The world of sports media is no stranger to “hot takes,” but this week, Stephen A. Smith may have reached a new peak—or valley, depending on who you ask. During a segment that has since gone viral, the First Take host argued with “dead seriousness” that his colleague and former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Clark should have been interviewed for the team’s head coaching vacancy. The suggestion has ignited a firestorm of mockery, particularly from the crew at The Coach JB Show, where Big Smitty and Steve Kim did not mince words.
“I believe that Ryan Clark should have been interviewed for the job,” Stephen A. said, pointing out that even Philip Rivers had reportedly received an interview from the Buffalo Bills. However, the comparison was quickly shot down by Steve Kim, who called the take “more ridiculous” than a 90s movie plot.
“Eddie” or Reality?
Steve Kim was quick to reference the 1996 film Eddie, in which a fan played by Whoopi Goldberg becomes the head coach of the New York Knicks. “I think that movie is more realistic than Ryan Clark being an NFL head coach,” Kim remarked. The primary criticism? A complete lack of coaching experience.
While Ryan Clark is a “Steeler for life” and a highly respected analyst, he has never coached at any level—high school, college, or pro. “No player who has zero coaching experience or very minimal coaching experience should get an NFL head coaching opportunity,” Kim argued. “This is the highest level. You don’t go from Mike Tomlin to a guy who has never coached. Stephen A. is just saying it for the clicks and likes.”
The Trend of the “Podcast Hire”
The conversation naturally veered toward the recent hiring of JJ Redick by the Los Angeles Lakers—a move that saw a former player transition directly from a podcast booth to one of the most prestigious head coaching roles in the NBA. While Big Smitty noted that Redick’s tenure has been “okay” so far, the group agreed that the NFL is a different beast entirely.
The guys also discussed other potential “jumping in line” candidates, specifically mentioning Carson Palmer. Unlike Clark, Palmer has been working at the high school level and has shown “coaching chops” that have put him on the radar for major programs. “Carson is a coaching savant,” Kim noted, suggesting that if anyone is going to skip the line, it should be someone with a proven track record of training and developing talent.
Conspiracies in Cleveland: The Deion Sanders Factor
The coaching discussion wasn’t limited to Pittsburgh. Coach JB, despite facing technical difficulties throughout the show, managed to drop a bombshell conspiracy theory regarding the Cleveland Browns. With the Browns struggling to find a replacement for Kevin Stefanski—and high-profile names like Mike McDaniel reportedly turning down the role—JB believes a massive move is brewing.
“I think something’s brewing. I think Deion Sanders is the next head coach in Cleveland,” JB claimed. He suggested the delay in hiring is intentional, allowing Sanders to finish his business at Colorado before “moseying on right in” to the NFL. While Big Smitty was skeptical, noting Sanders’ deep roots and new coaching staff in Colorado, JB insisted he “smells it.”
The Antonio Brown “Coordinator” Dream
In one of the show’s more surreal moments, the group joked about who Ryan Clark should hire as his coordinator if he ever did get the job. The unanimous (and chaotic) choice? Antonio Brown.
The discussion quickly shifted to Brown’s current legal status and his Hall of Fame eligibility. Despite a seven-year peak that was “statistically elite,” the group agreed that Brown’s off-field behavior and recent legal troubles in Miami would likely keep him out of Canton. “Terrell Owens wasn’t a first-ballot, and his behavior was mild compared to AB’s,” Kim pointed out. “It will be held against him, whether that’s fair or not.”
Building a Winner: The Chargers’ New Weapon
Finally, the show touched on the Los Angeles Chargers’ official announcement of Mike McDaniel as their new Offensive Coordinator. Steve Kim expressed excitement for the move but insisted the Chargers need to “get better outside” to support Justin Herbert. His solution? A bold trade for Tyreek Hill.
“Give me Tyreek Hill,” Kim said. “I need a guy who is going to take the top off the defense. With Herbert’s arm and McDaniel’s scheme, that’s a win for the Chargers.”
As the coaching carousel continues to spin, one thing is certain: the era of the “celebrity interview” is in full swing. Whether it’s Ryan Clark, Deion Sanders, or JJ Redick, the line between the broadcast booth and the sidelines has never been thinner—much to the chagrin of traditionalists like Coach JB.
