The Bobby Bones Show: “Lots to Say: Tomlin Steps Down, 8 Teams Left, and 3x SB Champ Ed McCaffrey!”
Date: January 14, 2026
Hosts: Bobby Bones & Matt Castle
Guest: Ed McCaffrey (three-time Super Bowl Champion)
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into breaking NFL coaching news, analyzes the remaining eight NFL playoff teams—focusing on their quarterbacks—and features a rich, personal interview with former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey. Discussions cover Mike Tomlin’s unexpected departure from the Steelers, shakeups among NFL coaching ranks, in-depth playoff predictions, and McCaffrey’s journey from old-school football to his new ventures in nutrition.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Mike Tomlin Steps Down as Steelers Head Coach
(Begins ~[01:50])
- Breaking News: The episode kicks off with the immediate reaction to Mike Tomlin stepping down after 19 seasons with the Steelers (193–114 record), equaling franchise legend Chuck Noll's win record.
- “Something just broke, and something big. 193 and 114 is Mike Tomlin's record and he's now stepping down as the Steelers head coach.” — Bobby Bones, [01:50]
- Comparison made to John Harbaugh’s similar, recent exit with the Ravens.
- Speculation about Tomlin and Harbaugh’s coaching futures: possible hiatus (“gap year”) or jumping right into other opportunities, including media.
- Implications: Top-tier coaches re-entering the pool raises the quality for teams searching for new head coaches, benefitting even historically dysfunctional franchises.
2. NFL Coaching Carousel & Organizational Dysfunction
(~[04:44])
- Focus on candidates like Kevin Stefanski, Mike McDaniel, and Matt LaFleur’s situation in Green Bay.
- “He knows that there's a lot of coaching vacancies out there and he's not at the bottom tier of this list...” — Matt Castle, [04:03]
- Detailed critique of poorly-run organizations (e.g., Titans, Cardinals), emphasizing how competent hires at the top could shift fortunes.
- “Titans are not a well-run organization...but if the number one doesn't know what they're doing...everybody else just falls in line.” — Bobby Bones, [05:13]
3. Remaining Quarterbacks Ranked: Bobby’s Playoff QB Power Rankings
(Segment start: [09:15])
- Structured countdown with commentary:
- Josh Allen (“The guy is Superman” – Castle): Praised for toughness, leadership, and physical resilience [09:31].
- Matthew Stafford: Lauded for playmaking and “no-look” throws even late in his career [10:52].
- Sam Darnold: Recognition for leadership and recent consistency despite struggles [11:28].
- Drake May: Highlighted for rapid growth and big moments in clutch [15:41].
- Caleb Williams: Dynamic, clutch, but team struggles in first halves [18:03].
- Brock Purdy: Efficient “game manager” with sneaky athleticism [19:19].
- Bo Nix: Solid but unspectacular; benefits from strong supporting cast [21:07].
- C.J. Stroud: Noted regression; offense hampered recently [21:30].
- In-depth banter for each pick, with both hosts alternating insight into teams’ strengths, weaknesses, and playoff outlooks.
4. Playoff Weekend Preview & Predictions
(Divisional preview: [28:12])
- Straight talk predictions, often leaning on QB play and weather as key factors:
- “I'm going when it's close with the best player on the field. And that's Josh Allen.” — Bobby Bones, [29:12]
- Matt Castle’s breakdowns pair X-and-O’s with personal experience, including the impact of frigid weather and travel conditions (e.g., Rams flying into cold Chicago).
5. Interview: Ed McCaffrey
(Interview begins: [34:28])
NFL Then & Now:
- Stories from Ed’s 1991 rookie camp, lining up between Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks.
- “Bill Parcells was my head coach. My locker...was right between Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks.” — Ed McCaffrey, [35:13]
- Evolution of player safety: fewer pads then, no targeting rules, longer training camps.
- “It was a tough, physical league back then. They didn't have any of the player safety rules they have today.” — McCaffrey, [35:14]
- Discussed the importance of blocking as a wideout.
- “Rod Smith and I...used to have little side bets on who could decleat the most DBs in a game.” — Ed McCaffrey, [42:30]
- On the impact of good coaching (Mike Shanahan) in building his late-blooming career.
Fatherhood & Coaching:
- Reflections on son Christian McCaffrey’s game-winning plays in windy conditions.
- “He went out there and competed...That one catch...to track it and then have it move on you...for a running back to be able to do that is pretty unheard of.” — McCaffrey, [46:21]
- Praised how Kyle Shanahan puts players in position to win by deeply understanding both sides of the ball.
Life, Nutrition, and Business:
- Nutrition philosophy from his playing days to launching McCaffrey Protein Bites with the family.
- “Protein is important. A lot of people are deficient in protein. So gluten free, non GMO, high in protein. And most importantly, it tastes great, man.” — McCaffrey, [51:12]
- Childhood stories about making weight and early lessons in fuel and performance.
6. Lighthearted Segments & Personal Lists
(~[59:31])
- Bobby ranks the remaining quarterbacks as if they were his personal friends, blending spirited banter, inside jokes, and behind-the-scenes color:
- “At number one, he's number one in both lists. I have Josh Allen...based off a friend's recommendation.” — Bobby Bones, [59:41]
- Conversations touch on trust, privacy, and relatability with players both on and off the field.
7. Final Banter & Closing Thoughts
- Some behind-the-scenes on their personal lives (carpool struggles, beard maintenance, anecdotes about celebrity neighbors).
- Endearing mutual ribbing about their looks, local community, and the camaraderie in the NFL brotherhood.
Notable Quotes & Moments
Mike Tomlin’s Departure:
- “Wow, end of an era, it just resets again. All the coaching candidates and the hierarchy...” — Bobby Bones, [02:37]
On Dysfunctional Franchises:
- “When your owner has to release a statement saying we're now going to let our general manager general manage—that's probably a good idea.” — Bobby Bones, [05:03]
On Josh Allen’s Heroics:
- “Some of the throws that Josh Allen made down the stretch…he throws that poster out to Brandon Cooks...takes an absolute shot right in his chest...it's plays like that you just sit there in awe.” — Matt Castle, [09:54]
Ed McCaffrey on Blocking:
- “A declares when you knock a guy on the ground…we’d usually have three or four would be the winner, one or two would be the loser, and five $10 bets to see who could declinate the most players.” — Ed McCaffrey, [42:30]
On Nutrition and Life After Football:
- “Best way to fuel yourself is to do it intelligently and with moderation…five to six meals, spread out every two to four hours...” — Ed McCaffrey, [52:26]
Bobby’s Friendship Ranking:
- “Number one in both lists, Josh Allen...because he is the only one that I have friends that are friends with him.” — Bobby Bones, [59:41]
On Ageing in Football:
- “If you are [healthy], you probably didn’t play that much.” — Matt Castle, [68:50]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- [01:50] – Mike Tomlin’s departure & record, NFL coaching carousel discussion
- [05:03] – Organization dysfunction: Titans, GM/owner misalignment
- [09:15] – Playoff QB Power Rankings (detailed throughout [09:31] to [22:23])
- [25:29] – Cinderella teams: 49ers, Bears playoff potential
- [28:12] – Playoff Weekend Preview & Pick ‘Em games
- [34:28] – Ed McCaffrey Interview (NFL stories, player safety, transition, family)
- [46:21] – Ed’s perspective on Christian McCaffrey, the modern 49ers, and coaching
- [51:12] – Nutrition philosophies and launching McCaffrey Brands
- [59:31] – Friendship power rankings for playoff QBs; closing banter
- [67:38] – Family/van stories, beard talk, and final reflections
Episode Tone & Style
- The conversation is lively, insightful, and full of inside NFL knowledge, but also approachable and laced with banter, joking, and personal anecdotes.
- Bobby Bones leads with enthusiasm and curiosity, while Matt Castle brings a pro’s perspective and self-deprecating humor.
- Ed McCaffrey brings warmth, humility, and deep perspective as a player, parent, and entrepreneur.
Summary:
This episode is a must-listen for NFL fans tracking the coaching carousel, playoff narratives, and the personal journeys of both league icons and emerging stars. It delivers news, expert insight, player storytelling, and candid reflections about life at and after the highest levels of pro football.