Firing a Coach is EXPENSIVE

When an NFL team fires its coach, fans see drama — owners see a bill. Behind every midseason pink slip is a complex web of guarantees, offset clauses, and payouts that can stretch into the tens of millions. In this episode, Zach Quinn breaks down how NFL coaching contracts really work — from guaranteed salaries and “duty-to-mitigate” clauses to the ripple effects on staff, sponsors, and team finances. Using the Tennessee Titans’ recent firing of Brian Callahan as a case study, we unpack the economics of firing a coach before his contract ends, how teams try to limit losses through offsets, and why these buyouts are often quietly negotiated behind closed doors.

It’s a rare look into the business mechanics that shape the sideline carousel every season. If you like this kind of deep dive into how the NFL really operates, come find us on X, TikTok, and Instagram — all the links are in our bio. Ratings and reviews help more fans discover Moneyballers, a Life in the Stands production. We appreciate all the support!