Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Episode: Hour 1 – Jets Conspiracy Theories

Date: January 30, 2026
Hosts: Alan Hahn, Don La Greca, Peter Rosenberg
Network: ESPN New York

Overview

In this lively, irreverent hour, the trio dives deep into New York Jets coaching drama, organizational dysfunction, and fan conspiracy theories. Via smart analysis, inside jokes, and listener calls, they break down the recent head coach and coordinator chaos, debate rumors, and unpack what’s really happening inside the Jets’ front office. Lighthearted tangents on hockey, beloved pop culture figures, and life as a New York sports fan punctuate the main discussion, channeling a tone that’s part frustrated fandom, part therapy, and all New York.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jets Coaching Carousel and Power Dynamics

(Starts ~09:09)

• The episode’s core is a dissection of the Jets’ botched search for a defensive coordinator and the power struggle involving head coach Aaron Glenn.
• Alan sets the scene: Anthony Pusick’s recent segment (ENN) “formulated a story that... blew my mind” (09:26), framing the conspiracy theory vibe.
• Prompted by conflicting reports about Jon Gruden possibly being approached for the OC role (10:16-10:33), the hosts question the veracity and motivation behind rumors, with Don noting Gruden's ongoing NFL lawsuit as a reason to deny interest (10:39).
• They analyze Connor Hughes’ timeline of talks with coaching candidate Wink Martindale, emphasizing how close Wink came to being hired before being told—last minute—he wouldn’t be calling defensive plays (12:44-13:29).
• The group questions whether Glenn or upper management (i.e., owner Woody Johnson or his proxies) made the call to have Glenn call plays instead.
• Don: “There’s a facade out there...This is the guy that’s in charge, but he’s really not in charge.” (15:30)
• The hosts link what happened to Robert Saleh (prior head coach), who “was pushed from above” to call the defense after his first tough year (14:32), paralleling Glenn’s experience.

Notable Quote

• Don: “They probably knew Wink wasn’t going to take the job...and had Glenn be the bad guy and say ‘I’m going to be calling the plays.’ How rotten is that?” (15:51)

2. Organizational Dysfunction and Owner Override

(15:26–24:25)

• The hosts theorize the Jets’ shifts in coaching philosophy—especially insisting Glenn call plays—reflect ownership interference.
• Alan: “Once again your football people are not in charge of this organization... Why would Glenn waste Wink Martindale’s time if he knew damn well he wasn’t going to be calling?” (19:59)
• Don ridicules the org chart: “The main crux of the story is...he [Glenn] does not have the power that they claim he has.” (20:12)
• The trio mocks the farcical idea of bringing in experienced coaches (like Martindale or Gruden) as window dressing to make Glenn look like he’s in charge, while real power lies elsewhere.
• Don: “This is the Woody Johnson we know…always having to feel like he’s the alpha male, he’s the guy in charge...” (24:25)
• Alan jokes that Glenn might soon be hoping to get fired, with a payout as consolation (24:25).

3. Jets Conspiracy Theories: Listener Calls & Hosts’ Take

(30:11 and throughout 32:14–38:04, returns at 41:55)

• After outlining the real organizational mess, the tone gets lighter as callers share outlandish conspiracy theories—from tanking to move the franchise to the UK to a plot by Mike Tannenbaum to sabotage the Jets by hiring Glenn.
• Don remains adamant amid the jokes: “The one place I will not ever go with Woody Johnson is that he doesn’t want to win...He just doesn’t know how to do it.” (31:25)
• Some callers propose Woody is giving Glenn rope to hang himself (“prove-it year”), others riff on movie plots (the “Major League” angle, 32:54).
• The hosts play along but always circle back to the core: Jets dysfunction isn’t the result of evil genius—“They just don’t know what the hell they’re doing. Okay, but let’s not focus on that, because we already know that.” (19:59)

Notable Quotes

• Don: “The Jets leak water like a sieve. Nobody can keep their mouth shut.” (40:01)
• Alan: “Wisdom has chased him (Woody), but he’s always been faster.” (35:52)

4. The Eternal Suffering (and Loyalty) of Jets Fans

(41:55–48:31)

• Eric from Middletown nails the existential crux: “You have a chemical in your brain that will not allow you to not be a fan...you can’t recreate that with another team.” (41:55)
• Alan’s impassioned response channels the battered pride of long-suffering fans: “I was here before you. I lived through worse than this. I’ll live through even more...I’m waiting you out.” (43:31)
• Rosenberg notes the irrational, generational faith of fans who stick with teams that never win—a bond deeper than logic.
• The hosts reminisce on Jets playoff heartbreak (’98, Peyton Manning’s Colts, blown leads), underscoring the uniquely agonizing nature of rooting for the Jets.

Notable Quotes

• Alan: “My dream remains…before I take my last breath, I’ll actually see the one miracle in my life I don’t think I’m ever going to see with my own eyes.” (45:08)

5. Lighter Moments

Manuka Honey and Travel Woes

(03:05–05:53, 29:32–30:11)

• Don and the crew banter about airline regulations, Don’s honey voice remedy, and green powders in baggies, with Don wisecracking about “putting white powder in a balloon and swallowing it”—all in jest.
• Recurring gags about honey in Tupperware and the perils of TSA searches.

Tribute to Catherine O'Hara

(27:14–29:20)

• The show marks the sudden passing of actress Catherine O’Hara, briefly reflecting on her iconic roles and impact.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Don, on Jets ownership: "There’s a facade out there...This is the guy that’s in charge, but he’s really not in charge." (15:30)
• Alan, on Glenn's authority: "Why would Glenn waste Wink Martindale’s time if he knew damn well he wasn’t going to be calling?" (19:59)
• Don, summarizing Jets logic: "They just don’t know what the hell they're doing." (19:59)
• Alan, on loyalty: “I was here before you. I lived through worse than this. I'll live through even more...I'm waiting you out.” (43:31)
• Don, on leaks: "The Jets leak water like a sieve. Nobody can keep their mouth shut." (40:01)
• Alan, on Woody Johnson: “Wisdom has chased him, but he's always been faster.” (35:52)
• Eric (Caller), on being a Jets fan: “You have a chemical in your brain that will not allow you to not be a fan...you can’t recreate that with another team.” (41:55)
• Alan, on seeing a Jets Super Bowl: “Maybe, just maybe before I take my last breath, I'll actually see the one miracle in my life I don't think I'm ever going to see with my own eyes.” (45:08)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [09:09] – Launch of Jets coaching drama and conspiracy breakdown
• [12:44] – Connor Hughes explains behind-the-scenes with Wink Martindale
• [15:30] – Don’s “facade” explanation: who’s really in charge?
• [19:59] – Arguments around Glenn’s true authority and what’s wrong at the top
• [30:11, 32:14] – Listener conspiracy theories start rolling
• [41:55] – Eric’s call on fan loyalty and Alan’s passionate response
• [43:31] – Alan on never abandoning the team
• [45:08] – The lifelong wait for a Jets Super Bowl (and accompanying existential humor)
• [27:14 & 29:32] – Catherine O’Hara obit & honey/TSA banter

Tone & Style

The hosts combine sharp sports analysis with bruising humor, emotional honesty, and the camaraderie of battle-hardened New York fans. Their language is direct, full of wit, sarcasm, and the gallows humor unique to decades spent watching a team underperform against all odds.

Conclusion

The hour paints a vivid, unvarnished picture of Jets culture: an eternally upside-down organization, an owner too involved for his own good, and a fanbase whose loyalty is equal parts pain and faith. Whether unpacking real organizational malfeasance or laughing at outlandish conspiracy theories, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offer cathartic clarity—and comic relief—to everyone caught in the Jets’ orbit.

End of Summary