The NFL’s Coaching Carousel, and a Round 2 Breakdown With Peter Schrager and Joe House

Key Takeaways

NFL coaching changes for Jim Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin generated significant discussion regarding their past successes and future impact.
Mike Tomlin's departure from the Steelers sparked debate on contract implications and the strategic value of coaches taking a sabbatical.
Evaluation of NFL head coaching jobs prioritizes stable quarterback situations and consistent ownership for long-term success.
The Atlanta Falcons are undergoing organizational restructuring, involving external consultants and former players like Matt Ryan in decision-making.
NFL playoff previews highlighted key matchups, including the Broncos-Bills and Seahawks-49ers, with analysis of injuries and betting lines.
The Rams-Bears playoff game is anticipated to be highly intense due to coaching rivalries and strategic defensive matchups.
The Ringer 107's playoff betting picks, including several controversial choices, were discussed, noting an overall record of 40-55.

Discussion centered on the significance of Tom Brady and Jim Harbaugh's coaching moves, questioning their ability to achieve Super Bowl wins despite past successes.
Peter Schrager noted media frenzy around Harbaugh's hiring for the Giants, contrasting it with Pete Carroll's past situation, and suggesting it was a strategic fit for the Giants' need for stability.
Criticisms of the Harbaugh hire included his age (63), not calling plays, and perceived loss of locker room connection in Baltimore.
Joe House expressed disdain for the Giants, while Schrager argued the fanbase desperately needed a figure like Harbaugh at this moment.

Mike Tomlin reportedly chose to step down from the Steelers after the season, submitting resignation papers, contrasting with John Harbaugh's alleged firing.
Tomlin has two years left on his contract, earning over $20 million annually, implying the Steelers will not easily release him to another team.
The concept of coaches taking a 'gap year,' similar to Sean Payton and Mike McCarthy, was explored, suggesting it increases desirability for future head coaching positions.
Speculation included Tomlin taking a break to refresh, potentially joining TV, with Fox mentioned as a likely option to 'refresh' its broadcast booth.

Preferred coaching destinations were identified, with the Detroit opportunity highlighted as a top choice due to its perceived positive aspects.
Key criteria for evaluating NFL coaching jobs included the presence of a starting quarterback and stable ownership.
Teams like the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets were cited as poor situations lacking a clear quarterback and organizational stability.
The Miami Dolphins job was assessed as a poor position due to owner Steve Ross's track record and the team's lack of playoff success.

The Atlanta Falcons initiated organizational changes, including the hiring of Sportsology, a consultancy firm, to advise owner Arthur Blank.
Former quarterback Matt Ryan's unexpected involvement in decision-making was highlighted.
This involvement drew parallels to perceived organizational missteps with other former players like Tom Brady and Troy Aikman entering front-office roles.
Concerns were raised about the Falcons' quarterback situation heading into the season with Kirk Cousins, despite their talented roster.

The Buffalo Bills were 1.5-point underdogs against the Denver Broncos, leading to questions about betting against Josh Allen.
The Broncos transitioned from underdogs to favorites, becoming the first AFC number one seed to be an underdog at home in a divisional round game.
Denver's strengths included a rested roster and Super Bowl-winning coach Sean Payton, with a game plan focused on establishing the run and limiting Josh Allen.
Injury concerns for the Bills, including absences of McCole Hardman, Dawson Knox, Gabe Davis, and safeties, were noted as potential advantages for Denver.

The Seattle Seahawks faced a depleted San Francisco 49ers team, with multiple key injuries for the 49ers, including Kittle and potential issues with Trent Williams.
Sam Darnold's oblique injury and Drew Locke taking snaps with the first team led to speculation about the betting line for the upcoming game.
Analysts considered hypothetical betting parlays, including Seattle's money line combined with Kenneth Walker rushing over 60 yards, due to the 49ers' injury situation.
The 'nobody believes in us team' dynamic was applied to the 49ers, emphasizing Kyle Shanahan's preparation and scheme against defensive coaches, despite it being Mike McDonald's first playoff game.

The New England Patriots were 7-point favorites against the Texans, with a three-team parlay suggested for the game.
A specific bet included Rhamondre Stevenson over 2.5 receptions and Drake May for over 225 passing yards, with a total payout of +370.
Nico Collins was likely absent for the Texans due to concussion protocol, impacting their offensive capabilities.
Analysts expressed skepticism regarding the Texans' defense despite Josh McDaniels' praise, believing the Patriots could move the ball effectively with potential for deep shots to Boutte and Drake May to run.

The New England Patriots' run defense significantly declined when key player Milton Williams was not in the lineup, with statistics showing a substantial increase in yards per carry allowed.
The return of key players like Gonzalez and Tonga bolstered the Patriots' run defense and their ability to generate pass rush, as evidenced by pressure on Justin Herbert in a previous game.
Analysts contrasted the Texans' defensive performance against the Steelers with their potential struggles against the Patriots' offense.
The Texans' defense, which does not blitz heavily, was noted for its ability to take away the middle of the field, limiting offensive options for opponents.

The Rams-Bears game was anticipated with potential animosity between the coaches due to a disrespectful video released by the Lions' Ben Johnson towards the Packers.
One guest emphasized the 'WWE part' of the matchup, predicting a high-intensity game between the two 'alpha offensive minds' due to an apparent lack of goodwill.
A primary concern was the Bears' weak run defense, which was expected to allow the Rams to establish their run game, supported by the Rams' strong run block win rate.
Cold weather and the Rams' status as a dome team were presented as disadvantages, with the Bears considered a potential upset pick due to their history of comebacks and ability to cover the spread.

The Ringer 107 picks, sponsored by FanDuel, included Broncos minus 1.5 over the Bills and Patriots minus 3 over the Texans.
Other picks were 49ers plus 7 over the Seahawks and Bears plus 3.5 against the Rams, with some met with disagreement from Peter Schrager.
The host suggested a Patriots money line bet under 51.5 and a preference for the Bears plus 3.5, citing the advantage of the hook.
The overall record for Ringer 107 picks was mentioned as 40-55, with parlays noted as negatively impacting the record.