Davante Adams seen crying after losing yet another conference title game
Davante Adams still can’t shake his own personal curse.
Adams and the Los Angeles Rams saw their season come to an end on Sunday with a loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. The Rams fell by a final score of 31-27 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
With the loss, Adams’ personal record in conference title games dropped to a hapless 0-5. Though he had a strong individual game on Sunday with four catches for 89 yards and a touchdown, the 33-year-old Adams extended his unsightly streak of never having made it to a single Super Bowl.
Speaking with reporters afterwards, Adams was visibly emotional. He had tears in his eyes and struggled to get his words out at times.
Davante Adams is emotional after losing the NFC Championship Game in Seattle. Adams is now 0-5 in conference championship games. pic.twitter.com/9bAYkGZYAn
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) January 26, 2026
A six-time Pro Bowler and a three-time NFL receiving TDs leader, Adams is one of the greatest wide receivers in league history to have never gotten to the Super Bowl. He lost four times in the NFC title game with the Green Bay Packers (in 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2020) and made it a quintet with the Rams by losing in Sunday’s NFC title game.
Adams is still under contract with the Rams for 2026 at a cap hit of $28 million (though the team does possess a potential out on the deal). He had 60 catches for 789 yards and an NFL-high 14 touchdowns this season and was recently even said to be recruiting a star defender to Los Angeles for next season.
Sean McVay snaps at reporter for asking question about Matthew Stafford’s future
Sean McVay was in no mood to stay polite Sunday after the Los Angeles Rams fell one game short of making the Super Bowl.
The Rams had 1st-and-10 at the Seahawks’ 12-yard line with a chance to take the lead with a touchdown. But quarterback Matthew Stafford could not find the end zone for a score and turned it over on downs, allowing the Seahawks to milk the clock for a 31-27 win at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
During his postgame press conference, McVay was asked if Stafford would be back as the Rams’ quarterback next season. The 40-year-old coach did not understand why such a question had to be asked.
“Yeah, I mean, if he still wants to play,” McVay said. “What the hell kind of question is that?”
“You’ll have to ask him. We’ve been totally present. I know that if he wants to, he’s still playing at a pretty damn good clip. I mean, he’s the MVP of the league … I’ve got respect for everybody else, but this guy played at a level that’s just different.”
"If he still wants to play, what the hell kind of question is that."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 26, 2026
Sean McVay on if Matthew Stafford is returning next season 👀 pic.twitter.com/XNRyA4pkdE
Stafford did not look like a QB on the verge of retirement during Sunday’s elimination game. He went 22/35 for 374 yards with 3 touchdowns.
Stafford and Sam Darnold combined to become just the second pair of opposing passers to each have at least 300 passing yards a 3 passing TDs in a conference championship game. Dan Marino and Mark Malone were the first pair to do it during the 1984 AFC Championship.
Stafford has had to fend off speculation on his potential retirement over the past few seasons. With Stafford dealing with a serious back injury before the 2025 campaign, some thought this could finally be the year he hangs it up at season’s end.
Instead, Stafford put up an MVP-worthy campaign for the Rams. There’s no question the team would welcome him back next season, so long as he doesn’t make a stunning retirement announcement in the coming months.
Russell Wilson sends a message to Sam Darnold after Super Bowl berth
The last Seattle Seahawks quarterback to lead the team to the Super Bowl is showing love to the one who just achieved the feat for himself this weekend.
Sam Darnold led the Seahawks to the first Super Bowl berth in over a decade with a win over the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game. Seattle was victorious at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. by a final score of 31-27 as Darnold went 25/36 for 346 yards and three touchdowns.
In the wake of the Seahawks’ triumph, New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (who used to star for Seattle) sent a notable message of congrats to Darnold. Wilson took to X to shout out Darnold over his “comeback story.”
“Sam Darnold’s comeback story over the past 2 years has been one of the most inspirational things to watch!” wrote Wilson. “Cool seeing him overcome!!! Congrats bro. Hope you win it! Go Hawks.”
Sam Darnold’s comeback story over the past 2 years has been one of the most inspirational things to watch! Cool seeing him overcome!!! Congrats bro.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 26, 2026
Hope you win it!
Go Hawks
Wilson was the quarterback of the Seahawks from 2012-21, making nine Pro Bowl teams, earning one All-Pro nod, and leading the NFL in passer rating in 2015. He also twice led Seattle to the Super Bowl with a win in Super Bowl XLVIII over the Denver Broncos in the 2013 season and a loss in Super Bowl XLIX to the New England Patriots in the 2014 season.
Now Darnold will be getting a chance at revenge for Seattle against those very same Patriots, who won in Sunday’s AFC title game over the Denver Broncos to advance to next month’s Super Bowl themselves. That is indeed quite the comeback story for Darnold, who has now made back-to-back Pro Bowl teams and a Super Bowl berth after being stuck fighting for a backup job as recently as 2023.
Tariq Woolen committed the most boneheaded taunting penalty
Tariq Woolen committed the most boneheaded taunting penalty during the NFC Championship game on Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash., but he was lucky it didn’t cost his team the game.
Woolen’s Seahawks were leading 31-20 in the third quarter and had the visiting Los Angeles Rams in a bad spot with a 3rd-and-12 at the Seattle 49-yard line. Matthew Stafford had thrown an interception, which would have likely brought up a punt. But Woolen was called for a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taunting the Rams after the incompletion.
Tariq Woolen controversial taunting penalty that leads to a Rams first down.
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) January 26, 2026
It was fourth down 🤦♂️
NO FUN LEAGUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SMHHH pic.twitter.com/4KLfzLqs2K
The penalty gave the Rams a first down at the Seahawks’ 35-yard line and made the game a lot closer than it otherwise would have been.
On the very next play, Stafford threw a touchdown pass to Puka Nacua — who was being defended by Woolen — to make it a one-score game at 31-27, which ended up being the final score.
Nobody is happier than Woolen, whose boneheaded penalty would have been viewed as the turning point had his team lost. He nearly gave away the game on that play and was lucky his team bailed him out.
The Seahawks are now headed to the Super Bowl to face the New England Patriots in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX.
Mike Vrabel had great message to Patriots after making Super Bowl
Mike Vrabel was giving the New England Patriots the license to celebrate for at least one night before locking in again for Super Bowl prep.
The Patriots outlasted the Denver Broncos in frigid conditions Sunday to win the AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo. After giving up a touchdown in the first quarter, New England kept Denver scoreless the rest of the way for a 10-7 win.
Reporters spoke to defensive tackle Milton Williams in the Patriots’ locker room after the game. Williams was asked about what Vrabel’s message was to the team following the gritty victory.
“That he enjoys coaching us, he’s proud of us,” shared Williams. “He said, ‘No curfew tonight, but the bus leaving at 8 in the morning, so if you ain’t on it, you ain’t playing in the [Super Bowl].’”
“I’m pretty sure everybody’s going to be on that bus. ‘I ain’t playing,’ he said.”
As Williams said, it’s hard to imagine any of the Patriots players missing that bus. Perhaps the biggest candidate to do so would be wild-card wide receiver Stefon Diggs. But after Diggs’ teary-eyed interview following Sunday’s win, even he probably wouldn’t dare risk not playing in the Super Bowl.
Vrabel has proven to be a no-nonsense head coach in every sense, which means he may very well stick to his word and bench any player not named Drake Maye who fails to show.
Patriots’ O-line had no clue Drake Maye was keeping it on his game-clinching run
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye kept his teammates in the dark Sunday on what turned out to be the play that clinched his team’s Super Bowl berth.
Maye had the run of a lifetime to seal the Patriots’ 10-7 win over the Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo. Facing 3rd-and-6 at his own 40, Maye faked a handoff and kept it himself for a gutsy first-down run with under two minutes left.
DRAKE MAYE OUTRUNS HIM
— NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2026
NEvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1FoNGda29L
Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss looked like he had a beat on Maye at the line of scrimmage. But the Patriots QB used a timely stiff arm on Elliss to create the separation necessary to eek out a first down.
Patriots center Garrett Bradbury revealed during his postgame press conference that Maye completely improvised his run. The O-line was anticipating Rhamondre Stevenson to get the ball and were just as shocked as everyone else that Maye got the first down himself.
“After the game, Drake’s like, ‘I debated telling you guys if I was gonna [keep] it or not. But I just decided not to’ … I’m expecting Rhamondre to try and hit a hole,” Bradbury said, via Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. “And I turn around, Drake’s over there with the ball, and I’m like, ‘Go, go, go!’ Because we didn’t know.”
Maye confirmed it during his own press conference, stating that he had anticipated the Broncos’ defense to “get lackadaisical,” expecting Stevenson to run right. Maye’s gut was what turned out to be right.
Maye went 10/21 for 86 yards in the snowy Colorado conditions. The Patriots star also rushed 10 times for 65 yards, which proved to be the difference in the closing moments.
Sean Payton gets slammed for his ‘arrogance’ on call that swung Broncos-Patriots game
One poor play call from Sean Payton loomed large over the Denver Broncos’ playoff exit Sunday against the New England Patriots.
The Broncos were firmly in the driver’s seat early in the AFC Championship Game clash at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo. The Broncos had a 7-0 lead, and possession deep in enemy territory midway through the second quarter.
Payton overcomplicated a 4th-and-1 opportunity at the Patriots’ 14. Instead of calling for a run play or simply kicking the field goal to make it a two-score game, Payton had Jarrett Stidham roll right on a pass play that was dead on arrival.
4th and less than a yard and Broncos go for it instead of kicking a field goal.
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 25, 2026
They decided a roll out right pass play with Stidham was better than a run when they are averaging 3.3 yards per rush this game… pic.twitter.com/90skwm58Bu
The Patriots were able to tie the game with a touchdown of their own later in the quarter. Several fans blamed Payton’s “arrogance” for the play call that came back to haunt the Broncos.
Sean Payton's arrogance is his demise. Not kicking it earlier & trusting a Stid lead offense on 4th down because u think u can scheme up anything, is pure ego.
— lael (@laelvc) January 25, 2026
Sean Payton's Arrogance kept him from going up 10-0 because he wanted to showcase Stidham now he in 7-7 Dogfight with a QB that's making Dumb Ass Decisions.
— The Dawgzilla (@TheDawgzilla) January 25, 2026
Why in the name of Sean Payton arrogance would you not kick that field goal? Answer: Sean Payton arrogance. You're playing with Jarrett Stidham and an elite defense. You go up by two scores and the game might be over.
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) January 25, 2026
The call now looks far worse in hindsight as the Broncos wound up getting shut out for the rest of the game — one that was decided by three points.
Before Sunday, Stidham had not thrown a pass in an NFL game since 2023. Trusting him on a 4th-and-1 pass play did seem like pure hubris from Payton, who ended up getting humbled by the football gods.
Leonard Williams swipes at Davis Allen during Rams-Seahawks game
Leonard Williams swiped at Davis Allen during an altercation between the players in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
The Los Angeles Rams had the ball down 24-13 to the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter. Matthew Stafford completed a 35-yard pass to Colby Parkinson to set themselves up in Seattle territory. After the play, FOX showed a replay of an altercation between Williams and Allen, where Williams swiped down at Allen.
Leonard Williams and Davis Allen get heated, start shoving each other
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) January 26, 2026
WOW 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wbZ9T4mLl9
It’s unclear whether the officials missed the incident entirely, or saw it but decided not to throw any flags, because there was no penalty called.
The Rams ended up scoring a touchdown three players later and made it a 24-20 game. Seattle responded with another touchdown to go back up by two scores at 31-20.
The teams met twice during the regular season and split the series. The stakes for this game were the highest of their meetings as a Super Bowl berth was on the line.
Stefon Diggs had emotional message after Patriots advanced to Super Bowl
Stefon Diggs could not hold back his tears as he spoke out Sunday after the New England Patriots clinched their spot in Super Bowl 60.
The Patriots outlasted the Denver Broncos in a low-scoring AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo. Diggs tallied a team-best five receptions for 17 yards in New England’s 10-7 road win.
“I’m just so proud of this team, man,” Diggs said with tears streaming down his face. “You don’t know how hard this year has been, battling the injury and coming back. Being around the right group of guys: great quarterback, great OC, great team, great head coach. It made it all worth it, all the hard work.
“… They were calling me washed. Saying I didn’t have it no more. I just wanted to prove to myself I am who I say I am. [Patriots executive Eliot Wolf] took a chance on me. This team took a chance on me. I just wanted to make them proud.”
“They were calling me washed. Saying I didn’t have it anymore. I just wanted to prove to myself I am who I say I am.”
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 26, 2026
“This team took a chance on me. I just wanted to make them proud.”
1-on-1 with emotional #Patriots WR Stefon Diggs headed to 1st Super Bowl: pic.twitter.com/B2dD8Wq47h
Diggs suffered a season-ending torn ACL during his 2024 season with the Houston Texans. The Patriots took a flier on Diggs, who also came with some off-the-field baggage that drew negative headlines earlier in the season.
The 4-time Pro Bowler quieted his doubters with his play on the field. Diggs led the Patriots in catches (85) and receiving yards (1,013) while playing in all 17 regular-season games for New England.
Diggs entered Sunday with a pair of Championship Game losses during his time with the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings. The third time proved to be the charm for Diggs, who’s now the top target on a Super Bowl-bound squad.
Patriots’ Will Campbell gets roasted for awful first half
New England Patriots rookie offensive lineman Will Campbell was under scrutiny during the first half of Sunday’s AFC Championship, and he did not exactly acquit himself well.
After a strong regular season, Campbell has struggled in the playoffs when facing several top pass rushers. He allowed nine pressures in the first two playoff games, and many fans were concerned about him going up against the Denver Broncos’ potent pass rush.
Those concerns appeared well-founded. Campbell again struggled in the first half, with Denver’s Nik Bonitto blowing past him multiple times early in the first half.
Will Campbell got beat here.
— Boston Buzzer (@TheBostonBuzzer) January 25, 2026
Drake was forced to get rid of the ball quickly.
Almost resulted in a pick.
pic.twitter.com/bSC1L4hBOe
Will Campbell pic.twitter.com/3mrHbu5btP
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 25, 2026
Many on social media were quick to pass judgment against Campbell for not giving Drake Maye enough time to work.
Will Campbell trying not to allow a pressure/sack challenge pic.twitter.com/v5CzNRjZfG
— Martínez Chiefs🙏🇺🇸🇲🇽 (@Martinez050408) January 25, 2026
Will Campbell pic.twitter.com/LTm9YU5v6x
— sports enthusiast 🫥 (@imspenser_6) January 25, 2026
Will Campbell is not fighting and dying to protect his quartback
— brandon* (@brndxix) January 25, 2026
Who told Will Campbell to do this? pic.twitter.com/HPzvBZ0Umj
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) January 25, 2026
Will Campbell pic.twitter.com/ZlgqBllShi
— Bradley (@BradIey98) January 25, 2026
Live look at will campbell in the locker room rn pic.twitter.com/g7Q9wUYeMF
— John Schreiber Enjoyer (@cousin_john4858) January 25, 2026
Campbell was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, so he came in with high expectations. He spent most of his rookie year meeting them, but elite pass rushers have given him a lot of trouble in the playoffs, where the importance of the games are magnified.
The Patriots obviously are not going away from Campbell now. By all accounts, they love him as much as they did when they drafted him. However, these moments are becoming quite noticeable, and they are happening at the wrong time.
Patriots lose out on touchdown because of premature whistle
The New England Patriots briefly lost out on six points during Sunday’s AFC Championship game due to an overeager whistle by the officiating crew.
Late in the second quarter of Sunday’s game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Co., Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham lost control of the football inside his own 15-yard line. Linebacker Elijah Ponder picked it up and took it to the end zone for the Patriots, seemingly giving them a defensive touchdown.
The play was whistled dead, however, just as Ponder picked up the ball. The officials initially called intentional grounding on the play, but after discussion, it was ruled that Stidham’s throw was a backwards pass and thus a live ball. Because of the whistle, however, the Patriots were not allowed to advance the fumble.
Refs blow the whistle early and take a potential TD off the boardpic.twitter.com/j5m2aSWJC0
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) January 25, 2026
New England scored two plays later, but the premature whistle threatened to take points off the board in a crucial spot. Had the Patriots not punched it in, that may well have become a story, and Mike Vrabel might have had to sound off about the officiating again.
The Broncos and Patriots both wound up missing field goals later in the half, ensuring a 7-7 tie at halftime.
Mavericks game postponed after team got stuck at airport
The Dallas Mavericks will not play Sunday evening in Milwaukee after their team plane got stuck at the airport in Dallas.
The Mavericks had been slated to play in Milwaukee against the Bucks at 7 P.M. Eastern on Sunday, but their scheduled flight for Sunday afternoon did not leave on time. Dallas, like much of the South, was heavily impacted by an ice storm, and the Mavericks simply could not get their plane de-iced quickly enough.
Mavs still have not taken off. Plane still being de-iced. Cutting it a bit close to making it to Milwaukee prior to 6 p.m. tip-off, but safety is the only priority here. https://t.co/DaJT7o0DV8
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) January 25, 2026
The weather in Milwaukee is fine, but the Mavericks simply could not get there. In a statement, the league said the postponement was because of “the Mavericks inability to leave Dallas as a result of inclement weather in the area.” No makeup date was announced.
Sunday’s scheduled game in Memphis between the Nuggets and Grizzlies was also postponed, but that was because Memphis is directly in the area heavily impacted by inclement weather.
The Mavericks have had a rough 24 hours. On Saturday, they lost to Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers after blowing a 15-point lead with just under eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Then they spent most of Sunday stuck waiting for a flight that never took off.
Notable update emerges on Sean McDermott’s future
Sean McDermott will likely be taking a sabbatical after being fired by the Buffalo Bills.
The former Bills head coach McDermott is expected to take a year off from coaching after his dismissal, according to a report on Sunday by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport adds that McDermott has not engaged to this point with any other head coach opening in the NFL.
McDermott, 51, was surprisingly fired by Buffalo earlier this month after nine seasons in charge. The decision came after the Bills lost in the divisional round to the Denver Broncos in an overtime heartbreaker.
When it comes to overall winning percentage, McDermott was one of the best — he was 98-50 (.662), which is the third-highest among active coaches and 15th-highest in NFL history. McDermott also led the Bills to five AFC East division titles and seven different seasons of 10 wins or more.
But despite having reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen at his disposal, McDermott was never able to successfully get Buffalo over the hump during the postseason. While they earned eight total playoff berths under McDermott, the Bills only made it to the AFC Championship Game twice and never once made it to the Super Bowl.
That said, McDermott was a very popular coach in Buffalo, and the news of his sudden firing was met with profane reactions from some Bills players. Thus, McDermott, who was also reportedly critical of Buffalo’s roster before his abrupt dismissal, will likely remain an extremely coveted head coach candidate after his expected gap year in 2026.
Gregg Popovich looks frail in a rare public appearance
Gregg Popovich made a rare public appearance this week but still appears to be very much in recovery.
The legendary former San Antonio Spurs head coach Popovich attended an NBA G League game on Friday. It was a game between the Austin Spurs (San Antonio’s G League affiliate) and the Capital City Go-Go at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park in Cedar Park, Tex.
Video went viral from the game of Popovich walking off the court while being aided by two other individuals. Popovich waved to the crowd and also stopped at one point to pose for pictures with two young children. But Popovich was using a specialized cane to help him walk and appeared to be slow on his feet.
You can see the video at the link here.
Now 76 years old, Popovich coached the Spurs from 1996-2025. That included five NBA championships, three NBA Coach of the Year Awards, and the most wins by a head coach in league history (1,390).
But Popovich finally had to step down from his position last year after suffering a sudden stroke in Nov. 2024. He also later suffered a separate medical emergency while dining at a restaurant in April of last year.
By May, Popovich formally announced that he was retiring as head coach of the Spurs and transitioning into a leadership role in the team’s front office (with former assistant Mitch Johnson taking over as San Antonio’s new full-time head coach).
Popovich was looking a little bit better several months ago in a video of him attending Spurs practice. While he was also feeling well enough this week to attend an Austin Spurs game, Popovich is (understandably) still recovering from his health challenges of the last 15 months.
Mike McDaniel could still land a head coach job
Mike McDaniel already has an offensive coordinator job lined up for 2026, but that does not necessarily mean that he is out of the running for a head coaching position.
McDaniel remains a candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders head coach position, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The former Miami Dolphins coach has pulled out of several other coaching searches, but is apparently still in the mix with the Raiders.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: Davis Webb is a strong candidate for the #Raiders; The latest on the #Eagles OC search; The #Steelers hired Mike McCarthy but what about his QB? pic.twitter.com/9q6mWVJXEa
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2026
We have seen McDaniel withdraw from some head coaching opportunities, so he has the right to be picky. It is interesting that he is not doing so with the Raiders, but perhaps he is intrigued by the team’s ownership of the No. 1 overall pick and the chance to potentially develop a quarterback of his choice.
McDaniel has already lined up a new job as Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator, but has yet to officially sign the contract. The Raiders may be the only obstacle left to that hire, but McDaniel is at least thinking about that job.
The Raiders appear to be focused on offensive-minded head coaches, with one name featuring prominently in their search. McDaniel would fit that mold, though he is more experienced than most of the other names floating around.
Mack Hollins made an incredible entrance to the AFC Championship game
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins is back and perhaps better than ever with his stadium arrival prior to Sunday’s AFC Championship.
Hollins arrived at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Co. on Sunday for the AFC Championship barefoot, which is not new. What is new is his rather dramatic homage to the 1979 film “The Warriors.”
Hollins tapped glass bottles together while mockingly inviting “warriors” to “come out to play.”
Mack Hollins — “Warriors!” pic.twitter.com/yQJytzZHE4
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 25, 2026
This is par for the course for Hollins, who has become famous for his elaborate, theatrical stadium entrances. He only goes harder as the stakes get higher, and Sunday’s game is obviously the most important one the Patriots have played to date this season.
Hollins has even more reason than usual to be hyped considering he was activated for Sunday’s game. The 32-year-old had 46 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns this season, but has not played since Dec. 21 due to an abdominal injury.
While best known for his looks, Hollins has a way with words as well. He’ll have something interesting to say whether the Patriots win or lose.
Bill Cowher reacts to Steelers’ hire of Mike McCarthy
At least one Pittsburgh Steelers icon is on board with the team’s decision to hire Mike McCarthy as head coach.
Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher was enthusiastic about the McCarthy hire on Sunday when speaking on CBS’ “The NFL Today.” Cowher emphasized McCarthy’s offensive style and personal ties as being important selling points.
“Number one, he’s an offensive-minded guy, Mike McCarthy, everywhere he’s been. He understands the value of running the football,” Cowher said. “He coached Joe Montana. He coached Brett Favre. He coached Aaron Rodgers. He coached Dak Prescott. Everywhere he’s been, he’s uplifted the offense.
“If you look at the Pittsburgh Steelers right now, when there’s been inconsistencies in recent years, it’s been the instability of not having a reliable offense. He walks into that room with credibility. … And oh yeah, he’s from Pittsburgh too. He knows the tradition. He knows what the expectation is. He knows what that fanbase is all about. He’s a Yinzer. I think it’s a very good hire for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
"I really like this hire … everywhere he's been he's uplifted the offense."@CowherCBS on the Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy as next head coach. pic.twitter.com/21OX8wZ3wm
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 25, 2026
The Steelers are likely looking at things in much the same way. Their struggling offense needs help, and the hope is McCarthy can uplift it. As Cowher noted, the local ties do not hurt either.
Not everyone is quite as enthusiastic about the McCarthy hire, with some dismissing him as a retread lacking new ideas. Cowher is not among them. In the short term, McCarthy might actually be the right man to keep the team competitive and avoid a major rebuild.
Cowboys blocked Eagles from speaking to an OC candidate
The Dallas Cowboys’ rivalry with the Philadelphia Eagles is continuing off the field as well as on it.
The Cowboys blocked the Eagles from speaking to offensive coordinator Klayton Adams about the same job with Philadelphia, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Dallas had permission to block the interview request, as Adams would be interviewing for the same job in Philadelphia and not a promotion.
The Eagles requested to interview Cowboys OC Klayton Adams for their offensive coordinator job but Dallas blocked the request, per league sources.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 25, 2026
Dallas finished second in total offense and values Adams. pic.twitter.com/hfbfYKfva3
Dallas’ decision does appear to have come from a genuine desire to keep Adams. It is entirely plausible, if not likely, that the Cowboys would have done the same no matter which team had requested to interview him. It is safe to say, however, that the organization probably enjoyed it a little more getting to reject Philadelphia.
Adams just finished his first season as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator. He replaced Brian Schottenheimer after Schottenheimer was promoted to head coach, and their offense averaged 27.7 points per game this season.
The Eagles are looking everywhere for a new offensive coordinator to replace Kevin Patullo. They have so far failed to land any of their top targets, though they clearly have a long list of interviews to go through. Adams will have to be crossed off that list, as he is saying put.
Prime candidate emerges for Raiders head coach job
A prime candidate is reportedly emerging for the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach opening.
Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is seen as a “prime candidate” for the job after a strong first interview, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Denver Broncos pass game coordinator Davis Webb is also still regarded as a candidate.
Raiders’ coaching search should come into focus after Sunday.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 25, 2026
Multiple league sources consider Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak a prime candidate after a strong first interview.
Broncos pass-game coordinator Davis Webb is often mentioned in league circles as a viable option, too.…
The Raiders opening is not one of the best available, but the team does have the No. 1 overall pick and a clean slate to rebuild with. The new coach will likely have Fernando Mendoza under center next year, so it makes sense that the Raiders appear to be focusing on offensive-minded coaches.
Kubiak, the son of former Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, has been a coveted assistant for several years now. He has been offensive coordinator for the Saints and Seahawks and also worked under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco.
The Raiders are likely to target younger first-time head coaches, as evidenced by their other leading choices. That makes sense, as the team could be primed for an extensive rebuild whether they like it or not.
Andrew McCutchen calls out Pirates for snubbing him
Andrew McCutchen is not happy with the Pittsburgh Pirates for a lack of acknowledgement before the potential end of his career.
Some Pirates fans were not happy that McCutchen, who is currently a free agent, has not been re-signed by the Pirates and was not in attendance for the team’s offseason fan event on Saturday. That prompted a debate among some fans over whether McCutchen was worth re-signing or whether the Pirates actually owe him anything.
McCutchen subsequently took to X and suggested he felt snubbed by the organization.
“I wonder, did the Cards do this Wainwright/Pujols/Yadi? Dodgers to Kershaw? Tigers to Miggy?” McCutchen wrote. “The list goes on and on. If this is my last year, it would have been nice to meet the fans one last time as a player. Talk to them about my appreciation for them over the years. Shake that little kids hand or hug the fan that’s been a fan since Clemente. You see, this is bigger than baseball! Bigger than looking at a 40 man roster and cherry picking numbers that fit your agenda or prove why your opinion matters. The fans deserved at the very least to get that opportunity.”
I wonder, did the Cards do this Wainwright/Pujols/Yadi? Dodgers to Kershaw?Tigers to Miggy? The list goes on and on. If this is my last year, it would have been nice to meet the fans one last time as a player. Talk to them about my appreciation for them over the years. Shake that… https://t.co/oB8Nq1bjng
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) January 25, 2026
McCutchen added that he still wants to play, but admitted he is not certain he will receive the opportunity.
The Pirates cannot seem to avoid this sort of bad PR, even when they probably mean no harm. McCutchen does not currently play for the team, so there is logically no reason for him to be honored by the Pirates. Presumably, the organization will honor him when he officially retires, but he has not done that yet.
The Pirates have tried to spend money this offseason and get fans back onside. Ultimately, it will take more than that to undo years of bad reputation, and McCutchen’s frustration will not help matters.
