The Athletic Football Show: The Jam-Packed 2026 Coaching Carousel

Host: Robert Mays
Guest: Conor Orr (Sports Illustrated/MMQB)
Original Air Date: January 15, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the wild 2026 NFL coaching carousel, universally described by Robert and Conor as the most chaotic and fascinating in years. From legacy franchises like the Steelers and Ravens suddenly searching for new head coaches to deep dives on the quality of various high-profile jobs and the candidates poised to fill them, the podcast delivers a comprehensive survey of the coaching landscape, analysis of team strategies, and candid takes on the current coaching market.

“This has turned from the worst coaching cycle in like five years to by far the best one. Is this amazing?” — Conor Orr (02:41)

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Chaos of the 2026 Coaching Carousel

Timestamps: 01:20 – 04:49

• Both host and guest emphasize how unprecedented this cycle is, especially with established coaches like Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh both out in the AFC North.
• Robert compares the volatility to the 2016 NFL Draft, “thrown into complete chaos.”
• Only Zach Taylor remains head coach in the AFC North, underlining the seismic changes.
• Steelers and Ravens may compete for the same candidates, likened to top college programs fighting over a five-star recruit.

2. Steelers Head Coaching Opening & Candidates

Timestamps: 04:49 – 19:16

Surprise at the Tomlin News

• Both admit surprise at the Tomlin exit; Conor notes he overlooked expiring contracts for a majority of Steelers assistants (05:10).
• “As good of a coach as Mike Tomlin is, it was time... time to give up whatever this model was and turn the page to something else.”
  — Robert Mays (06:03)

Candidate Short List

Conor’s quick picks:

• Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame)
• Chris Shula (Rams DC)
• Jesse Minter (Chargers DC)
• Brian Flores (Vikings DC; ex-Steelers assistant)
• Possible wildcard: A Kubiak

On Brian Flores:

• Robert: “Am I wrong in thinking that Flores just makes a ton of sense?” (08:38)
• Conor: “He fits everything. He's still relatively youngish. He's probably the best. He's 44.” (09:43)
• They discuss how Flores’ humble year in Pittsburgh, and growth in Minnesota, made him a stronger candidate versus the turbulent Miami stint.

“If the Marcus Freeman thing is very delicate, I think if they couldn't land him, I think that's maybe where they point their search. But again... this is a team that you literally have a rule named after you, describing how patient and open you are during the interview process.”
— Conor Orr on Steelers’ approach (09:43)

Steelers-Style Candidate Profiles

• Young, defensive-minded, leader types.
• Need for offensive coordinator pairing if the HC is defensive—Daboll mentioned as a strong possibility if Flores is hired (13:21).

On Marcus Freeman:

• NFL-esque responsibilities at modern Notre Dame.
• Seen as someone NFL teams covet; Titans and Giants had inquired; likened to a “build-a-coach-in-a-lab” candidate for Pittsburgh (14:34).

3. Baltimore Ravens Opening: The NFL’s #1 Job

Timestamps: 19:16 – 30:08

• The direct, transparent Steve Bisciotti press conference was highlighted as a refreshingly honest approach that underscores the Ravens' strength.
• “In my opinion, it's the best head coaching job to come open since I started covering the sport... Is there a better head coaching job over the last 13 years than this current Ravens coaching job? I don't think so.”
  — Robert Mays (22:04)

Why the Ravens Job Ranks #1

• Elite front office, proven drafting, top roster, and MVP quarterback.
• Stability and organizational competence are unmatched compared to other teams with openings.

Ravens Candidate Shortlist

• Young, under-the-radar offensive minds such as Davis Webb and Nate Scheelhaase are on the radar, but may be too green for such a job.
• NFL options: Kubiak, Jesse Minter, and Brian Flores.
• Minter’s candidacy is highly regarded due to deep roots in the McDonald defensive tree and success in LA with limited resources.

“Can't you just see Jesse Minter, Ravens head coach? Like, it's just not hard for me to picture.”
— Robert Mays (27:39)

4. John Harbaugh Sweepstakes

Timestamps: 35:04 – 42:25

• Harbaugh is in in-person interviews with the Giants, Titans, and Falcons.
• Conor’s rankings: Ravens (1), Falcons (2), Giants (3), Titans (5).
• “If I had to handicap it right now, I would say that [the Giants] have a slight edge over the Titans.”
  — Conor Orr (37:48)
• Factors influencing Harbaugh: family, location, organizational support, and the “husband-wife decision.”
• Emphasized the Giants’ full-court press, betting organizational credibility on landing Harbaugh.

Harbaugh vs. the “Safe Floor” Question

• Discussion comparing Harbaugh’s stability to recent failed stints by veteran coaches like Pete Carroll.
• Robert notes Harbaugh’s strength in always picking the right assistants as key difference.

5. Falcons, Titans, and the Rest of the Openings

Timestamps: 42:51 – 50:08

Atlanta Falcons

• “The Falcons are doing a lot of work on Kubiak.”
  — Conor Orr (43:11)
• Stefanski is seen as the “smack it down the middle” candidate.
• Robert: Keeping Jeff Ulbrich (DC) and Dwayne Ledford (OLC) would make it an especially attractive job for a new coach like Stefanski.

Tennessee Titans

• Matt Nagy has real support; QB Cam Ward’s fit is considered.

“Nagy learned a lot from his time in Chicago.”
— Conor Orr (47:49)

• Robert raises caution on Nagy as “retread,” wanting proof of offensive difference-making.
• Robert Saleh (fired from Jets) is an intriguing alternative — could potentially bring a strong OC, with the right pairings.
• Mike McDaniel’s appeal discussed, but speculation he’ll wait a year for a better spot.

6. The Importance of Coaching Reset Years

Timestamps: 50:08 – 54:44

• Discussion on the wisdom of “reset years” for fired coaches to regain perspective and market demand.

“If you’re the first call for every team that needs an offensive coordinator, you shouldn’t just be an offensive coordinator. Not in this current cycle.”
— Robert Mays (50:08)

• Illustrative reference to Adam Gase flopping by taking the Jets job too soon after Miami.

7. Rapid-Fire: Other Openings and Coordinator Talk

Timestamps: 57:10 – 80:17

Arizona Cardinals

• “Everyone looks at it and they're like, oh boy... you're probably eighth on the power rankings right now of jobs that teams would want.”
  — Conor Orr (57:24)
• Front office/ownership instability is a major red flag.
• Candidates: Likely to lean on LA Rams coordinators (Mike LaFleur) or Vance Joseph (formerly with team, respected for his NFC West gameplanning).

Cleveland Browns

• “[The Browns] timing never matches up... they just kind of keep going in these weird little passages where none of the good ever lines up for them at the right moment.”
  — Conor Orr (64:56)
• Head coach candidates: Jim Schwartz (internal), Grant Yudinsky (internal, young), Robert Saleh (Jets), and possible veteran stopgaps.
• Browns seen as a bridge job; possibly a “coach before the coach” situation given the cap/roster issues.
• The appeal: Unlimited patience from fanbase amidst perpetual dysfunction.

Las Vegas Raiders

• Pairings of Davis Webb (younger coach with recent playing experience) and Cliff Kingsbury (offensive expert) are floated as creative options.
• Patrick Graham and Rob Leonard cited as possible DCs to retain continuity and appease defensive stalwarts.

Miami Dolphins, Eagles, Cowboys, Lions, Buccaneers

• Dolphins: Early-stage search after GM change, Jeff Halfley and Campanale mentioned.
• Eagles: OC vacancy, with Brian Daboll mentioned as a possible fix for Hurts’ developmental trajectory.
• Cowboys: DC search focused on Christian Parker (favored by Robert), Jim Leonard, and Durante Jones.

“If you're building, like, a 4 of how you're picking your defensive coordinator, I think you are hunting in the exact right place.” — Robert Mays (77:29)

• Lions, Buccaneers: OC searches headline, with Todd Monken a favorite for multiple jobs, noted for explosive offensive schemes.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Ravens’ supremacy as an opening:
  “The stability plus the quarterback, it puts it in an entirely different stratosphere.”
  — Robert Mays (22:44)

• On Brian Flores’ head coach readiness:
  “He could be... Battleship Commander. This is Flores. It's Flores to a T.”
  — Conor Orr (09:43)

• Harbaugh’s appeal:
  “Whoever he picks as your defensive coordinator, you're probably just celebrating immediately.”
  — Conor Orr (40:54)

• Why some jobs remain toxic:
  “There’s a toxicity around [the Cardinals job] that I don’t think a lot of people totally appreciate.”
  — Robert Mays (58:01)

• Browns’ endless cycle:
  “Their timing never matches up… none of the good ever lines up for them at the right moment.” — Conor Orr (64:56)

Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• Opening/Set-up: 01:20 – 02:41
• Steelers/Tomlin Analysis: 04:49 – 19:16
• Ravens Job Deep Dive: 19:16 – 30:08
• Harbaugh’s Search: 35:04 – 42:25
• Falcons/Titans Openings: 42:51 – 50:08
• Reflection on Coaching Trends (“reset years”): 50:08 – 54:44
• Rapid-Fire on Lower-Tier Jobs: 57:10 – 80:17
• Coordinator Carousel/Outside Hires: 77:20 – 80:17

Podcast Tone, Energy, and Style

The episode keeps an energetic, conversational pace, mixing deep football knowledge with relaxed banter and inside stories. Robert’s measured analysis pairs well with Conor’s humor and enthusiasm, giving listeners both the broad view and the little-known details of coaching searches.

Final Word

This episode is a must-listen for NFL fans invested in the coaching carousel. It blends insider nuggets, historical insight, and speculative pairing of coaches and teams, all delivered with the trademark blend of The Athletic Football Show’s candor and expertise. Football nerds and casual followers alike will come away much smarter about how teams are thinking — and the coaches most likely to shape the NFL’s next era.

You can follow Conor Orr’s work at SI.com and listen to the MMQB Podcast for further updates on the ever-evolving NFL coaching landscape.