Are coaches more valuable than non-QB players in today's NFL?

Are coaches more valuable than non-QB players in today's NFL?

From The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL by The Athletic

May 18, 2026 · 56 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the value of coaches compared to non-QB players in the NFL, featuring various player and coaching topics.

Opening up the mailbag this week felt like opening up Pandora's Box. But, you know, the NFL version of Pandora's Box. In this case, it was filled with questions about Baker Mayfield, fullbacks vs tight ends in 13 personnel, Dave Canales and Brad Idzik, and a theoretical draft including NFL head coaches. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, and Dave Helman follow in Pandora's footsteps on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Host: Robert Mays Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman Executive Producer: Michael Beller Senior Producer: Katy Duffy Social Producer: Scott Krinch Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_ Theme song: Haunted Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Robert Mays

Guests: Derrik Klassen, Dave Helman

Topics covered

  • NFL coaching
  • player value
  • Baker Mayfield
  • football personnel
  • draft theory

Keywords

  • NFL
  • coaches
  • Baker Mayfield
  • draft
  • football
  • personnel

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Athletic, Spanish Love Songs, Pure Noise, Bank Robber Music, LLC

Books & works: Haunted

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