NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans opened their mandatory minicamp with no drama and new left guard Rodger Saffold the lone absence, and he was excused for personal reasons. Not bad considering at least 15 Titans are going into the final year on their contracts, including eight starters. Marcus Mariota has made it clear he’s ready to “let it ride,” while safety Kevin Byard is leaving contract talks to his agent. The list includes Derrick Henry, cornerback Logan Ryan and right tackle Jack Conklin.
UNDATED (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies have hired Milwaukee Bucks assistant Taylor Jenkins to be the team’s next head coach. The Grizzlies are the sixth and final NBA team to hire a new head coach. The 34-year-old Jenkins was Mike Budenholzer’s assistant in Milwaukee and in Atlanta. This is his first head coaching job since overseeing the Spurs’ G League team.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Former Oregon guard Victor Bailey Jr. has transferred to Tennessee and will begin playing for the Volunteers in the 2020-21 season. Bailey averaged 7.4 points and 19.1 minutes for Oregon last season. He shot 39.8% from 3-point range, 41% from the floor and 91% on free-throw attempts. The 6-foot-4 Bailey will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee senior associate athletics director Donna Thomas is retiring after working three decades at the school. Thomas plans to step down July 15. Athletic director Phillip Fulmer said in a statement that “her experience and knowledge … will be hard to replace.”
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Forrest Goodman, a longtime member of the Memphis football and men’s basketball broadcast team, has died. He was 48. Goodman joined Memphis’ radio network in 1999 and served as the pregame and postgame host for various game broadcasts. Goodman also served as a host for coaches’ shows.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist underwent a surgical procedure to address a chronic groin strain. The team called the surgery a success. The No. 2 pick in the 2012 NBA draft is expected to make a full recovery and be available for the start of the team’s training camp in September, according to the team.
