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There are conflicting reports surrounding Patrick Graham, who is expected to be the Steelers next defensive coordinator. Some reports say the deal is done, but others say that is not the case and he still has to interview with the team. Graham's defenses don't look good on the surface, but are they as bad as that? His defenses have performed better than the Steelers defense in recent years, which is the highest paid unit in the game. The Raiders have Maxx Crosby, but outside of that, there isn't a ton of talent there and certainly not what the Steelers offer. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said his understanding is that the Steelers will hire Patrick Graham as their next DC. Ray talked about some of the overturn in the coaching staff and that we could see more coaches under Mike McCarthy. Ray wouldn't be surprised at all if Aaron Rodgers is back as the Steelers QB and thinks it could even be for a raise. Ray expects us to largely see the same Rodgers that we saw last season. Will it look any different in the McCarthy offense? The guys asked Ray about the love for Will Howard and if there is a real chance the kid is the Steelers QB1 by the season opener? Ray expects us to know in 4-6 weeks if Rodgers will be back. Ray immediately jumped to Malik Willis when asked about an outside QB that could be here if Rodgers decides to retire or play elsewhere. Total Request Thursday.
Bill Belichick being snubbed as a first ballot Hall of Famer has been one of the biggest stories in sports in the last 72 hours and we found out it has a Pittsburgh connection to it. Because of a weird flaw in the process, multiple members seemingly voted for LC Greenwood to make it in, or at least to keep his name on the ballot. It's not an odd strategy because it's something that we have seen from voters across sports when it comes to HOF voting. Caller told Mullsy he was a bum. A lady nearing the century mark called in on 2 different lines. Donny Football Debrief – Happy Anniversary to the Steelers 1974 draft.
Nick Farabaugh told Donny on Monday night that Mike McCarthy ‘likes' Kyler Murray and his game. Would he be a real option as the Steelers next QB? Does his work ethic worry you? Does his ability worry you? The guys think there are some real questions with Murray's game all-around. He has real talent, but could be a classic case of talent that lacks hard work. Is McCarthy the man to unlock it? Poni said he would be interested with this move if the Cardinals ate some of his money and it didn't require a high draft pick. He also noted that we have seen QBs in the last few years that were drafted highly one place and finally flourished elsewhere, like Sam Darnold. Chris pointed out that Murray is oddly better outdoors than indoors. KDKA TV's Bob Pompeani joined the show. The guys gave Pomp credit for picking the Penguins to make the playoffs before the season, which is looking quite good right now. Bob isn't in favor of the Steelers trying for another retread at QB and hopes Will Howard gets the reigns in 2026. Pomp doesn't want to go down the Kyler Murray well, referencing the work ethic concern. Pomp thanked his parents for his lifelong hard work. Bob gave a shout to Robert Morris and Duquesne hoops for a little revival and dealing with the current format of college sports. Bob wondered how the Penguins are going to deal with the goaltender situation looming down the road. Bob let the guys know he is still on Tik Tok, but doesn't like the editing process. He hopes that he has a sit-down with Mike McCarthy soon. Power Rankings – 5 greatest NFL head coaches of all-time.
A potential scoop from Donny to start today's show after he got a text that Aaron Rodgers ‘will be back, period.' Do fans want this? Will this do anything for the Steelers? It feels like another case of kicking the can down the road. Rodgers said Mike Tomlin was the only coach he wanted to play for, but the Steelers hired the only other coach that would fall under that category in the form of Mike McCarthy. Why is there a fear of this team looking to the future? The Steelers and Mike McCarthy are starting to fill out the staff, including James Campen, who coached over a decade with McCarthy in Green Bay and is also a favorite of Aaron Rodgers. How do fans feel? Pirates insider Jason Mackey from the PG joined the show. Where are things at with Andrew McCutchen and the Pirates? Jason thinks there is a spot for Cutch on the team, but in what role? Jason gets a strong feel that McCutchen wants to play in Pittsburgh even though some people are telling him Cutch has a market around the league. Jason said Paul Skenes is the ‘hub' of the current Pirates team and it might be tough for McCutchen to face that fact. Jason mentioned that trading Joey Bart would open up a slot for Cutch to be the team's DH again at a full-time role. Would this permanently strain the Pirates-McCutchen relationship? The guys don't understand why Cutch doesn't want to try chasing a championship. Jason isn't sure if Cutch is good enough to be on a true contender's roster.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said his understanding is that the Steelers will hire Patrick Graham as their next DC. Ray talked about some of the overturn in the coaching staff and that we could see more coaches under Mike McCarthy. Ray wouldn't be surprised at all if Aaron Rodgers is back as the Steelers QB and thinks it could even be for a raise. Ray expects us to largely see the same Rodgers that we saw last season. Will it look any different in the McCarthy offense? The guys asked Ray about the love for Will Howard and if there is a real chance the kid is the Steelers QB1 by the season opener? Ray expects us to know in 4-6 weeks if Rodgers will be back. Ray immediately jumped to Malik Willis when asked about an outside QB that could be here if Rodgers decides to retire or play elsewhere.
Bill Belichick being snubbed as a first ballot Hall of Famer has been one of the biggest stories in sports in the last 72 hours and we found out it has a Pittsburgh connection to it. Because of a weird flaw in the process, multiple members seemingly voted for LC Greenwood to make it in, or at least to keep his name on the ballot. It's not an odd strategy because it's something that we have seen from voters across sports when it comes to HOF voting.
KDKA TV's Bob Pompeani joined the show. The guys gave Pomp credit for picking the Penguins to make the playoffs before the season, which is looking quite good right now. Bob isn't in favor of the Steelers trying for another retread at QB and hopes Will Howard gets the reigns in 2026. Pomp doesn't want to go down the Kyler Murray well, referencing the work ethic concern. Pomp thanked his parents for his lifelong hard work. Bob gave a shout to Robert Morris and Duquesne hoops for a little revival and dealing with the current format of college sports. Bob wondered how the Penguins are going to deal with the goaltender situation looming down the road. Bob let the guys know he is still on Tik Tok, but doesn't like the editing process. He hopes that he has a sit-down with Mike McCarthy soon.
Nick Farabaugh told Donny on Monday night that Mike McCarthy ‘likes' Kyler Murray and his game. Would he be a real option as the Steelers next QB? Does his work ethic worry you? Does his ability worry you? The guys think there are some real questions with Murray's game all-around. He has real talent, but could be a classic case of talent that lacks hard work. Is McCarthy the man to unlock it? Poni said he would be interested with this move if the Cardinals ate some of his money and it didn't require a high draft pick. He also noted that we have seen QBs in the last few years that were drafted highly one place and finally flourished elsewhere, like Sam Darnold. Chris pointed out that Murray is oddly better outdoors than indoors.
Nick Farabaugh told Donny on Monday night that Mike McCarthy ‘likes' Kyler Murray and his game. Would he be a real option as the Steelers next QB? Does his work ethic worry you? Does his ability worry you? The guys think there are some real questions with Murray's game all-around. He has real talent, but could be a classic case of talent that lacks hard work. Is McCarthy the man to unlock it? Poni said he would be interested with this move if the Cardinals ate some of his money and it didn't require a high draft pick. He also noted that we have seen QBs in the last few years that were drafted highly one place and finally flourished elsewhere, like Sam Darnold. Chris pointed out that Murray is oddly better outdoors than indoors.
A potential scoop from Donny to start today's show after he got a text that Aaron Rodgers ‘will be back, period.' Do fans want this? Will this do anything for the Steelers? It feels like another case of kicking the can down the road. Rodgers said Mike Tomlin was the only coach he wanted to play for, but the Steelers hired the only other coach that would fall under that category in the form of Mike McCarthy. Why is there a fear of this team looking to the future?
The Steelers reportedly found Nate Scheelhaase ‘too inexperienced' to be considered for a head coach job. But the guys did note that Gerry Dulac referred to Scheelhaase as the ‘hottest of commodities' in the next year or two for teams looking for a head coach. Why didn't the Steelers take a chance on him? 93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff told us Patrick Graham as DC is likely, but not official just yet. Jeff said Lunda Wells as OC has some smoke to it, but again, nothing official. Jeff told us the Steelers are ‘setting the table' for an Aaron Rodgers return and if he wants to come back, it will happen. Jeff described Will Howard as the ‘in-house' option and would rather them just run him out on the field next season and let the chips fall. Is Jonnu Smith on his way out the door? Jeff thinks this change sets up well for Pat Freiermuth. He would be surprised if Kenneth Gainwell isn't viewed as a priority this offseason. Jeff reported to us that the Steelers front office told Rodgers they need to know ‘within a month' if he will return. Jeff likes the foundation on the defense that the next coordinator will be able to play around with. Judge Donny – Is it unjust that Bill Belichick was not a first ballot Hall of Famer?
Mark Kaboly said ‘absolutely yes' when asked on the midday show if Aaron Rodgers will be back in 2026 for a Steelers reunion with Mike McCarthy. Yuck. Why would that be a good idea? The guys are looking for good reasons, if there are any, for Rodgers to return next season. We discussed Kaboly's admiration of the Steelers always being the same team. ALL ACCESS w/ Aditi – Aditi had a breakdown on Patrick Graham, who is expected to be hired as the Steelers next defensive coordinator. The guys asked Aditi about the hiring of Mike McCarthy and what the staff and team could look like next season. She thinks McCarthy's main goal is to figure out the quarterback. Are the Steelers going to run it back with Aaron Rodgers? She was surprised by how high everyone was on Will Howard in the press conference. She thought it was a little odd that the entire staff got told to go home after Mike Tomlin stepped down before the decision was even made on a new coach. Aditi would have loved Jim Schwartz getting a call from the Steelers and thinks it's an ‘insult' to assume Schwartz, who is known to run a 4-3 defense, can't adapt to a 3-4. Aditi predicted that Howard will be the Steelers QB in Week 1 next season. Donny Football Debrief – Pitt football is adjusting their capacity for home games next season.
BREAKING NEWS: The Steelers and Mike McCarthy are close to hiring Patrick Graham as the team's DC. The guys think it's ‘uninspiring' as McCarthy's first big move. Graham seemingly did more with less with the Raiders in the last few years, so what will he do with the league's highest-paid unit? The guys thought we'd see a former head coach become the DC. A caller mentioned Al Harris. How do others feel about Patrick Graham? Poni also doesn't like that the Steelers are retaining multiple guys from last year's staff and one makes him feel like Aaron Rodgers will be back. Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Mike said there was reason for Mike McCarthy speaking highly of Aaron Rodgers yesterday and it wasn't just about wanting the QB back – it still, ultimately, comes down to Rodgers wanting to play. Mike said Rodgers coming back doesn't make sense because he's not close to the same player as he was when he worked with McCarthy. Mike expected the Steelers to get a coach that was wanted and sought after by multiple teams – they did the opposite with McCarthy, who only really had one option. Mike talked about the Steelers zigging in the coaching process when they are used to zagging and going with a young, up-and-coming assistant coach. Mike said the ‘QB whisperer' stuff with McCarthy is very over-blown and often walked into situations that already had great QBs.
A big announcement from Mullsy to start today's show that he is changing his Mike McCarthy grade from an F- to F+ after yesterday's intro presser. Are fans ready to change their view on the big guy? The press conference just felt like a big welcome home party. Can McCarthy get the Steelers over the playoff hump? Some calls to see if Mike McCarthy and the Steelers are bathing themselves in glory after the hire. Former Penguin Tyler Kennedy joined the show. Tyler gave his take on Bryan Rust getting a 3-game suspension. He questioned how the NHL disciplinary crew got in their positions in the first place – pointing out that a few of them were goons when they played.
93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff told us Patrick Graham as DC is likely, but not official just yet. Jeff said Lunda Wells as OC has some smoke to it, but again, nothing official. Jeff told us the Steelers are ‘setting the table' for an Aaron Rodgers return and if he wants to come back, it will happen. Jeff described Will Howard as the ‘in-house' option and would rather them just run him out on the field next season and let the chips fall. Is Jonnu Smith on his way out the door? Jeff thinks this change sets up well for Pat Freiermuth. He would be surprised if Kenneth Gainwell isn't viewed as a priority this offseason. Jeff reported to us that the Steelers front office told Rodgers they need to know ‘within a month' if he will return. Jeff likes the foundation on the defense that the next coordinator will be able to play around with.
ALL ACCESS w/ Aditi – Aditi had a breakdown on Patrick Graham, who is expected to be hired as the Steelers next defensive coordinator. The guys asked Aditi about the hiring of Mike McCarthy and what the staff and team could look like next season. She thinks McCarthy's main goal is to figure out the quarterback. Are the Steelers going to run it back with Aaron Rodgers? She was surprised by how high everyone was on Will Howard in the press conference. She thought it was a little odd that the entire staff got told to go home after Mike Tomlin stepped down before the decision was even made on a new coach. Aditi would have loved Jim Schwartz getting a call from the Steelers and thinks it's an ‘insult' to assume Schwartz, who is known to run a 4-3 defense, can't adapt to a 3-4. Aditi predicted that Howard will be the Steelers QB in Week 1 next season.
Mark Kaboly said ‘absolutely yes' when asked on the midday show if Aaron Rodgers will be back in 2026 for a Steelers reunion with Mike McCarthy. Yuck. Why would that be a good idea? The guys are looking for good reasons, if there are any, for Rodgers to return next season. We discussed Kaboly's admiration of the Steelers always being the same team.
Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Mike said there was reason for Mike McCarthy speaking highly of Aaron Rodgers yesterday and it wasn't just about wanting the QB back – it still, ultimately, comes down to Rodgers wanting to play. Mike said Rodgers coming back doesn't make sense because he's not close to the same player as he was when he worked with McCarthy. Mike expected the Steelers to get a coach that was wanted and sought after by multiple teams – they did the opposite with McCarthy, who only really had one option. Mike talked about the Steelers zigging in the coaching process when they are used to zagging and going with a young, up-and-coming assistant coach. Mike said the ‘QB whisperer' stuff with McCarthy is very over-blown and often walked into situations that already had great QBs.
BREAKING NEWS: The Steelers and Mike McCarthy are close to hiring Patrick Graham as the team's DC. The guys think it's ‘uninspiring' as McCarthy's first big move. Graham seemingly did more with less with the Raiders in the last few years, so what will he do with the league's highest-paid unit?
Former Penguin Tyler Kennedy joined the show. Tyler gave his take on Bryan Rust getting a 3-game suspension. He questioned how the NHL disciplinary crew got in their positions in the first place – pointing out that a few of them were goons when they played.
A big announcement from Mullsy to start today's show that he is changing his Mike McCarthy grade from an F- to F+ after yesterday's intro presser. Are fans ready to change their view on the big guy? The press conference just felt like a big welcome home party. Can McCarthy get the Steelers over the playoff hump?
From 'Baseball Isn't Boring' (subscribe here): While there have been bigger contracts given out this offseason, that doesn't mean any of those high-profile free agents will be guaranteeing a bang for their buck. But we at Baseball Isn't Boring believe one shrewd signing deserves some recognition: Ryan O'Hearn going to the Pirates on a two-year deal. Ryan joins Bradfo for a wildly entertaining look at the offseason, his unforgettable path, why he chose Pittsburgh, and his overall evolution. It's the kind of conversation you can only get on BIB. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mike McCarthy said he wants Aaron Rodgers back in 2026. A big no thanks from the three of us. Why does McCarthy want to just run it back so badly? He said Mike Tomlin ‘left him a lot,' but that is far from the truth – maybe it was just one Mike being nice to another. Rodgers still has the arm and the mind, but those are just two parts of the game. Look at every great QB in the league right now and you will find that almost all of them use their legs effectively. Is Will Howard going to get a real shot the be the man in Pittsburgh? Poni knows he might be insane with QB takes, but he is surprised by the amount of love he is getting from Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan already. It is giving off the vibe that the Steelers think they got a steal with Howard. Or is this all a front? Donny Football Debrief – The Steelers have interviews booked for their OC & DC search. Lunda Wells, the Cowboys TE Coach, who coached under Mike McCarthy for 5 seasons in Dallas, will interview for the OC spot. Jason Simmons, the current Commanders defensive pass game coordinator, has an interview scheduled to be the Steelers next DC. Simmons coached under McCarthy and played for the Steelers from 1998-2001. Chris added that he is happy McCarthy is transparent about who is calling the plays on a particular side of the ball.
Further reaction to Mike McCarthy after his introduction as Steelers head coach. Big Mike choking up was a cool moment. Do we feel better about the hire after hearing him for the first time entrenched in black & gold? The guys don't understand how McCarthy was in love with the roster and wasn't yet into the draft process, but maybe he was flustered and finding things to say. More calls. Social media is telling us people feel better about Mike McCarthy, but the callers are telling us a different story. McCarthy's Morsel – How long does Mike McCarthy plan on coaching? Does he make it to the end of his 5-year contract?
The Mike McCarthy introductory press conference as the Steelers new head coach. The guys reacted to what they heard from Mike McCarthy at his opening press conference as Steelers head coach. It didn't have them feeling any better – in fact, it had Poni, who was relatively high on the hire, feel worse. They went into the answers about Aaron Rodgers, the QB position, the defense, along with his ties to Pittsburgh, which were aplenty. First cracks from fans following the Mike McCarthy intro presser.
Is Will Howard going to get a real shot the be the man in Pittsburgh? Poni knows he might be insane with QB takes, but he is surprised by the amount of love he is getting from Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan already. It is giving off the vibe that the Steelers think they got a steal with Howard. Or is this all a front?
Mike McCarthy said he wants Aaron Rodgers back in 2026. A big no thanks from the three of us. Why does McCarthy want to just run it back so badly? He said Mike Tomlin ‘left him a lot,' but that is far from the truth – maybe it was just one Mike being nice to another. Rodgers still has the arm and the mind, but those are just two parts of the game. Look at every great QB in the league right now and you will find that almost all of them use their legs effectively.
McCarthy's Morsel – How long does Mike McCarthy plan on coaching? Does he make it to the end of his 5-year contract?
Further reaction to Mike McCarthy after his introduction as Steelers head coach. Big Mike choking up was a cool moment. Do we feel better about the hire after hearing him for the first time entrenched in black & gold? The guys don't understand how McCarthy was in love with the roster and wasn't yet into the draft process, but maybe he was flustered and finding things to say.
The guys reacted to what they heard from Mike McCarthy at his opening press conference as Steelers head coach. It didn't have them feeling any better – in fact, it had Poni, who was relatively high on the hire, feel worse. They went into the answers about Aaron Rodgers, the QB position, the defense, along with his ties to Pittsburgh, which were aplenty.
Do you believe Mike McCarthy can lead the Steelers to another championship? Art Rooney II feels like the team is right there to make it happen and McCarthy is the guy to take them over the top. McCarthy brings a viewpoint from the offensive side of the field, which is nice, but how similar is it to Mike Tomlin? The guys went into the interview process and why it was a total sham. Poni said it gives off Kenny Pickett vibes because McCarthy is from Pittsburgh. Chris reiterated that his F grade isn't in the direction of Mike McCarthy – it's in the direction of the process. More calls on the Steelers' hiring of Mike McCarthy. PM Team Professors.
Mike McCarthy is reportedly high on Will Howard. Was that the golden ticket to McCarthy getting the job – telling Art Rooney and Omar Khan he had a lot of intrigue in their 6th round, soon-to-be 2nd year QB? Chris still doesn't think there is anything there with Howard. Poni said Howard is a free roll of the dice and either scenario can work out for the Steelers. Is it a better option than running things back with Aaron Rodgers at 43-years-old? Are we giving Mike McCarthy too much credit for his work with QBs? Donny Football Debrief – If the Pro Bowl accolade wasn't dead already, it is now. Shedeur Sanders is a pro bowler.
Poni said he got some rationale on why the Steelers made the coaching search a total farce and neglected talking to candidates like Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase. Poni was told Shula ‘bombed' his virtual interview with the Steelers. Poni added that Scheelhaase ‘impressed' the Steelers, but the front office brass ‘didn't think he was ready' to be a head coach. Another mention from Poni included the nugget that Anthony Weaver brought up Kliff Kingsbury as his potential OC. Poni, who is still in NYC, was at a show on Saturday afternoon when the Mike McCarthy news came down. Poni is not 100% sure McCarthy will call plays. What do we think the rest of the staff could look like? McCarthy Minute – Bill Cowher loves the hire of Mike McCarthy.
The Steelers have hired Mike McCarthy as their next head coach. The news broke Saturday afternoon, which the guys thought had some meaning in and of itself. How do we feel about the hire? Poni is glad the team has finally come around to an offensive-minded guy. Chris continued to grade it an F – calling out the entire process, which seemed to be a farce from the jump and that the Steelers always wanted McCarthy. Are the Steelers any closer to a title than they were with Mike Tomlin? Is Mike McCarthy better than Mike Tomlin? The resume looks very similar. McCarthy has actually developed a coaching tree in his time as a head coach. Can McCarthy turn Will Howard into a good QB? Pro Football Minute – Super Bowl LX is set. Why didn't the Steelers wait to interview any of these guys? Does the Steelers victory over the Patriots mean anything now? Did the Steelers make a mistake not signing Sam Darnold?
Do you believe Mike McCarthy can lead the Steelers to another championship? Art Rooney II feels like the team is right there to make it happen and McCarthy is the guy to take them over the top. McCarthy brings a viewpoint from the offensive side of the field, which is nice, but how similar is it to Mike Tomlin? The guys went into the interview process and why it was a total sham. Poni said it gives off Kenny Pickett vibes because McCarthy is from Pittsburgh. Chris reiterated that his F grade isn't in the direction of Mike McCarthy – it's in the direction of the process.
Donny Football Debrief – If the Pro Bowl accolade wasn't dead already, it is now. Shedeur Sanders is a pro bowler.
Mike McCarthy is reportedly high on Will Howard. Was that the golden ticket to McCarthy getting the job – telling Art Rooney and Omar Khan he had a lot of intrigue in their 6th round, soon-to-be 2nd year QB? Chris still doesn't think there is anything there with Howard. Poni said Howard is a free roll of the dice and either scenario can work out for the Steelers. Is it a better option than running things back with Aaron Rodgers at 43-years-old? Is McCarthy getting too much credit for his work with QBs?
McCarthy Minute – Bill Cowher loves the hire of Mike McCarthy.
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