Pardon My Take: Jaguars HC Liam Coen, Captain America Brady Tkachuk, We Enter Supreme Debate + Listener Submitted FAQs
Release Date: March 5, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "Pardon My Take," hosts Big Cat and PFT Commenter delve into a whirlwind of sports discussions, including the tumultuous season of the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James' monumental achievement, and emerging NFL dynamics. The episode features exclusive interviews with Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen and hockey sensation Brady Tkachuk, alongside engaging segments like "Supreme Debate" and listener-submitted FAQs.

Sports Banter and Current Events

Dallas Mavericks' Rough Season
The hosts kick off the episode by lamenting the Dallas Mavericks' disappointing performance this season. Highlighting key injuries and management decisions, they express sympathy for Mavericks fans enduring one of the franchise's toughest periods.

• Big Cat (04:31): "This has to be one of the worst seasons of all time."
• PFT Commenter (05:19): "It's the season from hell for the Mavericks."

LeBron James' 50,000 Points Milestone
Transitioning to basketball, Big Cat and PFT Commenter celebrate LeBron James nearing an astounding 50,000 career points. They commend his longevity and impact on the game, despite playful jabs at Hank for his brief interjection about steroids.

• Big Cat (08:52): "LeBron hitting 50,000 points is insane."
• Stephen Che (10:19): "Steroids."

NFL Contracts and Player Value
The conversation shifts to NFL contracts, focusing on Saquon Barkley's recent deal. The hosts debate the valuation of running backs in today's market, comparing Barkley to elite receivers and quarterbacks.

• PFT Commenter (13:05): "Good for Saquon, but running backs might be overvalued."
• Big Cat (13:24): "It's better to pay him that much than a quarterback who's not very good."

Interview with Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach

Path to Head Coaching
Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen shares his journey from growing up in a football-centric household to securing his position in the NFL. Coen emphasizes the influence of his father and his early passion for coaching, which set the foundation for his career.

• Liam Coen (44:22): "Growing up at the sidelines and in coaches' offices fueled my passion for coaching."

Coaching Philosophy: FAST
Coen outlines his coaching philosophy, encapsulated in the acronym FAST—Fundamentally sound, Attacking, Situational masters, and Toughness. He explains how this framework has transformed the Jaguars' run game and overall team performance.

• Liam Coen (50:00): "FAST stands for Fundamentally sound, Attacking, Situational masters, and Toughness."
• Big Cat (50:37): "That's where it starts and stems from—mentally and physically tough."

Handling Media and Public Perception
Addressing a viral moment where his eyebrows became a talking point, Coen discusses the importance of authenticity and staying true to his coaching style, even under scrutiny.

• Big Cat (56:25): "You did two eyebrow raises, which is unheard of."
• Liam Coen (56:57): "It was my cadence that day. I'm just being myself."

Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Coen reflects on team chemistry and the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and adapting to new coaching strategies.

• Liam Coen (65:10): "We need to stick around and hopefully rattle off a few game win streaks."

Interview with Brady Tkachuk, Captain America

Sports and National Representation
Brady Tkachuk discusses his unique experience playing for Team USA and returning to his home team, the Ottawa Senators. He touches on the contrasting fan reactions and the pride of representing his country on an international stage.

• Brady Tkachuk (78:29): "It was a pretty cool feeling that I was trying to be all serious, but it put a smile on my face."

Balancing Professionalism and Aggression
Tkachuk elaborates on his role as "Captain America," balancing his aggressive play on the ice with maintaining professionalism off the ice. He highlights the evolution of the fighting role in modern hockey and its impact on team morale.

• Brady Tkachuk (83:36): "I turn into a completely different person when the puck drops."

Team Strategies and Playoff Aspirations
Brady shares insights into the Ottawa Senators' strategies as they enter the playoff race, emphasizing mental toughness and the importance of every game in securing a postseason spot.

• Brady Tkachuk (95:03): "It's more of a mental grind now. Every game's almost a must-win."

Personal Life and Future Goals
Touching on his personal life, Tkachuk talks about becoming a father and his aspirations for his son's involvement in hockey, blending his professional drive with family responsibilities.

• Brady Tkachuk (94:18): "We're trying to get him on the ice. Hopefully, in a couple of years."

Supreme Debate

In the "Supreme Debate" segment, Big Cat and PFT Commenter engage in a heated discussion comparing Travis Hunter to Shohei Ohtani, debating who is more impressive in their respective sports.

• Big Cat (27:31): "Travis Hunter more impressive than Shohei Ohtani."
• PFT Commenter (27:36): "I agree. Travis has to hit people on both sides."

The debate highlights the versatility and potential of Travis Hunter, juxtaposed against Ohtani's dual-role achievements in baseball, sparking insightful and humorous exchanges between the hosts.

Listener Submitted FAQs

Picking a Pickup Basketball Team
Listeners asked the hosts to assemble a hypothetical pickup basketball team consisting of non-professional athletes. The playful selection process included celebrities and humorous choices, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and playful banter.

• PFT Commenter (117:03): "Mark Wahlberg."

Handling Dog Training Issues
Another listener queried advice on managing behavioral issues with a dog, prompting the hosts to share personal anecdotes and humorous strategies for pet training.

• PFT Commenter (33:36): "I have to go home and either fart on him or just make that noise."

Planning Unique Show Segments
Listeners also inquired about upcoming show segments and how the hosts prepare for debates and interviews, revealing behind-the-scenes insights into the show's production.

• Stephen Che (123:14): "We plot it out with post-it notes, color-coded."

Conclusion

This episode of "Pardon My Take" offers a blend of in-depth interviews, spirited debates, and relatable listener interactions. Big Cat and PFT Commenter skillfully navigate through various sports landscapes, providing listeners with both entertainment and insightful commentary. The conversations with Liam Coen and Brady Tkachuk add depth to the show's content, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking both information and humor.

Notable Quotes:

• Liam Coen (44:22): "Growing up at the sidelines and in coaches' offices fueled my passion for coaching."
• Brady Tkachuk (78:29): "It was a pretty cool feeling that I was trying to be all serious, but it put a smile on my face."
• Big Cat (56:25): "You did two eyebrow raises, which is unheard of."
• PFT Commenter (27:36): "I agree. Travis has to hit people on both sides."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and entertaining moments from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.