Fantasy Football Today Express – Coaching Changes & Fantasy Impact

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

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.

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  • Adam wonders if McCarthy’s schemes are outdated, referencing the “stale” nature of Dallas’ offense late in his tenure and the struggles when Dak wasn't healthy.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)

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)

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.

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)

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.

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.

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!