The Pat McAfee Show Live | Tuesday January 13th 2026
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Mike Tomlin informed the Pittsburgh Steelers team he is stepping down as head coach after 19 seasons, effective immediately.
- ❖Tomlin's decision was not a firing, allowing the Steelers to retain his rights if he were to pursue another coaching role in the future.
- ❖Former coach BA believes it was 'time' for Tomlin to move on, suggesting it would be beneficial for both Tomlin and the Steelers.
- ❖The Houston Texans' defense is praised as a championship-caliber unit, compared to the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, capable of carrying their team to a Super Bowl.
- ❖Texans Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke is gaining recognition and is expected to receive head coaching opportunities.
- ❖The NFL coaching market is characterized by a mix of 'recycled' experienced head coaches (e.g., Harbaugh, McCarthy, Vrabel) and emerging young coordinators (e.g., Nate Schillhouse, Grant Udinski, Chris Shula).
- ❖Aaron Rodgers' future with the Steelers is uncertain after their playoff loss, with Rodgers stating he wouldn't make an emotional decision.
- ❖The Steelers' playoff performance has been poor, with seven straight losses, none of them close, contributing to the pressure on Tomlin.
- ❖The Los Angeles Chargers fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman, adding another significant offensive coordinator vacancy to the market.
- ❖Mike McDaniel (former Dolphins coach) and Cliff Kingsbury (former Cardinals coach) are interviewing for both head coach and offensive coordinator roles in the current cycle.
Insights
1Mike Tomlin Steps Down as Steelers Head Coach
Mike Tomlin announced his resignation as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a 2 PM Eastern team meeting. This decision follows 19 seasons with the team, during which he maintained a record of no losing seasons but faced increasing criticism for a prolonged playoff win drought and seven consecutive playoff losses. The hosts emphasize this was Tomlin's decision, not a firing, which could impact his future career options.
AJ Hawk reports the breaking news at , stating Tomlin informed his team he is stepping down. Tone (a Steelers fan) expresses shock and gratitude, acknowledging the playoff struggles at . The hosts discuss the 'stepping down' aspect at .
2Houston Texans Defense: A Historic, Super Bowl-Caliber Unit
The Houston Texans' defense is consistently lauded by the hosts and guests as an elite, potentially historic unit capable of winning a Super Bowl. They highlight its 'swarm' mentality, relentless attitude, and key players like Will Anderson Jr., Denil Hunter, and a strong secondary. Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke is credited for the unit's success and is expected to garner head coaching interest.
Pat (via phone) compares the Texans defense to Starlink satellites for being 'everywhere' at . AJ Hawk details their three takeaways and two defensive touchdowns against the Steelers at . Guest BA calls it a 'championship defense' at . Peter Schrager provides a detailed analysis of their dominance and Matt Burke's role at .
3NFL Coaching Market in Flux: Experience vs. New Blood
The current NFL coaching cycle is marked by a blend of experienced, 'recycled' head coaches (e.g., Jim Harbaugh, Mike McCarthy, Mike Vrabel) and promising young offensive and defensive coordinators. There are eight head coaching vacancies, and teams are weighing the benefits of proven leadership against fresh, innovative minds. The discussion also touches on the importance of a 'leader of men' and a clear plan, rather than just philosophy, in a head coach.
BA suggests the cycle will be 'all about rehiring ex head coaches' at . Peter Schrager mentions young names like Nate Schillhouse (35, Rams pass game coordinator) and Grant Udinski (30, Jaguars OC) at . The hosts discuss the 'vertical alignment' needed between GMs and head coaches at .
4Aaron Rodgers' Uncertain Future with the Steelers
Following the Steelers' decisive playoff loss, Aaron Rodgers' future with the team is uncertain. Rodgers stated he wouldn't make a decision 'in the middle of emotion,' suggesting he is contemplating his next steps. The hosts speculate if the humiliating loss might push him towards retirement or another year, potentially reuniting with Mike McCarthy if he were to coach the Steelers.
AJ Hawk questions if this was Rodgers' last year at . Pat notes Rodgers' post-game comment about not making emotional decisions at . Peter Schrager reflects on Rodgers' talent and the 'okay' nature of his potential retirement after a full season at .
Bottom Line
Mike Tomlin's departure, specifically 'stepping down' rather than being fired, allows the Steelers to retain his coaching rights. This means any team wishing to hire him as a head coach in the future would likely need to trade with Pittsburgh.
This gives Tomlin significant leverage and control over his next career move, whether it's a high-profile TV analyst role or a return to coaching with a team of his choosing, potentially commanding trade compensation for the Steelers.
For Tomlin, this opens doors to lucrative TV contracts or a strategic return to coaching on his own terms. For the Steelers, it provides potential future assets if Tomlin decides to coach elsewhere.
The Houston Texans' defensive coordinator, Matt Burke, is a strong, under-the-radar candidate for head coaching positions, having taken over play-calling duties from DeMeco Ryans and built a historic defense.
Teams looking for defensive-minded head coaches should prioritize Burke, as he has demonstrated the ability to lead a dominant unit without being the primary public face, a trait often valued by ownership.
Teams with strong offensive foundations but needing defensive leadership could find a long-term solution in Burke, potentially securing a top-tier coach before he becomes a more widely recognized name.
Notable Moments
The show's hosts and guests react live to the breaking news of Mike Tomlin stepping down as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, discussing its immediate impact and future implications.
This moment captures the raw, immediate reaction to a significant NFL news event, highlighting the show's ability to cover breaking stories and the emotional weight of Tomlin's departure for the Steelers community and the league.
A segment featuring a college student attempting a 33-yard field goal for $500,000, which then shifts to Kirk Herbstreit throwing a football through the uprights for the prize.
This showcases the show's unique blend of sports commentary with entertainment, high-stakes challenges, and celebrity interactions, adding a lighthearted and memorable element to the broadcast.
A fictional 'breaking news' segment about a UAP (UFO) approaching Indianapolis to activate Earth's 'Armageddon switch,' followed by the hosts comically preparing to 'kill these pieces of shit' with an 'alien gun.'
This segment exemplifies the show's irreverent, comedic style and willingness to incorporate elaborate bits, contrasting sharply with the serious sports discussions and demonstrating its entertainment value beyond pure analysis.
Quotes
"I think the reason why Starlink is going to be so good is because they got satellites everywhere... It's like the Houston Texans defense. Okay. Swarm."
"This is a championship defense that can for sure carry this team to a Super Bowl."
"I think this cycle is going to be all about rehiring ex head coaches."
"I think first and foremost, a guy's leader of men... Everybody said, 'What's your philosophy?' I don't want to hear [expletive] about philosophies. Give me your plan. How you going to do it?"
"Mike Tomlin no longer being the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers is an insane thought."
"Football got so much better that we got Tomlin on an open mic."
Q&A
Recent Questions
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