House of Strauss John Middlekauff
Feb 10, 2026
John Middlekauff, NFL analyst and contest legend known for deep scouting insight. He dives into coach market value and why some defensive coaches keep playcalling. They debate nepotism and paths to power in football. Media shifts and why NFL coverage is booming also come up.
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Coaches Command Disproportionate Pay
- The NFL rewards coaches and coordinators with salaries that often exceed those of general managers and many players.
- That pay structure gives top coaches outsized organizational power and influence over team construction.
Versatility And The Glitch Blitz
- Mike McDonald brought versatile defensive concepts like the 'Glitch Blitz' back into vogue and that disrupts quarterbacks.
- Defensive-minded head coaches who keep playcalling control can create outsized team advantages.
Why Nepotism Fits Football
- Nepotism tends to work in the NFL because entry-level grind exposes incompetence quickly and requires total buy-in.
- Young coaches must prove themselves with long hours and can't skate on connections alone.