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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Coaching Cycle Turned Chaotic
- The 2026 coaching cycle went from dull to chaotic after Harbaugh and Tomlin exits.
- Conor Orr calls it the best and wildest coaching cycle in years due to stacked openings.
Tomlin's Exit Was Predictable
- Mike Tomlin stepping down after roster and contract factors opened a logical pivot point.
- Conor Orr views Tomlin taking a year off as beneficial to both parties and their futures.
Pivot To Flores If Freeman Fails
- If the Steelers miss Marcus Freeman, pivot to Brian Flores as a clear defensive-minded pick.
- Conor Orr says Flores fits the Steelers' battleship-commander archetype and could stabilize the club.