Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 3 – Rich Samini Joins the Show
Release Date: July 15, 2025

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

In the third hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg welcome special guest Rich Samini, a seasoned sports journalist. The primary focus of this episode revolves around the New York Jets' recent offseason moves, particularly the significant contract extension of star cornerback Sauce Gardner. The discussion delves into the intricacies of Gardner's contract, the Jets' strategic direction under new head coach Aaron Glenn, and broader implications for the team's future.

2. Sauce Gardner’s Contract Extension

Sauce Gardner's Four-Year Deal: Don Hahn kicks off the conversation by highlighting the news that Sauce Gardner has secured a four-year contract extension worth $120 million, with $60 million guaranteed. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the exact amount of the guaranteed money.

Clarifying the Guarantees: At [01:21], Rich Samini provides clarity, stating, "My source told me there is $85 million in guarantees in the contract. That much I am certain." He explains the different types of guarantees, distinguishing between fully guaranteed money at signing and injury guarantees.

Historical Significance: Samini emphasizes the historical importance of Gardner's contract, noting, "Sauce Gardner technically right now is the highest paid cornerback in NFL history." This places Gardner in a prestigious position among his peers, slightly surpassing Derek Stingley Jr.

3. Jets’ Offseason and New Head Coach Aaron Glenn

Unexpected Timing of the Extension: Alan Hahn expresses surprise over the timing of Gardner's extension, considering the Jets' recent performance and the new coaching regime. Samini responds by indicating his expectation that the Jets would act proactively, similar to the extensions given to other young talents like Quinn and Williams.

Resetting the Franchise: Samini describes the Jets' offseason as "more normal by NFL standards than a typical Jets offseason," attributing this to a strategic reset under Aaron Glenn. He highlights Glenn's decisive action in parting ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, signaling a clear new direction for the team.

Cultural Shift and Expectations: Don Hahn reflects on the historical context of the Jets, emphasizing that real change is measured by on-field performance. He states, "Ultimately, he's going to be judged by the wins and the losses." Samini concurs, adding that Glenn is focused on setting a new tone and culture within the team, aiming for a more disciplined and competitive environment.

4. Comparing Aaron Glenn to Past Coaches

Bill Parcells Influence: Rich Samini draws parallels between Aaron Glenn and the legendary Bill Parcells, noting Glenn's "Parcellsian" approach to coaching. He explains, "Glenn is treading that very thin line between being the tough guy with no pelts on the wall and, you know, being a championship coach."

Press Conference Dynamics: The hosts discuss Glenn's interactions with the media, with Samini highlighting Glenn's firmness and occasional abrasiveness during press conferences. This is contrasted with previous coaches like Robert Saleh, who took a more media-friendly approach. Samini warns, "If he doesn't back it up with wins, it wears thin quickly."

Cultural Foundations: Don Hahn emphasizes that regardless of coaching styles, the foundation of a successful team lies in performance. He remarks, "You have to just start winning games. Ultimately, that's what changes everything."

5. Home Run Derby Ratings and Baseball Stadium Concerns

Home Run Derby Viewership: The conversation shifts to baseball as Don Hahn shares interesting viewership statistics for the Home Run Derby. At [26:00], Hahn reveals, "It's almost 6 million," surprising co-host Alan who initially guessed lower numbers.

Weather and Stadium Infrastructure: Alan and Don debate the practicality of hosting baseball events in open-air stadiums, especially in unpredictable weather conditions prevalent in Atlanta during July. Alan expresses frustration over the lack of retractable roofs in baseball stadiums, stating, "Anything built from here on in has to have the retractable roof."

Proposed Solutions: Don Hahn proposes, "We are going to put together a pool in which we are going to accumulate money over the years so teams that can't afford it that we can subsidize it because baseball benefits ultimately from everybody having this." However, both agree that implementing such solutions is unlikely in the near future.

6. Dennis Rodman vs. Draymond Green: A Light-Hearted Debate

Role of Intense Players: In a lighter segment, Rich Samini introduces a playful debate comparing NBA personalities Dennis Rodman and Draymond Green. He shares anecdotes about their influence and asks co-host Alan to choose between them.

Alan’s Choice – Dennis Rodman: At [38:44], Alan opts for Dennis Rodman, praising his unparalleled rebounding skills and defensive prowess. He states, "Rodman's bigger. His rebounding was insanely good. Like, way better than Draymond's."

Balanced Team Dynamics: Both hosts agree on the importance of having such intense personalities within a team, provided they are balanced by a strong supporting cast. Alan adds, "Even that guy looks around and knows... because this is a good team."

7. Listener Interaction and Personal Stories

Stu’s Story: Towards the end of the episode, the hosts engage with listener Stu from Flushing, who shares a personal story from 1994 about staying focused during a crucial Rangers game despite distractions from his fiancée. This anecdote underscores the universal struggle between personal life and sports fanaticism.

Humorous Banter: The segment is filled with humorous exchanges between the hosts, blending personal experiences with light-hearted teasing. Don Hahn jokes, "It's game seven, Stu," emphasizing the gravity of the moment in sports compared to personal distractions.

8. Closing Remarks and Teasers

As the episode wraps up, the hosts transition to discussing upcoming events and tease future content, including the 30 for 30 podcast series "Chasing Basketball Heaven," scheduled for release on July 22. This sets the stage for continued engaging discussions in subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Rich Samini [01:21]: “My source told me there is $85 million in guarantees in the contract. That much I am certain.”

• Rich Samini [02:19]: “Sauce Gardner technically right now is the highest paid cornerback in NFL history.”

• Rich Samini [05:15]: “He’s trying to adopt some of that mentality into his coaching style. And Parcells won his first year in New York.”

• Don Hahn [08:38]: “You have to just start winning games. Ultimately, that's what changes everything.”

• Alan Hahn [38:44]: “Draymond Green's a playmaker. He’s kind of a Swiss Army Life kind of player. Rodman's bigger. His rebounding was insanely good.”

Conclusion

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provides an in-depth analysis of the New York Jets' strategic moves, particularly focusing on Sauce Gardner's landmark contract and the team's cultural reset under Aaron Glenn. Rich Samini's expert insights enrich the discussion, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the Jets' direction. Additionally, the episode balances serious sports analysis with light-hearted segments, making it both informative and entertaining for a diverse audience.