Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary: Hour 3 – "No News Yet"

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

In "Hour 3: No News Yet," the third episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, the trio dives deep into the latest NFL developments, particularly focusing on the New York Jets' coaching search, quarterback strategies, and broader officiating controversies. Engaging listeners through lively discussions and insightful caller interactions, the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of current sports dynamics in New York and beyond.

1. Aaron Glenn's Potential Appointment as Jets' Head Coach

The episode kicks off with a detailed discussion on the New York Jets' pursuit of Aaron Glenn for their head coaching position.

• Current Developments: Don LaGreca ([00:43]) highlights that Aaron Glenn is slated for a face-to-face meeting with the Jets in Florham Park, signaling a potential offer soon. "We're waiting on it, and we anticipate a report that there's an offer on the table in the next couple of hours," he remarks.

• Competition for the Role: The conversation expands to include interest from the New Orleans Saints, who are concurrently meeting with Mike Kafka and Anthony Weaver. Don notes the Saints' strategic moves to secure Glenn, increasing the competitive tension around his appointment.

• Lance Newmark as GM Candidate: Don introduces Lance Newmark as a finalist for the Jets' General Manager position, emphasizing his extensive NFL experience and previous collaboration with Glenn. "They have to find someone who can build a roster without being a front-center CEO type," Don explains ([05:46]).

2. Call-In Discussion: Evaluating Glenn's Inexperience

A listener, Javier, ([09:34]) expresses concerns about Glenn's lack of head coaching experience.

• Inexperience Risks: Javier underscores that Aaron Glenn has never been a head coach before, questioning whether the Jets should take this leap. "If I'm Aaron Glenn, I wouldn't. I want to hear from as many as I could just to see," he states ([02:07]).

• Jets' Quarterback Conundrum: He also delves into the Jets' uncertain quarterback situation, listing potential candidates like Tyrod Taylor and Sam Darnold, and highlights the team's need for a definitive quarterback strategy ([03:56]).

3. Woody Johnson's Coaching Preferences and Organizational Patterns

The discussion shifts to the role of Jets' owner, Woody Johnson, in coaching decisions.

• Preference for Inexperienced Coaches: Javier suggests that Woody Johnson prefers hiring coaches with less experience to maintain control, indicating a historical pattern of hiring first-time head coaches like Glenn ([05:53]).

• Impact on Team Performance: He draws parallels with past coaching tenures, citing figures like Herman Edwards and others who had mixed results, potentially due to their inexperience ([06:18]).

• Alan's Counterpoints: Don challenges Javier's assumptions by suggesting the dynamic between Woody and Rodgers might be more nuanced, emphasizing that business decisions often overshadow personal influences ([07:02]).

4. CC Sabathia's Hall of Fame Candidacy

Switching gears to baseball, a caller named Javi ([11:30]) passionately advocates for CC Sabathia's induction into the Hall of Fame.

• Sabathia's Achievements: He cites Sabathia's impressive stats, including over 250 wins and a Cy Young Award, arguing that these accomplishments warrant first-ballot recognition: "He's got the Cy Young, he's got the ring, he's got what's not on his resume," Javier asserts ([11:55]).

• Don’s Endorsement: Don agrees, highlighting Sabathia's consistent performance and leadership as key factors supporting his Hall of Fame case ([11:59]).

5. Controversial Trade Proposals: Aaron Rodgers for Brock Purdy

Listener Michael from the Bronx brings a provocative idea to the table: trading Aaron Rodgers for Brock Purdy.

• Trade Feasibility: Michael questions the practicality of such a trade, considering Rodgers' Super Bowl experience and Purdy's potential: "Why wouldn't they? All the free agents they got coming up," he muses ([12:21]).

• Financial Implications: He acknowledges the financial hurdles, noting Rodgers' contract and potential dead cap space issues, which could complicate the trade ([14:06]).

• Strategic Benefits: Despite the challenges, Michael argues that acquiring Purdy could provide the Jets with a fresh start, especially under coach Shanahan's offensive system: "It's like a reset for the Jets," he explains ([13:09] Don counters by evaluating both teams' situations, recognizing the unlikelihood but appreciating the strategic angle ([13:09] Don LaGreca).

6. NFL Officiating and Penalty Rules Debate

A significant segment features Matt from Manhattan ([15:30]) criticizing NFL officiating standards, particularly defensive penalties.

• Double Penalties on Defense: Matt questions why defensive infractions result in both yardage loss and automatic first downs, unlike offensive penalties where teams can choose the penalty outcome: "Shouldn't the offense get the option of taking the yards and keeping the down?" he asks ([15:30]).

• Potential for Rule Exploitation: He warns that such rules could be manipulated by defenses, encouraging frequent minor penalties to destabilize offensive drives ([16:07]).

• Don’s Frustration: Don vents his own frustrations with inconsistent penalty calls, especially in critical game moments where replay clarity is lacking ([19:08]).

• Call for Replay Assistance: Both hosts agree on the need for improved replay systems to ensure fairness and accuracy in officiating contentious plays ([31:35]).

7. Justin Fields and Giants' Future Strategy

Listener contributions extend to hypothetical team management scenarios, with one caller proposing strategies for the Giants.

• Drafting Justin Fields: A caller suggests the Giants should draft Justin Fields, supplementing him with Travis Hunter to strengthen the offensive line: "We give him everything in your power, and if it doesn't work out, it's never meant to be," they argue ([34:01]).

• Risk vs. Reward: Don weighs the pros and cons, considering Fields' current performance and the potential upside versus the risks of further injuries and development time ([35:23]).

8. Personal Anecdotes and Nostalgia

Amidst the heavy discussions, hosts and listeners share personal stories reflecting on sports and media:

• Mixtape Memories: Conversations about the nostalgia of creating and listening to mixtapes on cassette tapes, highlighting the sentimental value of old media formats ([25:31]-[43:07]).

• Desire for Vintage Gadgets: Both hosts express a longing for vintage technology like boomboxes, sparking lighthearted banter and shared memories ([26:10]-[43:45]).

9. Listener Engagement and Giveaways

The episode includes interactive segments aimed at engaging listeners:

• Superbox Bonanza Giveaway: Don announces a "Superbox Bonanza" contest, encouraging listeners to call in for a chance to win ESPN prize packs and cash payouts associated with game outcomes ([37:02]-[44:55]).

• Personal Shoutouts: Fun interactions with callers expressing admiration for the hosts, adding a personable touch to the show ([25:44]-[43:45]).

10. Upcoming Sports Coverage and Events

Towards the end, Don previews upcoming sports events and hosting duties:

• Rangers vs. Canadiens and Knicks vs. Nets: Don mentions his role in covering these games with pre-game and post-game segments ([43:49]).

• Final Thoughts: The hosts wrap up by reiterating their dedication to providing insightful sports commentary and inviting listeners to tune in for future episodes ([44:59]-[45:01]).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Don LaGreca ([00:43]): "We're waiting on it, and we anticipate a report that there's an offer on the table in the next couple of hours."

• Caller Javier ([09:34]): "If I'm Aaron Glenn, I wouldn't. I want to hear from as many as I could just to see."

• Caller Michael ([12:21]): "I wouldn't want Aaron Rodgers. I mean you're talking about a 25-year-old quarterback."

• Caller Matt ([15:30]): "Why should the defense get penalized twice on one play? It frustrates us, especially when plays that wouldn't result in a first down are still penalized."

• Caller Javier on Sabathia ([11:30]): "He's got the Cy Young, he's got the ring, he's got what's not on his resume."

Conclusion

In "No News Yet," Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg deliver a robust episode filled with strategic sports analysis, lively listener interactions, and nostalgic reflections. Whether dissecting the future of the Jets' coaching staff, debating NFL officiating standards, or celebrating baseball legends, the hosts provide a dynamic and informative listening experience for sports enthusiasts eager to stay updated on New York's vibrant sports scene.