NFL Playoff Parity, Coaching Crossroads & Why College Sports Is Broken

The NFL postseason field is set — and it looks nothing like last year. On this episode of Sports IQ, Larry Smith breaks down a wild opening round of the NFL playoffs, where defense ruled, longtime powers fell, and league-wide parity took center stage.

The Houston Texans make history with a dominant road win in Pittsburgh, raising serious questions about the future of the Steelers — and whether Mike Tomlin’s era is nearing a crossroads. NFL writer Shane Shoemaker (Heavy.com) joins the show to analyze Houston’s rise, Green Bay’s late-season collapse, coaching vacancies across the league, and which Divisional Round matchup deserves the most attention.

Later, Yahoo Sports senior writer Dan Wolken returns with a must-hear conversation on college athletics. Wolken explains why the current college sports model is “broken in almost every way possible,” diving into NIL chaos, the transfer portal, donor influence, legal uncertainty, and why Indiana’s stunning rise to the national title game may represent a turning point for the sport.

Plus:

• NFL Divisional Round previews

• Green Bay’s coaching dilemma

• The Bears’ breakthrough with Caleb Williams

• Indiana vs. Miami and the future of college football

• A viral youth hockey incident that sparked controversy

It’s a jam-packed episode covering the biggest stories shaping football at every level — and where the games may be headed next.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• Texans’ historic playoff win over the Steelers

• Pittsburgh’s seven-game playoff losing streak

• NFL coaching carousel & available candidates

• Packers’ late-game struggles and Matt LaFleur’s future

• NFL Divisional Round matchups to watch

• Why college sports governance is failing

• NIL, the transfer portal, and legal gray areas

• Indiana’s unprecedented run to the national championship game

• Donor power, billionaire involvement, and sustainability

• Viral youth hockey controversy and league response

  Featured Guests

• Shane Shoemaker – NFL Writer, Heavy.com

• Dan Wolken – Senior Writer, Yahoo Sports

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