Don, Hahn & Rosenberg — Hour 2: Jordan Raanan & NFL Binge

Date: December 22, 2025
Hosts: Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Special Guest: Jordan Raanan (ESPN Giants Reporter)

Overview

In this hour, hosts Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg are joined by ESPN Giants reporter Jordan Raanan to break down the state of the New York Giants: front office turmoil, the future of GM Joe Schoen, roster decisions, and the looming NFL draft. The latter half features “NFL Binge,” where the crew recaps and debates Week 16’s wildest football moments, before fielding calls about New York sports, with a focus on the Mets’ roster moves and fan frustration.

The mood is sardonic, reflective, and occasionally punchy—befitting a panel staring down another lost Giants season and seeking silver linings (or at least, catharsis) through compelling NFL drama.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Giants Ownership and Front Office Dysfunction

[04:20–12:33]

• Alan’s Exhaustion with Giants Leadership: Alan expresses fan fatigue and confusion about who’s in charge for the future.

  • “There’s no poll, so I don’t even know how to react to what’s happening anymore. ... Is Joe Schoen the man, or just the last man standing?” (Alan Hahn, 04:20)

• Jordan’s Breakdown of Mara Family Dynamics:

  • John Mara, though battling cancer, is still partially involved but less present; Chris Mara and Tim McDonald (family members) are in the building, picking up slack.
  • “Chris Mara ... you see Chris Mara’s car there when you walk into the Giants media room. ... Tim McDonald is one of Joe Schoen’s basically top lieutenants.” (Jordan Raanan, 05:37)
  • GM Joe Schoen’s seat is now “very, very hot.” Giants are 5–27 in the past two years.
  • “It’s going to be hard for him to survive this ... They would have preferred it, but seeing where everything's gone ... it’s hard to justify.” (Jordan Raanan, 07:22)

• Ownership Succession and League Involvement:

  • Discussion on whether the NFL could intervene if dysfunction persists; consensus is “no,” barring larger legal or financial issues.
  • “Shouldn’t there be some type of league ... that can step in and help? ... Somebody needs to run it.” (Peter Rosenberg, 08:41)
  • “I really don’t think you’re going to see the league step in.” (Jordan Raanan, 08:53)
  • Discussion of previous organizational policy: Mara family avoids putting a family member as GM.

2. Giants Coaching and Quarterback Development

[12:33–17:54]

• Kafka’s (Interim Coach) Role and Struggles:

  • Conspiracy theory: Was Kafka supposed to be the internal replacement? He’s now 0–5.
  • “Did he drop the ball by not winning a game since he took over?” (Alan Hahn, 12:06)
  • “They were fully aware they were going to have to go out and find a new head coach.” (Jordan Raanan, 12:27)

• Offense Game Plan and Tyrod Taylor’s Usage:

  • Frustration with gameplan: heavy run early, perceived lack of QB development.
  • “If we’re trying to teach him how to play the quarterback position, explain to me the game plan yesterday when all he did was hand off.” (Alan Hahn, 13:48)
  • Jordan offers context: the wind (bad conditions), banged-up O-line, trying to shield the QB, and stats showing they did attempt passes—just very ineffectively.
  • “They called 20+ pass plays ... on a day, by the way, where it was windy.” (Jordan Raanan, 15:05)

• Season’s Emotional Toll:

  • “You can only ... beat the dead horse so much, right? It’s over.” (Jordan Raanan, 17:27)

3. Offseason Prospects: Who Makes the Big Decisions?

[17:54–19:58]

• Role of Ownership in Next Steps:

  • “The decision to fire Brian Daboll was made by Steve Tisch and John Mara. ... I expect them to ultimately be making the final decision ... whether Joe Schoen returns and who the next head coach is.” (Jordan Raanan, 18:18)

• Early Coaching Search Dots:

  • Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame HC, strong ties via Tim McDonald) is a top rumor; Jeff Hafley (Green Bay DC, ex-Boston College) also linked.
  • Giants have deep BC and Notre Dame organizational roots.

4. Giants and the #1 Draft Pick Debate

[19:58–23:28]

• Trade the Pick or Draft a QB?

  • “If the Giants get the number one pick, there's obviously two choices...” (Peter Rosenberg, 20:09)
  • Jordan considers it “hard” to see the Giants trading away Jackson Dart (the current QB) unless an incoming coach specifically wants “his guy” (as happened with Murray/Rosen in Arizona):
    • “He has too many supporters in the Giants building ... ask the Jets how long it can be until you find anyone that’s half decent.” (Jordan Raanan, 21:38)

• What Fans Should Root For:

  • “If you're a Giants fan and you do end up getting the number one pick, what you are rooting for ... is [other top QBs] to absolutely light it up, because that is what would increase their value.” (Jordan Raanan, 22:39)
  • Alan and Peter deride “QB controversy” narratives but acknowledge the rumor mill is inevitable.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Ownership Limbo:

  • “My fan—there's no pole, so I don’t even know how to react...” (Alan Hahn, 04:20)

• On Front Office “Stability”:

  • “There are adults in the room ... but there’s no real plan.” (Alan Hahn, 24:25)

• On Giants’ Future:

  • “You can only ... beat the dead horse so much, right? It’s over.” (Jordan Raanan, 17:27)

• Draft Angst:

  • “Ask the Jets how long it can be until you find anyone that’s half decent. Right?” (Jordan Raanan, 21:38)
  • “Nothing like the pro day season... There'll always be something from a pro day that someone’s going to go crazy about.” (Peter Rosenberg, 22:09)

• On Giants QB Carousel:

  • “We’ve seen eight—ask the Jets how long it could be until you find anyone that’s half decent.” (Jordan Raanan, 21:38)

Timestamped Segment Highlights

04:20 — Alan’s Exasperation with Giants Ownership

05:35 — Jordan Explains Mara Family’s Current Roles

07:22 — Joe Schoen’s “Very, Very Hot” Seat, the Giants’ Record

10:24 — Why Giants Don’t Want a Family Member as GM

12:06 — Was Kafka Supposed to Be the Interim Answer?

13:48 — Alan & Jordan Argue Over the Giants’ Offensive Game Plan

15:05 — “20+ Pass Plays on a Windy Day” — Jordan Defends Play-Calling

17:27 — Jordan’s End-of-Season Fatigue

18:18 — Steve Tisch and John Mara to Decide What’s Next

19:15 — Marcus Freeman & Jeff Hafley Speculation

20:09 — Should the Giants Trade #1 Overall Pick?

21:38 — “Ask the Jets How Long...”

22:39 — Jordan: Giants Fans Should Hope for QB Prospects to Shine

NFL Binge: Around the League Recap

[28:35–42:12]

Week 16 Standouts and Storylines

• Bears’ Wild Comeback

  • “The Iceman cometh. The Iceman taketh a 46 yard spiral to the end zone ... Signature moment for us.” (30:13–31:47)
  • Hosts marvel at improbable rally, onside kick ("You're not supposed to get onside kicks anymore..."), and kicker Cairo Santos’ heroics.

• Packers Suffer Stunning Defeat

  • “Amazing that football can do that. ... Teams with no shot of winning, finding ways to win.” (31:01)

• Eagles Clinch Division; Commanders Collapse

  • Discussion of long streak without repeat champion in NFC East.

• Jaguars Dominate, Respond to “Small Market” Dig

  • “Just thankful that, you know, a small market team like us can come into a place like Mile High and get it done.” (35:27, Liam Cohen side jab at Sean Payton)

• Lions Lose on Controversial Call

  • Lengthy, confusing ending with pass interference and ambiguous clock management.
  • “It should take 15 seconds, not three minutes ... explains to me what took so damn long.” (38:29, Alan)

• Steelers and Mike Tomlin “Over .500 Again”

  • Brief, with nod to Tomlin’s consistency.

• Sunday Night Football: Patriots Clinch with Rookie Drake Maye

  • “I am disgusted with myself about how much I really do appreciate what’s happening in New England. I hate it, but I can’t deny that I respect it.” (41:41, Peter)
  • Hope for Giants fans: the right coach/QB combo can fast-track relevance.

Fan Calls & Mets Malaise

[47:43–52:56]

• Appreciation for Delivery Workers (Holistic holiday thank-yous)
• Lewis in New Jersey: Mets fan calls out “no plan” approach, low expectations, and rumors of Steve Cohen budget cuts.
• Hosts Push Back:
  • “Can we see what it is first? ... I’ll be mad as hell ... but why would Cohen worry about saving money?” (Alan Hahn, 51:47)
  • Payroll discussion: Mets aren’t broke—roster churn isn’t about penny-pinching.

Conclusion

This episode is a classic entry in the “New York fan therapy” genre: weary hosts and guest reporter Jordan Raanan dissect the Giants’ front office chaos, failed season, and uncertain future with clear-eyed takes, insider insight, and occasional gallows humor. The NFL Binge segment provides reprieve through the vicarious thrills of wild games and upsets, reminding listeners why they care in the first place. If you want the pulse of NY sports despair—with a dash of hope and snark—this hour is an essential listen.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• “My fan—there’s no pole, so I don’t even know how to react...” (Alan, 04:20)
• “Joe Schoen’s seat is very, very hot and it’s going to be hard for him to survive this.” (Jordan, 07:22)
• “There’s no real plan ... but at least there are adults in the room.” (Alan, 24:25)
• “Ask the Jets how long it can be until you find anyone that’s half decent.” (Jordan, 21:38)
• “You can only ... beat the dead horse so much, right? It’s over.” (Jordan, 17:27)
• "I am disgusted with myself about how much I really do appreciate what's happening in New England. I hate it, but I can't deny that I respect it." (Peter, 41:41)