The Ringer NFL Show - ‘GM Street’: Panthers Sale and Pro Bowl Snubs (Ep. 206)

Episode Date: December 21, 2017

The Ringer’s Michael Lombardi and Tate Frazier discuss the sale of the Carolina Panthers (1:00), the Pro Bowl selections (9:50), and potential coaching changes (27:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to GM Street part of the Ringer Podcast Network. It is Wednesday, December 20th. We are here in the Los Angeles, the Ringer headquarters. Mike Lombardi is at home, and he is on his phone, and I am joined by him. Lombardi, how you doing? I'm great, Tate Fraser. How are you? I thought I'd see you in Beverly Hills shopping today, no?

Unfortunately, they won't let me back to Beverly Hills. I try to get in there and shop, but they told me I didn't have the funds. I didn't have sufficient enough funds to make it happen there. So I had to go back inner city time. So, you know, it's all right. I'll do all my shopping on Amazon this year. I'm sorry, I missed you, though. I've been working on the book, so don't feel bad.

I haven't left that now. Good, please. I appreciate that. We've got a lot to talk about today. The Pro Bowl voting came out. We're going to get to that a little bit later, but off the top here, I know that a lot of people have reached out to me, and whether it's jokingly or not jokingly about the potential new ownership in Charlotte

with the Carolina Panthers. Jerry Richardson has put it out there that he is going to sell his majority stake in the team. He owns 52% of the team. He's going to sell his majority share to whoever ends up being the suitor. There's been some names that have leaked out. Probably one of the bigger names that's leaked out is Puff Daddy, Diddy, Diddy, has come out and said that he wants to own the North Carolina Panthers, which is endearing to my heart because I do refer to them as the North Carolina Panthers in my mind, even though I have to say Carolina. Steph Curry has said that he would love to join the ownership group with Diddy to try to buy the team in Charlotte.

There's been a lot of interested parties, and it's obviously a big story that will continue to go on as it develops. But first off, Lombardi, when you look at a situation with the ownership in the NFL, I mean, this is a club, an exclusive club to get into. And, you know, what does that sort of look like? People that have been talking about the demise of the NFL team, now, in most deals, they don't mess. They don't comical. And we saw the brown sulfur. I think this is going to be, you know, this marketplace, as you know, Tate Fraser, in Carolina is huge. And he wants a part of this.

you know, I saw somebody mention Oprah and the first woman, but I mean, it would be beautiful. Every single name I've seen thrown out has been a great situation for the Carolinas and I think the main thing that has come out. The Charlotte Mayor and the City Council have both put it out to the world

that they have no intentions of letting the Panthers leave. I know personally as soon as I saw Jerry Richardson put it out that he was going to sell his majority stake, the first thing I thought about was the potential of losing the franchise and that moving somewhere else in the NFL you know, we've obviously seen them look at London. We've obviously seen them look at the markets in Mexico.

And you just never know if they want to branch out internationally. And that could be, you know, sort of an opportunity for them to do that. It's kind of, you know, in their lap. But it seems like that's not going to happen with Charlotte and the City Council backing it. My main thing is... And I don't think Jerry Richardson would let that happen. I really don't. I don't think Jerry Richardson.

He's got a pride there. He, you know, hits the Carolina Panthers. He named the team. But I think what fans don't... These are not just guys walk down the street and say, To get in this, you've got to be well-connected, and you've got to be vetted, and you've got to be reliant by the next team. Now, he couldn't control what the price was.

And then I think the NFL, if they were smart people, now Mark Cuban said he's not interested because he's the price of this team and find out how much the league's decline. Yeah, once we get in the $2.1, $2.5 billion range, I think that the idea that the NFL is declining will, you know, take a hit when people see those numbers. It's not going to decline because it's a guaranteed profit for the owner. he's got a stadium revenue, they've got a salary, collective party agreement, which will happen.

It's huge, and I think if they can detect the transition itself from all the negative public science. Yeah, there's even been, I saw someone throw the crazy idea of Bill Gates. So the Gates Foundation, they've built a lot of schools in North Carolina. They even built a school, Granville Central, right outside my hometown. And they've been involved in some of the impoverished areas and the rural areas of the state, and some people have thrown out the idea that the Gates family would want to throw something into the NFL.

So there's a lot of names being thrown out there. was my favorite. That's the best one I've heard and obviously, you know, I have a little bit of an affinity for a bad boy and ditty, so we'll see what happens. I'm excited to see how it all plays out. I think, you know, it'll be good, obviously, with the whole new regime coming in.

You know, Tate Frazier, I think this is really going to be a positive for the team on the field. I do. I think that there's a lot of players, I saw Cam Newton's comments about how much he loves Mr. Richardson and whatever's happened, and obviously the league's investigating that, the situation that's going on there. But the man did

have the respect of some of the players in the locker. It's going to be fascinating to see and they play and they finish into the playoffs and they make their moves. If Jerry Richardson had to get the Super Bowl trophy as the owner of the team, well I guess he wouldn't get it because right now he's suspended. But I mean it almost seems like this team is more

motivated than ever. Well, and then it will put us in back-to-back years where the Super Bowl ceremony has had this separate conversation where you know, obviously last year it was, you know, Goodell is going to be on the stage with crafts and have to hand him the trophy and that's going to be the big stage. And then if it were the Panthers, I'm going to knock on what is. I say that.

You know, you'd have Jerry Richardson on the stage with Goodell and him. You know what I mean? But I don't think he can be on the stage. So I think that's the point. I think it's going to be that woman who took over his running the team would be on the stage. Yeah. Just give it to Cam Newton. That's all I'd want. Give it to camp. Yeah, just do it to camp. But, you know, certain things help teams become motivated. And, well, this one was when I read the comments. Yeah, I totally agree with that. Before we get on to the Pro Bowl stuff, sorry, Mike. Well, they got Tampa Bay this week. I mean, really, there's another one they're going to notch to their belt, right?

Yeah, they're moving up. And they're trying to climb up and they're trying to make a run for the NFC South. But, you know, that probably won't happen unless the Saints really throw it in these next few games. I will say this, though, just speaking about the Panthers. Do you have any thoughts about Thomas Davis, obviously, for his hit on DeVante Adams, the big block coming back? And he was obviously shugging up on the sidelines as it happened. He was suspended two games originally.

He appeals. He has now suspended one game. He gets reduced to one game. Any thoughts on that? I mean, I've seen a lot of people. I thought it was the right call. When I saw two games, I knew it was going to get reduced down to one. I thought Thomas Davis, I think it was what he had.

I don't think he's a dirty player. I never thought of here. Yeah, and Shaq Thompson will be back in the linebacking corps this week in the absence of Thomas Davis for any concerned Panthers fans. So all that to be said, let's get on to the Pro Bowl. It was released late last night. A lot of big names, obviously, because it is the Pro Bowl. These are the best players in football.

but I think one of the big things that set out to me, we're going to start in the AFC, if that's fine by you, Mike. I want to talk about the fact that the guy after week five is considered the favorite to be the MVP does not even make the Pro Bowl roster.

And I'm, of course, talking about Alex Smith. You got Tom Brady, Philip Rivers, Ben Rothesberger, the three quarterbacks chosen in the AFC. But the snub to Alex Smith, I mean, he's had one of his best seasons. I know the Chiefs are still going back and forth. They haven't really quite figured it out. But I honestly cannot believe he did not make

the Pro Bowl this season. You could argue that Rathesburg or Rivers, you know, I've had good years. I think there's time. The college pairing, like Smith is a little bit like, you know, those teams that lose a game in Ohio State or Auburn. Yeah, absolutely. That was probably the biggest snub I would see on the AFC. And then, you know, as you go down the list, I mean, the usual suspects, wide receiver,

obviously Antonio Brown, DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, Keenan Allen are the guys that make it there. Running back Levy on Bell. Kareem Hunt was probably the big one. The rookie for the Chiefs does make the team, even though his quarter. quarterback did not. I mean, what do you think about a rookie Kareem Hunt getting to the Pro Bowl? Look, I thought he played well early, and now we know, I mean, I thought Melvin

Gordon had a really good season. Melvin Gordon did not make it. LaShaul McCoy was the third back, so it was Levyon Bell, Kareem Hunt and LaShaul McCoy were the three running backs in the AFC. Yeah, and I kind of actually thought Melvin Gordon was really pleasant. So that's a good tradeoff. Maybe we rejigger this thing and we take rivers out. You throw in Alex Smith just for the, you know, and then you get Gordon to go in and you take Hunt out. You know, it's a nice AFC West shift there.

I mean, look, I think, Alex, I think, look, Philip Rivers has had moments, but look, Philip Rivers, the last couple weeks, I mean, especially in Kansas City, didn't particularly. Absolutely, absolutely. I will say this about the AFC in general. I mean, there's a lot of Titans players on there, or quite a few Titans players on there, which is, you know, credit to them, kudos to them. Eric Weddell, a guy that I've always enjoyed to watch, free safety, makes it for the Ravens.

Was there anything else in the AFC that stood up? with you from the Pro Bowl roster? Crack up. I mean, the Titans have how many guys make the team? So we got tackle, Taylor Luan gets it. Interior lineman Jarrell Casey makes it. Malik Jackson, another interior lineman for the Titans makes it. No, Malik Jackson's in Jackson. But certain things help teams become motivated.

And, well, this one was when I read the comments by Cam today. It obviously they like... Yeah, I totally agree with that. Before we get on to the Pro Bowl stuff... Sorry, Mike. They got, well, they got Tampa Bay this week. really there's another one they're going to notch to their belt, right? Yeah, they're moving up.

And they're trying to climb up and they're trying to make a run for the NFC South. But, you know, that probably won't happen unless the Saints really throw it in these next few games. I will say this, though, just speaking about the Panthers. Do you have any thoughts about Thomas Davis, obviously, for his hit on Devanti Adams, the big block coming back and he was obviously shugging up on the sidelines as it happened. He was suspended two games originally. He appeals. He has now suspended one game.

He gets reduced to one game. Any thoughts on that? I mean, I've seen a lot of people. I thought it was the right call. When I saw two games, I knew it was going to get reduced down to one. I thought Thomas Davis' apology was outstanding. I think it was what he had a stake. I don't think he's a cheap on him.

I think the league is actually doing the right thing here. Yeah, and Shaq Thompson will be back in the linebacking corps this week in the absence of Thomas Davis for any concerned Panthers fans. So all that to be said, let's get on to the Pro Bowl. It was released late last night. A lot of big names, obviously, because it is the Pro Bowl. players in football. But I think one of the big things that stood out to me, we're going to start in the AFC, if that's fine by you, Mike. I want to talk about the fact that the guy after week five

is considered the favorite to be the MVP does not even make the Pro Bowl roster. And I'm of course talking about Alex Smith. You got Tom Brady, Philip Rivers, Ben Rothesberger, the three quarterbacks chosen in the AFC. But the snubbed Alex Smith, I mean, he's had one of his best seasons. I know the Chiefs are still going back and forth. They haven't really quite figured it out. But I honestly cannot believe he did not make the Pro Bowl this season. Well, and down the last couple of weeks, I've played better than Drew Brees. So the AFC, so basically, Rivers and Rathesberger got in over Smith.

Okay, right, okay, let me start there. Look, you know, I don't think you could argue that Rathesburg or pairing. If you play, and I think that's why Alex Smith. I mean, Alex Smith is a little bit like Ohio State or all. Yeah, absolutely. That was probably the biggest snub I would see on the AFC. And then, you know, as you go down the list, I mean, the usual suspects, Y receiver, obviously Antonio Brown,

DeAndre Hopkins, AJ Green, Keenan Allen are the guys that make it there. Running back Levy on Bell. Kareem Hunt was probably the big one. The rookie for the Chiefs does make the team, even though his quarterback did not. I mean, what do you think about a rookie Kareem Hunt getting to the Pro Bowl? Look, I thought he played well early and now he's playing much better. Levin Gordon's had a really good season. Melvin Gordon did not make it.

LaShaul McCoy was the third back. So it was Levy on Bell, Kareem Hunt, and LaShaul McCoy were the three running backs in the AFC. I actually thought Melvin Gordon was really playing well. I think that, you know, I think he would have come down to Hunt or Melvin Gordon. I think Melvin Gordon certainly deserves it. So that's a good trade-off. Maybe we rejigger this thing, and we take Rivers out. You throw in Alex Smith just for the, you know, and then you get Gordon to go in and you take Hunt out.

You know, it's a nice AFC West shift there. Yeah, I would go for that. I mean, look, I think, Alex, I think, look, Philip Rivers has had moments, but look, Philip Rivers, the last couple weeks, I mean, this best game going in there. And Lombardes, I run through this list. I'm just looking at guys that really jump out to me in the AFC. I mean, one name that jumps out to me is Eric Weddow, a veteran guy, plays for the Ravens, free safety, he gets a spot there.

There are any other names that jump out to you? I mean, to me, Devin, Eric Weddow gets it because wounds from the Miami Dolphins is a stamped in there. People just all back them down the field. See, this is what happened on safety one, Mackay-Haw season, the strengths of the New England defense, if they, in fact, they have a strength at all. You know, I would have traded that out for sure. Yeah, yeah.

And just, I mean, I'm going to ask a broad question just about the Pro Bowl in general. I mean, if you're a coach or a GM and you look at a pro bowl, I mean, do you look at a guy's pro bowl to sort of decide if you want to? I mean, I don't know. I feel like it's sort of lost its luster. I mean, even the All-Star in the NBA. I think it definitely has. Like, I'm looking at it. Like, look, I think Richie and Kenney and Jack Mason of New England's a better player there.

I think, you know, Alexander Vallonaweva. Penn's a good player. He plays well, week in a week out. So it's kind of like a hard. We get him in the Hall of Fame when Twitter. them on the team, but Tyree Hill is a pro ball player. Like there's, like, he's a, he guys on this list, too, but I think

it's way different. Yeah, when they do it by positions, it kind of muddies the waters. Like, Bob Miller's a great priest. He's a pro ball player. He belongs in a list. I wouldn't say he's had his best season. Of course, and so I think it hasn't been the same, and I think when you see the best corner in football, is he one of the best corners?

Probably by reputation, is he is he the same? I think Casey Wayward, who's on the different guys that go. The offensive line is hard, really, for everybody to kind of get a good grasp of. And I think sometimes guards kind of get overlooked, well, you know, this guy's not a great player, or if a team doesn't win, you know,

then all of a sudden you can't get a guy at the Pro Bowl. Yeah, that all checks out. I mean, as I'm running through the list, I mean, it does do, you know, obviously Joey Bosa was big for him. He's the starter at defensive end. He's at a really great season, especially with, you know, bringing back the strip sack.

Yeah, there's just a bunch of guys out there. I mean, Melvin Engruff on the team is a defensive tackle. Yeah, he's inside, yeah. you know, Melvin Ingram could be, you know, I thought he was really an impact to have to handle. He's all over the field. You know, I did way too many plays for him not to get in the game.

Yeah, and he falls to Linden Collins with the Giants and Malcolm Jenkins on the Eagles. I mean, Jenkins has had a really good season. Collins also, I mean, he's at a tough time with the, he's not had a tough time personally, but the Giants have obviously had a rough season. So it would be good to reward a guy like Harrison Smith there. But Xavier Rhodes, we should say,

is going to be the starter at corner. he's had a great season for the Vikings too and then the Eagles do well Fletcher Cox and then Everson Griffin I mean the defensive side of the football for the NFC as you run through these names I mean Luke Keeckley Bobby Wagner

you can sort of see why the NFC is so good because they're defenses if you put them all together it's a it's a monstrosity as some would say yeah no it's really good I mean there's a bunch of guys and I mean look at the tight ends I mean Zach look Alex Mac beats Travis Frederick out for the starting job

I couldn't argue with that. Brandon Books, Brooke Cowboys with the clapper, everything shuts down. He's not in the game. You know, I'm glad Adam Thielen got in the game because it's really well-deserved. And Michael Thomas is kind of like the unsung hero. Second year. I mean, you know, all the Saints have two running backs. You know, they have, let me think about this, the Saints have two running-bed receiver.

And I think some of their offensive line at times could be in this group. But, I mean, they're a really talented offensive team and defensive. The only one that jumped out of me before, Harrison Smith, I thought for sure he would make it. Yeah, definitely. I was excited to see Farrow Cooper, a guy who's had a great season, returning kicks for the Rams. Because it is funny whenever we do talk about the Rams, it seems like we only talk about their screen game and Gurley and, you know, golf and, you know, how their offense is up-tempo and all this sort of stuff. But Farrow Cooper has made a difference in the return game for them too. I think Tavon also was a guy they thought may do that, but it turns out it was Farrow Cooper. So good to see him get some credit too.

And then Greg the Legg. Everyone on the special teams plays for the Rams except for Buda Baker. for the Cardinals. But Johnny Hecker is the punter for the Rams, Greg Zerline for the Rams, and Farrow Cooper for the Rams. So they dominate in all three phases if you're a Schaumufet. So if you're a Rams fan, that's exciting. And so that's what makes Minnesota so good. And that's what I keep talking about. If you're going to beat a team like New England, you've got to be good in all three areas of the kicking game. You've got to be good in all three areas of your football team.

And then you've got to be able to return Marcus Sherelles. You know, they control field position. I mean, this is a good football team. The other guy was surprised on Minnesota with Eric Kendrick. I think Eric Kendrick's really a good player. I thought he deserves to be in this too. More guys on it because they're really good on defense. Not that I'm disputing of all the Eagle players. Like, you know, just for me, I think Michael Carver, so is defense. Yep, I can totally see that.

I mean, Griffin's really the only main guy they have on there. Anthony Barr gets out of the outside linebacker, but, I mean, I almost would put him over to Taylor Jones. Unfortunately, for Anthony Barr, he's a Sam linebacker, which is almost teams that line up and play a guy who over the tight end as an old Sam linebacker like Carl Banks used to do for the Giants. So it makes Mike Zimmer and it makes Paul Gunther,

those guys that run this defense Seattle as well, that look for linebackers that can play on the end that play Sam linebacker over the tight end, it kind of gives them an advantage because not everybody's looking for that certain player. They just play them down. Whereas in Minnesota, they stand those guys up. They play in coverage.

They play stack behind the linebacker. It gives them an advantage to find players and they do. Yeah, absolutely. Well, the Minnesota Vikings' defense said they're not going to be complaining because they'll be playing late in playoffs most likely. Should we transition to the coaching situation? The NFL, and I want to ask you about this, the NFL, apparently, they sent out a list of

their candidates based on their own research, and they have an A and B list, and a bunch of names came out. Does the NFL do this every year? What they hear, talk to this guy, and this year, Josh McDaniels is definitely on the A list. I don't know who else is on the A list, but McDaniels, and I think Jim Schwartz, of the Philadelphia Eagles, the defense coordinator is on the A list. I think Jobs, he's going to be in every conversation. I think he's, you know, I think the time has come for Josh to either make.

I think we should talk about this whole New England situation, Tate Fraser, to detour a little bit with this Alex Guerrero, not allowing him to be on the trips and kind of minimize him what he does. And I think that what has been the regular training method and then there's been the TB12 training method. And sometimes those lines get crossed and sometimes they get confused. And I think would build not revel a comment on it. Yeah, and Guerrero, I know that I've seen reporters reach out to him. I mean, he didn't even want to talk about it either. So it seems like as Nolan void at this point.

But yeah, the TB12 stuff is, you know, Bill talks about it all the time about how Tom Brady has his own process for how he handles his body. It's basically alternative ways to treat yourself is the whole idea behind, you know, the TB12 movement. So alternative medical treatments are always under the spotlight. So it does not surprise me that they're trying to, you know, create some distance, to say the least with that whole situation. Yeah, so let's

Back with the coaches. Let's go back to the coaches. So anyway, so then Jim Bob Cooter from the Detroit Lions is on the list. I mean, Jim Bob Cooter has done a nice job with Matthew Stafford. I think he's a guy that's really looking. You watch his offensive tape, and he tends to really, in his offensive tape, kind of the way he tries to do things. Trade outside linebacker, Pittsburgh Steel, Ohio State guy. The defense down in Houston kind of fell apart a little bit on him in terms of injuries,

and it's really good all together. But he as a president think would be really important as a head coach. I'm not sure he's going to get one this year, but I think Mike Braybill do because he's got the pedigree you're looking for. He's been around winners. Nagy, the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, he's on the list. And I think he's done a really good job since he's going to get a lot of interest from around the league. Because the one thing about Alex Smith's offense is that they've modified the offense to fit Utah's offense with rushed it up and made it into, he calls it West Coast College Twist to it.

And I think Nagy deserves a lot of credit for it. wanted Negey to be the offense coordinator. He was out the door on his way to Philadelphia, and Nagy was the guy that command about him. You know, he's not just an Andy Reid yes man, and I think he'll be successful. And can we talk about another guy in Kansas City that I've seen his name thrown around, and he's on your list as well, and that's Dave Tobe, the special teams coach. Yeah, Top. Yeah. Dave Top. The Tube, Tob, it doesn't matter how we all. Yeah. I say Dave Tube, and that's, I've heard Nancy that on TV, but yeah, Dave Tob is better. I think I've even said Tob, we've said it all over the

I think it's Tobe. Yeah, I think it's Dave Tobe. I've been corrected by people that I'm not sure if they're right or wrong, so I say it differently every time. But whatever it is, he's doing with the special teams in Kansas City. I mean, it tends to work out. And obviously, we've seen Tyree Kilbenefit from that. But I don't know, he seems like a guy that deserves a shot.

I don't know if he actually will get one, but he seems like he deserves some interviews at least. That's right. So one of the things that I think people don't realize is the special teams coach talks to the entire team. Other than the head coached the entire team, to the defense. You know, Steve Wilkes at Carolina, he just talks to his D. He's got to get the entire team inspired and ready to play.

And so he understands a lot of the dynamics. Now, the advantage you get with hiring a special teams coach, and this is what's most critical is he's a good evaluator of talent. He's a good evaluator of talent. To be successful, I have to be a... Let's go with Tobin. ...distance offensive and defensive coordinators. We see John Harbaugh, the last special teams coach, to get a job.

It's won a Super Bowl, but it hasn't been pretty with his offensive coordinator. It's got to get handled more efficiently than what they've done in ball. Baltimore. And he also has to command everything. I mean, one thing you want, if you hire the special teams coach, he's got to be involved in everything, run the defense and the screen. Yeah, absolutely. And can we talk about a guy with a big personality that has shown an ability to run a team? That's Jim Schwartz. I mean, he's been awesome with the Eagles defense this year. I know we've brought his name up a couple of times for, you know, giving him credit for what he's done in Philadelphia. I mean, do you think Schwartz is going to get a shot somewhere?

I do. I really do. I think he held on what he did well and what he didn't do well. Dominelli, who was the director of college scouting for being. Cleveland started talking to him and Dom said, hey, I like this kid. And so we flew him in, psychological analysis test. And basically it grades you on five different areas, one through five, you know, hard work, competitiveness, intelligence, stability, all these things, right? So we give it to Schwartz, Trout Wine in Kansas City. And Troutwein's calling my private number in my office.

And he's like, don't let that kid out of the building. He'd be the best guy you ever hire. There you go. That's the greatest sales point I've ever heard. Huh? I said that's the greatest selling point I've ever heard. Give the man a job. I mean, he said, yeah, don't let that kid out of Billy's the best guy.

And he was. And he was by far. I hired him. You know, when he gets his other chance, I don't think not to fail. What we deem as not as failing is, look, he's in Detroit. You know, he's got a bad front office up in Detroit. I make no bones about that. I mean, working from Matt Millen came in and started running that organization.

I think he did the best he could. They went from Owen 16, Calvin Johnson, or Dominican Sue, those kind of monies that they had cap. I think he's going to get a next chance. I think the next time somebody is going to bed list of John Shaw in 1996. I said, if you hire a Belichick, you basically are Bart Modell of paying. Listen to me. Oh, man. I'm just writing that, too, coaching and hiring coaches.

And I made a notebook for Shaw. And I ended up going back, and since I've moved 17,000 times, and we found the notebook, you know, of the recommendations that I had. Yeah, well, at least you know that where you stood on the record. I'm glad you found that notebook. I'm on the record. Yep, they can't deny it, T. They cannot.

But anyway. going back to our list, John D. Filippo, the other Eagle coach is on the list. So what's doing? Now, everybody says it's coach's father. He used to be the athletic director at Boston. It's really done. To me, of all the guys on the list besides McDaniels and Schwartz, the guy that I think, Pat Shermer's done a really good job with Minnesota, with Casey's team that he's a quarterback and needs to get developed. I think you've got to look at Pat Sherman and see what he can do. Yeah, the final one, I just want to ask you for my own benefit here. What about the pencil pusher? What about Matt

Patricia? Does he get a shot anywhere? You know, it's going to be interesting if anybody holds back wearing that t-shirt, you know, coming off the plane. Everything about hiring elected, it's not selected. Guys are getting jobs aren't because they're the best coaches in the league. It's because they're electable. It's recommended by the house. Yeah. It's right.

You've got to win the press conference. And so John Shaw was looking for coach in 1996. Belknit to John Shaw, he's right. You know, so he's tedious when you do that. And I think that we'll come down the stretch. I think that remains to be seen. Yeah, well, we'll see what happens with that I will miss him on the sideline with his laminated sheet and his pencil

I'm still not sure what that's for Any other jobs that you see that are opening up that you think there's a fit Like in my head, and I don't know if this will happen In my head, I see Chicago Bears and I see Jim Schwartz And I want to see them together But that's about the only thing I have going from me I think Chicago's going to go offense I think Chicago's going to go offense

I really do I think Jim Schwartz is going to have to be a team that really wants. I could see Jim Schwartz at the New York Giants. You want to build it, you know, take away from the Eagles, the general manager. He knows him well. You know, I'm sure he knows Dave Gettleman. I think that would be somebody that you, if the Giants are defense, you got Olivier Vernon, you got Jason Pierre, Paul, two guys, they need to get maximized their talent level with. They've got a good defense to keep it going. They need to fix the offense. A little bit, you can fix your offense. So I think that's the place.

Look, John Gruden's the wild card this whole thing. I know he, you know he got his name up on the wall. Everybody in the league tells me that's the name, including people, so that'll be interested in to see what Bill O'Brien do. He's got one year left on his contract. He said he's not going to resign. I find it hard to believe, coach for another year. You know, John Harbaugh got the extension,

much like Jim Caldwell got his extension, but we know extensions in the NFL are meaningless because unless you take away the offset clauses in contracts, owners can fire guys that are not like John Harbaugh wouldn't be out of work for 10 days. He would be like Andy Reed. He would go get a job somewhere else. I could see John Harbaugh

ended up in Chicago, let's say where his brother once played. So I don't think that's going to be the question. I think it's going to make a move, and I don't think it's going to come down to an extension. I think it's going to come down to whether they just feel like they need a change of pace. Yeah. So we've got the Saturday games. We're going to call it Christmas Shopping Saturday. That'll be what we do with these games and when they happen.

The Colts are going to take on the Ravens, the Vikings going to take on the Packers. Yeah, go shopping. No need to watch those. But if there's anything to look out for, I mean, you were saying the Colts, I mean, that's a prime job, right? still up in the air. I know Blake Bortles has had three great games, but it's been against the Colt defense. It's been against Houston's defense, and of course, Seattle.

I'm not going all in on Blake Bortles. I want to wait and see them doing the playoffs, but I think the Colts is the prime job. And it's going to be fascinated to see the Packers. I mean, they did the smart thing putting Aaron Rogers on IR. Let's see how their team operates. Minnesota to me, I think they're the dangerous team. They get another win, which they will this

week against the Packers. Yeah, and then we have Sunday, obviously, it's Christmas Eve, and then Monday morning is Christmas. Lombardi, any big plans for you for Christmas? You're going to stay out in California, right? Going to stay in California? I got my presence already. I've got a grandson sickly. Sounds like a beautiful holiday. I'm happy you're going to have that with the family. This has been GM Street, part of the Ringer podcast network. I am Tate Frazier. Thank you, Michael Lombardy. Thanks, Tate.