3 and Out with John Middlekauff Black Monday REACTION, which coaches are OUT and who is SAFE
Jan 6, 2026
A whirlwind reaction to Black Monday unfolds as several big-name NFL coaches, including Pete Carroll and Kevin Stefanski, find themselves out of a job. John discusses how quarterback decisions played a crucial role in these firings. As Matt Ryan eyes a potential executive role with the Falcons, questions arise about his future in broadcasting. The conversation also touches on the playoff stakes for coaches and how ownership dynamics shape team decisions, adding layers to the already complex NFL narrative.
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Quarterback Choice Makes Or Breaks Coaches
- John Middlekauff argues that a coach's fate often hinges on the quarterback they inherit or acquire.
- He links Pete Carroll, Jonathan Gannon, and Kevin Stefanski firings to poor quarterback situations and bad personnel choices.
Evaluate Quarterback Fit Before Taking Head Job
- Avoid taking a head-coach job without assessing quarterback fit and roster reality first.
- Understand the long-term consequences of pairing your career with a questionable quarterback choice.
Selective Accountability In NFL Front Offices
- Middlekauff highlights selective accountability: coaches get fired while GMs often survive due to owner trust and different skill languages.
- He explains GMs speak contracts while coaches speak X's and O's, which isolates coaches when things go wrong.