Richard Sherman Podcast - BLACK MONDAY REACTION: Raiders fire Pete Carroll, Browns fire Kevin Stefanski | Richard Sherman NFL

Welcome back to the show. New year, same promise from me to bring you real, week‑in and week‑out content, so hit subscribe and tell me what you want. It’s Black Monday, and we’re diving into the firings, the Raiders’ habit of paying folks who aren’t there, and which jobs are actually worth taking.

Wild day: one‑and‑done in Vegas for Pete Carroll and moves in Cleveland, Arizona, Atlanta, Tennessee, and New York. If you had your pick, which opening would you take?

I’d target Atlanta or the Giants. The Falcons have real weapons and a quietly strong rookie class, and I thought Raheem deserved another year, but the front office boxed itself in paying a veteran quarterback big money and then burning a top pick on another; with the Giants, the power setup and the way the Saquon situation played out make it a harder sell for established coaches.

Least appealing spot—are you leaning Raiders, and did you expect Pete to be out after one season?

I didn’t, because that kind of impatience kills culture. Chip’s system is built for college, not Sundays, and now they’re cutting huge checks to former coaches while resetting again; at some point it’s not the coach, it’s the organization, and you’ve got to sit in the discomfort and build.

On that impatience point, the transfer portal is exploding and big NIL deals are flying. Do you like where that’s headed?

I’m all for players getting paid, but bouncing after a year because you didn’t win a job teaches the wrong lesson. I respect teams valuing guys who stayed and played a lot, and a sit‑one‑year rule after a transfer would slow the carousel, because if you chase shiny grass, you can end up with concrete.

Back to Pete—what’s next for him, and can we get him in here weekly with you?

I’d welcome him. He loves the game and would have plenty to say about Seattle and Vegas.

Last Raiders note: Max Crosby was hot about being held out—should they consider moving him?

No chance. He’s the heartbeat of that franchise, old‑school wired, wants every snap, and cooler heads will keep him in silver and black.

Cleveland moved on from Kevin Stefanski; are Browns fans or Stefanski more relieved?

Feels mutual. They had real highs and the defense thrived under Jim Schwartz, but they still need a clear identity and a settled quarterback plan, even with a strong line.

Back to Atlanta being attractive, what about Arizona as a landing spot?

I’d pass. They’re tangled in the quarterback contract, the offense looked steadier without him at times, there’s pressure to feed a high pick at receiver, and the NFC West means facing Kyle Shanahan, Mike Macdonald, and Sean McVay, so you need a coach with the clout to play the best guys and reset the room.

If they shop Kyler, is there a market?

Teams would line up because he’s talented and electric, but he’ll need to answer for leadership and prep questions; if the Jets miss their draft target, they could absolutely kick the tires.

Who are the coordinators and assistants to watch in this cycle?

Keep an eye on Jeff Hafley, Mike LaFleur, Anthony Weaver, Kevin Stefanski in new chairs, Chris Shula, Matt Nagy, Brian Daboll, Robert Saleh if he chooses to move, and Klint Kubiak. Brian Flores is getting real buzz and could turn the Raiders into a defensive force.

Tough day for a lot of coaches and a big day for searches. Take us home.

Appreciate you rolling with us. We’ll be back with a playoff preview soon, and it’s going to be fun.