The Right Time with Bomani Jones

Episode: Domonique Foxworth on Harbaugh's next move, Mike McDaniel fired, NFL playoffs begin
Date: January 9, 2026
Guests: Domonique Foxworth
Host: Bomani Jones

Episode Overview

In this episode, Bomani Jones and recurring guest Domonique Foxworth dissect a dramatic week in the NFL, headline coaching changes, player leadership dynamics, and the impending playoff games. They offer insider perspectives on John Harbaugh's firing, Lamar Jackson's future, the rapidly spinning NFL coaching carousel, playoff matchups, and sprinkle in commentary on quarterback expectations, locker room culture, and even the "Ginger Cuz" social media moment. The episode features Bomani's signature humor and Foxworth's insight as a former player and union president.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Pains of NFL Schedule Expansion (00:00–01:36)

• Both Bomani and Domonique lament the extended NFL season, citing a diluted playoff field and an overabundance of games featuring "quarterbacks whose names I had never seen before" (B, 00:49).
• "Every week of football disaster is just a little bit closer." — Bomani (A, 00:37)
• The consensus: financial incentives drive these changes because "bet y’all gonna watch." (A, 01:47)

2. John Harbaugh’s Firing and Fallout in Baltimore (02:12–11:33)

• Foxworth, as a former Raven, wasn't shocked by Harbaugh’s firing but was surprised by the timing.
  • "It was reasonable for it to happen now, but it still was like, damn...especially the time when it happened." — Domonique (B, 02:12)
• Reports surfaced of tension between Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson, with questions about Jackson’s leadership and consistency:
  • "They don’t even know from day to day whether [Lamar] feel like practicing or not." — Bomani (A, 05:19)
  • Foxworth drew an analogy to the NBA's Kawhi Leonard: wanting superstar privileges without full leadership responsibilities.
• Foxworth highlighted the complexity of accountability in football:
  • "The way that I behave is going to impact the culture of this team." (B, 06:27)
  • He emphasized that growing into a true, professional team leader is rare at a young age.
• The Harbaugh–Jackson–Monken offensive coordinator dynamic unraveled due to deeper friction over team control and authority.
  • "If the quarterback doesn't want to play for the offensive coordinator, then we gotta go get a new offensive coordinator." — Bomani (A, 09:15)
  • Foxworth saw it as Harbaugh drawing the line: “There’s some level of power that I must maintain if I’m gonna run this.”

3. Miami Dolphins Fire Mike McDaniel; Harbaugh’s Career Choices (11:33–19:51)

• The Dolphins’ premature contact with Harbaugh led quickly to Mike McDaniel’s firing.
  • "It’s always bad news when the streets find out you tried to holla at another coach while you still got [one]." — Bomani (A, 12:07)
• Foxworth breaks down what top-tier coaches truly want: owner support, organizational control, and roster-building freedom—not just a decent quarterback.
• Bomani and Domonique agree: Miami might not be an ideal landing spot given the franchise’s track record—especially quarterback uncertainty.
  • "I guess we’ve just been watching 30 years of various levels of ineptitude from the franchise." — Bomani (A, 14:17)

4. NFL Coaching Carousel & Organizational Culture (19:51–23:59)

• They dismiss the notion of Harbaugh going to the Steelers if Tomlin leaves—organizational "sameness" and rivalry make it a nonstarter.
  • "That’s not an upgrade to them." — Domonique (B, 19:38)
• Insight on the randomness of NFL coaching success, contrasting press-conference “dorks” with on-field results (e.g., Nick Sirianni, Liam Coen).
  • "Authenticity matters as far as connecting with players, and connecting with the players really matters." — Domonique (B, 20:54)

5. Playoff Previews & Matchups (27:10–38:39)

• Steelers vs. Texans: Prime-time “island game” pressure. “Be careful...it is possible that the Texans could blow their doors off.” — Bomani (A, 28:33)
• Breakdown of how public perception of coaches (like Tomlin, LaFleur, and McDermott) shifts drastically based on single-elimination playoff showings.
• Speculation on imminent firings/contract moves for Matt LaFleur (Packers) and Sean McDermott (Bills).
  • "There’s only been so long that coach and quarterback can keep going and not wind up at least playing for the championship." — Bomani (A, 30:57)
• They play out Lamar Jackson and Matt LaFleur hypotheticals: "Can you imagine a world in which Lamar Jackson tries to get himself out of Baltimore?" — Bomani (A, 33:32)
• Creative scenario: “Lafleur, find your way to Atlanta and let Matt LaFleur have Lamar Jackson, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Drake London.” (A, 34:24)
• Revisiting the Falcons' handling of the Lamar Jackson opportunity: "You was too old to be acting like this, dog." — Bomani, on Arthur Blank (A, 35:12)

6. Niners/Eagles Playoff Analysis & QB Expectations (36:02–54:04)

• Foxworth analyzes the 49ers’ defensive drop-off and their vulnerability against the Eagles, who are gaining late-season confidence.
  • "You ain't got no ass whoopers up there no more, man." — Domonique (B, 37:09)
• Entertaining discussion of Nick Sirianni’s odd relationship with his players (AJ Brown, Miles Garrett).
  • "AJ does not take you seriously at all." — Bomani (A, 38:31)
  • "If it's Miles Garrett giving the side eye, we can't play that well." — Domonique (B, 39:02)
• They propose a “Pinocchio index” to track which NFL coaches lie to players.
  • "There’s no truth that a lie can’t fix." — Bomani (A, 40:32)
• Foxworth notes that some coaches are “just lying” as a lifestyle, but honesty is vital for genuine locker-room culture.

7. Locker Room Culture & Authenticity (46:03–54:25)

• Discussion of the viral "Ginger Cuz" tweet by Marshawn Lynch about Sam Darnold:
  • "Good shit young N words. And ginger cuz." — Marshawn Lynch (referenced at 46:58)
• The story elicits playful speculation on locker-room nicknames, inclusion, and Marshawn’s legendary candidness.
  • "Cool ass old dude don’t know nobody name, nicknames for everybody." — Domonique (B, 51:03)
• Reflections on progress and inclusion in sports, featuring the Kevin Garnett/Jason Collins anecdote: "For him to be like, ‘Don’t worry, brother. We will find what works for you.’" — Bomani (A, 48:58)

8. The Plight of ‘Ginger Cuz’ Quarterbacks & Coaching Prototypes (52:45–54:25)

• The surprisingly long leash for QBs like Kirk Cousins (“Ginger Cuz”) and persistent hope from organizations despite limited upside.
  • "We still hold...hope for Ginger Cuz. Man, they refuse to give up on Ginger Cuz." — Bomani (A, 52:45)
  • The contrast with Brock Purdy, who brings more improvisation and X-factor than the “just do what I say” archetype.
  • "You gotta have some of that. You gotta have a little bit of that variable out there. And Ginger Cuz don’t bring that variable..." — Domonique (B, 54:25)

9. College Football & Quarterback Decisions (54:38–56:49)

• Quick hitter on Indiana’s magical season under Kurt Cignetti and the idea of being the “best coach in college football right now.”
  • “This man in two years has absolutely put himself at the top of the discussion.” — Bomani (A, 56:08)
• Advice for college QBs considering the NFL: “I would much rather make $5 million a year playing for Oregon than...playing for the f***ing Jets.” — Bomani (A, 56:49)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On NFL’s Money Motivations: "Bet y’ all gonna watch." — Bomani (A, 01:47)
• On Harbaugh's Firing: "There’s some level of power that I must maintain if I’m gonna run this. You’re not gonna tell me who I could hire and fire. I respect that. From both sides.” — Domonique (B, 10:33)
• On Locker Room Nicknames: “Cool ass old dude don’t know nobody name, nicknames for everybody.” — Domonique (B, 51:03)
• On Coaching Culture: “Authenticity matters as far as connecting with players…Then after that, the scheme stuff matters.” — Domonique (B, 20:54)
• On Honesty in Football: "There’s no truth that a lie can’t fix." — Bomani (A, 40:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–01:36: NFL schedule/expansion complaints
• 02:12–11:33: Harbaugh firing & Ravens leadership
• 11:33–19:51: Dolphins fire McDaniel, Harbaugh job prospects
• 19:51–23:59: Coaching carousel, success unpredictability
• 27:10–38:39: Playoff previews: Steelers, Texans, LaFleur/McDermott's fate
• 36:02–38:39: 49ers/Eagles breakdown, Nick Sirianni observations
• 39:02–44:14: Locker room truth-telling, coach “lying index”
• 46:03–54:25: ‘Ginger Cuz’ story, locker room inclusion, QB hope
• 54:38–56:49: College football: Indiana's rise, QB draft decisions

Tone & Language

Episode features lively banter, cultural references, blunt sports talk, and a tone that vacillates between irreverence and sharp insider analysis. Both Jones and Foxworth are frank, often dropping credible but unfiltered opinions, playful roasts, and occasional NSFW language—staying true to the voice of the show.

Summary Takeaway

A timely, insightful, and highly entertaining dive into the NFL's most chaotic storylines, from coaching upheaval to playoff stakes to the inside jokes and subcultures that animate the league. If you're looking for honest, smart, and funny football talk that doesn’t shy away from the off-beat, this episode delivers.