The Not Bland Show opens 2026 with a wide-ranging episode that cuts across the NFL coaching carousel, Wild Card weekend, college football’s postseason, and a busy stretch for drag racing — all through the show’s signature unfiltered lens.
The episode begins with the fallout from Black Monday, as DJ Bland walks through the league’s most significant coaching changes and what they reveal about the current NFL landscape. Baltimore becomes a focal point as the show examines the end of John Harbaugh’s 18-year run and why teams like the Falcons and Giants may present the most attractive landing spots for top candidates. The Raiders’ quick move on Pete Carroll is met with skepticism, while Cleveland’s handling of Kevin Stefanski sparks a broader critique of organizational dysfunction and where accountability truly belongs.
Washington is also in focus following the Commanders’ decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The discussion centers on schematic limitations, quarterback usage, and the reality that much of the roster is now fighting for future roles. The show also touches on the Titans, Falcons, Giants, Cardinals, and Dolphins as the coaching market begins to take shape.
From there, the conversation shifts to the NFL playoff slate, with quick-hit breakdowns of Wild Card matchups including Bills–Jaguars, Patriots–Chargers, Texans–Steelers, and the NFC field. The emphasis stays on coaching, quarterback composure, and which teams are built to handle postseason pressure away from home.
The back half of the episode turns to college football, where Big Ten supremacy, the evolving balance of power with the SEC, and the final four are dissected, along with bold predictions about which teams are equipped to survive the physical, postseason football.
The show closes with drag racing updates, touching on IHRA and NHRA developments, Memphis momentum, schedule chatter, and the broader need for stability across the sport.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Commanders Insider for SportsJourney.com. As a graduate of George Mason University, Forrest has spent the last eight years sharing his love for sports with listeners and viewers in the DC area and around the world. He hosts the “After Further Review Podcast” and has held numerous on-air and writing roles covering the DC area sports, Division 1 Basketball, and the NFL. His work has been featured on outlets like NBC Sports Washington, Fansided.com, Heavy.com and The Fourth Estate.
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