The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL The jam-packed 2026 coaching carousel: It goes up and down, and around
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Jan 15, 2026 Conor Orr, a savvy sports journalist from Sports Illustrated, joins Robert Mays to dish out the latest on the chaotic 2026 NFL coaching carousel. With major exits like John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin shaking things up, they explore why this cycle is anything but quiet. Orr dives into potential candidates for the Steelers, Ravens, and Falcons while highlighting the rapid rise of young coordinators. Plus, intriguing insights on how coaches like Brian Flores could transform franchises. Buckle up for a thrilling ride through coaching changes!
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Let Proven Coaches Pick Their Staff
- Let veteran CEO-type coaches pick their staff to ensure early credibility and operational control.
- Conor Orr argues Harbaugh's track record of assembling good assistants reduces franchise risk compared with other retreads.
Falcons Race: Kubiak Vs. Stefanski
- Falcons likely target Clay Kubiak or Kevin Stefanski depending on offensive identity and Matt Ryan's influence.
- Conor Orr frames Kubiak-Stefanski as the core race if Harbaugh isn't available.
Titans Want A Splash Hire
- Titans field diverse candidates including Matt Nagy, Robert Saleh, and Kevin Stefanski as fit for quarterback and stadium expectations.
- Orr warns teams may prefer bold, attention-grabbing hires to energize attendance in a new stadium.