Club Shay Shay – Deebo & Joe: Mike McCarthy to the Steelers? Baker FIRES OFF at Stefanski, CJ Stroud goes VIRAL

Date: January 23, 2026
Host: Shannon Sharpe (iHeartPodcasts & Shay Shay Media)
Featured Hosts: James “Deebo” Harrison & Joe Haden

Episode Overview

In this lively Club Shay Shay episode, James “Deebo” Harrison and Joe Haden tackle some of the NFL’s hot topics and controversies, keeping the conversation candid, insightful, and unapologetically real. The duo dives into CJ Stroud’s struggles and viral comments, Baker Mayfield's emotional call-out of his former coach, the Pittsburgh Steelers' future (including speculation around Mike McCarthy and the franchise’s rebuild), bold playoff predictions, and even musings on coaching in the NFL. Packed with player anecdotes, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and barbershop banter, this episode is a thorough breakdown of current league happenings from an insider’s perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. CJ Stroud’s Viral Comments and Playoff Downturn

[03:36 – 13:46]

• Deebo and Joe play a recent clip of CJ Stroud reflecting on not needing to be "Superman" and the challenges of not being the main focus on offense any longer.
• Deebo’s Take: Stroud is getting into his own head about his performance and “making excuses” rather than owning his struggles.
  • “He’s just so far into his head right now that he can’t kind of get out of his way.” (Deebo, 06:40)
• Joe’s Perspective: While praising Stroud’s talent and rookie year, Joe stresses the importance of accountability for a QB, especially after late-season poor performances—namely too many fumbles and interceptions.
  • “When you don’t play well, you got to stand up on that and take it. You’re a professional quarterback.” (Joe, 06:44)
  • “Just take it on the chin.” (Joe, 08:11)
• Both agree Stroud needs to focus on steady, smart play, and that the Texans’ defense often bailed out the offense this season.
• Contract Implications: They discuss how this narrative may impact Stroud’s upcoming contract negotiations.

Notable Quote:

“There’s a little bit of truth in every joke, you know what I’m saying?”
— Deebo, 05:51

2. Baker Mayfield vs. Kevin Stefanski: The Call-Out

[14:27 – 21:53]

• Baker Mayfield calls out former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski for a lack of communication upon his departure, saying “still waiting on a call or text after I was shipped off like a piece of garbage.”
  • Deebo quips, “I guess Joe defended him, but, hey... this is your dude, Stefanski.” (15:04)
• Joe Haden shares his own stories of being released:
  • Coaches often aren’t the ones to let you go, and a personal call is rare.
  • “When I did it, the head coach... didn't know. The GM released me without Hugh Jackson being aware.” (Joe, 15:31)
• Both agree that NFL exits are often impersonal and business-driven, but understand why Baker feels slighted.

Memorable Exchange:

“So you still talking about he. It’s a two-way street. No, it ain’t, bro.”
— Deebo, 20:02
“That league is cutthroat, bro.”
— Joe, 20:02

3. Steelers’ Coaching Vacancy – Mike McCarthy? Aaron Rodgers? Time for a Rebuild

[26:29 – 36:14]

• Rumors swirl about Mike McCarthy potentially joining the Steelers, perhaps reuniting with Aaron Rodgers.
  • Joe's reaction is emphatic:

    “No. I want something fresh. I want something new... Just a little younger. That’s all I’m saying.”
    — Joe, 26:45

• Deebo and Joe agree the franchise is at a true “rebuild” crossroads, despite organizational reluctance to use that term.
  • “Have to actually rebuild this thing.” (Deebo, 28:00)
• The challenges of finding a franchise quarterback are discussed, with hopes pinned on young talent like Will Howard.
• Both favor a youthful, long-term head coach rather than going back to the “same old” with McCarthy.
• Franchise QB Question: They acknowledge the unknown ceiling of current developmental QBs, weighing the merits of going with a proven veteran vs. bottoming out for a top draft pick.

Notable Quote:

“We need a franchise quarterback... Yes, we’re going to move anywhere on this chart, bro, because we’ve been having too many just above the, you know, just above the water seasons.”
— Deebo, 34:23

4. Quarterback Pipeline: Archie Manning and the Hype

[36:38 – 38:27]

• In response to a listener question about whether the Steelers should target Archie Manning in the future, both hosts express skepticism:
  • Joe doubts that Archie has proven himself a “number one overall” prospect yet.
  • Deebo argues that Manning's bloodline brings strong intangibles but wants to “see more tape.”

5. Broncos vs. Patriots: Playoff Preview & Air in Denver

[38:34 – 51:04]

• Deebo and Joe break down the Broncos-Patriots matchup:
  • Both pick the Patriots to win, citing Denver’s offense issues and reliance on defense.
  • The significance of Denver’s thin air is discussed, with Deebo sharing personal anecdotes about its physical toll:
    • “That air up in there, it does not agree with me. I come back pissing blood, bruh.” (Deebo, 43:55)
• They analyze what each team needs to do to win, emphasizing running the ball and turnover differential.
• Score Predictions:
  • Deebo: “23 to 10 Patriots.” (51:40)
  • Joe: “26 to 13 Patriots.” (51:57)

6. Seahawks vs. Rams: Another Playoff Showdown

[52:11 – 60:05]

• Joe: Takes the Rams, trusting Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay's offensive creativity.
• Deebo: Picks the Seahawks, citing the strength of their defense and running game.
• Both acknowledge weaknesses on both sides – particularly Rams’ struggles on 3rd down and the absence of Seahawks RB Charbonnet.
• Score Predictions:
  • Deebo: “Seattle, 20 to 17.” (59:35)
  • Joe: Initially predicts “Rams 33-24” but revises to “27-24 Rams” after Deebo’s pushback. (60:23)
• Key Debate:
  • Joe: “I believe that Stafford is gonna do it and show how goaty.” (57:41)
  • Deebo: “Defense wins championships, man.” (58:06)

7. Player Fade Segment: Prop Bets & Predictions

[61:14 – 63:32]

• The hosts pick prop bets for the Sunday games:
  • Deebo does not expect Denver’s QB to pass for over 200 yards; Joe thinks Rams WR Puka Nacua will get 100 receiving yards “for sure.”
  • The banter is light, with jabs about who’s going to be proven wrong.

8. NFL Coaching Carousel: Philip Rivers’ Head Coaching Interview

[63:32 – 65:54]

• Deebo and Joe are floored by reports Philip Rivers is interviewing for the Buffalo Bills head coaching gig after only coaching high school.
  • “If they get him the job, we need to get the job.” (Deebo, 63:32)
  • They riff about applying themselves, given their qualifications.
  • Joe: “If Philip Rivers just got to interview Debo, ain’t no way you can’t get no interview.” (65:34)

9. Fan Q&A: Mike Tomlin’s Departure & Super Bowl Picks

[67:21 – 69:51]

• A question about Mike Tomlin’s exit is addressed: Both clarify Tomlin wasn’t “pushed out” and made his own decision to leave.
• Super Bowl Picks:
  • Joe: “Patriots vs. Rams.”
  • Deebo: Halfway agrees, but sees Seattle making it over the Rams. Brags his picks will pan out.

Episode closes with both promising a Monday recap—and more trash talk depending on who’s right about their predictions.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On CJ Stroud’s Comments:
  “When you don’t play well, you got to... be able to own up to it. You don’t do good, you don’t do good.” — Joe Haden, 06:43

• On NFL Business:
  “That league is cutthroat, bro.” — Joe Haden, 20:02

• On the State of the Steelers:
  “You have to actually rebuild this thing... We need a franchise quarterback.” — Deebo, 28:00 / 34:23

• On Coaching Inexperience:
  “If they get him the job, we need to get the job.” — Deebo, 63:32

Highlight Timestamps

• CJ Stroud Discussion: 03:36 – 13:46
• Baker Mayfield/Stefanski: 14:27 – 21:53
• Steelers Rebuild (McCarthy, Rodgers): 26:29 – 36:14
• Archie Manning as Future QB: 36:38 – 38:27
• Broncos vs. Patriots Preview: 38:34 – 51:04
• Seahawks vs. Rams Preview: 52:11 – 60:05
• Prop Bets Segment: 61:14 – 63:32
• Philip Rivers Coaching Rumor: 63:32 – 65:54
• Fan Q&A, Super Bowl Predictions: 67:21 – 69:51

Tone & Style

Casual, witty, and authentic. Both Deebo and Joe bring locker room energy and realness, sharing stories from their playing days and not shying away from tough truths about NFL life. The episode is filled with friendly ribbing, bold predictions, and a sense that nothing is off-limits.

Takeaway

This episode is the perfect listen for NFL fans seeking honest, entertaining analysis from two guys who’ve lived it -- from the intricacies of locker-room departures and contract years to the nitty-gritty of playoff matchups and coaching searches. Deebo and Joe’s chemistry shines as they chop it up, blending sharp football insight with humor and vulnerability, leaving listeners fully prepped for the weekend’s action, and what may come next for some of the league’s biggest names and teams.