Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast

Episode Hour 3 – Gary Myers Joins the Show
Date: January 7, 2026
Host: Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guest: Gary Myers (longtime sportswriter, host of "Saturday Huddle")

Overview of the Episode

This episode centers on the NFL coaching carousel, with a particular focus on John Harbaugh's future, the New York Giants' coaching situation, and the unique pressures and considerations of coaching in New York. Gary Myers, well-known NFL writer and radio host, joins to share inside reporting, analysis on Harbaugh's potential landing spots, Giants organizational dynamics, and how the next days of the NFL playoffs may shape the coaching market. The discussion also touches on Giants ownership and front-office issues, alternate coaching candidates, and the state of local hockey (Islanders/Devils).

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. John Harbaugh’s Immediate Plans & Team Contact

• Harbaugh Not Interviewing Right Away:
  • Gary Myers reveals Harbaugh won't do interviews this week due to family obligations. (00:52)
  • "Harbaugh is not going to be doing any interviews this week... It's likely going to start next week. His daughter's in college, and because they're not playing this weekend, she must be on her Christmas break still." – Gary Myers (01:11)
• Teams Contacting Harbaugh’s Camp:
  • Confusion clarified over how many teams have reached out (directly and via search firms); estimate is “more than 6, less than 9.” (03:04)
  • Some teams with no current openings have reached out, including playoff teams possibly considering a move after disappointing finishes. (03:11)
  • Notably, some search firms do not disclose which team they represent, leading to “double dipping.” (03:05)

2. Harbaugh’s Fit with the Giants & Challenges

• Structure and Power Dynamics in Giants Organization:
  • Giants prioritize a separation between GM and coach since George Young's hire in 1979. Harbaugh is collaborative and not expected to demand full control over personnel. (04:01)
  • "The Giants are really clear that there's got to be a clear separation of powers. And I just. And I don't think John is the kind of guy that's going to come in and say, I need complete control of the personnel. I think he's a collaborator." – Gary Myers (04:04)
• New York Coaching Pressure:
  • Debate on whether “winning in New York” is an attraction versus the reality of “losing in New York.”
  • Myers compares media pressure in Dallas vs. New York, saying Dallas’ was even more intense, with New York’s volume being higher but often the “back page bark” is worse than actual reporting. (06:28)
  • “A lot of it is mythical... and a lot of coaches who come in here, they find that out pretty quickly as long as they act accordingly.” – Peter Rosenberg (07:38)
• Harbaugh’s Media Savvy:
  • Myers describes Harbaugh as polished and quotable, capable of handling the NY media spotlight, drawing contrast with his brother, Jim. (08:38)

3. Potential Obstacles and Other Openings

• Giants’ Risk of Losing Harbaugh:
  • Discussed whether other jobs (eg. Philadelphia or Buffalo if surprises happen) could draw Harbaugh away, but Myers downplays Philly and notes Buffalo or Miami could have intrigue if jobs open. (10:47)
• If Not Harbaugh, Then Who?:
  • Mike McCarthy floated as next most likely candidate, valued for experience commanding a room, though perceived as less exciting than Harbaugh. (12:59)
  • Kevin Stefanski is “admired for offensive design,” but hiring a fired Browns coach (esp. after Pat Shurmur’s history) is a tough sell to Giants fans. (14:17)
  • Mike Tomlin also discussed as a possible backup candidate if he leaves Pittsburgh, but more likely to go into TV if let go. (15:30, 17:25)

4. Joe Schoen’s (Giants GM) Security and Ownership Health

• John Mara’s Health as a Factor:
  • Myers discusses how Giants owner John Mara's health battle might be influencing the team's reluctance to make major front-office changes, with Mara “the biggest advocate for Joe Schoen.” (19:19)
  • Concern among potential coaching candidates about job security if Mara is no longer in a position to support Schoen, given succession uncertainty. (20:25)
  • “The fact that John is sick... might have contributed to the Giants not want to blow it all up again.” – Gary Myers (20:25)

5. Financial Negotiations for Harbaugh

• Harbaugh’s Future Salary and Offsets:
  • If Giants signed Harbaugh, the franchise could theoretically underpay due to offset language (Ravens would pay the difference), but co-hosts agree that’s not a “classy” approach and likely won’t happen. (23:01-24:18)

6. Coaching Staff Dream Scenarios

• Intriguing Coordinators:
  • A “dream scenario” is floated: Stefanski, if not given a good HC offer elsewhere, could join Harbaugh as offensive coordinator, creating a "dream team" staff. (25:25)
  • Kliff Kingsbury mentioned as potentially available for OC roles, but panel doubts he’ll attract a head-coach job this cycle. (25:29)

7. Precedent for Frenzied Coach Markets

• Unprecedented Harbaugh Demand:
  • Myers notes the overwhelming demand for Harbaugh is unusual—references that when Belichick and Cower became available, there was not nearly as much “frenzy.” (26:21, 27:54)
  • “...in all the years I've covered this, I don't ever remember a coach being in such demand, at least initially, like this, as Harbaugh has been.” – Gary Myers (26:21)

8. Listener Q&A and Commentary Recap

• Recap segment after Myers departs, hosts reflect on:
  • The likely pivot targets if Harbaugh doesn't sign: McCarthy seen as “less disappointing” than Stefanski due to championship resume. (35:58)
  • Tomlin would make history as the first Black head coach in Giants history—an important point for the franchise and many fans. (37:52)

9. Hockey Segment – Devils/Islanders

• Devils’ Historic Defeat:
  • Discussion on Devils’ 9-0 defeat to the Islanders, context for the historic loss, and why the coach left the goalie in through the blowout. (41:34-48:06)
  • “That might have been one of the worst goaltending performances I've ever seen.” – Don Hahn (43:27)
  • Alan asks if Don regrets not calling the historic (if ugly) game.
  • Analysis on Devils leaving Markstrom in goal—coach Sheldon Keefe says it was both about message-sending and goalie management with a busy schedule. (44:14, 45:00)
• Islanders' Turnaround:
  • Peter praises Patrick Roy’s coaching, holds up the benching of Mat Barzal for tardiness as a turning point for the franchise’s accountability and success. (50:00-52:37)

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• Gary Myers on Giants' Power Structure:
  “The Giants are really clear that there's got to be a clear separation of powers. And I just... I don't think John is the kind of guy that's going to come in and say, I need complete control of the personnel. I think he's a collaborator.” (04:04)

• Peter Rosenberg on the NY Sports Media Myth:
  “A lot of it is mythical... and a lot of coaches who come in here, they find that out pretty quickly as long as they act accordingly.” (07:38)

• Gary Myers on Harbaugh's Media Savvy:
  “He's very cooperative. He's very quotable. He's just, he's a really, I really like him a lot. I've never covered him on, obviously on a day to day basis, but I've gotten to know him over the years and I think he's a really good guy.” (08:38)

• On Owner John Mara’s Health (Gary Myers):
  “The fact that John is sick and he's in the battle of his life and... I think that might have contributed to the Giants not want to blow it all up again.” (20:25)

• On Harbaugh’s Market Frenzy:
  “In all the years I've covered this, I don't ever remember a coach being in such demand, at least initially, like this, as Harbaugh has been.” (26:21)

• On Tomlin’s Historical Significance (Peter Rosenberg):
  “Might be the first black, first black head coach in Giants history.” (37:52)

• Don Hahn on Historic Islanders Win:
  “It's the worst law, worst shutout loss for the Devils since March of 1986 when they were beaten by the Rangers nine to nothing... That might have been one of the worst goaltending performances I've ever seen.” (41:48, 43:27)

Important Timestamps

• 00:52 – Gary Myers begins: Harbaugh won’t interview this week.
• 03:04 – Explains number of teams calling, search firm confusion.
• 04:01 – Giants’ organizational philosophy, Harbaugh’s style.
• 06:28 – Discussion on NY media pressure versus other markets.
• 08:38 – Harbaugh’s approach with the media.
• 10:47 – Could other job openings lure Harbaugh away?
• 12:59 – Discussion of fallback options if not Harbaugh (McCarthy, Stefanski).
• 15:30 – Tomlin’s situation and future in Pittsburgh.
• 19:19 – John Mara’s health and its impact on Giants decisions.
• 23:01 – Financial offsets in Harbaugh’s hypothetical Giants deal.
• 25:25 – Dream staff scenario: Harbaugh with Stefanski as OC.
• 26:21 – Myers: unprecedented demand for Harbaugh.
• 35:58 – Hosts discuss best pivot if Harbaugh isn’t hired.
• 37:52 – Potential history of Giants hiring their first Black head coach with Tomlin.
• 41:34 – Switch to hockey: Devils’ blowout, Islanders’ turnaround.
• 44:14 – Sheldon Keefe explains keeping Markstrom in net.
• 52:00 – Peter recaps Islanders’ positive culture shift.

Tone & Style

• Conversational, banter-heavy, but highly informed.
• Gary Myers brings reporting and insider perspective; hosts balance fan-level emotion with industry knowledge.
• Occasional humor and self-deprecation, especially regarding “mythical” status of NY sports markets and historic losing/winning.

Summary Takeaway

The episode provides a comprehensive, real-time look at both the macro (NFL coaching carousel, Giants’ future, league-wide intrigue) and the micro (insider details on John Mara’s health affecting Giants moves, nuances in coach-team negotiations, staff-building strategy). Gary Myers’ reporting grounds the conversation, while the hosts’ insights contextualize both sports industry trends and fan sentiment, especially the unique nature of New York’s sports ecosystem. The segment ends with a passionate local hockey breakdown, again blending analyst expertise and hometown pride.

For listeners looking to understand the Giants’ coaching search, contingencies beyond Harbaugh, and the ways in which local media and ownership realities shape outcomes — this episode is essential. It also offers a side of honest, impassioned New York sports talk true to the show’s spirit.