FFT Express - Mike McCarthy to the Steelers, Bobby Slowik promoted to OC, Jesse Minter to the Ravens, & More! (01/26 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today Express – Coaching Changes & Fantasy Impact

Episode Date: January 27, 2026
Hosts: Adam Aizer & Jamey Eisenberg

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Episode Overview

This episode focuses on major offseason coaching moves around the NFL—Mike McCarthy’s hire as Steelers head coach, Bobby Slowik’s promotion in Miami, and Jesse Minter’s move to the Ravens. Adam and Jamey break down the fantasy football implications of each change, evaluating how these hires could impact player values and team outlooks in the coming season.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mike McCarthy Hired as Steelers Head Coach

(01:01 – 06:57)

• Track Record & Fit in Pittsburgh:

  • Jamey respects McCarthy’s offensive history, especially the playoff-caliber years with healthy Dak Prescott in Dallas, yet emphasizes the move is only partially complete given Pittsburgh’s unresolved QB situation.
  • "It's still incomplete for me because of the quarterback situation." – Jamey (02:50)

• Fantasy Outlook for Steelers Players:

  • DK Metcalf: Still holds upside as a strong WR2 if the QB situation improves. Top 15 possible, but elite/top 5 status unlikely unless an unexpected upgrade occurs.
  • Jalen Warren: Still a “solid number two running back.” Future depends on roster moves with Kenneth Gainwell and the possible emergence of others.
  • "I think Metcalf can still be drafted as a number two wide receiver, at least in that range, and produced like a top 20 guy." – Jamey (03:32)
  • Ongoing uncertainty around key depth positions (WR2, RB2, etc.) and offensive evolution under McCarthy.

• Concerns & Criticisms:

  • Adam wonders if McCarthy’s schemes are outdated, referencing the “stale” nature of Dallas’ offense late in his tenure and the struggles when Dak wasn't healthy.
    • "I hope it's not like his time has passed. ... Things got a little bit stale in that last year with Dak Prescott." – Adam (04:40)
  • Both agree the main variable is which QB the Steelers bring in—options like Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, or bridge veterans are thrown around, but nothing is clear-cut.
    • "So there's just lots of different scenarios at play." – Jamey (05:32)

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2. Bobby Slowik Promoted to Dolphins Offensive Coordinator

(08:09 – 10:09)

• Coaching Tree & Offensive Philosophy:

  • Adam notes Slowik’s trajectory from San Francisco, his Texans tenure, and connection to LaFleur.
  • Discussion focuses on how system continuity and familiarity could help, but QB uncertainty looms large.

• Fantasy Perspective on Miami’s Offense:

  • Jamey weighs the impact of Slowik’s mixed results with Houston’s offense (strong under rookie C.J. Stroud, struggled in year two).
  • Emphasizes Miami’s strengths: a “great running back,” possible elite WR, and a “middle of the pack” offensive line. But overall output hinges on the quarterback.
  • With Tyreek Hill’s injuries and a lack of WR depth development, Slowik’s ability to adapt and scheme is questioned.
    • "One good year, one bad year [for Slowik] ... so to me, whenever you go from offensive minded head coach to promoting from within, there's still questions." – Jamey (09:38)

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3. Jesse Minter to Ravens; Openings in Baltimore and Buffalo

(10:09 – 12:38)

• Baltimore OC Vacancy – Desired Play-Caller:

  • Both hosts want to see an aggressive, open passing game.
  • Jamey stresses whoever is hired should continue to “open up the passing game” for Lamar Jackson, building on the improvements seen in the move from Greg Roman to Todd Monken.
    • "As long as he can still run ... but I think for Lamar Jackson, he's always been an underrated passer. I would like to see another pass catcher there." – Jamey (11:31)

• Lamar Jackson’s Fantasy Value:

  • Running remains a critical component for elite status (600+ rush yards per season is cited as benchmark).
  • Jamey calls for Baltimore to add pass-catching help with Likely’s probable departure and skepticism over Rashod Bateman stepping up.

• Staffing Philosophy:

  • Jesse Minter likely to bring in someone he’s comfortable with, and Adam suggests Cliff Kingsbury as an intriguing potential OC due to his history with mobile QBs.
    • "I'd love to see [Kingsbury] ... he’s worked with Kyler [Murray], great season with Jaden Daniels." – Adam (12:30)

• Buffalo OC Search:

  • Adam casually notes he’d “love to see Brian Daboll go to Buffalo” for continuity, but no extensive analysis given.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On McCarthy’s Reputation:
  "I hope it's not like his time has passed. … Things got a little bit stale in that last year with Dak Prescott."
  – Adam Aizer (04:40)

• On Steelers Fantasy Upside:
  "There's a little bit more hope offensively because we just didn't love the Arthur Smith offense ... it could certainly be. I don't think it's. Certainly, it is an upgrade for them offensively."
  – Jamey Eisenberg (03:20)

• On Miami’s System Continuity:
  "Whenever you go from offensive minded head coach to promoting from within, there's still questions ... one good year, one bad year."
  – Jamey Eisenberg (09:38)

• On Ravens’ Next OC:
  "You want to see somebody who's going to open up the passing game even more. ... I would like to see another pass catcher there because it seems like Isaiah Likely is leaving."
  – Jamey Eisenberg (10:28, 11:31)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:01: Show opens with McCarthy to Steelers; discussion about his offensive legacy and fantasy impacts on Metcalf, Warren, and others.
• 04:40: Adam expresses concern about McCarthy’s offensive scheme growing stale in Dallas.
• 05:32: Jamey outlines Steelers’ QB options and the uncertainty affecting the fantasy outlook.
• 08:09: Adam transitions to Bobby Slowik’s promotion in Miami.
• 09:38: Jamey details Slowik’s mixed record and what it could mean for Miami’s fantasy potential.
• 10:09: Attention shifts to Ravens’ OC opening, with a focus on Lamar Jackson’s continued fantasy relevance.
• 11:31: Jamey underlines the need for Baltimore to bolster the passing game around Lamar.
• 12:30: Adam throws out Cliff Kingsbury as an exciting possibility for Ravens OC.

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Summary & Takeaways

• Coaching changes create new opportunities—but QB decisions ultimately drive fantasy value for both the Steelers and Dolphins.
• McCarthy, while experienced, may not revolutionize Pittsburgh’s offense without a major QB upgrade.
• Miami’s promotion of Slowik keeps some system continuity, but a track record of inconsistent results and lingering QB uncertainties dampen optimism.
• For Baltimore, maintaining an open, creative offense around Lamar Jackson—and adding another pass catcher—is essential for continued fantasy upside.
• The hosts remain cautiously optimistic, looking for news on these situations as they further shape 2025 drafts and player ranks.

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This summary captures the heart of the discussion and is ideal for fantasy managers who want to understand how new NFL coaching hires could impact key fantasy players in 2025—without needing to hear every ad read or intro!

Transcript

[Narrator]

NFL fans spend an average of 690 minutes a week thinking about football.

That's over 11 hours.

You're checking matchups, tweaking your fantasy roster, reliving big plays, arguing calls. Football lives rent free in your head all week long.

And when the game's on, every decision matters. A winning play or the right timeout. Just 60 seconds can flip the entire outcome.

But here's the thing. Off the field, we forget to plan.

We get so caught up in the pregame hype, the food, the drinks, the vibe, you and forget the most important part of the day, how you're getting home.

So we're making it easier for you to plan ahead with Uber Code make a plan 26 order an Uber and get 25% off your next ride on game day by using the promo code. Make a plan 26 now through February 9th.

That's make a plan 26. Whether you're hosting, headed to a local.

Bar, or going to the game, make it part of your ritual.

Take a minute, Make a plan. Never drive impaired. This message was brought to you by Diageo MAD and the NFL. Please drink responsibly.

[Adam]

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[Jamie]

I do. You know, it's, it's still incomplete for me because of the quarterback situation, you know, so when you start to just take a look at the Steelers, you know, if Aaron Rodgers is not there, really the guys that we're looking at drafting and maybe even if Aaron Rodgers is still there because of who's under contract are DK Metcalf and Jalen Warren. Maybe the tight end comes into play if it's Friar Muth and they move on from John New Smith. But I think at this point, you know, Kenneth Gain was a free agent. They didn't develop a second wide receiver yet, you know, in terms of 20, 25. So, you know, we'll see if any of the guys that were there step forward. Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, one of those type of players. But I think just in the case of what this team looks like right now, there's, there's a little bit more hope offensively because we just didn't love the Arthur Smith offense. So if they get the right quarterback in place. He's talked about this on the full length episode we did on Monday. DK Metcalf could still be a very good fantasy wide receiver. I don't think the door is closed yet on him still competing to be a top 15 guy. I think maybe being top five is, is probably out of the question unless they go out and get an elite quarterback, but that's hard to expect. But I think Metcalf can still be drafted as a number two wide receiver, at least in that range and produced like a top 20 guy. And Jalen Warren can, I still can still be potentially a solid number two running back. You know, we'll see if gamewell's brought back. They want to keep him in, in on the roster. I don't think Caleb Johnson is going to take that much of a step forward and be better than Jalen Warren, but really it comes down to the quarterback. So there's a lot to like about what McCarthy has done. It's not just Dallas obviously, what he did in, in Green Bay with, with Aaron Rodgers and that group there. But if you look at it, you know, I know you have the metrics in front of you in terms of when Dak Prescott or the stats when Dak Prescott was healthy and, and what they're able to produce. So it could certainly be. I don't think it's. Certainly it is an upgrade for them offensively just based on what we saw with Arthur Smith, how Mike Tomlin like to run his team. I think Mike McCarthy will do better things for that offense.

[Adam]

I hope so. I hope it's not like his time has passed. Kind of deal like Pete Carroll I thought was gonna, I know it's not play call or anything. I thought Pete Carroll was going to do good things with the Raiders, but I think he just. His time had passed in Seattle and it looked like they did the right thing by firing him, which was kind of controversial at the time and he didn't, didn't work out. McCarthy, he's had great talent, right? He's had great talent on offense. It's almost like the opposite of Arthur Smith and things got a little bit stale in that last year with Dak Prescott. They were only 18th in scoring in 2024, you know, before his injury and they finished in the twenties. So I know some people are critical of like his offense just being like very simple kind of. I hope it's an upgrade, but I also don't know how they upgrade a quarterback. I mean, is there a quarterback out there that's better than Aaron Rodgers that they could get?

[Jamie]

I mean I, I think if you start to look at it, do they take chances on two of the guys that are probably going to be available whether it's free agency or trade in Kyler Murray or to a tongue of Iloa? I don't know if that's an upgrade. Is it going to be a Malik Willis who's going to be sought after as you know, what he did in his end of time with Green Bay. And I think if you're starting to connect the dots, there are two guys from Green Bay and Miami and they're going to need a quarterback. So Malik most want to go there and play for, you know, front office guy and coach that there's some familiarity with. So look, you know, we'll see Senior bowl starting this week. You know, we're going to get to, you know, find out more about the quarterbacks not named Mendoza, you know, and, and who's going to be available as we look at first round caliber talent and where the Steelers may or may not decide to go. And then, you know, is it a Mac Jones? Is it a Jimmy Garoppolo? You know, I'm trying to think of someone like the backup quarterbacks that could be bridge guys and turn into a Jacoby Brissette type situation. Torod Taylor, you know, one of those type of guys. So there's just lots of different scenarios at play. You would expect that if McCarthy goes to Pittsburgh where Aaron Rodgers upon every exit interview players in front office, oh, we would like him back or he was good for this franchise, he had a good season, blah blah blah everything that they were saying, it does make some sense that there's a connection between the two.

[Adam]

All right, we'll come back and talk about the Dolphins new offensive coordinator, the Ravens new hire at head coach, what the Bills might do after this.

[Narrator]

NFL fans spent an average of 690 minutes a week thinking about football.

That's over 11 hours.

You're checking matchups, tweaking your fantasy roster, reliving big plays, arguing calls. Football lives rent free in your head all week long.

And when the game's on, every decision matters. A winning play or the right timeout. Just 60 seconds can flip the entire outcome.

But here's the thing. Off the field, we forget to plan.

We get so caught up in the pregame hype, the food, the drinks, the vibe and forget the most important part of the day, how you're getting home.

So we're making it easier for you to plan ahead with Uber code. Make a plan 26. Order an Uber and get 25.5percent off your next ride on game day by using the promo code. Make a plan 26 now through February.

9Th, that's make a plan 26. Whether you're hosting, headed to a local.

Bar or going to the game, make it part of your ritual.

Take a minute, make a plan. Never drive impaired. This message was brought to you by Diageo MAD and the NFL. Please drink responsibly. Diageo New York.

[Adam]

Back here on FFT Express, Bobby Slowik was the offensive coordinator for the Texans for C.J. stroud's first two seasons. Now he's, he's been a member of the Dolphins organization, has been promoted to offensive coordinator under new head coach Jeff Halfley. Thoughts on this for the Dolphins?

[Jamie]

So I believe Slowik, if I'm not mistaken, came to Houston from San Francisco, right?

[Adam]

Yeah.

[Jamie]

So you have the LaFleur connection now. Slowik, you know, they're all probably connected in some way, shape or form. Having either coached together in some previous stop or knowing each other. I don't think it's a bad thing. Anytime you see these coordinators, coaches, etc. Comes down to what? Who's the quarterback?

[Adam]

Yeah.

[Jamie]

So if they get the quarterback right, you hope that there's going to be progress. Now, in the case of Slowik, you saw a great rookie season for C.J. stroud. He was there for year two also, and there was a big step back. And so how much of that was Stroud, how much of that was the offense, how much of it was the offensive line, et cetera, et cetera. So there's not a lot to work with right now. Man, you have a great running back, you have what could be a great wide receiver. You have an offensive line. I think that's probably gonna end up being, you know, if you want to look at PFF or whatever, middle of the pack would be my guess. You know, not great, not terrible. And so if they get the right quarterback in place, hey, Bobby, Slow could be awesome if they get to a tongue of Iloa again. Okay, how is he going to look running a different offense than Mike McDaniel? Because we really haven't seen that. You know, the, the Brian Flores tenure really wasn't fair to Tua. You know, I think you just have to judge Tua based on what we saw with McDaniel. So slow was part of that. Again, did they cultivate wide receivers after Tyreek Hill's injury? I think the answer is probably no. You know, Malik Washington never really took a step forward. That was his role. He was the passing game coordinator. So to me, whenever you go from offensive minded head coach to promoting from within, there's still questions. And again, Slow has been an office coordinator before, but I think also you have to sort of say, still don't know what he is. Because one good year, one bad year.

[Adam]

For Cedar Shop and let's finish with two openings for offensive coordinator and for head coach. One of them anyway, you do have Jesse Minter, the Chargers defensive coordinator, going to the Ravens. But who do you want to see end up calling plays for Baltimore and Buffalo?

[Jamie]

I think you want to see somebody who's going to open up the passing game even more. You know, what we saw from Lamar with Todd Mock, and I'm sorry I don't have the names for you, but you know, in the case of, of. Of Todd Mockin system, you know, and what we saw going from Greg Roman to Todd Monkin, it was great for Lamar Jackson, you know, so as long as he can still run and I don't think that door is closed on him running, but you know, did take a step back, did get injured, starting to get older, you know, you start to worry about guys that do what he does and, and as they age, you know, what happened to Cam Newton? Rapidly, you know, for example, a lot of guys typically get hurt, but if Lamar is going to still run enough, and by running enough, I think you got to be. What would you say, Adam? 600 plus yards for him?

[Narrator]

For who?

[Adam]

Kyler?

[Jamie]

For Lamar Jackson, elite fantasy quarterback?

[Adam]

Yeah, maybe more. I mean, he's certainly capable more, but 600 is a great season. Yeah, great season.

[Jamie]

So I would say 600 because he's never been a really a rushing touchdown guy. You know, that's not something that carries him. It's been more of his rushing yards. So it's not like Josh Allen, for example, who's going to get you.

[Adam]

Yeah, he doesn't do the goal line stuff.

[Jamie]

Right. So it's not going to be both. You know, he'll do enough, obviously, touchdowns, you know, on the ground. But I think for Lamar Jackson, he's always been an underrated passer. I would like to see another pass catcher there because it seems like Isaiah likely is leaving, but Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, I just don't think it's enough, you know, even with what Rashad Bateman has done, you know, get. Get somebody else in there to help Lamar. My guess is they run it back with Derrick Henry. So you're probably going to see a lot of similar concepts. I don't think they're bringing in somebody at least. Doesn't make sense to sort of reinvent the wheel there, you know, so let's just say they had moved on from. From Monkin and brought in, let's say, like an Arthur Smith. Like that would have been like, oh, my God, what are they doing? You know, so probably something that's going to run a lot of similar concepts. You know, maybe they go outside the norm and get someone from the San Francisco Rams tree, you know, who's available. I just think that, you know, Jesse Mentor probably brings in somebody that he's comfortable with and somebody's going to be comfortable with Lamar. Yeah.

[Adam]

The reason I said Kyler when you asked that, because I was thinking Cliff Kingsbury would be, I think, a really.

[Jamie]

Yes, that's a good call.

[Adam]

You know, and he's worked with. With Kyler. He's had great season with Kyler, great season with Jaden Daniels. So I'd love to see him. College and I love to.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Adam]

And I'd love to see Brian Dable go to Buffalo just for some familiarity there. All right, let's wrap it up. Thank you very much, Jamie. Thank you, everybody for watching and listening. We will talk to you next time on Fantasy Football Today Express.

[Jamie]

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