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Sam Robinson
2:02
Hey everyone, big Week 15 ahead. Let's get going!
Astrodomer
2:13
Matt Burke has been mentioned on several lists of HC candidates. Do you think he has a realistic chance of being hired this winter?
Sam Robinson
2:13
Hey Astrodomer, Burke is an interesting name. We've talked a bit here about the defense-slanted HC market. Despite the Texans' dominance this season, Burke has not been mentioned as a clear-cut candidate. His next HC interview will be his first. But natural interest probably emerges.

For teams open to hiring a defense-geared HC, it will be a buyer's market. So some of the quality coordinators will miss out. Burke began calling Texans plays in early October. With the team beginning its turnaround then, I think the 49-year-old has been a bit overlooked on this upcoming market.

Burke's DC stint in Miami (2017-18) produced bottom-six rankings, and while the 2022 Cardinals' D-line featured strong performances from J.J. Watt and Zach Allen, I will be curious to see if Burke's Dolphins tenure is held against him.

The Texans' defense made an immediate leap when he and DeMeco Ryans arrived in 2023, but I still lean toward Burke staying in Houston for 2026. Ryans likely still receives the bulk of the credit
Donkey Boys
2:20
What’s the odds the Steelers have a new coach when training camp starts next summer?
Sam Robinson
2:20
Donkey Boys, I'd go worse than 50-50. We have seen Tomlin battle back from situations like this in the past. While I'd argue this relationship has run its course, will a surefire upgrade be available on this year's market? And will that coach be eyeing Pittsburgh favorably?

The Steelers do not have a QB answer, and thanks (again) to Tomlin's work, a pick in the low 20s or high teens appears on track. The Steelers are also aging on defense, and ownership has not joined the local chorus in showing extreme interest in ousting the 19-year HC.

What I could see happening, especially if the Steelers either miss the playoffs or go one-and-done yet again, is Tomlin walking away and attempting to start fresh. While I lean no on a firing, this operation has been in neutral since the Killer B's disbanded. If Tomlin is gone, I think he'd be the one behind it eyeing a second chance before age makes him an unappealing candidate.
Roger
2:32
Sam, in terms of appeal, where would the Buccaneers job rank if Bowles gets fired? Thank you.
Sam Robinson
2:32
Hey Roger, I think I'd put it up top. Barring the Bengals deviating from their M.O. and firing Zac Taylor, this job appeals more than the others due to a stable front office and a contracted upper-echelon quarterback.

The Bucs have had the same GM (Jason Licht) since 2014 and have Baker Mayfield signed through 2026. As our Adam La Rose noted in this week's mailbag, it will require a raise to extend Mayfield -- but a spot in the $50MM-per-year club may be a stretch for the resurgent (yet streaky) QB. Mayfield is also just 30, providing a solid onramp for a head coach.

The Bucs have been perhaps overly reliant on keeping their own, but Licht, Mike Greenberg and Co. have done well identifying core talent. The team is in good shape up front and at the skill positions. EDGE will be a 2026 issue, but TB's defense has cornerstones in Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield Jr.

Candidates eyeing a good landing spot will pay close attention to Bowles' upcoming Panthers outings.
Phanatical Phil
2:43
Which of Hurts or Sirianni has the better chance of still having their job by this time a year from now?
Sam Robinson
2:43
Phanatical Phil, good question. While I'd lean toward both being back in December 2026 -- after all, the duo was together in TWO Super Bowls over the past three seasons -- a second collapse over the past three years would invite questions.

Sirianni has not done well to groom coordinators, as his two internal promotions (Brian Johnson, Kevin Patullo) have not worked out. Patullo will likely be gone or, since he's been with Sirianni since Indianapolis, reassigned. Sirianni also has not called plays since early in the 2021 season, limiting his value (to a degree) as an offensive guru.

I'd still lean Sirianni if forced to choose. Hurts (20th QBR) was probably denied MVP by a late-season injury in 2022, and he slumped in 2023. But his 2024 resurgence -- around a dominant run game, of course -- should buy him another year as the starter. He has $51MM guaranteed for 2026. If no 2024-like bounce back occurs, Philly will have to look into a Carson Wentz-like escape route on this deal
Sam Robinson
2:59
On that, we will call it for today. Enjoy the high-stakes matchups in Week 15!
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