The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller

PM Team FULL Show 1-16-26

What was the real reason why Mike Tomlin left the Steelers? Did it have to do with all on-field stuff? Was it the lack of playoff success in the final decade? What was the dynamic between Tomlin and Art Rooney in the end? We still don’t know if Tomlin stepped away more for personal reasons or football reasons. The guys talked about the weird motion of Tomlin opting to not do an exit press conference after nearly 2 decades on the sideline. Packers insider Pete Dougherty from the Green Bay Press-Gazette joined the show. Pete thinks the Steelers could be won over by Jeff Hafley and his charisma in the interview process. Pete said it may not be in Pittsburgh, but he would be pretty surprised if Hafley doesn't get a head coach job in this cycle. Pete mentioned a few offensive coaches that could come along with Hafley if he gets hired. How are things with Matt LaFleur and the Packers, who could be closing in on an impasse? Will the second half collapse against the Bears impact the Packers’ coaches going forward? Pete described Malik Willis as a ‘godsend’ to the Packers this season when Jordan Love went down, but can he work in any offense?

Steelers correspondent Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show joined the show. The conversation started with Mark’s days at Cal U, aka, Harvard on the Mon. Kaboom said he went to a lot of bowling alley bars back in the day. Mark has moved on to the coaching search and how Art Rooney and Omar Khan will handle this. Mark expects Khan to have ‘a lot of say’ in the process. Mark feels like it will be a coach from the same cloth that Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin were cut from – mid-30’s, first-time head coach and *possibly* defensive minded. Mark believes Art’s son, Danny Rooney, will have input in the choice. Mark said right now Chris Shula feels like the favorite to be the next guy, just based on their history and the list of coaches they will interview. Mark said if they go with the defensive mind, that guy better have a young, offensive mind with him or have a really convincing plan to change the offense. Where does Nate Scheelhaase rank on Mark’s list? Mark got into the challenges of commanding a room and being the ‘leader of men’ it takes to be a head coach. Mark said Brian Flores was an intimidating figure and that players were ‘afraid’ of him. More w/ Mark – There will, reportedly, be 3-4 more names added to the Steelers list of interviews. Mark feels like the initial 8 names are their main targets, but that’s not to say the new ones can’t surprise. Mark said Mike McCarthy is too old and hasn’t coached in a minute, which makes him feel like they should stay away. If there isn’t interest in Curt Cignetti, what about Norwin and Pitt product Mike Shanahan? Kaboom thinks Kevin Stefanski would be a ‘great’ fit here because it’s not Cleveland. Does Brian Flores have more options than Pittsburgh to be a head coach? What would be the pros and cons of a tank? More w/ Mark – Mark reacted to the stories of how the players reacted when Mike Tomlin told them he was stepping down. Kaboom is skeptical just how good Tomlin will be on television and if he’s even all that interested. Mark isn’t all that sure if he coaches again, but said the right situation would always do the job. Kaboly said Mike seemed like the same guy to him and wasn’t ‘worn out’ like a lot of people are saying. What could the staff look like under a new head coach? Kaboom thinks the entire QB room is up in the air, outside of Will Howard, who will serve as a backup at-best. Does Mark have any interest in Malik Willis? Mark felt like Cam Heyward may have hinted at retirement during the season, but his level of play would say otherwise. Is it time to trade TJ Watt? The guys asked Mark if he had any thoughts on the James Harrison disdain for Tomlin. Who was the big-name player that wasn’t upset over the Tomlin news? Mark doesn’t think it will be that much longer before the Steelers hire their guy.

Did Chris step all over Donny’s big moment of breaking the news of Mike Tomlin stepping down? We broke down the tape. More calls on the future of the Steelers. Former Steelers Super Bowl champion Bryant McFadden joined the show. BMac isn’t afraid of the Steelers future because they have proven multiple times they can get the hire right. Bryant is looking for a ‘leader of men’ more than an X’s & O’s savant when it comes to a head coach. The guys asked BMac about some of the HC candidates out there and what he loves/hates about their work. BMac talked about the lack of playmakers in the offense and why that has continued to be a shortcoming over the last few seasons. He said Kenneth Gainwell needs to come back and the QB is the elephant in the room. Bryant likes what they have brewing on the offensive line. BMac isn’t sure what is in the future for Cam Heyward, but he doesn’t think Cam ever plays anywhere else. BMac predicted Chris Shula would be the next head coach. The funny thought of Art Rooney II going on Donny’s bachelor party. Is anyone on the staff good at chugging beer? More calls on the Steelers future.

Poni is still coming down from the high he got once we heard the news of Mike Tomlin stepping down after Monday night’s loss to the Texans. He said it’s fun that we actually get to talk about this and it’s not all just a hypothetical this time. Should we be as excited as we are though? The guys talked about people having second thoughts. What would we prefer – previewing a game or having the chance to talk about the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers? Are callers ready to tell us to be careful what we wish for? Fair Game w/ Farabaugh – Steelers insider Nick Farabaugh from Penn Live dot com joined the show. Nick thinks it’s fair to say that either of the Rams coaches (Chris Shula & Nate Scheelhaase) could end up being the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He said they love the Sean McVay tree and people connected to his staff. Nick expects the Steelers to trend toward a younger coach, that hasn’t been a head coach yet, and also don’t have to have a defensive background. Nick believes the Steelers job is a better one than the Dolphins job, which could be another spot for Shula in this cycle. Nick isn’t sure if Scheelhaase is hired this time around, but the Browns are a team to watch if he’s not offered by the Steelers. Nick isn’t over-the-moon about Ejiro Evero as a Mike Tomlin replacement, but Anthony Weaver is one that hasn’t gotten enough love so far. Nick also feels like Robert Saleh should be considered for this job, even though the Steelers have yet to request an interview with him. Would Jesse Minter be a fit in Pittsburgh? Nick isn’t fired up over Jeff Hafley, who is interviewing here today. Nick buys into what Art Rooney said the other day – that the Steelers will not go through a full rebuild.

Packers insider Pete Dougherty from the Green Bay Press-Gazette joined the show. Pete thinks the Steelers could be won over by Jeff Hafley and his charisma in the interview process. Pete said it may not be in Pittsburgh, but he would be pretty surprised if Hafley doesn't get a head coach job in this cycle. Pete mentioned a few offensive coaches that could come along with Hafley if he gets hired. How are things with Matt LaFleur and the Packers, who could be closing in on an impasse? Will the second half collapse against the Bears impact the Packers’ coaches going forward? Pete described Malik Willis as a ‘godsend’ to the Packers this season when Jordan Love went down, but can he work in any offense?

Former Steelers Super Bowl champion Bryant McFadden joined the show. BMac isn’t afraid of the Steelers future because they have proven multiple times they can get the hire right. Bryant is looking for a ‘leader of men’ more than an X’s & O’s savant when it comes to a head coach. The guys asked BMac about some of the HC candidates out there and what he loves/hates about their work. BMac talked about the lack of playmakers in the offense and why that has continued to be a shortcoming over the last few seasons. He said Kenneth Gainwell needs to come back and the QB is the elephant in the room. Bryant likes what they have brewing on the offensive line. BMac isn’t sure what is in the future for Cam Heyward, but he doesn’t think Cam ever plays anywhere else. BMac predicted Chris Shula would be the next head coach.

Fair Game w/ Farabaugh – Steelers insider Nick Farabaugh from Penn Live dot com joined the show. Nick thinks it’s fair to say that either of the Rams coaches (Chris Shula & Nate Scheelhaase) could end up being the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He said they love the Sean McVay tree and people connected to his staff. Nick expects the Steelers to trend toward a younger coach, that hasn’t been a head coach yet, and also don’t have to have a defensive background. Nick believes the Steelers job is a better one than the Dolphins job, which could be another spot for Shula in this cycle. Nick isn’t sure if Scheelhaase is hired this time around, but the Browns are a team to watch if he’s not offered by the Steelers. Nick isn’t over-the-moon about Ejiro Evero as a Mike Tomlin replacement, but Anthony Weaver is one that hasn’t gotten enough love so far. Nick also feels like Robert Saleh should be considered for this job, even though the Steelers have yet to request an interview with him. Would Jesse Minter be a fit in Pittsburgh? Nick isn’t fired up over Jeff Hafley, who is interviewing here today. Nick buys into what Art Rooney said the other day – that the Steelers will not go through a full rebuild.

Poni is still coming down from the high he got once we heard the news of Mike Tomlin stepping down after Monday night’s loss to the Texans. He said it’s fun that we actually get to talk about this and it’s not all just a hypothetical this time. Should we be as excited as we are though? The guys talked about people having second thoughts. What would we prefer – previewing a game or having the chance to talk about the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers?

PM Team FULL Show 1-15-26

Chris Hoke told the midday show that the Steelers should trade TJ Watt. The guys connected that to the Mike DeFabo story that came out earlier today about the players sobbing over Mike Tomlin stepping down as the Steelers head coach. We also got JJ Watt chirping Poni. Shouldn’t Watt want to play for a team that can win it all now as his career turns to the back nine? Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said there will not be an attempt by the Steelers to tank or take a step back to take a couple steps forward. Ray said the arrow is now pointing to 2027 for a QB in the draft because the guys just aren’t there this year and the Steelers are selecting 21st. Ray said the Steelers should approach both TJ Watt and Cam Heyward as trade pieces this off-season. Ray said the Steelers’ job is attractive due to stability, but the Ravens probably have the best situation since they already have Lamar Jackson in-place. Ray gets the feel that the Steelers have a lot of respect for Sean McVay given the way they have opened their doors to interviewing ‘his’ guys. Ray commented on Jeff Hafley getting an interview and talked about knowing Jeff back to his days at Pitt. Total Request Thursday.

So, the Steelers players loved Mike Tomlin, but hated the coordinators? We revisited the Mike DeFabo piece for this segment. That doesn’t make sense. With the power Tomlin held, he hired his coordinators. How can you praise the person who put the people you hate in place? It’s also telling that Art Rooney said nobody on the current staff would be considered as the next head coach. That indicates they weren’t the owner’s guys. Steve Palazzolo from the 33rd Team joined the show. Steve mentioned a couple of coaches that he thinks deserve second chances – Kevin Stefanski and Robert Saleh. Steve said when all things are equal he would hire an offensive head coach, but don’t count out the hiring ability of the defensive minds. Steve thinks the way the Packers defense fell off greatly sans Micah Parsons is a reason to stay away from Jeff Hafley in the process. Steve said he doesn’t know enough about Nate Scheelhaase to project what he could be as a head coach. Steve said Brian Flores still intrigues him. Out of the LA DCs, which one does Steve like more? Steve would ‘jump’ at the idea of Matt LaFleur if the Packers didn’t want him anymore. Donny Football Debrief – Let’s have some good memories. It’s been 9 years since the Steelers last playoff win, but 20 years since an all-time Steelers playoff win.

Interviews are upon us with the Steelers head coaching search. Would you rather be first or last? Jeff Hafley, the Packers DC is the first man up. Jeff also has ties to Pitt and Mike Tomlin after coaching Dino Tomlin at Boston College. This isn’t an inspiring candidate – it feels like the bottom of the names they have requested to interview so far. We recapped our Fan celebration last night for winning the Marconi. We also took a ride on the Quiz Callas train. Power Rankings – Steelers head coach candidates.

An article released by Mike DeFabo from The Athletic painting the picture of the final Mike Tomlin meeting with the team had the guys talking off the bat. The quotes and stories from this piece make it sound like the players were attending a funeral and not a team meeting. Of course, there was a suggestion that the media and fans were the final straw to Tomlin stepping down. GIVEAWAY. LA Rams YouTuber Jake Ellenbogen joined the show. With 2 Rams coaches being requested for interviews with the Steelers, Jake said Nate Scheelhaase would be better fit to be the next HC over Chris Shula, saying he could be the next Sean McVay. Jake went through the Scheelhaase resume explaining why his mind could be the next big thing in the league. Jake told the guys he was all over the McVay hire in LA when it happened, when a lot of people wanted a veteran coach. Jake told a story about Scheelhaase and why he defends him so much. Jake said the Rams have been able to unlock the 12 & 13 personnel groupings, which makes them capable of playing in any element. Jake defended Shula, who got brought into question for just how good the Rams defense is, but Jake said Shula has done very well with that group. Jake mentioned a couple more coaches on the Rams’ staff that should be head coaches one day, including Mike LaFleur.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said there will not be an attempt by the Steelers to tank or take a step back to take a couple steps forward. Ray said the arrow is now pointing to 2027 for a QB in the draft because the guys just aren’t there this year and the Steelers are selecting 21st. Ray said the Steelers should approach both TJ Watt and Cam Heyward as trade pieces this off-season. Ray said the Steelers’ job is attractive due to stability, but the Ravens probably have the best situation since they already have Lamar Jackson in-place. Ray gets the feel that the Steelers have a lot of respect for Sean McVay given the way they have opened their doors to interviewing ‘his’ guys. Ray commented on Jeff Hafley getting an interview and talked about knowing Jeff back to his days at Pitt.

PM Team Div. Round picks

Steve Palazzolo from the 33rd Team joined the show. Steve mentioned a couple of coaches that he thinks deserve second chances – Kevin Stefanski and Robert Saleh. Steve said when all things are equal he would hire an offensive head coach, but don’t count out the hiring ability of the defensive minds. Steve thinks the way the Packers defense fell off greatly sans Micah Parsons is a reason to stay away from Jeff Hafley in the process. Steve said he doesn’t know enough about Nate Scheelhaase to project what he could be as a head coach. Steve said Brian Flores still intrigues him. Out of the LA DCs, which one does Steve like more? Steve would ‘jump’ at the idea of Matt LaFleur if the Packers didn’t want him anymore.

So, the Steelers players loved Mike Tomlin, but hated the coordinators? We revisited the Mike DeFabo piece for this segment. That doesn’t make sense. With the power Tomlin held, he hired his coordinators. How can you praise the person who put the people you hate in place? It’s also telling that Art Rooney said nobody on the current staff would be considered as the next head coach. That indicates they weren’t the owner’s guys.

Interviews are upon us with the Steelers head coaching search. Would you rather be first or last? Jeff Hafley, the Packers DC is the first man up. Jeff also has ties to Pitt and Mike Tomlin after coaching Dino Tomlin at Boston College. This isn’t an inspiring candidate – it feels like the bottom of the names they have requested to interview so far.

LA Rams YouTuber Jake Ellenbogen joined the show. With 2 Rams coaches being requested for interviews with the Steelers, Jake said Nate Scheelhaase would be better fit to be the next HC over Chris Shula, saying he could be the next Sean McVay. Jake went through the Scheelhaase resume explaining why his mind could be the next big thing in the league. Jake told the guys he was all over the McVay hire in LA when it happened, when a lot of people wanted a veteran coach. Jake told a story about Scheelhaase and why he defends him so much. Jake said the Rams have been able to unlock the 12 & 13 personnel groupings, which makes them capable of playing in any element. Jake defended Shula, who got brought into question for just how good the Rams defense is, but Jake said Shula has done very well with that group. Jake mentioned a couple more coaches on the Rams’ staff that should be head coaches one day, including Mike LaFleur.