Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Episode: Hour 1: Moore's Decision & Harbaugh Watch

Date: January 14, 2026
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Producer/Contributors: Various callers, producer Jacob

Main Theme / Overview

This lively episode revolves around pivotal football news affecting New York sports:

• Dante Moore’s decision to remain at Oregon for another college football season, affecting the New York Jets’ draft strategy
• The escalating Jim Harbaugh coaching sweepstakes, as he interviews in person with the New York Giants amid fierce competition from other teams

The trio, joined by callers and producers, dissects what these developments mean for both teams, explores the dynamics of sports decision-making, and brings classic New York sports talk energy—with plenty of playful ribbing and local references.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dante Moore Stays at Oregon: Impact on the Jets (00:25–13:25)

• Clarity vs. Disappointment:

  • Moore announces on ESPN’s SportsCenter he’ll return to Oregon, not enter the NFL Draft.
  • Alan Hahn: “Yes. You guys know what I've been saying on the air and also in our meetings and conversations...I did not want them to take him at 2.” (02:15)
  • The hosts agree this removes a major dilemma for the Jets: debating whether to draft a raw but talented QB prospect at the 2nd pick or risk missing out if he blossoms elsewhere.

• Draft Strategy Shifts:

  • Without Moore, the Jets may now target:
    • Best available non-QB at #2
    • QB later in the first round (e.g., Trinidad Chambliss, whose stock is rising)
  • Don La Greca: “I think overall, if I'm a Jet fan, I breathe a sigh of relief. I don't have to ruin a kid right now or take a chance on him” (13:11)

• Financial & Developmental Considerations:

  • Moore’s lucrative NIL deal at Oregon makes it reasonable to stay another year; hosts discuss NIL's transformative influence.
  • Peter Rosenberg: "The beautiful thing about NIL ... is that, you know, the fact that you're able to make money mitigates the health risk. Not completely, of course... but imagine all the players who might have stayed around for one more year if they knew it." (10:02–10:38)

• Jets’ Remaining Quarterback Options:

  • Names like Tyrod Taylor, Justin Fields, Malik Willis are discussed—but no clear franchise QB in sight.
  • The hosts and callers agree the Jets need to accumulate talent and, “just be competitive” while searching for a long-term quarterback solution.
  • Hahn: “You've got to get it out of your head that this year you're going to find your future quarterback.” (24:26)

• Fan Calls Weigh In:

  • General sigh of relief among Jets fans, many feeling trading down or bolstering other roster areas is wiser than gambling on any QB in this draft.
  • Brian in Rockville Center: “I didn't think he [Moore] was the one. I don't think any quarterback in this… draft is going to change our franchise.” (13:33)

• Draft Value and Fluidity:

  • Hosts debate if the #2 pick is now a hot trade commodity or less valuable without a marquee quarterback.
    • Comparing this year’s draft depth to past years
    • Emphasis on how combine/bowl performances (e.g., Chambliss) can change the landscape dramatically before April.

2. Jim Harbaugh Watch – Giants’ Head Coach Pursuit (29:05–36:58)

• The ‘Don’t Let Him Leave the Building’ Mantra:

  • Giants are seen as the current leader in the Harbaugh sweepstakes, with Titans and Falcons also in the mix.
  • Alan Hahn: “The other thing that they're talking about is don't let him out of the building. You know, that's the rally crowd… when he comes in, don't let him leave because now you could put a piece of paper in front of him.” (30:32)
  • Hosts joke about the cliché and its meaning, emphasizing the pressure on Giants ownership to close the deal swiftly.

• Competitive Bidding and Unique Offers:

  • Discussion of what teams might offer to sway Harbaugh—salary ($20M/Andy Reid level), staff freedom, possible ownership stakes.
  • Peter Rosenberg: "I hate stuff like that." (32:10)
  • Hahn: “You want anybody on your coaching staff, you pick whoever you want. …We’ll pay for them, whatever it takes." (35:45)

• Momentum and Imminence:

  • Multiple plugged-in reporters (Ian O’Connor, Gary Myers) signal a deal could be imminent, with the Giants having a procedural advantage in the hiring process, having cleared league “Rooney Rule” obligations already.

• The 'Golf Analogy':

  • Sportswriters liken the coaching race to a golf tournament, with the Giants leading by "several strokes”—"the Mara’s have moved this tourney to their home course.” (29:28)

• Harbaugh’s Resume vs. Other Candidates:

  • Hosts compare Harbaugh to other available Super Bowl-winning coaches (Tomlin, McCarthy), noting Harbaugh’s unique appeal despite similar accomplishments.
  • Don: “Why do I feel like there's something that we don't know that the owners think it goes beyond that?...Here's a guy that won a Super Bowl, has a .700 winning percentage and nobody wants to to touch it with a ten foot pole. Why?” (41:27)

3. Around the League: Quarterback Trends & Team Building (Throughout)

• QB “Ceiling” Talk:

  • Ongoing theme of patience vs. pressure in developing young quarterbacks; how teams can get caught in cycles of over-drafting or ruining young QBs in tough situations.
  • The "Fields/Willis debate" highlights distinction between high-upside prospects and proven disappointment, cautioning against overinvestment in unproven options.

• Coaching Archetypes & Perceptions:

  • Fun but pointed discussion about why some coaches (e.g., Mike McCarthy) get less respect despite similar records to others. Physical presence, leadership style, and team context are cited as narrative factors.
  • Peter: “He also doesn't have the look.” (40:04)

4. New York Sports Culture & Banter

• Classic Media Critique: Frequent jabs at how stories get covered and overhyped (e.g., the spectacle of Moore’s midday SportsCenter hit compared with “The Decision,” the rapid shifting of draft boards).
• Musical Tangents & Playful Teasing:
  • Running sidebar about producer Jacob’s music choices, with playful bickering over Van Halen frontmen and what songs best represent current sports situations.
  • Don: “I could take or leave Sammy Hagar, honestly. And I am not any kind of big fan of Van Halen with Hagar.” (44:39)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jets Relief after Moore Decision:
  “If I'm a Jet fan, I'm relieved today… You don't have to worry about any of that stuff anymore. …Moore is gonna come out next year. …But maybe you will be.” — Don La Greca (01:30)

• On NIL Changing College Football:
  “The beautiful thing about NIL is...you’re able to make money, it mitigates the health risk. Not completely, of course... But imagine all the players who might have stayed around for one more year if they knew it.” — Peter Rosenberg (10:02)

• On Quarterback Draft Uncertainty:
  “We're talking about shadows and ghosts… nothing right now. But...the fog will lift and we'll start to actually see tangible players once we get closer to April.” — Alan Hahn (15:42)

• On the 'Don’t Let Him Out of the Building’ Trope:
  “That's a talk show phrase, you know, don't let them leave the building… What does that mean? You're not locking the door. …What are you gonna do? You gonna Bill Cosby?” — Don La Greca (33:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Dante Moore Announces Staying at Oregon: 00:25–09:08
• Jets Draft Strategy Without Moore: 09:11–13:25
• Fan Calls / Trade Scenarios: 13:25–20:37
• Draft Value & Speculation: 20:37–27:00
• Transition to Giants/Harbaugh Watch: 29:05–36:39
• Debate on Coaching Archetypes (Harbaugh, McCarthy, Tomlin): 36:58–41:52
• Music/Banter and Producer Jacob Tangent: 42:19–45:42
• New York Baseball Quick Hits (Tucker, Bellinger): 46:24–48:18

Tone & Style

The conversation blends high-level sports analysis, passionate New York sports fandom, and sharp, irreverent humor. Interspersed with listener calls and frequent music/production asides, the episode offers a quintessential snapshot of the city’s sports radio tradition—equal parts insight and entertainment:
“We're just talking about shadows and ghosts… the fog will lift” – the ultimate sports fan’s mantra for the offseason.

Listen to Don, Hahn & Rosenberg weekdays on ESPN New York for more real-time, in-depth coverage of New York sports and culture.