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Author: ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim Rose

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First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
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Hour 2: Coach Approach

Hour 2: Coach Approach

2026-01-3041:00

Second hour of First Take: Josh Allen reunites with Joe Brady as the Bills promote their MVP-winning OC to head coach, while the Ravens hire Jesse Minter and look ahead to his partnership with Lamar Jackson. Who is under more pressure to make it to the Super Bowl? In the NBA, the Timberwolves knock off the Thunder behind a strong night from Anthony Edwards, and Teofimo Lopez Jr. defends his WBO title against Shakur Stevenson in a high-stakes showdown at Madison Square Garden. All this and more from Stephen A, RC, Windy, and Monica McNutt! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take starts now! The Bills name Joe Brady head coach, elevating their longtime OC as Buffalo looks to finally break through to a Super Bowl with Josh Allen. The Eagles continue their coordinator carousel, hiring former NFL QB Sean Mannion as their fifth OC in five years. Plus, with the NBA trade deadline looming, all eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo as a struggling Bucks team listens to serious trade offers. Stephen A, RC, Windy, and Monica McNutt have the answers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LeBron and the Lakers returned to Cleveland in what could be his final trip home as a player. We have the latest from Shams Charania on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future as the trade deadline nears. Plus, a Super Bowl preview with the Patriots as underdogs against the Seahawks, and Jayson Tatum shares doubts about a potential return this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LeBron James and the Lakers were in Cleveland last night to face the Cavs in what could be LeBron’s final return home as an NBA player. We’re joined by Shams Charania with the latest on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future as trade buzz heats up ahead of the deadline, with several contenders reportedly in the mix. Plus, a look ahead to the Patriots as underdogs in the Super Bowl matchup with the Seahawks, and Celtics star Jayson Tatum opens up about his hesitation to return this season while recovering from injury. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with a complete and total takedown of Bill Polian and The NFL Hall of Fame. Mad Dog is absolutely HEATED! (0:00) Then, Paul Heyman joins to talk Royal Rumble. (15:50) Next, the Bucks are officially listening to offers on Giannis. Knicks? Rockets? Who can make the best offer? (23:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with an EGREGIOUS, INHUMANE HOF decision. Stephen A. wants names AND faces of everyone didn't vote for Bill Belichick! (0:00) Then, which Super bowl participant had a harder path? (27:00) Next, Stephen A. speaks on his Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy! (38:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take starts with LeBron, Luka and the Lakers. After cruising to victory over the Bulls, they're 5th in a star studded western conference. Can they really make the finals, or will a weak starting center and bench be their downfall? (0:00) Then, who has more to gain by winning the Super Bowl: former bust Sam Darnold, or second year sensation Drake Maye? (13:15) Next, Stephen A. reveals his top 5 NBA teams! Only 1 East team?? C'mon Stephen A.!! (25:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with the underwhelming Patriots. After running through a weak AFC and surviving Drake Maye's lackluster play, do the Patriots really have a chance against the Seahawks? Stephen A. doesn't think so...(0:00) Then, Windy and Big Perk have some ideas on where Giannis may be traded! (26:00) Next, no one wants the Browns job even though it comes with a fully equipped pro bowl QB! Is Deion the answer in Cleveland? (41:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with a fluctuating narrative. Darnold saw ghosts, led a Viking brigade to the playoffs, got banished from his Minnesota but found refuge in Seattle, and now soars his 'Hawks into the Super Bowl. How should we view him? (0:00) Then, WWE superstar Seth Rollins talks Royal Rumble! (15:50) Next, we have to talk Stafford's legacy. He has all of the stats AND a Super Bowl, maybe even an MVP soon. What more can he do? (26:00) Trivia: which Seahawks WR made an acrobatic catch while lying on the ground to set up the Seahawks at the goal line before the famous Malcolm Butler INT? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with Darnold the Demon! Slingin' Sammy threw for 3 TDs and 346 yards! He's now led his team to a Super Bowl, but somehow there are still doubters? (0:00) Then, Stephen A. declared the AFC championship a must win for the Patriots with Stidham starting. They clearly watch First Take, because that defense looked motivated as they took it to the Broncos backup QB! (22:30) Next, do you like the Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy? (39:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with Matthew "HOF?" Stafford. Can the Rams still defeat the Seahawks if he isn't elite? (0:00) Then, after hearing Philip River is interviewing for the Bills head coaching job, RC and Cam throw their hats into the ring! (12:15) Next, JSN and Puka battle in a matchup of two of the best receivers in the league! Who has the edge? (26:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with Sean Payton doing what Sean Payton does: talking trash. Him and Kayshon Boutte traded barbs ahead of Sunday's AFC championship. (0:00) Then, LeBron "doesn't care how somebody feels about me." Windy and Stephen A. decide what the Lakers should do with the aging GOAT. (27:50) Next, you HAVE to hear Stephen A.'s Notre Dame rant. (40:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with Buss family infighting. How did a family feud drive the Lakers into selling, and will this be LeBron's last year as a Laker? (0:00) Then, after the Rams and Seahawks split their season series, which powerhouse does a third matchup favor? (14:30) Next, strengths collide when Kayshon Boutte and the Patriots offense meet Pat Surtain and the Broncos defense. Who has the edge? (28:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with Brian Windhorst and Stephen A. on Giannis's best options moving forward. Should Milwaukee trade for another star, or ship him out? (0:00) Then, RC and DanO address SAS Broncos comments from yesterday. (14:45) Next, the Steelers interviewed Mike McCarthy for their open head coaching position. Is he a good fit? (43:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with the undermanned Broncos. Put a number on it. What percent chance do you give them to win? (0:00) Next, Mel Kiper has Fernando Mendoza going number one to the Raiders in his latest mock draft. Would he be a good fit for Las Vegas? Then, Mad Dog is mad at Sean Mcvay, DJ Moore, and Broncos-Bills refs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with Mad Dog's return, and he is fired up! You have to hear his defense of Josh Allen! (0:00) Then, Bills owner Terry Pegula is blaming Sean McDermott for drafting Keon Coleman. Supposedly, Brandon Beane didn't want him! Only the coaching staff did. What in the world is going on in Buffalo? (28:00) Next, Mad Dog gives us his top 5 most improbable champions in sports history! Can you guess who is number one? Hint: "Lobs it, Burress, alone, touchdown!" (40:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with Michael Irvin, Ray Lewis, and Jeremy Shockey down in the dumps after Fernando Mendoza late game heroics. Is the U back despite losing a heartbreaker to Indiana? (0:00) Next, Sam Darnold threw 6 INTs in 2 regular season games vs the Rams. How concerning are his previous struggles going into a Sunday night NFC showdown. (16:00) Then, with Jimmy Butler's ACL injury keeping him out for the rest of the year, should the Warriors make another trade to compete in the west? (37:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with a wild finish at the CFP championship game! Indiana took home a third straight title for the Big Ten. Has the college football landscape officially shifted away from a dominant SEC, to an up-and-coming Big Ten? (0:00) Next, the last two MVPs are now coachless. Which job should free agent coaches value more: Buffalo or Baltimore? (22:50) Then, we grade the other head coaching acquisitions including Robert Saleh to the Titans and Jeff Hafley to the Dolphins. (41:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with Stephen A. going in on the Bills! They fired their head coach, but promoted their GM? Huh??? Then, how well does Carson Beck need to play against Indiana to give Miami a shot? Next, Mark Cuban on his relationship with Curt Cignetti and the IU football program! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with more NFL coaching moves. Sean McDermott is out in Buffalo after another playoff heartbreaker. Then, Tim Tebow gives us his Indiana vs. Miami pick. Next, we break down CJ Stroud's all time stinker vs the Patriots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Comments (209)

Adam Balogh

the Ukrainian girl lesson... NEVER EVER LET A NIGGER SIT BEHIND YOU ...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nov 20th
Reply (2)

Brian Davis

stop talking about interrupting this is FIRST TAKE hello.

Oct 28th
Reply

Troncon-montage nl

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Jul 3rd
Reply

koolpop jones

Mad Dog rocks 😡🐶

Feb 8th
Reply

koolpop jones

🐈🌍🏟️🏈⛽🦮🐕🐩

Feb 5th
Reply

Curtis Seals

l m l k. h m m 12616

Aug 28th
Reply

ID39343579

If LeBron James go to the Warriors that would be boring. You might as well stop watching basketball.

Feb 21st
Reply (1)

Aakash Amanat

I just watched the latest episode of "First Take," and I have to say, it's always an adrenaline rush! Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman bring such passion and expertise to the show, and their debates are absolutely electric. https://pr.business/houston-packaging-solution-houston-texas Today's discussion about the upcoming NBA playoffs had me on the edge of my seat. Stephen A.'s insights are always on point, and Max's analytical approach adds a unique perspective to the conversation. It's the perfect balance of entertainment and sports analysis. https://www.dealerbaba.com/suppliers/packaging/paper-products/houston-packaging-solution.html

Sep 20th
Reply

Randel Granger

just wait stay patient the cowboys will let you down it's just who they are 😅😅😅

Aug 7th
Reply

Woman

Thanks

Dec 28th
Reply

Trevor Chinembiri

2:39 Bart blames Tom Brady Rodgers struggles.

Nov 20th
Reply

Randel Granger

Happy birthday, Stephen A

Oct 17th
Reply

Randel Granger

That should not be Kevin Durant problem at all

Jun 28th
Reply

Randel Granger

James Harden does not need no more money that’s gonna make him worse

May 20th
Reply

Randel Granger

James Harden does not need no more money that’s gonna make him worse

May 20th
Reply

Randel Granger

James Harden does not need no more money that’s gonna make him worse

May 20th
Reply

Debbie Bilka

So he threw an object into the stands, missed his target, BUT, he apologized. It’s just a little piece of plastic, no dammage, you say! Get a fine, don’t miss any games. Wow! Did anyone ask the girl how she felt. At a game, cheering for her team, and some vey well paid man throws something into the stands that hits HER! Wonder if it was her first time at a game? Will she want to go again? I am assuming it has been shown all over social media. TV? Poor kid. Just having a good time. He can’t apologize that away!

Apr 15th
Reply

Anthony Lentz

Can you guys post "First Take Her Take" somewhere else? sick of deleting it every week.

Nov 10th
Reply

Gil Ben-Artzy

Thank of 0

Aug 23rd
Reply

Trevor Chinembiri

22:52

Aug 11th
Reply