PRESS BOX: FSU's Fisher signs five-year extension
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher signed a new contract worth more than $4 million per season.
The total worth of the contract is $21.75 million including incentives and it runs through January 2019.
"We are extremely pleased with the direction of our program and believe that this new contract will assure that Coach Fisher is in place to lead the Seminoles for a long time to come," said athletic director Stan Wilcox in a statement. "Coach Fisher enjoys the full support of the leadership of the university and we look forward to the continued success of our football program on the field and in the classroom."
Fisher was earning $2.75 million per season and was reportedly one of four coaches targeted to replace Mack Brown at the University of Texas. The buyout figure in his New Year's Eve deal was not immediately known, but it is expected to be prohibitive.
Fisher, 48, and No. 1 Florida State will play for the BCS national championship against Auburn on Jan. 6.
--Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin is declining all requests to interview for NFL head coaching jobs to honor his six-year, $30 million contract signed with the Aggies on Nov. 30, according to ESPN.com.
An NFL source told ESPN Sumlin is open to coaching a select professional team or two, but a source close to Sumlin said, "That's 100 percent not true, and it has no chance of happening. Zero."
Sumlin has reportedly passed on inquiries and job opportunities from the NFL and other high-profile collegiate jobs, including USC.
Texas A&M is finishing its $450 million renovation of Kyle Field, set to open in August 2015.
The Aggies moved from the Big 12 to the SEC in 2012, with Sumlin compiling a 19-5 record since becoming coach.
Sumlin's $30 million contract includes a unique clause that would require Texas A&M to pay a full lump sum balance within 60 days if the Aggies ever decide to fire him, according to ESPN. Sumlin has a buyout of $5 million.
MLB
All-Star free agent right-handed reliever Jesse Crain agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Astros on Tuesday as the team continues to improve its bullpen.
The Astros had signed veterans Chad Qualls and Matt Albers earlier this month.
Crain, 32, was an All-Star in a 2013 season in which he posted a 0.74 ERA in 38 games with the Chicago White Sox, striking out 46 and walking only 11 batters in 36 2/3 innings, including a 29-inning scoreless streak.
Crain was traded to Tampa Bay on July 29, but didn't appear in a game for the Rays because of a right shoulder strain. He is expected to be healthy for the start of spring camp after undergoing surgery.
NHL
Defenseman Dion Phaneuf signed a seven-year, $49 million contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, giving the franchise another cornerstone player under long-term control.
Phaneuf, 28, a team captain, will be 35 when the deal expires. He and forward Phil Kessel are under contract through 2022.
