By BRAD PYE JR.

Notes, quotes and things picked up on the run from coast-to-coast and all the stops in between and beyond 

Virtually the entire world knows now that the Jim Caldwell-coached Indianapolis Colts and the Sean Payton-led New Orleans Saints will battle in Super Bowl XLIV Feb. 7 in South Florida.

Caldwell is the fifth coach to make it to the Super Bowl in his rookie season. For the second year in a row, a black man has led his team to the Super Bowl. And in two of the last three Super Bowls, black coaches were winners — Tony Dungy (Colts) and Mike Tomlin (Steelers).

Other blacks on the Colts staff also include special assistant Rod Perry, who was once a Los Angeles Rams defensive back, as well as coaches Richard Howell, Gene Huey, Ricky Thomas and Alan Williams. Additionally, Clyde Powers serves as the Colts’ director of Pro Player Personnel.

The Saints’ black coaches include Curtis Johnson, Travis Jones, Tony Oden and Carter Sheridan.

The Colts are favored to march over the Saints.

Did you notice that several black quarterbacks were selected for the NFC-AFC Pro Bowl? Included were the Eagles’ Donovan McNabb, the Jaguars’ David Garrard and the Titans’ Vince Young.

And the beat continues…

For the first time in its history, the L.A. Kings won a five-game road trip Jan. 31 as Wayne Simmonds and Drew Doughty scored on Martin Brodeur to beat the New Jersey Devils in a 3-2 victory.

The Kings will have a bobblehead doll night in honor of Simmonds Feb. 11 at Staples Center. In addition to Simmonds, the Kings have had three other men of color in its history. Mike Marson skated for the Kings in 1979 and 1980. Grant Fuhr, one of the NHL’s all-time greats, played for the Kings in the 1994-95 season. Anson Carter had a one-season fling with the Kings during the 2003-04 year.

And the beat continues…

Sprinter Allyson Felix will receive the 2009 Sportswoman of the Year award Feb. 19 at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE. The event will be part of the fifth annual L.A. Sports Awards. Felix is a world champion.

No matter what Reggie Bush does in the Super Bowl, the NCAA and Bush could make much bigger headlines. The NCAA is investigating charges Bush received cash to play at the University of Southern California. 

And the beat continues…

Venus and Serena Williams were the doubles queens in the Australian Open for the fifth time. Serena Williams won 12 Grand Slams, and this is her fifth singles title.

And the beat continues…

At press time, the Lakers had the second-best record (37-12) in the NBA behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (39-11). The Cavs spoiled the start of the Lakers’ recent eight-game road trip with a 93-87 victory.

By the way, LeBron James scored 32 points Jan. 31 at Staples Center to help the Cavs destroy the Clippers 114-89.

And the beat ends.

Brad Pye Jr. can be reached at switchreel@aol.com.