* It is arguably the most awkward time slot on local TV news. WFLA-TV 8 News features “Koetter’s Korner,” an “exclusive sit-down” each Monday with host Dan Lucas and Bucs coach Dirk Koetter. The season has devolved embarrassingly, with regime change seemingly inevitable, but all parties are stuck with this till the end of the season.
* OK, the football season is heading south for both the Bucs and the Bulls, but there’s always this: In a little more than two years, the Super Bowl will be back at the RayJay. And look for the Riverwalk to be spectacularly front and center for the national media countdown. And, yes, no Trump Tower Tampa for downtown diversion or ignominy.
* The Chicago Blackhawks just fired their head coach, Joel Quenneville. The Blackhawks were off to a disappointing 6-6-3 start. So much for Quenneville having led the franchise to three Stanley Cups. So much for having the second most career wins in NHL history. So much for being a certain Hall of Fame inductee. In the world of professional sports, it’s “What have you done for us lately?” The Glazers and Jon Gruden would understand.