US

British coach makes significant impact on Super Bowl winners and the NFL

The achievement of Aden Durde as the first overseas coach to secure a Super Bowl victory raises questions about the implications for the NFL and its global presence.

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Aden Durde reflects on his Super Bowl success, saying, "I need to take a moment."

As the Seattle Seahawks celebrated their Super Bowl 60 win, Aden Durde stepped back to savor the moment, unlike many of his colleagues who rushed onto the field.

After being congratulated by a colleague, Durde removed his headset and sat down on a bench at Levi's Stadium, looking upwards as the reality of his achievement began to sink in.

As the scene around him erupted in fireworks and confetti, a smile gradually spread across Durde's face, reflecting his growing awareness of the significance of his accomplishment.

At 46, Durde, a native of north London, made history by becoming the first coach from outside the United States to win the Super Bowl.

This milestone marked the fulfillment of a dream that began when Durde watched a video of the 1986 Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears team, inspiring him to pursue a career in American football.

Now, 40 years later, Durde has not only achieved his goal but is also inspiring others outside the US to chase their NFL aspirations.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Durde expressed his emotions, stating, "It feels amazing. I'm still trying to process it all."

Durde acknowledged his humble beginnings, saying, "To come from London and be here, I don't take any of that for granted. I'm so proud."

The story of Super Bowl 60 is one of revenge, redemption, and representation.

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The Seattle Seahawks secured a dominant victory over the New England Patriots to claim the Super Bowl title.

Durde's coaching career spanned five years as defensive co-ordinator of the London Warriors, during which he earned internships with the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons, ultimately becoming Britain's first full-time NFL coach in 2018.

He progressed through various roles with the Falcons and Cowboys before being appointed defensive co-ordinator by Seattle's new head coach, Mike Macdonald, in 2024.

Known as "AD" within the Seahawks, Durde has been instrumental in shaping a defense that embodies the qualities of speed, physicality, and collective effort.

Macdonald praised Durde, saying, "He's an absolute game-changer for us. His story is incredible, but what sets him apart is his exceptional football mind and coaching abilities."

Macdonald continued, "Durde has brought our team together, and the way our defense plays inspired football is a testament to his exceptional coaching and leadership. I'm thrilled for him."

Describing Durde as "an absolute beast" and a pleasure to work with, Macdonald highlighted the significant role Durde has played in building the team.

The Seahawks' decisive 29-13 win over the Patriots on Sunday cemented Durde's status as a Super Bowl champion and a key architect of a defense that will be remembered in NFL history.

The Seahawks' defense, dubbed "the Dark Side," delivered a performance that long-time NFL analyst Cris Collinsworth described as one of the best he had ever seen.

Durde deflected praise, saying, "We must give credit to the players, who made a commitment to be the best in the world and achieved the desired outcome."

Is this the ultimate Super Bowl redemption story?

From facing a 1% chance of survival to becoming a Super Bowl winner, Durde's journey is a testament to perseverance.

As Durde concluded his post-game interview, wearing a British flag around his waist, he revealed that he was struggling to contain his emotions.

"I'm trying to hold it back, I just want to get out of here," he joked, acknowledging the overwhelming nature of the moment.

NFL analyst Phoebe Schecter, who previously coached with Durde on the NFL's International Player Pathway programme, shared a moment with him on the field, witnessing his emotional response.

Schecter noted, "Aden doesn't like to be emotional, but he couldn't help himself in that moment, given the magnitude of his achievement."

Durde's accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but also a historic milestone, and Schecter believes it will have a significant impact on the international game.

Durde has consistently emphasized the importance of being the best version of himself to pave the way for others, and Schecter is excited about the implications of his story for aspiring international coaches.

Schecter observed, "Aden is not just thinking about himself; he's always considering how he can help others, whether through the NFL Academy or the International Player Pathway programme."

Schecter noted that Durde's selflessness and commitment to giving back will inspire others to follow in his footsteps, saying, "He's constantly sending the elevator back down to help others."

Durde's success will have far-reaching consequences, Schecter believes, as it will encourage people from the UK and other international locations to pursue coaching careers in the NFL.

The video is currently unavailable for playback.

Phoebe Schecter predicts that Aden Durde's success will inspire international coaches to follow in his footsteps.

During his time working with NFL UK, Durde shared an office with two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora, and together they founded the International Player Pathway programme.

NFL executive Peter O'Reilly recalled being introduced to Durde by Osi Umenyiora and has since followed his journey, impressed by Durde's talent, respect from players, and personal qualities.

O'Reilly described Durde as someone you want to root for, given his exceptional abilities and character.

The International Player Pathway programme has helped launch the NFL careers of Britain's Efe Obada and Australia's Jordan Mailata, with Mailata winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last year.

O'Reilly emphasized the importance of having role models like Durde and Mailata, who can inspire young athletes in the UK and other international locations to pursue their NFL dreams.

The International Player Pathway (IPP) has proven to be a valuable platform for cultivating international coaching talent, with a focus on developing global coaching development programs that extend beyond the United States.

Durde encourages others to pursue their goals, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-belief, stating that success is often the result of pushing forward despite obstacles and staying true to one's convictions.

The NFL has announced its latest international games, sparking interest in what's next for the league.

Following Seattle's on-field celebration at Levi's Stadium, Durde was joined by his family, including his wife Kate and their two sons.

Durde's sons, Kane Doyle-Durde and Dylan, have followed in his footsteps in the football world, with Kane working as a scout for the Dallas Cowboys and Dylan pursuing a career in coaching.

Recalling the moment, Durde said that he and his family shared a heartfelt hug, grateful for the opportunity to experience it together.

Durde acknowledges the significant support he has received from others, expressing appreciation for those who have contributed to his success, even if they are not always visible.

Now that the NFL season has concluded, Durde plans to reconnect with friends and family in the UK, including those who have been instrumental in his journey.

Durde joked that he needs to return to London to escape the chaos, emphasizing his desire to return home.

One person he is particularly looking forward to seeing is his friend Marvin Allen, a fellow Briton who won a Super Bowl ring with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009.

Although Durde was interviewed for two head-coach positions during the current hiring cycle and will remain with Seattle next season, Allen is confident that Durde will eventually become the NFL's first overseas head coach.

Allen described Durde's rise to prominence as a remarkable achievement, noting that he has made a significant impact on the sport despite his relatively unknown background.

Allen believes that NFL owners will eventually recognize Durde's potential and give him the opportunity to lead a team, citing his ability to win a Super Bowl as a key factor.

The story of the British coach who made it to the Super Bowl is an inspiring one, full of unexpected twists and turns.

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News

Document allegedly shows Andrew provided UK briefing on Epstein’s Afghan investments

A briefing that outlines “high value commercial opportunities” in Helmand province is contained within the Epstein files.

A document allegedly sent by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to Jeffrey Epstein contains details about investment prospects in Afghanistan, specifically regarding gold and uranium.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, head and shoulder picture, giving a speech in 2010 — The former Prince Andrew travelled the world as the UK's trade envoy

UK officials had prepared a briefing for Andrew, then a trade envoy, which he later forwarded to Epstein in December 2010; the document outlines "high value commercial opportunities" in Helmand province.

This revelation follows a BBC report that Andrew had labeled the document "confidential" in an email, as seen in the latest release of Epstein files.

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to his association with Epstein, and has rejected suggestions that he used his position as trade envoy for personal gain.

Attempts have been made to obtain a comment from Andrew regarding these developments.

Sir Vince Cable, the business secretary at the time, has described Andrew's sharing of the briefing as "appalling behaviour".

Thames Valley Police are currently assessing whether to launch an investigation into the apparent sharing of documents related to Andrew's tenure as trade envoy.

In addition to the Afghan document, emails in the Epstein files suggest that Andrew also sent official reports from his trade envoy visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam to Epstein.

The emails indicate that Andrew may have shared further trade documents with Epstein, including a batch of files labeled "Overseas bids" sent immediately after the reports from his South East Asia visits.

These files are likely "Zip files" containing multiple pieces of compressed information.

The Afghan document, compiled by UK government officials for Andrew, provides an in-depth overview of investment opportunities in Helmand province during a time of significant UK military and political involvement in Afghanistan.

As noted by Andrew in his correspondence with Epstein, the document is a "confidential brief" prepared by the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand Province.

The briefing was prepared for Andrew during the same month he visited Helmand, where he met with UK troops.

It offers an assessment of the local economy and business opportunities, including the presence of "significant high value mineral deposits" and the potential for low-cost extraction.

The document highlights valuable natural resources such as marble, gold, iridium, uranium, and thorium, as well as potential oil and gas deposits, based on information gathered by UK government officials working on the Helmand reconstruction team.

According to official guidelines, trade envoys are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial or political information related to their official visits.

Sir Vince Cable has called for greater transparency regarding Andrew's activities as trade envoy, citing his own unsuccessful attempts to access Andrew's file, which he found to be empty.

Sir Vince, who played a key role in ending Andrew's tenure as trade envoy, has expressed concerns about Andrew's actions during his time in the position.

A snippet of the briefing which begins Helmand: High Value Commercial Opportunities for Foreign Investment and says Brief for HRH Duke of York: 19 December 2010

"I have twice requested to see Andrew's file from his time as trade envoy, but it is empty," Sir Vince stated.

He recalled meeting Andrew once at Buckingham Palace, where Andrew asked him to find a useful role for him, but Sir Vince declined.

Following the first public reports about Andrew's friendship with Epstein in 2011, Sir Vince decided to discontinue Andrew's role as trade envoy.

The primary function of a trade envoy is to promote UK business interests abroad and encourage investment.

A diplomatic source, speaking anonymously, suggested that a trade envoy like Andrew might have shared information with potential investors to support UK business initiatives, potentially including those in Afghanistan.

Andrew's note to Epstein mentions his intention to "offer this elsewhere in my network, including Abu Dhabi".

A former senior trade official noted that while many reports seen by a trade envoy might be routine, some meetings could produce significant commercial opportunities.

"It's possible that the documents contained important commercial information that would have been useful," the former official said.

However, the official emphasized that such documents were not intended for sharing outside of government, particularly not with individuals who might use them for personal gain.

Andrew continues to face scrutiny over his links to Epstein, following the release of new documents by the US government, including photographs of Andrew with a woman.

He is under increasing pressure to testify in the US about his connections to Epstein and has recently relocated from his Windsor home to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that the King is prepared to support the police as they consider allegations against Andrew.

To receive the latest royal news and analysis, sign up for the Royal Watch newsletter; those outside the UK can sign up using a separate link.

Middle East

BBC reports from Tehran as Iran commemorates Islamic revolution anniversary

BBC correspondent Lyse Doucet has arrived in Iran, marking her first visit to the country since authorities suppressed widespread demonstrations against the government.

Iran's government has staged a display of strength to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, following a period of intense repression of anti-government demonstrations.

The BBC has gained access to Tehran for the first time since the authorities' crackdown on protests, which resulted in the deaths of at least 6,490 people, according to estimates by human rights activists.

Lyse Doucet, the BBC's chief international correspondent, observes that the capital's streets, adorned with festive decorations and filled with crowds of supporters, reflect the government's desired image of a unified nation, with Iranians demonstrating their allegiance to the Islamic Republic and its founding revolution.

Business

Over 180 survivors participate in Harrods abuse compensation scheme

Allegations of sexual harassment have been made against the late Mohamed Al Fayed, stemming from his tenure as owner.

Over 180 individuals who suffered abuse at the hands of Mohammed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, are presently participating in the company's compensation program, according to the retailer.

A close-up picture of Mohammed al Fayed.

To date, more than 50 women have received compensation payments from the luxury department store.

Launched in March of the previous year, the compensation scheme will no longer accept new submissions after March 31.

In October, Harrods allocated over £60 million for its compensation plan, which aims to provide support to victims of alleged historical abuse.

The scheme offers a standard award of £200,000 to eligible claimants; however, those who undergo an assessment by a consultant psychiatrist may be eligible to receive up to £385,000 in compensation, in addition to treatment costs.

Claimants who opt not to undergo a psychiatric assessment will receive lower compensation amounts.

Applications received by the March 31 deadline will continue to be processed thereafter.

Additionally, Harrods will continue to provide counseling support beyond the deadline, including services from the Independent Survivor Advocate.

In 2024, human rights advocate Dame Jasvinder Sanghera was appointed by Harrods to the role of Independent Survivor Advocate, with the goal of meeting with as many survivors as possible and guiding them through the compensation process.

Justice for Harrods Survivors, an organization representing some of the victims, has stated that only a fully independent process can adequately address the needs of survivors.

Mohammed Al Fayed, who owned Harrods from 1985 to 2010, has been accused of rape and sexual assault by multiple women, with 146 individuals coming forward to report crimes to the Met Police as part of their investigation.

The Harrods Group operates several locations, including its flagship store in Knightsbridge, London, as well as smaller stores at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and a chain of beauty stores.

KP Law, which represents over 260 survivors, has expressed criticism of the Redress Scheme, citing concerns that Harrods maintains full control over the process.

Tom Fletcher, a specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, which supports some of the victims, has expressed satisfaction with the settlements secured for some of the firm's clients through the scheme.

According to Tom Fletcher, "Although no amount of compensation can fully compensate for the abuse our clients experienced, the amounts recovered under the scheme acknowledge the severity of the abuse and provide our clients with the necessary funds to access specialized support, enabling them to move forward with their lives."