
The Ringer Fantasy Football Show Dolphins Fire McDaniel, Wild-Card Preview, and Craig Watched 'Lord of the Rings'
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Jan 9, 2026 Mike McDaniel's firing by the Dolphins sparks a debate about coaching dynamics and potential future fits. The hosts preview key wild-card matchups like Rams vs. Panthers and the intensity of Packers vs. Bears, assessing playoff readiness. They dive into the legitimacy of the Jaguars and Josh Allen's impact on the Bills. In a lighter twist, Craig shares his thoughts after finally watching 'The Lord of the Rings', discussing favorite moments and characters, while the team banters about pop culture and various musical tastes.
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Relationships Drive NFL Hires
- Team hires often follow personal relationships and donor ties rather than pure merit or roster fit.
- Danny Heifetz argues Stephen Ross's Michigan ties likely shaped Miami's decision-making around John Harbaugh.
One Coach Can Trigger A Hiring Cascade
- The coaching market becomes a cascade where several strong candidates get shuffled as teams chase one top coach.
- Danny Kelly calls it a 'full dance card' effect for John Harbaugh.
Owner Urgency Shapes Coaching Moves
- Owners near retirement accelerate hires because they want immediate results and trusted partners.
- Danny Heifetz links owner age and urgency to the Dolphins and Falcons coaching churn.



