A caller brings up Will Howard, wondering if he can be a fit for the next regime. CJ Stroud was bad yesterday and probably should've been replaced. Is Howard that much different than Mendoza? The catch rule has been confusing for a long time now.

Sean McDermott is out in Buffalo. Bob is frustrated by discrepancies in pass interference and a catch. Starkey calls in and is distraught about the Bills loss and the confusing calls. Joe doesn't think McDermott should have been fired. Would Tomlin go to Buffalo? Will McDermott become highly sought after now? 16 of the last 25 Super Bowls have been won by "retread" coaches. Why didn't the Steelers interview Kevin Stefanski? Were the Steelers "in contention" this season? Joe says no. Sinking to the bottom paid off for the Pats and Bears. Jim tells a story about being fired.

What a week! It started with hopes for a Super Bowl run and it ends with the Steelers interviewing candidates for their next head coach after Mike Tomlin stepped down.

The full Pomp and Joe Show, with Joe Starkey, Donny Football, and Austin Bechtold (behind the glass), from Friday, January 16th, 2026

Hour 1 with Joe Starkey and Donny Football: Art Rooney II said Mike stepped down for family reasons, but Mike told the team he wants it to be better for them to win. Tomlin was basically saying he couldn't get it done for the team. Mark Kaboly didn't see signs of burnout. The Steelers are going to interview Nate Scheelhaase, Chris Shula, and Jeff Hafley in the next two days. Steelers need to hire the RIGHT coach not just one that fits their build as a defensive coordinator.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey and Donny Football: Ray Fittipaldo wonders how much the fire Tomlin chants, booing Renegade, and the lack of playoff wins wore on Tomlin. There are no goodbye sendoffs like Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher to say goodbye. Ray thinks there's a 50% chance that Cam Heyward retires. Tomlin told the team it was a football decision, but Art said it was a family decision for Tomlin.

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey and Donny Football: This week's bet against Nick Kostos - Joe and Donny think the Texans are going to beat the Patriots. Nick loves the Patriots and Drake Maye. Nick thinks it's a no-brainer to hire Brian Flores as the head coach. MLB needs to have a salary cap and floor with ANOTHER example with Tucker and Dodgers. Mike Tomlin received a standing ovation from Steelers players in the team meeting.

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey and Donny Football: Packers reporter Dominique Yates of the Journal Sentinel in Wisconsin joined the show. Packers DC Jeff Hafley is interviewing with the Steelers this weekend for head coach. Both Hafley and Parsons being injured contributed to the Packers defensive struggles late in the season. "I wouldn't be shocked" if LeFleur ended up somewhere else but the best bet is to stay in Green Bay. National Championship and NFL second-round playoff picks!

Donny and Austin give their picks for the National Championship Game and the second round of the 2025 NFL playoffs!

Packers DC Jeff Hafley is interviewing with the Steelers this weekend for head coach. He coached Zay Flowers and AJ Dillon at Boston College. Hafley has been the DC for two years and is well loved by the players. Hafley has been the DC for two years and is well loved by the players. Could Matt LeFleur be available??