FOOTBALL

Chiefs fire defensive coordinator — The Chiefs have fired defensive coordinator Bob Sutton after a second-half collapse in the AFC championship game, including an overtime period in which Kansas City failed to stop the New England Patriots on what turned out to be the only possession. The Patriots won the game 37-31 to reach their third consecutive Super Bowl. Chiefs coach Andy Reid announced the firing in a statement Tuesday, one day after he said he was evaluating all aspects of the team. Reid declined to address Sutton specifically. Sutton had been the defensive coordinator since 2013, when he joined Reid’s initial staff in Kansas City. The longtime college and NFL assistant had previously spent more than a decade with the New York Jets, including a stint as defensive coordinator. Reid did not say whether his replacement would be promoted from within his current staff.

Lowe’s announces new deal with NFL — Lowe’s has announced a new sponsorship with the NFL. The multi-year deal, announced Tuesday morning, comes as the home-improvement retailer is looking to give itself a competitive edge against its chief rival, Home Depot. The deal gives Lowe’s the ability to market and advertise during several high-profile NFL events, such as the Super Bowl and the NFL draft. Lowe’s is kicking off the partnership the week of the Super Bowl, which takes place next month in Home Depot’s hometown, Atlanta. Lowe’s Chief Marketing Officer Jocelyn Wong said the NFL deal is a way that Lowe’s is working to grow its professional customer base. Pro customers, such as contractors, spend an average of five times as much as the typical do-it-yourself shopper, Lowe’s has said. Wong said the NFL deal jibes with the themes of Lowe’s new marketing campaign, which touts the slogan: “Do it right for less.” She described the new campaign as “bolder … and more energetic” than its past ad campaigns. “The NFL partnership really is a natural extension of how we want to bring this (campaign) to market,” Wong said.

— From wire reports