Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

ESPN New York – January 23, 2026, Hour 1: "Don's Sushi Experience"

Episode Overview

This episode kicks off with Don La Greca recounting his much-anticipated first foray into sushi—an event that prompts good-natured debate among Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and callers about food, New York sports, and what defines a “good” meal. The second half of the hour shifts to NFL championship weekend, focusing on the Buffalo Bills’ coaching drama, franchise stability, and what truly makes NFL teams perennial winners or losers. Other topics include NY sports teams’ recent moves, the evolution of broadcast production, and a poignant touch-base with a long-time caller.

Don’s Sushi Adventure

Main Topic: Don tries sushi for the first time and shares his candid impressions.

Key Points & Discussion

• Don’s Feelings About Sushi

  • Don admits he was ambivalent about the meal, appreciating some flavors but not loving the overall experience.
    • “It was good. It was. I would not do it again. Not my thing.” — Don (00:45)
  • He especially enjoyed the spicy salmon roll but disliked the California roll because of the avocado.
    • “There was like a spicy salmon that I had, I thought tasted very good…” — Don (01:01)
  • Prefers hot meals for dinner, explaining, “I'm not a cold dinner type of guy… eating something cold just isn't my thing.” (01:59)

• Type of Sushi and Atmosphere

  • Basic rolls ordered: California, spicy tuna/salmon, Philadelphia, shrimp tempura.
  • Don’s main dish was teriyaki beef, not sushi, reinforcing his preference for hot food (05:45).
  • Restaurant: Momo Sushi in Vancouver, which Alan and Peter critique for having poor online reviews.
    • “I don't love what I'm seeing review wise on Yelp… 2.9.” — Peter (08:27)

• Sushi as a Meal or Appetizer?

  • Discussion between Alan and Peter on whether sushi can be a full meal or just an appetizer, with Alan siding with Don that it's more of a pre-meal food unless it’s lunch.
    • “I feel like it's more of like a pre meal than it is the entire meal. Unless it's lunch, then I'm good.” — Alan (03:59)
  • Peter objects, advocating for sushi as a proper meal when done in the right place with the right order: “If you're someone who loves good sushi, you just want to go to a place and have amazing…” (03:52)

Notable Quote

“I'm proud of you, Don. You went out, you tried something new, and you're a good man. You're a better man for doing so.” — Peter Rosenberg (06:39)

Timestamps

• [00:41] Don describes his sushi experience
• [02:42] Alan asks if Don would eat sushi again
• [04:31] Peter describes his ideal sushi meal
• [05:45] Don reveals he ordered teriyaki beef instead
• [08:04] Peter discusses Momo Sushi’s Yelp reviews
• [09:44] Don reflects on his Vancouver trip

NFL Coaching Carousel, Ownership, and Franchise Stability

Main Topic: NFL championship weekend, coaching changes, and the deeper issues behind perennial winners and losers.

Key Points & Discussion

• Buffalo Bills’ Coaching Situation

  • Confusion and disarray about the Bills' firing process and new coaching interviews (Philip Rivers as a candidate).
    • “It just shows me that this is completely reactionary by Pegula; didn’t seem to have a plan after letting McDermott go.” — Don (12:21)
  • The franchise’s stability tied to Josh Allen; without him, Buffalo “is not an attractive place to go play… a tough sell.” — Don (13:33)

• What Makes a Winning Franchise?

  • Stability and good ownership as key factors—example: Patriots, Giants, Seattle.
    • “The good franchises are bad for a small amount of time. And that… is why it feels like there isn’t parity in the league.” — Alan (14:42)
  • Coaching and quarterback importance debated; Don argues head coach is easier to acquire since you can pay them, but getting a franchise QB is much harder (16:36).
  • Peter’s memorable analogy: “If you show up and you just have your basic, you know, body parts functioning and you can get words out of your mouth and the checks clear, you’re able to get it done. Because… we’re looking at a toothless freak, okay? A stumbling, drunk toothless freak that no one wants to go home with, but otherwise you should be able to get someone.” — Peter (18:02)

Notable Quotes

“It’s not that attractive a franchise to overcome the poor ownership.” — Don (22:52)
“It’s not how much you’re given to spend, it’s how you spend it.” — Alan (16:36)

Timestamps

• [10:20] Alan transitions to NFL and coaching carousel
• [12:02] Don on why the Bills job is unappealing
• [14:42] Alan links NFL parity to ownership and tradition
• [16:36] Don asks if coach or QB is more important
• [18:02] Peter describes bad franchises as “toothless freaks”
• [22:57] Alan highlights how fast well-run franchises can turn around

Listener Calls & Interactive Moments

• Vancouver Caller Challenges Momo Sushi’s Credentials

  • Local caller Marcus critiques Momo Sushi:
    • “All I want to tell you is next time you come back here, next time you want sushi, you go to Tokyo in April… Momo [isn’t] the real deal.” (31:41–32:10)
    • “It’s no good.” — Marcus (32:18)
  • Peter and Alan agree that Don deserved a better spot for his first sushi experience.

• Brendan O’Callaghan Checks In (Long-time Listener)

  • Brendan asks about the Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad and trade likelihood (34:03–36:07).
    • Don: “They need to start moving away from these core players… It’s just about convincing them to move it.”
  • Celebrates Brendan’s growth from childhood caller to aspiring broadcaster (37:08–38:09).

Additional Segments

• SNY Mets Production Change

  • Discussion on John DeMarcus’ departure after 17 years as SNY Mets director.
    • “It would be fascinating to see inside, you know, in the truck… A lot of things that you see that the viewer at home doesn’t.” — Alan (39:39)
  • Don praises the creativity baseball production allows vs. hockey’s limitations.

• Yankees Offseason Optimism

  • Caller Justin in Massapequa, full of hope that Cody Bellinger will help the Yankees win a World Series (41:37–43:02).

• Peter on Fatherhood

  • Peter shares honest reflections on being a new dad:
    • “There’s no high in the world than like when I walk in the house every night and she looks up at me... Also, simultaneously, you know, I just want to, you know, say to Alan and Don and everyone else, I know you guys are all liars and nobody tells the truth about how hard this whole thing is.” (43:17–44:23)

• Recap of Don's Sushi Order

  • Rachel’s order: Shrimp tempura, California roll, Philadelphia roll, a spicy tuna/shrimp tempura roll (46:01).

• Playful Endnotes

  • Peter teases Don over the sushi choice (“It’s giving food court sushi!” — Peter, 47:16),
  • Show closes with jokes about Japanese and New York culture.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Sushi:
  • “I’m not a cold dinner type of guy.” — Don (01:59)
  • “She thinks you’re a child… Philadelphia roll…” — Peter, on Rachel’s sushi order (46:06)
• On NFL Franchises:
  • “You’re able to get it done. Because… we’re looking at a toothless freak, okay? A stumbling, drunk toothless freak that no one wants to go home with.” — Peter (18:02)
• On Time and Life:
  • “Since COVID, 60 minutes is now 30 minutes.” — Alan (38:09)
• On Fatherhood:
  • “There’s no high in the world than like when I walk in the house every night and she looks up at me… It’s amazing. And also simultaneously… nobody tells the truth about how hard this whole thing is to actually [do].” — Peter (43:17)

Important Timestamps (MM:SS)

• [00:41] Don describes sushi experience
• [02:42] Alan: “You’d probably pass on sushi again?”
• [05:45] Don: “I got teriyaki beef as my entree.”
• [08:27] Peter: “Yelp 2.9. Although who leaves reviews? Psychopaths.”
• [13:33] Don: “Buffalo is not an attractive place to play.”
• [16:36] Don and Alan: Perennial NFL success—coaches vs. QBs
• [18:02] Peter: “We’re looking at a toothless freak…”
• [31:41] Marcus in Vancouver: “Momo [isn’t] the real deal.”
• [34:03] Brendan O’Callaghan: “Quick hockey question…”
• [39:29] Alan: “Do you notice broadcast? Do you watch games differently?”
• [43:17] Peter on being a dad
• [46:01] Don lists exact sushi order

Tone and Language

The episode is punchy, playful, and honest with friendly barbs, classic New York candor, and self-deprecating humor. The trio weave sports analysis seamlessly with everyday anecdotes—never taking themselves too seriously.

Perfect for listeners who want a mix of food adventures, NFL commentary, passionate opinions on New York sports, and relatable life updates—all with trademark ESPN New York banter and charm.