olympics? Absolutely. They aren't going to go. Some of it is (because of security concerns). Both also are involved in hockey here and don't want to miss two weeks of their season and school.

“Now, my wife is all set to go, and there is some hesitation. We really have to think about it – what it's going to do to her, and what it's going to do to me. I'm just talking more about the distraction of me and the concerns for her and her safety.''

A photo of a police leaflet seen in a Sochi hotel last week shows Ruzanna Ibragimova and states that she is at large in the city of Sochi. Russian security officials are hunting down three potential female suicide bombers, one of whom is believed to be in Sochi.AP

A Caucaus militant group known as Imarat Kavkaz has made numerous threats against the Sochi Olympics in recent months. Security concerns heightened last month in the wake of two suicide bombings that killed 34 people in 600 miles away in Volgograd, after which Russia President Vladimir Putin announced even more troops would be on guard. The Sochi Olympics is split between the Black Sea resort city of Sochi and a mountain venue cluster 25 miles away at Krasnaya Polyana.

"I don't know what to believe and what not to believe,'' said Ken Stack, Kelli's father. "I look at this way, my daughter is going to be over there, I'm going to be over there. The odds on me being where something happens are pretty small.''

Unrest is not new to an area on the edge of a war zone. Sochi borders Russia’s autonomous North Caucasus republics, where the Second Chechen War was fought from 1999 to 2009. Some estimates place the number of troops deployed to guard the region at 100,000.

“Troops don't always deter,'' Richards said. “You go back in our history and there are things that happen that you didn't see coming. It happens. When you can't be with your family at all times, it becomes a concern and you have to start making smart decisions.''

Four of Richards' Blue Jackets will play for Team Russia, and they expressed no worries about safety during interviews with The Plain Dealer last week.

“I'm pretty confident everything will be good,'' goalie Sergei Bobrovsky said. “Russia is a good country and a good government. I don't think there will be problems.''

Said defenseman Fedor Tyutin, “I don't read the newspapers and I don't know what's going on yet. I'm not concerned. I think it will be safe and a good experience.''

Blue Jackets forward Marian Gaborik, who is on Slovakia's hockey roster, is paying closer attention.

“It's not that you can look past that and not think about it, but at the same time, is it something that would stop me from going? No,'' Gaborik said. “I'm sure Russia will have more security than any Olympics has had before. It will (stink) for spectators to go through all that security, but at the end of the day, it will be beneficial for everyone.''

The threats give pause to Robb Dunn, who is Gunther's former inline skating coach. He will travel from Michigan to see Gunther compete Feb. 13.

“It makes you think. I'm sure there's a little bit of fear there,'' he said. “I kind of go by the thought that, when it's time, if I have to chance to go, I'm going to go.''

Gunther's brother, Brad Sprague of Lorain, also is headed to Sochi and said he is unimpressed by Putin's numerous assurances the Games will be safe.

“I feel that a lot of the major events we have all over the place, there's always going to be a threat. I'm very nervous about it,'' he said. “I'm not very comfortable with the Russian President's lack of concern.''

The 230-member U.S. team is the largest delegation in Winter Olympic history. USOC and U.S. State Department have advised athletes and families not to flaunt team emblems and colors outside Olympic venues because it “may put your personal safety at greater risk.”

“I'll definitely heed that advice,'' Sprague said.

John DeFilippo rejoined the Raiders as quarterbacks coach in 2012. He also has coached at San Jose State and was assistant quarterbacks coach for the New York Jets in 2009.

NEW YORK -- The Browns will interview former Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday and Youngstown native John DeFilippo on Thursday for their offensive coordinator job, the Browns confirmed Tuesday for cleveland.com.

DeFillipo, 35, is currently Raiders quarterbacks coach and spent the 2009 season with Browns coach Mike Pettine on the New York Jets staff. DeFilippo was assistant quarterbacks coach and Pettine was defensive coordinator at the time.

With the Jets, DeFilippo tutored rookie QB Mark Sanchez, who led New York to the AFC Championship Game in his first season as a pro.

NFL Network's Albert Breer also reported that the Browns like Cowboys offensive coordinator Bill Callahan, but that Dallas might not grant permission for him to interview. The Ravens were denied permission to talk to him last week, but that was before the Cowboys hired former Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan Tuesday as their new playcaller.

Callahan, who's served as the Cowboys offensive coordinator/offensive line coach the past two seasons, is signed through this season. He became the playcalled in 2013 when Jerry Jones stripped head coach Jason Garrett of that responsibility.

Callahan spent four seasons with Browns new coach Mike Pettine with the New York Jets, from 2008-11. Callahan was assistant coach/offensive line, and Pettine was defensive coordinator.

Shananah, 34, spent the past four seasons as Redskins' coordinator under his dad, Mike, before both were fired a day after the season.

The two were let go because of second-year quarterback Robert Griffin III's rocky season and the Redskins' 3-13 record. Discord between the younger Shanahan and Griffin was well-documented, and may have hurt his chances of landing other jobs. Shanahan was turned down for offensive coordinator positions in Miami and Baltimore.

The Redskins finished 23rd in point per game this season after ranking fourth in 2012.

Before joining his father in Washington, Shanahan served as offensive coordinator in Houston under Gary Kubiak, becoming the league's youngest coordinator at 28. In Houston, Shanahan's offenses finished third fourth in total yards in 2008 and 2009, and 10th and ninth in points per game.

DeFilippo returned to the Raiders in 2012 after coaching Oakland quarterbacks in 2007-08. He also spent the 2010-11 seasons at San Jose State, as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

His NFL coaching career began with the New York Giants in 2005, when he served as offensive quality control coach on Tom Coughlin’s staff for two years. He helped the Giants to two postseason appearances, and New York posted a 19-13 regular-season record during his time there.

In other coaching news, the Bills announced today that they've granted the Browns permission to interview defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, who was brought to Buffalo by Pettine from the Jets, where he served a year as assistant defensive line coach.

Prior to joining the Jets’ staff in 2012, Weaver was the linebackers coach at North Texas University in 2011. He spent 2010 as a defensive graduate assistant at Florida. Weaver enjoyed a seven year NFL playing career from 2002-08. He entered the NFL as a second-round draft choice of the Baltimore Ravens in 2002 and spent the 2002-05 seasons with the Ravens before three years with the Houston Texans. In 103 games played with 98 starts, Weaver recorded 260 tackles, 15.5 sacks, three interceptions and five forced fumbles.

 Weaver would be the fifth sixth Browns coach this season to make the Lake Erie shuffle from Buffalo. The others are Pettine, defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil, defensive backs coach Jeff Hafley, assistant linebackers coach Brian Fleury, and linebackers coach Chuck Driesbach.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The fourth edition of the girls basketball Pick-and-Roll podcast features appearances by No. 3 Solon and Adidas Grassroots Girls National Director Kevin McNamara. // // Pick and Roll Podcast, Jan. 28, 2014

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The fourth edition of the girls basketball Pick-and-Roll podcast features appearances by No. 3 Solon and Adidas Grassroots Girls National Director Kevin McNamara.

0:00-3:20 Take a look at the new Top 25 poll.

3:21- 11:38: The Solon basketball team.

11:39-18:45 Kevin McNamara.

18:46-25:43 A look at the rest of the week.

Northeast Ohio Media Group reporters Stephanie Kuzydym (@stephkuzy) and Mark Kern (@MarkKern11) debate the action to this point of the season, as well as take a look at the marquee games for the upcoming weekend.

You can see the latest installment of the cleveland.com Top 25 here.

The Solon Comets have been on fire as of late, defeating two Top 25 teams in dominating fashion last week.

The Pick-and-Roll is a weekly Thursday podcast, featuring insight from Kuzydym and Kern, as well as discussions with area players and coaches. We’ll have a promo post each week inviting you to share questions you have for our guests.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the high school basketball season and engaging with you throughout the year.

Mike Adams, who played for the Browns from 2007-11, will play in his first Super Bowl on Sunday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams is not only living a dream by playing in the Super Bowl for the Denver Broncos, but he's also in a dream state because the game will be played in his home state of New Jersey.

On Tuesday, Adams was honored in his hometown of Paterson. Reporter Bill Wichert writes on NJ.com how hundreds of Paterson residents turned out for a pep rally in Adams’ honor. Several people wore sweatshirts bearing the message “Straight Out Of Paterson,” with Adams’ last name and number 20 on the back.

For some fans in the crowd, Adams is a symbol of possibility. Just like fellow Paterson native and New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz – who won a Super Bowl after the 2011 season – Adams proves how far one could climb from the streets of the Silk City.

“I think it shows … support to younger kids, showing that they can actually reach their dreams,” said 15-year-old city resident Ruperto Jimenez, before referring to Adams and Cruz. “They chased their dreams and made it.”

While most people at the pep rally may have only known Adams from watching football games on TV or reading about him in newspapers, writes Wichert, Kathleen Iurato saw a man whom she said is like a son to her. Her husband, John, was Adams’ high school football coach at Passaic County Technical Institute, and also attended the rally.

But Iurato said seeing Adams go to the Super Bowl was no surprise.

“He had that drive. He’s fearless,” she added. “He knows what he has to do and he does it.”

More Browns and NFL news

Denver Broncos' OC Adam Gase said it wasn't the right time to interview (Cleveland.com).

Browns will interview Raiders QB coach John DeFilippo and Kyle Shanahan for offensive coordinator job (Cleveland.com).

Quick changes can be shocking, and sometimes quick changes work wonders (CantonRep.com).

Quarterback postseason drive stats (FootballOutsiders.com).

The feud continues between Michael Strahan and Warren Sapp (NY Daily News).

Controversy surrounding Richard Sherman exposes ugly truth (LA Daily News).

Marshawn Lynch exits media day early (NFL.com).

Browns players are among best players in the league (CBSSports.com).

Will Peyton Manning chill in the cold (Yahoo.com)?

Super Bowl fans want you to remember the game is in New Jersey (New York Times).

Fan gets to meet his favorite Browns player (AuroraAdvocate.com).

Tom Herman spent 19 hours in his car while stuck in traffic in Georgia on a recruiting trip.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman survived The Great Atlanta Weather-Induced Gridlock of 2014.

The coach spent 19 hours in his car while making the trek from Marietta, Ga., to Atlanta on a recruiting trip. He chronicled the debacle on Twitter.