Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – "Tomlin Steps Down" (Jan 13, 2026 – Hour 1)

Overview

In this episode, Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg react to the breaking news that Mike Tomlin has stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after a blowout playoff loss. The trio reflects on Tomlin’s legacy, the unique stability of the Steelers franchise, and the seismic shift his departure signals for Pittsburgh. They also dive deep into the latest on the Giants’ coaching search, with John Harbaugh emerging as the prime candidate, and dissect listener perceptions of "historic franchises." Other segments touch on Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain future, playful musical debates, and a surprise Hall of Fame nod for Alan Hahn.

Main Segments & Key Insights

1. Mike Tomlin Steps Down: End of an Era in Pittsburgh

Timestamps: 03:21 – 06:57 / 21:34 – 25:15

• Immediate Reaction: The guys react in real time to the unexpected news Tomlin is leaving. Don sees this as the end of a remarkable Steelers tradition: "Noel retired. Cower retires. Tomlin steps down. All three in the Hall of Fame. All three coached their entire careers in Pittsburgh." (05:15, Don LaGreca)
• Steelers Stability: They marvel at 57 years of only three head coaches, all departing on their own terms, all never fired.

  “You rooted for a team that in 57 years had three Hall of Fame coaches and never fired them. … At least you could have took pride and you weren’t like everybody else, grabbing coaches all over the place.” (21:56, Don LaGreca)

• What’s Next for Pittsburgh? Peter admires the "standard" the Steelers have held for over 50 years and wonders if they can find a successor with "Steelers blood." Alan and Don are skeptical, noting that continuity of leadership of this sort is likely over.

  "Now, there's no obvious coaching candidate that has Steeler blood. Right? There really isn't…so that's going to be interesting to see what happens in Pittsburgh." (05:25, Peter Rosenberg)

• Steelers Fans’ Sentiment: The hosts acknowledge many fans are glad Tomlin is gone after lengthy playoff droughts, but Don and Alan argue that the franchise’s stability should also be valued.

  “But there is something about stability and not embarrassing yourself, and the Steelers have been able to do that compared to the two franchises we have here in New York.” (25:00, Don LaGreca)

2. Giants Coaching Search: Harbaugh vs. Tomlin Speculation

Timestamps: 06:57 – 18:29

• Giants’ Priorities: Don says fans are laser-focused on John Harbaugh, not pivoting to Tomlin even if he were available:

  "Are you thinking, oh, forget Harbaugh, I want Tomlin. And I said, no, I'm focused on Harbaugh." (07:30, Don LaGreca)

• Ian O’Connor Joins: The New York sportswriter gives an inside scoop, putting the Giants "a slight lead" over Atlanta and Tennessee in the "Harbaugh Invitational," likening it to a golf tournament.

  “The Giants, I believe, have a slight lead right now … but there is…a lot of golf to be played. The in-person meetings still have to happen.” (09:22, Ian O’Connor)

• Harbaugh's Allure to Giants: O’Connor details why Harbaugh is intrigued by NY – the Mara family's reputation, big-market allure, and the Giants’ storied history.

  “He understands the allure of the New York Giants and their storied place in the history of the league. … John Mara is as revered as really anybody. And John Harbaugh is very well aware of that.” (10:05, Ian O’Connor)

• Personnel Power in NY: Discussion about whether Harbaugh would demand GM-like authority. Consensus: he’ll want significant say, but not total control.

  “He does need to be given some say in who’s going to be on his football team. … You have to give him some say in personnel. And I do think Joe Shane realizes that.” (12:49, Ian O’Connor)

• Other Team Interest: Atlanta may be tempting due to their easier division, while Tennessee’s first overall pick is an X-factor. Still, the Giants are perceived to be ahead—though not by much.

3. Aaron Rodgers: Is This the End?

Timestamps: 20:14 – 23:19 / 31:47 – 36:13

• Uncertain Future: Rodgers’ interception and playoff loss raise retirement questions. Don notes, "He’s already reached out to McAfee…that could have been his last game ever." (03:35, Don LaGreca)
• Rodgers on Playing for "Two Great Franchises": Rodgers references only the Packers and Steelers, omitting the Jets—something the guys find brutally honest but not a snub:

  “He couldn’t just say three? No, he’s trying to make a point. I played for two great historic franchises and the packers receive. Why should I have to dumb it down … just throw the jets in when the jets aren’t there?” (34:13, Don LaGreca)

• Fan Reaction: The hosts agree Jets fans should not take offense—“If you take this personal as a Jets fan, that’s a you problem.” (36:13, Peter Rosenberg)

4. Defining a “Historic Franchise” – Giants Debate with Listeners

Timestamps: 46:21 – 52:37

• Caller Jim’s Rant: Jim from Queens disputes the “storied” label for the Giants, calling their history overrated and citing mismanagement and underwhelming stars.

  “I got a problem with you guys. Keep calling the Giants like this storied franchise… their best player they still bring out in front of fans was a cokehead perp.” (46:21, Jim)

• The Hosts’ Defense:
  • Don and Alan argue that “historic” isn’t the same as “currently great”, citing NY’s championships, 100-year tenure, and foundational role in the NFL.
  • Alan compares legacy teams division by division, asserting only a few teams (Steelers, Patriots, Cowboys) have greater claims to “historic.”
  • Peter: “Rangers have four Cups… but they are a flagship original six franchise… The Knicks… are an original flagship franchise. That’s why it was moronic with the Giants.” (51:47)
• Takeaway: The hosts urge fans not to conflate “historic” with “model” or “successful at this moment.”

5. Lighthearted Moments & Off-Topic Banter

Alan Hahn’s Hall of Fame Surprise

• A caller reveals Alan is being inducted into LIU Post’s Hall of Fame; Alan is surprised but characteristically humble:

  “Alan, you’re humble, but you deserve it. … Sometimes you need to take a look at what you’ve accomplished.” (39:14, Marvin/Don)

Beatles & “Wings” Music Debate

• The trio gets sidetracked debating the solo records of Paul McCartney and George Harrison, musing on Wings’ catalog and dissecting song trivia with the same mix of sarcasm and music-nerdery they bring to sports (28:34 – 31:14).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Don on the Steelers’ unique legacy:
  “57 years, three coaches. Chuck Noll retires, never coaches again. Hall of Fame. Bill Cowher never coaches again after retirement. Hall of Fame. Tomlin’s going to the Hall of Fame.” (21:34)
• Peter, on the changing NFL landscape:
  “Now, unless someone… has Steeler blood… there’s no obvious coaching candidate… So it’s going to be interesting to see what happens in Pittsburgh, the end of what feels like three generations of great coaching.” (05:25)
• Don, pushing back on “historic franchise” gripes:
  “You can’t tell the history of the NFL without talking about Mel Hein and Sam Huff and Y.A. Tittle…there’s a history. What don’t you understand?” (52:12)
• Alan, on Hall of Fame surprises:
  “You gotta watch your back. Something’s coming, right? Just keep your eyes [open]… It rains, it pours, within two or three days I thought somebody was punking me.” (41:54)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening banter & Tomlin news reactions: 00:00 – 06:57
• Steelers legacy & what’s next: 21:34 – 25:15
• Giants/Harbaugh coaching search: 06:57 – 18:29
• Aaron Rodgers’ future & legacy: 20:14 – 23:19, 31:47 – 36:13
• ‘Historic Franchise’ debate with callers: 46:21 – 52:37
• Music banter & Wings discussion: 28:34 – 31:14
• Alan Hahn’s Hall of Fame call: 38:15 – 41:14

Tone & Style

The conversation is a blend of sharp New York sports analysis, playful sarcasm, pop culture asides, and deeply knowledgeable banter. Don brings historical gravitas; Alan balances analysis and humility; Peter injects hip hop and WWE flair with plenty of comic energy.

In Summary

The episode delivers a compelling live reaction to a seismic NFL event—the end of the Steelers’ legendary coaching succession. The hosts dissect what this means for both Pittsburgh and the broader league, while also immersing listeners in the fevered Giants coaching sweepstakes. Sprinkled throughout are lively debates on sports legacy, celebrity news, and the personalities that define New York radio.