I was chatting with our own Xavier Cromartie yesterday, and we were discussing something about the QB class...when he hit me with some info I was not aware of. Pertaining to Garrett Nussmeier and Mike McCarthy.
In my mind, through the draft process, I haven’t paid attention much to Nussmeier...because I don’t think he’s very good, so why waste time on a QB we’ll all forget about within two years? But Xavier mentioned something a connection between Nussmeier and Steelers HC Mike McCarthy. I was totally unaware. I knew about the Todd Monken and Ty Simpson/Father Simpson connection...but not the Nussmeier situation.
So, I researched it and it made me think of/wonder about all those similar connections out there. I ran some reports and thought I’d share some of the ones I came across/already knew of interest...
Ty Simpson-Todd Monken
The connection between new Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken and prospect QB Ty Simpson is one of the deepest coach-player bonds in the 2026 draft cycle, built on a long-standing friendship with Ty's father, Jason Simpson.
With Monken taking over the Browns' head coaching job this offseason, the link has become a major focal point for Cleveland's draft strategy at pick #6.
The Father-Coach Connection
The foundation of the relationship is the bond between Monken and Jason Simpson, who has been the head coach at UT-Martin since 2006.
- The Southern Miss Link: Both men share ties to Southern Miss. Jason Simpson was a baseball player there (graduating in 1994), and Monken served as the head coach of the Golden Eagles from 2013 to 2015.
- A "Family Friend": Ty Simpson has openly referred to Monken as a family friend, noting that Monken and his father "go way back" and talk regularly. Jason reportedly texted Monken immediately upon him landing the Browns' head coaching job.
The Georgia Recruiting Trail
Before Monken returned to the NFL, he was the offensive coordinator at Georgia (2020–2022). During that time, Ty was a high-priority recruit.
- Personal Recruitment: Monken personally visited Ty at Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee. While Ty eventually committed to Alabama (2021), Monken stayed in contact with the family.
- Mutual Respect: At the 2026 NFL Combine, Monken spoke highly of Ty’s loyalty, praising him for staying at Alabama for four years despite not starting until his final season in 2025.
2026 Draft Context
This familiarity has led to heavy speculation that the Browns are targeting Ty Simpson to stabilize a quarterback room that includes Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson.
- Pre-Draft Visits: The Browns have already hosted Ty for an official pre-draft visit.
- System Fit: Ty has publicly praised Monken’s "quarterback-friendly" system, specifically citing what Monken did with Lamar Jackson and at Georgia as reasons why playing for the Browns would be a "dream come true."
Note: Insiders like Mary Kay Cabot have pointed out that while the Monken-Simpson connection is strong, the Browns’ front office (led by Andrew Berry) typically prioritizes high-level experience, and Ty only has 15 career starts (all in 2025).
Garrett Nussmeier-Mike McCarthy:
The connection between Mike McCarthy and LSU quarterback prospect Garrett Nussmeier is rooted in a professional and personal bond with Garrett’s father, Doug Nussmeier.
With McCarthy now the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026, this relationship has become a significant storyline ahead of the NFL Draft.
Professional Connection (The Dallas Years)
Doug Nussmeier served on Mike McCarthy’s coaching staff with the Dallas Cowboys from 2020 to 2022.
- The Promotion: When McCarthy was hired in 2020, Doug was already the Cowboys' tight ends coach. McCarthy recognized his value and promoted him to Quarterbacks Coach, where they worked closely together for three seasons.
- Current Status: Doug Nussmeier is currently the Offensive Coordinator for the New Orleans Saints (as of the 2025 season), a position McCarthy himself held from 2000 to 2004.
Personal & Scouting Ties
Because of the years spent in Dallas, McCarthy has a unique "insider" view of Garrett Nussmeier that most NFL coaches lack:
- Facility Access: Garrett spent significant time around the Cowboys' facilities during his father’s tenure, leading to direct interactions with McCarthy.
- Character Evaluation: McCarthy has gone on record (notably during the 2026 Senior Bowl cycle) stating he has known Garrett since his early days at LSU. This personal history gives McCarthy a deep understanding of Garrett’s work ethic, coachability, and "football IQ"—traits McCarthy famously values in his passers.
2026 Draft Implications
Despite a difficult 2025 season at LSU where Garrett dealt with torso and knee injuries, he remains a target for the Steelers due to this "scheme fit" and familiarity.
- Player Interest: At the 2026 Senior Bowl, Garrett openly stated, "I would love to go play for the Steelers. It'd be awesome to play for Coach McCarthy."
- McCarthy’s Philosophy: Insiders (like Peter Schrager) have noted that McCarthy prioritizes timing and accuracy over raw physical traits. Garrett's ability to operate a rhythmic offense aligns with McCarthy's system, making him a potential "Day 2" target for Pittsburgh despite his regressing draft stock.
Note: Doug Nussmeier's career path mirrors McCarthy's in several ways, including their shared history in the Saints' organization, which has reportedly kept the two in close communication over the years.
Jeff Hafley (Dolphins) & Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
The Connection: Caleb's father, Gary Downs, played for the Giants, Broncos, and Falcons. More importantly, Caleb's uncle, Dre’ Bly, has coached alongside several members of the current Dolphins defensive staff.
E.J. Smith (RB, Texas A&M) & The Dallas Cowboys
The Connection: While E.J. spent time at Stanford and Texas A&M, he is effectively a "homegrown" Cowboys prospect. He grew up in the Dallas facilities and attended Jesuit College Prep (Dallas).
Current Status: E.J. has already confirmed a private workout for the Cowboys (as of March 2026). While projected as a late-round pick or priority UDFA, the "sentimental and strategic" value of bringing Emmitt’s son back to the star is a major 2026 storyline.
John Harbaugh (Giants) & Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
The Connection: Sonny is the son of Lorenzo Styles Sr., an NFL veteran.
The Bond: John Harbaugh has a deep history with the Styles family from his years in the AFC North (scouting and competing against Lorenzo Sr.). Harbaugh’s move to the Giants has led to speculation that he wants Styles as the "centerpiece" of his new New York defense, valuing the "pro-bred" discipline Sonny brings.
Klint Kubiak (Raiders) & Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
