Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast – Hour 3 Summary

Episode: Hour 3: McCarthy, Yankees & Damien Woody
Date: December 4, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guests: Damien Woody

Episode Overview

This episode dives into three core topics: Mike McCarthy’s candidacy for the New York Giants head coach job and his thoughts on young quarterback Jackson Dart, a breakdown of the Yankees’ looming payroll and offseason strategy, and a wide-ranging conversation with NFL analyst Damien Woody about league parity, playoff picture, and coaching. The show wraps with a tribute to the late legendary guitarist Steve Cropper and some engaging banter about music, movies, and Lowe’s dress codes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mike McCarthy and the Giants Head Coaching Speculation

(01:23 – 09:40)

• McCarthy’s Comments on Jackson Dart:

  • McCarthy articulated key qualities for young quarterbacks: accountability and, most importantly, availability.
  • Emphasized that missing games (in Dart’s case, due to a concussion) can impact a team's outcomes and player development.
  • McCarthy praised Dart’s playmaking, his pocket and out-of-pocket presence, but stressed improving decision-making and long-term health.

• Hosts’ Reactions:

  • Alan Hahn: Urged not to overblow Dart's two missed games, noting context matters (03:06).

    “He missed two games and it was a concussion, which is serious... but we’re acting like the guy’s always hurt.” – Alan Hahn (03:06)

  • Don La Greca: Agreed with both McCarthy’s and Hahn’s points, reiterating missed time matters, but overall, there’s some overreaction.

    “Maybe by missing those two games he wasn’t at his peak efficacy... Now you’ve affected the outcome of three games.” – Don La Greca (04:13)

• Coaching Fraternity Ethics:

  • Debated if McCarthy’s public praise was a breach of “coaches’ code.” Consensus: It wasn't, as he spoke about Dart generally, not openly campaigning for the job.

• Coaching Resume & Giants Appeal:

  • McCarthy's experience counts; 11 double-win seasons, 13 playoff appearances, but playoff “failure” is relative.

    “If Mike McCarthy fails in New York the way he failed in Dallas, that would be a huge step forward... they’d be on the cusp of the playoffs.” – Don La Greca (09:40)

2. Yankees Offseason, Payroll, and the Implications for 2025

(15:08 – 21:05)

• Payroll Constraints:

  • Michael Kay’s comments: Yankees intend to stay under the $300M payroll, currently at ~$279M (15:39), limiting their ability to make major free agent moves (e.g., Bellinger, Tucker).

    “If they intend to stay under $300M, they are not getting Bellinger, they are not getting Tucker...” – Michael Kay via Peter Rosenberg (15:39)

• Lux Tax & CBA:

  • Possible salary cap in next CBA could lock Yankees' spending around $300M. Hosts discuss if self-imposed cap now is strategic positioning.

    “If the Yankees are going to self-impose one, at least get the Dodgers, the Mets... to also be playing in the same ballpark financially.” – Don La Greca (17:57)

• Cashman’s Strategy:

  • The looming cap may expose or validate Brian Cashman as a GM—can he build within constraints?

    “It’ll expose Cashman... because with a salary cap with restrictions—what is he gonna do now?” – Alan Hahn (18:25)

3. The NBA Trade Landscape: Giannis, Knicks, and Roster Fit

(21:07 – 22:36)

• Call-In on Giannis Trade:
  • The challenge in building around Giannis without a “stretch big” like Brook Lopez; the need for roster architectural precision if trading for Giannis.

    “You can’t have a big in there that’s gonna clog it up, ‘cause that’s where he does his best work.” – Alan Hahn (21:37)

4. Around the NFL with Damien Woody

(26:36 – 40:26)

• Parity and Playoff Race:

  • Woody celebrates NFL parity; 20 teams at .500 or better, makes for exciting competition.

    “This is absolutely fantastic for the league... so many teams still in it right now.” – Damien Woody (29:43)

• Quality vs. Parity:

  • Don raises concern that while more teams are “alive,” overall quality may dilute. Woody counters that it leads to the “cream” rising post-Thanksgiving.

• Super Bowl Predictions:

  • NFC: Rams lean, but warns not to sleep on the Seahawks, 49ers, even Bucs getting healthy.
  • AFC: Difficult to pick; Bills, Patriots, and Broncos all in play, though Woody questions durability in big moments.

• Coaching Carousel:

  • If Mike Tomlin becomes available, Woody says the Giants should pursue him immediately – lauds Tomlin as a “blue chip coach.”

    “If I'm the Giants, that's the first call I'm making. I want Mike Tomlin.” – Damien Woody (36:27)

• Buffalo’s Sean McDermott:

  • If Bills falter, Woody feels McDermott’s job is on the line—can’t waste Josh Allen’s prime.

• Mood Lightener: Napoleon Dynamite:

  • Woody promises to finally watch “Napoleon Dynamite” for next week’s show. Banter ensues about disappointment and low-stakes accountability.

5. Tribute: Steve Cropper’s Passing & Music’s Unsung Heroes

(25:14 – 51:21 throughout, esp. 25:14, 44:23–46:09)

• The hosts react to the passing of Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist and songwriter.
  • Peter Rosenberg:

    “He not only played on ‘Sitting at the Dock of the Bay,’ he co-wrote it with Otis Redding. Not nothing.” (44:39)

    • Praises Cropper's role in music history, working with Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and others.
    • Discuss the behind-the-scenes legends, often overlooked but vital.
  • Alan Hahn:

    “There’s so many people like this that have been in the background forever but yet were vital to so many songs that we just don’t know.” (44:55)

6. Banter, Culture, and Show Outtakes

(46:21 – 51:21)

• Rakim Interview:
  • Rosenberg shares excitement over interviewing Rakim, comparing his impact in hip-hop to foundational figures in other genres.

    “It’s more like McCartney if we’re having a real conversation...to me, it’s like you’re talking McCartney, you’re talking about someone foundational.” – Peter Rosenberg (49:01)

• Lowe’s Dress Code:
  • Lighthearted debate on whether one must “dress up” to go to Lowe’s, concluding it’s a “non-shower environment.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mike McCarthy’s public posture:

  “Mike McCarthy is making it abundantly clear he wants the job...now it’s another name you can take seriously.” – Alan Hahn (08:59)

• On NFL “failure” in different contexts:

  “If Mike McCarthy fails in New York the way he failed in Dallas...that would be a huge step forward.” – Don La Greca (09:40)

• On parity’s double-edged sword:

  “There’s not one dominant team this year...a lot of really solid teams...it’s truly a week-to-week league.” – Damien Woody (30:34)

• On possible coaching changes:

  “If [Tomlin] becomes available...that’s the first call I’m making.” – Damien Woody (36:27)

• On Steve Cropper:

  “He not only played on ‘Dock of the Bay,’ he co-wrote it with Otis Redding. Not nothing.” – Peter Rosenberg (44:39)
  “Rolling Stone ranked him the 38th greatest guitarist of all time.” – Peter Rosenberg (46:04)

Timestamps by Segment

| Subject | Approx. Time | |-------------------------------------------|--------------------| | McCarthy on Dart / Giants Coaching | 01:23 – 09:40 | | Yankees Payroll & Free Agency | 15:08 – 21:05 | | NBA/Knicks-Giannis Roster Fit | 21:07 – 22:36 | | Tribute: Steve Cropper | 25:14, 44:23+ | | NFL Parity, Super Bowl Picture w/ Woody | 26:36 – 40:26 | | Coaching Carousel: Tomlin, McDermott | 36:19 – 39:39 | | Lighter banter: Movies, Lowe’s, Rakim | 46:21 – 51:21 |

Tone & Style

Maintains the energetic, sharp banter and layered knowledge the show is known for. Hosts mix curiosity, playful ribbing, and fan perspective—offering analysis, personal anecdotes, and spirited debate.

Useful for Listeners Who Missed the Episode:

This hour delivers a meaty, entertaining mix of NFL playoff speculation, managerial chess in New York sports, and reverential pop culture asides. The conversations flow naturally between hard sports analysis and cultural touchstones, giving a sense not only of the news of the day, but the attitude and wit that makes Don, Hahn & Rosenberg a staple for New York sports fans.