Scoop City: Inside The NFL — Episode Summary

Podcast: Scoop City: Inside the NFL
Hosts: Dianna Russini, James Palmer, Chase Daniel
Date: January 5, 2026
Episode Title: Can Josh Allen and the Bills capitalize on an open AFC + the latest coaching carousel news

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode provides a comprehensive breakdown of the NFL’s head coaching carousel, deep dives on key firings and hirings across multiple teams, and previews the looming wild card weekend. The hosts bring in prominent NFL insiders and beat reporters to dish the latest behind-the-scenes scoops, analyze the impact of organizational decisions, and discuss implications for both franchises and available coaching candidates in a wide-open AFC landscape.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Raiders Head Coaching Change & Tom Brady's Role (02:51–12:45)

• Pete Carroll’s Firing: Carroll is out as Raiders head coach after a 3-14 season. While anticipated, the quickness of the decision was surprising.
• Tom Brady in the Spotlight:
  • For the first time, the Raiders' public statement included Tom Brady’s name as running point on the head coaching search, alongside John Spytek.
  • Dianna: “I think it’s good for the Raiders that Tom’s going, all right, I’m going to grab this thing. I’m sticking my name on it for real. No more hiding in the shadows, you know?” (03:27)
• Coach Search and #1 Pick:
  • Raiders strongly expected to select Fernando Mendoza #1 overall at QB.
  • Organizational priority: offensive head coach to pair with the rookie.
  • Young talent on offense: Ashen Genti (RB), Brock Bowers (TE).
  • Defensive holes remain significant.
• Patriot Way?
  • Speculation around names like Brian Flores, Brian Daboll for head coach, but skepticism about 'copycat' approaches: “They tried the Patriot way there… when you try to go about that, it doesn’t always work.” (06:54)
• Max Crosby’s Future:
  • Raiders may be open to trading Max Crosby; his dissatisfaction is noted as a major storyline.
  • “He is the culture setter and the Pied Piper for the way that organization works… they would entertain [a trade] if he's ready to possibly entertain.” — James Palmer (12:45)
• Job Appeal:
  • The coaching job is challenging due to constant churn and instability.
• Tom Brady’s Involvement:
  • “If Tom Brady calls you, you answer… Tom Brady can have the exact same impact for the Las Vegas Raiders [as Elway did for Denver].” — James Palmer (11:11)

2. Cleveland Browns Fire Coach Kevin Stefanski (12:45–22:24, 58:23–70:45)

• Stefanski Out: After two 11-win seasons but continued quarterback instability, the Browns move on from their two-time coach of the year.
• Confusion over Andrew Berry Retention: GMs are usually let go with coaches; Berry remains. League executives are puzzled: “Why is it only a two-time coach of the year and not Andrew Berry?” (16:03)
• Quarterback Woes:
  • Shador Sanders’ development is still a question; DeShaun Watson is on the roster for one more year but expectations are low.
  • “It’s been a graveyard in a sense, right?” — Diana (13:49)
  • “Cleveland will never be the same until they get another quarterback… it’s just so hard.” — Chase (18:53)
• Future Plans:
  • Stefanski remains a top coaching candidate and wants to return immediately.
  • Chase: “He’s automatically the #1 candidate. It’s not even a question in my mind.” (15:01)
• Ownership and Attractiveness:
  • Coaches highly value a good owner and a good quarterback over facilities or city.
  • “Same 10 teams are in play every year…If you don’t have an owner [that’s good], that’s the one that gets to me.” — Chase (22:42)
• Zach Jackson (Browns beat) adds:
  • The front office is unusually large, with analytics emphasis but questionable offensive line/quarterback development.
  • Watson’s contract remains an albatross; “Every day he’s on the roster, it remains embarrassing.” (62:43)
  • Stefanski’s likely to be in demand but won’t rush into any job, may take a year off (like Mike Vrabel recently).

3. Arizona Cardinals Move On from Jonathan Gannon & Kyler Murray’s Uncertain Future (24:18–29:25)

• Gannon Fired: Organization moves after a 4-win, then 8-9, then 3-14 progression and a nine-game losing streak.
• Surprising Timing: Many league insiders thought Gannon might survive; firing came as a late reversal.
• Ownership Perception: Concern about paying coaches to not coach (Kingsbury then Gannon), a possible factor in timing decisions.
• Decision on Kyler Murray:
  • League-wide view is that Arizona will move on. Kyler is described as inconsistent but still possessing high upside.
  • “Kyler deserves one more chance…There’s been times this past year where Kyler Murray has played like a Top 10 quarterback.” — Chase (28:02)
  • Expectation: He gets a ‘bridge QB’ deal elsewhere, but questions about whether he’s a long-term franchise guy.

4. Atlanta Falcons Overhaul: Firing Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot; Search Structures (29:31–38:39, 71:34–81:28)

• Full Organizational Reset: Both GM and head coach fired; President of Football (likely Matt Ryan) to be appointed atop a new hierarchy.
• Unconventional Process:
  • Multiple search firms (Sportsology for GM, ZRG for coach) running concurrent but independent processes.
  • “Matt Ryan gets the final say. So why are we hiring two firms at the same?” — Chase Daniel (34:13)
  • Rooney Rule still applies for executive hires.
• Raheem Morris’ Future: Likely to get interviews elsewhere; respected as a player’s coach and could move into a coordinator position if not a HC job.
• Candidate Speculation:
  • Offensive-minded coaches are the focus.
  • Names floated for Atlanta: Kevin Stefanski, Matt LaFleur (should the Packers make a move), Clint Kubiak, Chris Shula, Jeff Hafley.
• Draft/Team Direction:
  • Internal splits over first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. underscored the need for clearer authority.
  • Owner Arthur Blank’s collaborative approach is being rethought in favor of a single, accountable voice.

5. Coaching Carousel: Top Names, Trends & League-wide Insights (38:22–41:48, 78:00–80:53)

• Coaches in Play:
  • Stefanski is widely regarded as the top candidate.
  • Others drawing interest: Lou Anarumo, Matt Nagy, Clint Kubiak, Kevin Stefanski, Vance Joseph, Chris Shula, Jeff Hafley.
• Offensive Focus: Teams with new QBs or high picks prioritize offensive minds.

6. Wild Card Weekend & AFC Preview (41:19–48:19)

• Wild Card Teams to Watch:
  • “I think it’s the Texans. I just…I love what DeMeco Ryans has done.” — Chase Daniel (41:19)
  • Houston praised for dynamic D-line, revitalized C.J. Stroud, and improved OL. DC Matt Burke credited as head-coaching material.
• Division Winners at Risk:
  • Chase: Bears are the most vulnerable high-seed: “They're really good at getting takeaways…they need to wait until the fourth quarter to play their best ball—that’ll get you beat." (45:03)
  • Packers could knock off anyone in the NFC.
• Team Confidence Questions:
  • Seattle and Denver discussed as top seeds with different strengths: homefield, defense, run games, but also offensive limitations.

7. Raiders Deep-Dive with Vic Tafur (49:55–56:45)

• Mark Davis Steps Back: For the first time, the plan is for Mark Davis to cede greater control to Tom Brady and John Spytek.
• Job Appeal Up: The franchise now boasts cap space, cash, the #1 pick, and strong facilities—making it a far more attractive spot than past years.
• Roster Decisions:
  • Brock Bowers and Ashen Genti highlighted as cornerstone young talent.
  • Max Crosby unlikely to be traded (“He is the guy you hold out for the fans and say, hey, we still got your guy… my gut feeling is he’ll be around.” — Vic Tafur, 54:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Tom Brady’s Involvement in Raiders’ Search:
  • “If Tom Brady calls you, you answer… Tom Brady can have the exact same impact for the Las Vegas Raiders [as John Elway did for Denver].” — James Palmer (11:11)
• On What Coaches Want:
  • “When you finally break in as a head coach…the most basic response ever is, ‘I just want a quarterback and a good owner.’” — Diana Russini (21:47)
• On the Falcons’ New Structure:
  • “It’d be like having the person that auditioned for Scoop City that didn’t get the job and then having them come in and say, ‘Is Chase good?’” — Diana Rossini, on using search firms (33:06)
• On Max Crosby's Status:
  • “He is the culture setter and the Pied Piper…Never going to trade Max until Max was ready to be traded.” — James Palmer (12:45)
  • “He bravado [is] part of the makeup still...my gut feeling is he'll be around.” — Vic Tafur (54:48)
• On Job Appeal and Fit:
  • “You can live with a lot of noise if you have a quarterback and a good owner. Give me an owner that stays out of it.” — Chase Daniel (22:37)
• On Stefanski’s Candidacy:
  • “He’s automatically the #1 candidate. It’s not even a question in my mind.” — Chase Daniel (15:01)
  • “He has succeeded…these jobs are open 80% of the time because organizations are a mess and he just worked for an organization that’s been a mess for 26 years.” — Zach Jackson (68:13)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Raiders fire Pete Carroll, Tom Brady's new role: 02:51–12:45
• Browns fire Kevin Stefanski, coaching market reactions: 12:45–22:24
• Cardinals part ways with Jonathan Gannon / Kyler Murray situation: 24:18–29:25
• Falcons full reset, Matt Ryan's potential executive future: 29:31–38:39 / 71:34–81:28
• Coaching carousel hot names & trends: 38:22–41:48
• Wild card weekend, AFC breakdown: 41:19–48:19
• Raiders deep-dive with Vic Tafur: 49:55–56:45
• Browns situation recap with Zach Jackson (part 2): 58:23–70:45

Flow & Usefulness

This episode covers a dizzying range of rapid-fire news and thoughtful analysis in a conversational and slightly irreverent tone. The hosts balance league-wide perspective with detailed local insights, peppering in memorable anecdotes (“If Tom Brady calls, you answer”) and quotes that reflect both insider knowledge and fan frustration. If you missed the episode, this summary offers a comprehensive catch-up on the coaching carousel, the state of several major franchises, and which teams and candidates to watch in the coming weeks.

For the next episode:
Tune in for more updates on coaching searches, wild card breakdowns, and the evolving playoff picture in the NFL, only on Scoop City.