Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode Summary
Podcast: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
Episode: Hour 3: Patience with Glenn
Date: October 13, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guest: Jake Aspin (ESPN talent, Jets fan/talk-show host)
Overview
Hour 3 of the show is dominated by a frank, spirited discussion about the patience (or lack thereof) surrounding new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn amid a winless start to the NFL season. Don, Alan, and Peter break down fan frustrations, organizational philosophy, and coaching trajectories, then bring on Jake Aspin for an energized back-and-forth on expectations and reality. The episode wraps with quick hits on local hockey, Knicks preseason, MLB playoffs, and typical playful banter between the hosts.
Main Discussion: The Jets, Aaron Glenn, and Patience
Jets Recap and Listener/Media Criticism
[07:20–10:19]
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Don reflects on the Sunday London game: The New York Jets continued their losing streak, with fans heavily criticizing head coach Aaron Glenn across social media and radio.
- “I got to see all the stuff on social media of Glenn being eviscerated, including by our colleague here on ESPN, Jake Aspen...” (Don, 09:00)
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He acknowledges the team’s minor positives (few penalties, first turnover of the season), but emphasizes “the offense was the problem and the coach was the problem too.”
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Don cautions against overreaction: “You guys gotta cool your jets, man — literally and figuratively ... You got no choice here, guys. He’s not going anywhere and you gotta cut him some slack. He’s a first-time head coach.” (Don, 09:36)
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Alan agrees with Don’s patience argument but notes that real change and success in the organization must start at the very top, citing franchise instability and reluctance to hire experienced coaching talent.
- “The problem with the Jets ... it starts at the top. ... The guy doesn’t want to bring in somebody with real experience.” (Alan, 10:38)
- He references examples of first-time coaches who grew into the job (e.g., Dan Campbell in Detroit) and notes many franchises succeed by recycling experienced head coaches.
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Both hosts discuss the “slow burn” approach the organization appears committed to, prioritizing evaluation and long-term stability over immediate wins.
- “I don’t think they’re going to be phased by a really bad first season ... I think they’re committed for the long haul with this coaching staff.” (Don, 12:41)
Assessing Success & Patience (Jets Fans' Dilemma)
[12:59–17:20]
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Don says the benchmark shouldn’t be the win-loss record, but whether the team improves by season’s end. “If we see what we saw at the end of the second quarter in week 16, week 17, that’s going to send up a red flag that there’s an issue here.” (Don, 13:13)
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He highlights psychological exhaustion of Mets/Jets fans: “It’s hard for Jet fans to do that, guys, because they’ve been sold this bill of goods for literally 60 years...” (Don, 14:39)
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Alan counters that, as a fan, “I’m not being patient, I’m being apathetic. That might be the worst feeling to have as a fan...” (15:27)
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The Rodgers Question:
- Don and Alan discuss whether the team’s decision to move on from Aaron Rodgers was right, or whether his veteran presence would have aided Glenn and the offense. Both see arguments for and against.
Guest Segment: Jake Aspen Joins to Set the Record Straight
[25:40–41:25]
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Jake joins to clarify comments attributed to him regarding Glenn and the Jets’ potential record. “I had them winning six games this year ... their Vegas win total by the way, was six and a half.” (Jake, 27:01)
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He passionately rebuts the idea that fans are being unfairly negative:
- “The bar was very low and they’re the only team in the NFL without a win right now.” (Jake, 27:47)
- Jake argues that Glenn’s bravado and messaging significantly raised expectations, making the slow start more frustrating: "He thought this team was going to be better than what I think you’re presenting it as." (Jake, 29:32)
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Jake and Don debate:
- Don believes the organization prioritized long-term stability, not quick improvement, and asserts Glenn's inexperience (not incompetence) is the main driver of struggles.
- Jake insists that Glenn’s own pre-season statements reset expectations and that his in-game decisions (e.g., time management, failing to address the quarterback situation) have made things worse than they needed to be.
- Memorable moment: “I think through six games he’s been about as bad as any Jet Head coach I have ever watched in my lifetime ... But the best thing I could say ... is that he still has 11 games to go in his first year to show some real improvement.” (Jake, 33:13)
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Alan presses the larger issue: “Your first mistake is to think that Woody Johnson is going to do something competent like that and bring in somebody that actually has experience.” (Alan, 33:23)
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All three agree that apathy, not anger, characterizes much of the fanbase at this point.
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Don, Alan, and Jake discuss whether a one-and-done coach could make sense if things don’t improve, despite long contracts. “If this team is sitting there with the number one overall pick ... I just don’t think Aaron Glenn and Darren Mugi have earned the right to draft and probably ruin another quarterback...” (Jake, 33:13)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Don (about Jets fans' patience):
“You have no choice here, guys. He’s not going anywhere and he shouldn’t go anywhere. You’re only six games in. You just hope it’s going to get better. Yesterday stunk, and it’s gonna continue to stink for the rest of this year.” (09:54)
- Alan (on fan apathy):
“I’m not being patient. I’m being apathetic. That might be the worst feeling to have as a fan ...” (15:27)
- Jake (on Glenn’s job performance):
“Through six games, [Glenn’s] been about as bad as any Jet head coach I have ever watched in my lifetime ... Thank God I didn’t live through the Kotite years.” (33:13)
- Alan (on what may alter Glenn’s status):
“Your first mistake is to think that Woody Johnson is going to do something competent like [firing a first-year coach] ... He’s not going to do that, especially the amount that’s on that contract.” (33:23)
- Jake (on the difference between hope and reality):
“I think the Jet fan just wanted to see a team, right, to quote [Glenn], that we were proud to support. I can’t say I’ve been proud to support anything I’ve seen.” (31:12)
Around New York Sports: Hockey, Knicks Preseason, MLB Playoffs
[43:13–49:12]
- Islanders’ struggles: “Not good for the Islanders. 0-3 start.” (Don, 43:25)
- Devils and Rangers: Devils at 1-1, big win over Tampa. Rangers at 2-2 after tough home losses but optimism about their play.
- Knicks preseason: Alan previews tonight’s game vs. Wizards, explains preseason rotation strategies.
- MLB Playoffs:
- Don: “That’s a bad loss for the Blue Jays ... a huge win for Seattle.” (45:57)
- Alan reads Mattlingly quotes about the Yankees’ power-first roster and defensive limitations.
- Hosts clarify that attributed Joe Torre social media quotes are fake.
Additional Notes and Tone
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Tone:
- Insightful, candid, often self-deprecating and humorous.
- Frequent teasing among hosts, particularly regarding their obsessive sports fandom and Jake’s “punk” friend who relayed inaccurate information.
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Memorable Banter:
- Don thanks Alan and Peter for supporting his first Devils regular-season game in Columbus: “...especially Peter. Across the planet, Allen on a Saturday. You guys had other things to do...” (06:56)
- Extended playful exchange about Jake's audio setup and friend’s “punk” status (24:28–26:05).
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Hockey & Don’s Devils call feedback: 01:38–07:06
- Jets frustration & patience argument unfolds: 07:20–17:20
- Rogers/Glenn organizational philosophy: 16:32–19:00
- Seminal Don-Jake-Aspen exchange: 25:40–41:25
- Rapid-fire hockey, NBA, MLB news & wrap: 43:13–48:45
Conclusion
This hour captures not just acute on-field analysis but the emotional mechanics of New York sports fandom. It’s full of candor about coaching, fan patience, and the pitfalls of blind optimism versus hard-eyed realism. Jake Aspen’s guest appearance energizes the back half, forging a nuanced (and entertaining) debate about whether the Jets—and their long-suffering fans—can find hope in patience, or if organizational change must come swifter.
For anyone frustrated about the Jets, waffling on Glenn, or simply wanting to laugh their way through sports pain, this episode delivers.
