The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL Hop aboard the 2026 Coaching Carousel
Dec 11, 2025
Conor Orr, a journalist for Sports Illustrated specializing in NFL coaching, dives into the intricacies of the forthcoming 2026 coaching carousel. He discusses why this cycle feels unique, emphasizing a thin offensive candidate pool. The conversation covers which teams might seek new coaches, spotlighting names like Vance Joseph and Jesse Minter, and discusses the growing interest in defensive hires. Orr also highlights emerging candidates like Kelvin Sheppard and the potential impact of analytics-savvy leaders. It’s a deep exploration of what the future may hold for NFL coaching.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Experience Needs To Be Irresistible
- Older defensive coordinators must be undeniably excellent to overcome age concerns and secure head jobs.
- Conor Orr labels Vance Joseph as having forced himself into contention through consistent results.
Vance Joseph Decoded McVay Early
- Conor Orr recounts how Vance Joseph decoded early McVay motion concepts and reworked defensive responses.
- That film work foreshadowed Joseph's modern defensive adaptations in Denver.
Practical Builders Gain Owner Trust
- Defensive success now attracts owners searching for pragmatic builders rather than flashy visionaries.
- That practical mindset boosts candidates like Jesse Minter and Jeff Hafley.