Hour 2: The Good Cult (feat. Columbus Football Coach Dave Dunn)

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Hour 2: The Good Cult (feat. Columbus Football Coach Dave Dunn)

Date: January 14, 2026

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Overview

This Hour 2 episode is broadcast from the Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami. Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, and the rest of the crew focus heavily on the surreal Miami sports scene, with a particular spotlight on the Columbus High School football community and its legendary status amid the national college football championship spotlight. Special guest Coach Dave Dunn of Columbus is interviewed about his star protégé Fernando Mendoza, the Cuban influence at Columbus, and the “good cult” phenomenon. The hour includes deep sports analysis, comedic rants on ticket prices and Miami culture, and wild show banter.

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Key Segments and Insights

1. Inside Columbus Football’s Unique Culture

[00:00–11:29]

• Immediate Impressions of Columbus and Coach Dunn

  • Stugotz describes Coach Dunn as “exactly the way that I expected Columbus's coach to look and stand… intimidating.”
  • Columbus’ weight room is highlighted as “professional grade,” speaking to the school’s seriousness about football.

• Coach Dave Dunn on Developing Fernando Mendoza

  • Tony jumps in for a sideline interview with Coach Dunn, who downplays his role in Fernando’s Cuban identity:
    • “I'm gringo of the highest order… So I had nothing to do with it. That's all his parents.” (01:11)
  • Dunn gives insight into Mendoza’s relentless passion:
    • "The cool thing about him is just how much he loves the sport and how much he pours his heart and soul into it. He attacks every single day that way." (01:35)
  • Discusses the struggle to get Mendoza recruited:
    • "He went to about 18 camps in like a 25 day period… There was another ACC school… the best quarterback there. When he left, they just told him have a good flight." (02:57)
    • Cal eventually gave a late offer:
      • “The joy on his face when he committed to Cal was, it was unbelievable.” (03:22)

• The Pain and Fulfillment of Being Overlooked

  • Coach Dunn admits:
    • “I think it was probably harder on me than it was on him… But I have got some phone calls from friends in the industry that have called me and said, I knew we blew it on that kid. It's pretty fulfilling.” (03:56)

• Characterizing Fernando Mendoza

  • Zaslow tries to find a flaw:
    • “Fernando seems like a perfect human being on and off the field… Name a single flaw.” (04:24)
    • Dunn: “He's a dork… very nerdy.” (04:33)

• On Cuban Football Lineage

  • The Cristobal family’s deep Columbus and Miami ties highlighted:
    • “Coach Cristobal's two sons are on our team right now... the Cristobal ties run deep here at Columbus." (05:03)

• Columbus Described as 'The Good Cult'

  • Dunn, quoting another coach’s wife:
    • “It's like a cult. But a good cult.” (05:37)

• Life Under the Spotlight and Cuban Community Pride

  • The media frenzy at Columbus this week is described humorously:
    • “I usually don't wear pants at work, so this week I actually had to wear pants every day.” (06:03)
    • Tony brags, “I fought off CNN to be here. We beat CNN to talk to coach.” (06:27)

• Columbus’ Influence and Hard Choices in the Big Game

  • Tony and Stugotz push Dunn to declare rooting allegiances ahead of Miami vs. Indiana:
    • “I’ll let my emotions at the time take over… I’ve known Coach Mirabal and Coach Cristobal since 1998, and I’ve coached all five players in the game. To me, it’s tough.” (08:26)

• Most Cuban Moment/Q&A

  • Favorite Cuban dish:
    • Coach Dunn: “Oh, croquetas.” (10:32)
    • Tony (approvingly): “My guy right here, he knows exactly what's going on.” (10:37)

Notable Quotes

• “Go to die when they work here… we have a lot of people still here.” — Coach Dunn on the longevity of Columbus staff (09:25)
• “Coach Dunn is boots on the ground, Dan… 10 toes down with pants on.” — Tony, on Coach Dunn’s community status (11:04)

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2. Football Analysis, Physicality & Championship Matchup

[15:43–21:08]

• Athlete Physicality Stories

  • Dan marvels at the physiques and toughness of football players—especially Edgerrin James.
    • “When I put my hand on his shoulder, I thought to myself, how the hell did anybody tackle?” (17:14)
  • Stugotz adds the context of the Miami Hurricanes culture—“When Mario Cristobal says his team is violent and physical, like, that's what's coming at you.” (17:52)

• Miami vs. Indiana Game Analysis

  • Mike Ryan sets up the contrast in styles:
    • “Indiana… highly disciplined, that won’t beat itself… Miami tries to out-physical you… There are no secrets here. We know exactly how this is going to play out.” (18:38)
  • Jesse observes Indiana’s experience and time in college weight rooms might balance Miami’s physical edge.

• Ticket & Parking Price Rant

  • Outrage over championship game access:
    • “The cheapest parking pass… was like $600 to park.” — Greg Cote (21:28)
    • Discussion about rumors of strict parking enforcement at Hard Rock Stadium. “No chance to make sure everybody… has a ticket.” — Mike Ryan (22:28)

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3. Luck, Coaching Legacy, and the Thinnest Margins in Sports

[22:59–29:52]

• The Terrell Davis Story

  • John Elway (in a clip) recounts how Terrell Davis nearly quit football in Japan—but a language barrier kept him on the team, and he went on to win and become a Hall of Famer.
    • “Thank God they couldn’t understand him in Japan.” — John Elway (23:56)

• Analysis on Coaching Success and Luck

  • Stugotz: “What is Tomlin… or Harbaugh… going to have that makes Terrell Davis be someone who isn’t understood in a Japanese hotel?” (24:47)
  • Greg Cote: “There’s a little bit of luck that can also be involved in creating a winner.” (25:02)
  • Mike Ryan: “The zone blocking scheme designed by Shanahan always works.” — On system vs. individual glory (25:29)

• Winning and the Social Media Critique Machine

  • Stugotz: “Second place for everybody else creates a cacophony of criticism that has no sanity in it.” (26:43)
  • Mike Ryan: “If a team loses they suck… I just hate that. These teams are exceptional… These guys are executing at a very high level.” (27:11)

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4. Random Show Antics and Miami Ephemera

[35:34–38:02]

• Show-and-Tell: Miami Media Memorabilia

  • Greg Cote presents a 1969 Dolphins media guide (“looks like a pamphlet”) (36:17) and a photo of himself as a young journalist (“long-haired hippie”).
  • Classic banter about self-involvement and nostalgia.

• Mike Ryan’s Beef with Ty Simpson

  • Ty Simpson, after being pursued by Miami, publicizes an alleged multi-million-dollar offer in an interview.
    • “Ty, brother, you lost to two Cuban quarterbacks by a thousand to like 12. What are we talking about?… What you did in that interview by putting Miami’s business out there was mad cheap.” — Mike Ryan (39:41)

• NIL and Transfer Portal Realities

  • Mike Ryan details the murkiness of NIL and Miami’s quarterback search:
    • “A lot of these things are put out there by agents… The school’s not gonna come out there and say that’s not true.” (40:36)
    • “Miami could approach this quarterback pursuit better. These were absolute swing and misses. Because Miami went for the best and they luckily got it.” (42:40)
    • “If Miami does get another quarterback... it’s not somebody that’s actually in the portal right now.” (44:29)

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5. Ja Morant, Miami Heat, and NBA Trade Rumors

[44:29–47:42]

• Ja Morant’s Name Circulates in Miami
  • Jesse and Greg Cote highlight a Yahoo Sports report that Morant wants Miami, citing Heat culture and structure.
    • “Miami has historically been regarded as one of the NBA’s most detail oriented and structured organizations… Morant… desires to represent his country in the 2028 Olympics.” (45:30)
  • Stugotz: “You never find the guy who was being talked about as face of the league at 25 in the discount bin. That never happens.” (46:30)
  • Mike Ryan and Greg openly discuss if the team could try for both Ja and Giannis, as superstar trade dynamics change.
    • “Why not both? …Because this franchise never gets anybody anymore.” — Mike Ryan (47:04)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Columbus Community:
  • “It's like a cult. But a good cult.” — Coach Dave Dunn (05:37)
• On Miami Football Physicality:
  • “When Mario Cristobal says his team is violent and physical, like, that's what's coming at you.” — Dan Le Batard (17:52)
• On the Ticket Fiasco:
  • “The cheapest parking pass… was like $600 to park.” — Greg Cote (21:28)
• On Luck in Sports:
  • “Second place for everybody else creates a cacophony of criticism that has no sanity in it.” — Stugotz (26:43)
• On Quarterback Recruiting:
  • “A lot of these things are put out there by agents… The schools not gonna come out there and say that’s not true.” — Mike Ryan (40:36)
• On Ja Morant Trade Appeal:
  • “You never find the guy who was being talked about as face of the league at 25 in the discount bin. That never happens.” — Stugotz (46:30)

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Timestamps for Crucial Segments

• [00:00–11:29] — Interview with Coach Dave Dunn, Columbus Culture, and Cuban identity
• [15:43–21:08] — Football physicality stories, Miami vs Indiana game preview
• [22:59–29:52] — Terrell Davis story, coaching luck, legacy
• [35:34–38:02] — Miami sports memorabilia and Mike Ryan’s rant on Ty Simpson
• [44:29–47:42] — Ja Morant trade rumors and NBA superstar market shift

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Tone & Style

The tone throughout is irreverent, self-aware, and deeply Miami-centric, blending sports analysis with inside jokes, cultural riffs (“boots on the ground”), and playful group banter. The warmth and authenticity of the guests—particularly Coach Dunn—shine through amid the cacophony.

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Summary

This episode is a vivid snapshot of South Florida’s sports ecosystem and Cuban American football culture, from the “good cult” of Columbus High and the journey of Fernando Mendoza, to the high-stakes realities of college football, the quirks of ticket capitalism, and NBA rumor-mongering. Whether dissecting recruiting heartbreaks, negotiating Miami traffic, or debating coach legacies, the crew blends celebration, skepticism, and classic Miami swagger.

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(Ad sections, intros and outros have been omitted.)

Transcript

[Dan LeBatard]

This is the Dan Levatar show with.

[Stugats]

The Stu Guts podcast. That is exactly the way that I expected Columbus's coach to look and stand and he's just intimidating. He's trying to. I can't believe Tony has arrived in the weight room. I also am unsurprised to see that Columbus has a professional grade weight room. They do not mess around there. Tony has arrived. Tony, how did you get in there with Dave Dunn? It had to be with Dave Dunn's permission.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

He.

[Stugats]

He is Fernando Mendoza's high school coach and right now he is a local celebrity of the highest order.

[Tony]

I told you it was 100%. It was for certain. Yorres web, Bobby. I told you that already. All right, you know what the deal is? I got Coach Dunn here in the midst right here.

[Stugats]

Okay, so do you want. Let's go ahead. And then you go ahead and sideline report and interview the coach of Fernando Mendoza. I can't believe how accurate that kid is. I also can't believe that he is the quarterback for every abuela that has ever existed because they love how Dave Dunn made this person be. Be a model Cuban human being.

[Mike Ryan]

Coach.

[Tony]

Okay, let's start right there. How did you make Fernando Mendoza be a model Cuban human being?

[Coach Dave Dunn]

I'm gringo of the highest order.

[Greg Cote]

What?

[Mike Ryan]

No way.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

So I had nothing to do with it. That's all his parents. Coach.

[Tony]

When you think of Fernando Mendoza, getting him as a freshman to now where he stands as a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback who's about to play for the national championship on an undefeated team and presumably maybe the number one pick in the NFL draft, How have you seen that translate that transition from him to, as a kid to now grown man?

[Coach Dave Dunn]

It's been amazing to watch. The cool thing about him is just how much he loves the sport and how much he pours his heart and soul into it. And he really is that energetic of a young man. He like everyone that would ask me when they, after his interviews, they said, is that how he really is? That's how he really is. He attacks every single day that way. It's. It's surreal. But watching him have the success he's had on this stage has really been amazing for our whole community.

[Stugats]

Dave, can you go to the game? Are you, are you going to be able to go to the game? Tickets are very hard to get.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

I was able to squeeze a couple tickets out of some people. We got some deep pockets here at Columbus High School and they came through for me.

[Stugats]

If I were to tell you back whenever it is that you thought Fernando Mendoza was going to be something. What's the best that that's going to be? He's exceeded whatever it is your dreams were for that already, correct?

[Coach Dave Dunn]

It's, it's tough because I knew he had the ability to be a great quarterback. I just couldn't convince anybody else that he was going to be a great quarterback. So he didn't have a lot of offers out of high school, but once he started getting reps when he was at Cal and producing the way he did even in pract, I'm like the sky is going to be the limit for this, this young man. And then to move to Indiana with the coaching that coach Ignetti's provided for him has really just been a perfect storm. And he's taken off this his whole senior year.

[Stugats]

Can you tell me what that process was? You trying to convince people that he was going to be a good college quarterback and them telling you no, he is not going to be.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

It was frustrating. It really is. And I think he, he always had a positive attitude about it and I'm sure it had to bother him. But you know, we tried. You know, he went to about 18 camps in like a 25 day period to throw for people. There was another ACC school that he went there and he threw and it was the best quarterback there. When he left they just told him have a good flight. So he, he literally went through the ringer an emotional roller coaster during his recruiting period and his positive attitude helped carry him through it. And then we were able to, you know, get a break late in the recruiting process, really late, like a week before signing date and Cal came with a late offer and it's just, you know, just seeing him get that and the joy that he on his face when committed to cow was, it was unbelievable.

[Stugats]

Take me through, take us through the details of the heartbreak like the, the details of you guys are fighting so hard to get him a chance because you two believe but so few other people do. What, what is the greatest of the. Oh man. Seeing the crest fallen face where you're like I can't believe this kid I love. I cannot get him the right chance.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

You know, on national TV I could just say this, I told you so. It's, it's been. It was probably harder on me than it was on him. I wore it on my sleeve much more than he did. And, and just that's just the type of person he is, is that he kind of went with the punches a little bit better than me. But you know I wish I could call each and every coach who didn't offer him and say, I told you so. But I have got some phone calls from friends in the industry that have called me and said, I knew we blew it on that kid. It's pretty fulfilling.

[Zaslow]

Fernando seems like a perfect human being on and off the field. We know no one is perfect. Name a single flaw.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

He's a dork.

[Zaslow]

I'll take that.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Yeah, he's not this. He's very nerdy. He's very nerdy.

[Stugats]

Well, you know, there are different kinds of Cubans. Correct?

[Mike Ryan]

Tony, feed him that line.

[Stugats]

Him and Cristobal are very different kinds of Cubans.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Yes. And his brother. I coached his brother as well. Alberto and Fernando are completely different, but Fernando's nerdy, and that's what makes him special. He's a football nerd. I keep telling everybody, what is the.

[Stugats]

Legend of Cristobal at that school?

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Well, it's the whole Cristobal family. It's, it's, it's a long lineage. You know, it started with his older brother Lou, and then. And then Mario here was. It was a great player and a really top notch offensive lineman. Not only here at the University of Miami. Coach Cristobal's two sons are on our team right now. His nephew Louis played for us. His other nephew, Richard played for us. Louis now coaches with us. So it's the crystal ball ties run deep here at Columbus High School.

[Stugats]

Can you explain to America what Columbus High School is? What it is, is a Cuban institution. What it is, is a Miami. I'm putting a lot on your plate there, but I'm sure you can do it.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Well, I'll say this. One of the things that one of Coach Maribal's wife, who's the offensive line coach at Miami, told my family when I moved down here to take the job, they said it's like a cult. But a good cult.

[Stugats]

Yeah. So I don't think, though, that people totally understand what's happening around your school this week. Can you explain it to us? Because the media has descended upon you, has it not?

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Yes. I usually don't wear pants at work, so this week I actually had to wear pants every day. I usually go shorts and work out there.

[Ira Winderman]

So the solid pan guys, there we go.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Everybody saw me on campus. They said, either you have an interview this today or you have a meeting. So it's been, there's been media here every single day. And it's, it's, it's been great for the school. It's unbelievable publicity for Us. It's just a great time to be here on campus.

[Tony]

Coach, if I can jump in for a second. Dan, by the way, I just want you to know not only is coach, you know, wearing pants, but I fought off CNN to be here. We beat CNN to talk to coach. CNN is sitting outside in black Suburban waiting for us to be done. So coach should go talk to them that I beat.

[Stugats]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Mike Ryan]

You know that I often do.

[Stugats]

I thank you for that. I also did not and was not expecting when I asked him to tell us about the most Cuban game ever and the greatest thing in the history of Columbus for his description of the vibes to be. I usually don't wear pants, but it's a pretty good description as far as. As far as those go. I don't think people understand though what's happening around the school. Right. It feel Columbus has a state championship game this week, does it or next week? Does it not?

[Coach Dave Dunn]

It does. It does, but it's a little bit. We're united but. But the big thing everyone tries to do this week is try to divide us of who you're pulling for Miami, the Mendozas. And I always, I said this before is if you have, if you have a whole bunch of kids, which one's your favorite kid, you really can't give a good answer to that. You know, I'm excited for, for us as a community and for, for the game in itself. I'm pumped up to be there Monday night and really honored to be able to watch all seven of our. Of our people who are from Columbus participate in this game.

[Greg Cote]

Coach, what's the worst part of the life?

[Coach Dave Dunn]

My life besides the pants.

[Tony]

I was going to say pants.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

The, not the. I would say for us is just everybody. Two things everybody asked me this week for either tickets or who I'm pulling for. That's probably been the toughest. The two biggest questions this week.

[Stugats]

Well, and the answer to the question is you have to root for Fernando, don't you? You have to be at what's going to happen to your heart at the end of the game? It's at the five yard line. Miami's up, but Fernando's got the ball. He needs a touchdown to win. What's going to be happening in his high school coach's heart even if he loves Miami, the city of Miami. Who are you going to be rooting for?

[Coach Dave Dunn]

It's a tough call. I don't know. I'll let my emotions at the time take over. I can't tell you. It's I've truly, even in my mind, stayed neutral just because I've known Coach Mirabal and Coach Cristobal since 1998, and I've coached all five players in the game. To me, it's tough. I'll definitely be torn either way is the best way to put it.

[Mike Ryan]

All right, good answer. Let me paint another scenario. Fernando marching Indiana down the field. Miami is winning. He needs a touchdown to win it. A throw in the back of the end zone. It's picked off, but it's Bryce Fitzgerald.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Tough. That's a good one. I will say this. The last touchdown ever thrown in a state championship game in Columbus history was Alberto Mendoza. 2 Bryce Fitzgerald to beat Mandarin High School, which is Carson Beck's school. So that's pretty cool.

[Stugats]

How many people at Columbus High School administrators are still there from having Mario Cristobal there as a student Place people.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Go to die when they work here. So we have a lot of people still here.

[Stugats]

Okay. All right, Tony, before the end of the. Before the end of the show today, see if you can find us someone who coached or was around Mario Cristobal. We will check in with you again later in the show. Coach, appreciate the time. Thank you for spending it with us. And congratulations. You've never had a week what. Like what in football comes close to what this is. Have you ever had something that feels anything close to what this week is now?

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Because even the state championship games that we've competed in, you're working the whole week in terms of getting ready for opponent. This one is. You can't kind of sit back and relish it a little bit more. So that's what makes it special.

[Stugats]

Thank you. And last note, Tony, anything on the. On the Cuban front that you wish to quiz him with on the Cubanness of this particular game so that he can explain to America how. Estupido tolo. Esto es.

[Tony]

So, coach, obviously you have a lot of Cuban things happening within not only the. The school, but outside of it. What is your favorite Cuban dish that you can explain to the. To the nation right now?

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Oh, croquetas.

[Tony]

Croquetas, without a doubt.

[Zaslow]

From where?

[Stugats]

What's your.

[Jesse]

What's your.

[Mike Ryan]

La carreta.

[Tony]

My guy, right. My guy right here, he knows exactly what's going on.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Now, I'm not a rookie.

[Ira Winderman]

Come on.

[Stugats]

Come on, Dan. He has learned things that people around here because Greg and Zaz stugats the way they have not been touched by our cumid community down here. David Sampson and don't know how to.

[Tony]

Coach Dunn is Boots on the ground, Dan. That's what it is. Those guys are not boots on the ground. All the guys you mentioned are up in Broward doing Broward things. God only knows what that is. This right here, Coach Dunn is on boots on the ground.

[Mike Ryan]

Look at these feet.

[Tony]

Look at these feet. 10 toes down with pants on. On the ground here in. In royalty. Of Cuban. Of Cuban Westchester.

[Stugats]

That is correct. Tony, thank you. Good work. Appreciate the effort. He has managed to break through the walls of the fortress. Thank you, Coach. Appreciate the time and again, congratulations. Happy for you and happy for the way that Columbus represents both our community and everything around sports, football and everything else.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Thanks, dad. Big fan of Sharp. I appreciate you having me on.

[Stugats]

Thank you, sir. There it is. Mike Ryan. Columbus does not hate me. He just said he's a big fan. Well, he didn't say he was a big fan of me. He said he's a big fan of the show. So it might be you and your Cam Ward jersey.

[Jesse]

It's probably me.

[Stugats]

12 parking passes and tickets you got.

[Mike Ryan]

No, not parking passes, but 12 tickets. Yeah.

[Greg Cote]

Quite the flex.

[Stugats]

But 12 golden cane, man.

[Mike Ryan]

I mean, Zagak.

[Ira Winderman]

Yeah, but of course, I heard from people that, like, if you had six season tickets, you only were given two.

[Zaslow]

Right.

[Mike Ryan]

But if you're a golden cane, then it multiplies.

[Jesse]

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[Mike Ryan]

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[Ira Winderman]

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[Stugats]

Don LeBatard what is the worst part of the life?

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Stugats.

[Jesse]

The worst part of the life.

[Dan LeBatard]

Of what this is the Don Levatar.

[Mike Ryan]

Show with the stugats.

[Stugats]

A couple of different things that I wanted to ask you guys about because, so you heard mentioned earlier during the show, the discovery of Michael Irvin's six or eight pack abs. Michael Irvin, famously, when he was a champion with the Cowboys, he wouldn't end some of his workouts until he had thrown up for the second time. Like the level of fitness and want and desire on what these guys do with their bodies, to be great at that sport is a lunacy. But even knowing that, even having spent a lot of time in locker rooms talking to football players about how they make their bodies what they are. You guys know I am an awkward hugger. You guys know I sometimes hug people who don't want to be hugged. Just Josh Norman most famously. But whatever Josh Norman was as a football player, and he was very good when I hugged him. And I'm gonna say almost anytime I've ever hugged any football player, Ricky Williams included, I have never felt physically what I felt from the body of Edgerton James, who is made of cast iron, even after all of these years away from football. And when. When I put my hand on his shoulder, I thought to myself, how the hell did anybody tackle?

[Mike Ryan]

I think he's. I think he's more muscular now. He's got more mass to him now than he did in his playing days.

[Stugats]

I just. But I can't believe, like, I wrote a cover story with Edron James for ESPN the Magaz that was controversial because it was, you know, gold teeth and. And whatever. For the time people, the Colts didn't like the picture, but he was talking about how he became the guy that. My pace friends, when they went to play against him and saw him in the backfield, they were like, how the hell are we supposed to do anything with this? The way he got strong is at 13 years old, he's unloading watermelon trucks at 13 years old. And what his body is is something that I have. Like, I'm telling you, I've been around football players and this level of physical. I'm assuming a lot of guys in the league are like that, but when that's colliding into each other, I'm just. The only reason I'm pointing any of this out is when Mario Cristobal says his team is violent and physical, like, that's what's coming at you. And maybe Indiana has played a whole bunch of teams that are 50 pounds heavier on the offensive line than Miami's is. But what you're talking about physically, I don't think that human beings. And I'm not saying I know more than you. I'm simply saying that even after 30 years talking to people about this and knowing what these bodies are, I'm still stunned sometimes like I was yesterday by edgering James many years after his retirement.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm really excited to see how the game plays out, not just because my team is playing in it and it's a national championship game, but because of the clash of styles. Now, don't get it twisted. Indiana does a fair amount of dominating at the line of scrimmage depending on the opponent. But in this matchup, their pathway to victory would appear to be not finesse, but execution and execution. A team that is highly disciplined, that won't beat itself, that is always in the right place against a team that tries out physical you, that the book on them is at times it can be undisciplined. They can beat themselves and Indiana will jump all over you. They do a good enough job of beating you. They don't need the help of you being yourself. I'm really excited about it. And also the way that they play is very much try and stop it. Miami, it's with the A gap. Try to stop it with Mendoza. That back shoulder throw that they always do to Surrot. It is always going to be there.

[Stugats]

Surat is great.

[Mike Ryan]

You can be draped all over Surat. Yeah, he's. He's an NFL draft pick, no doubt. Back shoulder throw, NFL type throw my body against yours. Try and stop it. You know exactly what's coming. I love that about these two teams is that. But, you know, there's a lot of conjecture online. There are no secrets here. We know exactly how this game is going to play out and who is going to be able to stop what the other does best. I can't wait.

[Jesse]

We've been talking a lot about how Miami is the more physical team than Indiana and they're bigger and stronger, but Indiana is so, like, experienced. All of these guys have so many games under their belt. And also time in college weight rooms.

[Ira Winderman]

Right.

[Jesse]

Like, I know that technically there's a disparity in terms of weight, but do you really think, like, I'm asking you the genuine question in terms of analysis, like, is Miami that much more physical.

[Mike Ryan]

Than Indiana at the line of scrimmage for the offensive line? I've been once Indiana played the way that they did in the Rose Bowl, I was fixated at the line of scrimmage and I'm really impressed with their center who I think won Rose bowl mvp. The way that he snaps the ball and gets out on the perimeter and starts throwing blocks, it's unreal. I do think that if there is a weak spot on that offensive line is right tackle, I think that there is something that Miami can probably attack there. I really, I think Miami is going to win. I'm actually a little bit more confident headed into this game than I was against Ole Miss. I thought that was a tricky spot for Miami and a tricky opponent. Mendoza can be prone to mistakes if you get after him and he does hold the ball a little bit longer. But I, I, I won't be surprised if Indiana goes into this game and and does its job and out executes it and Miami has to summon something really special to beat this team.

[Stugats]

Before we move on to other subject matter, do you have any thoughts on the ticket prices here? Because it's offensive like what's what and look, capitalism demand is what it is and so you get the ticket prices. But this is I there have been tough tickets in the history of South Florida, but this one is no, this is the toughest.

[Greg Cote]

This is probably the toughest ever. I'm grateful, like I'm credentialed, like I'm going to be there. I'm really lucky in that regard for from espn so I am going but I have been trying to grab a couple of extra tickets and it's just, it just doesn't seem possible. The tickets rights are outrageous. I understand capitalism. You could sell your tickets for as much as you think you can get from Fine. I will tell you the place that I do find to be offensive is the prices for the parking passes. Like, like that part. To me the ticket prices are crazy. But the parking passes, the cheapest parking pass I checked the other day was like $600 to park.

[Mike Ryan]

The strings that I had to pull was for a parking like that to me crazy.

[Greg Cote]

That to me seems not right.

[Zaslow]

Right.

[Greg Cote]

That that's how much parking there is.

[Mike Ryan]

There is rumors out there, messaging from Hard Rock Stadium that they're going to be checking cars and making sure that.

[Greg Cote]

People have no way they could regulate that. I was having that argument with my son yesterday. There is no way they could regulate.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm with you. I think that's something that they put out there mitigate. Maybe it's enforceable on the front end early on but once those gates get humming it would be a huge misstep. No chance to make sure everybody that is entering the premises has a ticket.

[Ira Winderman]

I know multiple people that are planning on going just to tailgate.

[Greg Cote]

Yeah, they're definitely going to get in the national championship. Is saying everybody has to have a ticket. Who's in the car. There is no chance that Buddy, who's scanning your barcode for your parking pass is asking to see everyone's ticket in the van.

[Stugats]

I want to ask you guys something based on a story here that I, I heard. I don't think any of you guys have seen this, but Rich Eisen was talking to John Elway who has a new documentary. And I'm about to tell you that's the reason I started the story that way. And the story, the reason that I'm telling it is and showing it to you is because I want to frame it from within the discussion of go get Tomlin. Go Harbaugh. He's a guy who knows how to have the wisdoms to do all of the things that make you a winner. And I want to play for you how close sometimes things can be in sports between you're great for all time or no one ever knew your name. And we don't actually have control over much of any of this, no matter how much we insist on making the coaches, people who know better than others, who's going to be great listen to this story.

[John Elway (clip)]

So then Terrell came in and you know, it's funny, you know, Terrell, we were in preseason and we're over in Japan. We were playing a game over preseason game over in Japan and Terrell was, Terrell was saying, you know what, he was like the seventh one on the depth chart and wasn't getting a lot of reps. And so he was like, man, you know, I'm done with this. He went downstairs, tried to check out because he was going to go home to say he didn't want to play football. And thank God they couldn't understand him in Japan. They couldn't understand what he wanted. So he had to go back up to a group the next day. He plays in the game and the special teams.

[Stugats]

That's right.

[John Elway (clip)]

Played a little bit running back, but in the special teams he ran down, made a big hit and then guys started getting hurt. Terrell moved up that, that, you know, the line fast and then Mike went to him the first, first game said, Terrell, you're going to be our starter. And then, you know, that's when, that's when things really started to move forward.

[Stugats]

Six round pick was going to quit. Makes John Elway a champion. Like, what is Tomlin, what you guys think Tomlin or Harbaugh if the Dolphins hire him, are going to have some special pixie dust that they can on that to make Terrell Davis be someone who isn't understood in a Japanese hotel.

[Greg Cote]

But those two things, though, aren't mutually exclusive. Like there's a little bit of luck that can also be involved in creating a winner.

[Mike Ryan]

He was a tremendous player, but quantifiably Mike Shanahan could do that with anybody.

[Stugats]

Okay, Mike Shanahan.

[Mike Ryan]

That being said, he decleted that dude. And I did not know he had that kind of dog in him looking like Steve Atwater. That was nuts.

[Stugats]

Mike Shanahan did indeed create running game out of nothing. His, his son can also do that.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, the zone blocking scheme designed by Shanahan always works. It just always does. Okay, But Terrell Davis would get hurt and Orlando Scary would follow and Mike Anderson would follow and Alfred Morris from.

[Stugats]

FAU would follow and Mike Shanahan won at the highest level. And Kyle hasn't won at the highest level. As Zaslow wonders whether Tomlin's one championship is enough to get him into the hall of Fame. You understand what I'm saying? The way that we do some of this analysis on the splitting of hairs and the gulf of difference between six round pick was going to quit but then wins. Elway2 Super Bowls like luck can be involved in that.

[Mike Ryan]

But highest level means just finally win the big one. Because he's gotten there as an OC. He's gotten there with the San Francisco 49ers. I'd say Kyle Shanahan has done a lot of winning at the highest of levels. It's just the super bowl has eluded him.

[Zaslow]

The biggest surprise in that story to me was that Terrell Davis was getting ready to give up on himself so quickly. Right. I mean, this is a guy who's a future hall of Famer. He, he should know how good he is better than anybody. But he's ready to leave Japan and say, to hell with the NFL. You're not giving me a chance. I'm out of here.

[Greg Cote]

Well, that's what he's giving up on is like, man, like I, I'm not even gonna get a chance. This is how this, this works. Like that's the party was giving up on. Right?

[Stugats]

Right. As far as sports analysis goes though, like just the endless hum of the machine that's forever critical of coaches and athletes. Mike Ryan just said something there that makes total sen. Also asinine. Kyle Shanahan has won at the highest level except for the Super Bowl. Now I understand what he's saying but the measure is the super bowl like second place for everybody else creates a cacophony of criticism that has no sanity in it.

[Mike Ryan]

No, I understand when you look at his career on the whole if he never wins one, it's what you can say about Kyle Shanahan. It's just social media does this thing and it's way worse in college football that if a team loses they suck. You know, if a coach loses they suck. And I kind of hate that because it also takes shine away from what you accomplish. You'll see it like if Miami wins this Indiana was a fraud all along. I just hate that these teams are exceptional. They're awesome. These guys are executing at a very high level.

[Ira Winderman]

Kyle Shanahan's thought I was like the best coach in NFL right now.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

But he hasn't won the big one. And it's something that you can always say and we're look, we do it, we're part of it. I was out here saying I want to see Steph Curry be the best player. It's something that it's something that we do but it is a little stupid. I just don't understand it.

[Stugats]

But as it relates specifically to Kyle Shanahan, everyone says now yes, great coach hasn't won the big one. A lot of people also say has blown more double digit leads by a factor of double than any other coach. Not great coach than any other coach in the league.

[Mike Ryan]

That would you are. I'd make the argument. I know this became canon around Gregg Popovich but I think this is his greatest coaching job.

[Stugats]

Everybody's hurt.

[Mike Ryan]

This is insane. Hall of Famers are hurt. Bosa now Kittle Warner and he's doing it all with Mr. Irrelevant at quarterback. No, but you're insanity.

[Stugats]

It's a step further than that though. He doesn't have have the normal load of receivers either. What happened with iuk it's something that hasn't happened to any other team in the league. And and Ayuk was their third receiver for a while when they were getting when they were Ayuk was not the best of their receivers and now they're doing it with an assortment of people that they're not going to be able to do it with. I don't think they're going to be able to do anything against Seattle. I think Seattle drags them if Sam Darnold doesn't. Sam Darnold on I don't want to.

[Mike Ryan]

Overlook that that also they have arguably the greatest running back of his generation. In Christian McCaffrey. And when you pair that skill set, that talent with Kyle Shanahan scheme, it's amazing. But if you look at them like you mentioned, passively, Trent Williams is washed now, and I was watching him, unrecognizable guys are beating him off the jump. He got away with holding on that touchdown like crazy. These aren't the same guys. And yet they won at Philadelphia. I think they said that on the broadcast, that those two teams have represented the NFC in the last five Super Bowls. It's insane like that. That to pull off a victory at the defending super bowl champion that they did.

[Stugats]

They would have beaten Philadelphia a few years ago in Philadelphia if they didn't have to put Christian McCaffrey at quarterback because they just run out of quarterbacks. The amount of injuries on that team that they have overcome is an insanity.

[Greg Cote]

Is Harbaugh, hall of Fame quarterback a coach?

[Stugats]

Yeah. I'm sorry, that's going on. You've been misspeaking all week. You did it again with Nick.

[Mike Ryan]

He had a nice career.

[Stugats]

You did it again with Nick Wright.

[Greg Cote]

So to clarify, I'm talking about John Harbaugh, the coach, not Jim Harbaugh, quarterback.

[Stugats]

Can you play that question?

[Greg Cote]

Yeah, let's play it.

[Stugats]

Play the question again of Zaslow. He asked it almost the same exact way somehow of Nick Grimes.

[Greg Cote]

The packers win or the Bear lose. Bears lose.

[Zaslow]

Well put.

[Greg Cote]

Why you gotta embarrass me to another national person? I was already embarrassed with Diana, who specifically pointed out that I. Up until that moment, I asked great questions. All right? And now I'm embarrassed in front of. Make me. Make me a sucker. And now. And now Nick Wright, too. He already didn't like me.

[Jesse]

That's why you don't have any of these.

[Greg Cote]

Packers winner. The Bear lose. Bears lose.

[Tony]

All right. Kicking things off with smearing off the official vodka, sponsor of the NFL. And then a more vodka in the world. Chris Cody, you're here.

[Stugats]

Smear it off.

[Tony]

Wow, you're on the money with smeared off.

[Dan LeBatard]

Chris, you know what goes great with smeared off?

[Tony]

Yes, but I'm really talking about game day fit. The style's gotta match the vibe. All right, here's the deal.

[Mike Ryan]

Game day is everything.

[Tony]

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[John Elway (clip)]

Wow.

[Tony]

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[Dan LeBatard]

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[John Elway (clip)]

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[Stugats]

Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER NEW YORK, Call 877-8-HOPE NY or text Hopeny Connecticut. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org on behalf.

[Ira Winderman]

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[Stugats]

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[Zaslow]

A woman who was out swimming with her friends is believed to have been swallowed whole by a 13 foot shark without any of her friends noticing. That's the weirdest part about that story. You're swimming with friends, you're having a good time and then all of a sudden people are looking around going, where's Shelly? Like nobody screamed.

[Ira Winderman]

Every friend group has a Shelly though.

[Jesse]

That if they go missing because a.

[Greg Cote]

Shark ate them whole, you wouldn't notice. Classic Shelly.

[Jesse]

Exactly right.

[Zaslow]

Yeah.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Stugats.

[Zaslow]

She went quietly, apparently. If I'm swallowed whole by a shark, you're gonna know it.

[Stugats]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats. We are building up until next Monday. We're gonna do a watch along. We're going to throw an assortment of insanity at the entirety of the event. More so than we have this week.

[Mike Ryan]

Is it a full show in the morning? Because I got to leave a little early. It wasn't aware we were doing the full compliment.

[Stugats]

I got to go on a national holiday I wish to do. I'd like to do 12 straight hours of programming. But Greg, what other things have you brought from your garage here today? You told us about the media guide, I imagine. 1969 media guide, that is.

[Zaslow]

Yeah. Media guys don't.

[Ira Winderman]

Holy shit, is that flimsy.

[Zaslow]

First of all, it's difficult to find a media guide anymore. But they grew to be like books, like tabletop books for.

[Stugats]

For the audience that has never seen a media guide. A media guide is generally 400 times thicker than that.

[Ira Winderman]

This looks like a pamphlet.

[Zaslow]

It does. But this is the way they used to be. This is the. The Dolphins were born in 1966. This is their second ever media guide. Press like a brochure.

[Stugats]

It really does look like a turnpike brochure.

[Jesse]

Yeah, like it's going to tell you everything that you at Disney World.

[Zaslow]

Yeah. But keep in mind that only had one season, so maybe it didn't need to be much bigger. But here's the coach George Wilson. It's. It's fun to have. I don't know why pages. I put my name in there.

[Ira Winderman]

I can't believe those pages still turn.

[Jesse]

Yeah, don't open that too far apart.

[Dan LeBatard]

Be careful with that.

[Stugats]

Crusty. Why did you write your name there?

[Zaslow]

I have no idea.

[Stugats]

Just self involvement. Just like you like thinking of yourself at all times.

[Zaslow]

I think I misspelled my own name. Luke. Like Coto.

[Ira Winderman]

That's ripping up top.

[Mike Ryan]

Be careful.

[Jesse]

Ripping.

[Zaslow]

And the other thing I brought was the. As far as I know, this is the first photograph ever taken of me on the job as like a. A working journalist. I'm even writing in a notebook.

[Stugats]

Long haired hippie you are. Your hair is out of control there. This is the man Erlene fell in love with. A little bit of rock and roll, a little bit of marijuana dust, a little.

[Greg Cote]

What year is that?

[Zaslow]

Based on my age, 1930, early 70s.

[Ira Winderman]

That when you said people said you look like Tom Cruise?

[Zaslow]

No, that was after.

[Coach Dave Dunn]

Who are you?

[Stugats]

Who are you interviewing here?

[Zaslow]

I don't. I might be a Fort Lauderdale striker, Dutch defender named John Pot.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay.

[Greg Cote]

But I'm not awfully specific for. Might be.

[Stugats]

How is John Pot second on the list.

[Ira Winderman]

Roughly John Pott.

[Stugats]

Giving off pot here.

[Mike Ryan]

Approximately John Pot.

[Stugats]

Roughly John Pot.

[Zaslow]

I'm just guessing.

[Stugats]

Please keep bringing in things from your garage. Okay. We cannot have enough of them. Mike Ryan, why are you mad at Ty Simpson? Like, what is the nature of your beef?

[Mike Ryan]

So Ty Simpson came out and gave an interview after he formally signed his papers to enter the NFL draft. It is no secret that Miami was trying to get Ty Simpson over to their program even after he declared for the NFL draft and he gave an interview in which he put Miami's private business out there. Now, Miami's had two pursuits of note. Sam Levitt, the Arizona State quarterback that ended up committing to Louisiana State University, and Ty Simpson. That's what people know. Now, Sam Levitt, he's had some character stuff around him. Miami feels a certain way about it. But, you know, all in all, he hasn't said anything dumb publicly. You lose an arms race occasionally. I think Ty Simpson tried to do something that he thinks was high character and it's really, really cheap because he said, well, then I declared for the NFL draft and then Miami came with this huge offer and he Puts a number out there. It's been reported Miami offered Ty Simpson six and a half. Now, you have to keep in mind when you see these numbers out there, that doesn't necessarily mean that's the offer that Miami was offering. It's certainly the number that the agent was saying for one year. Dude, Brendan Soaresby got five. This is what they're saying. I have my doubts, but either way, he was doing that and he was touting his legacy. I didn't want to be known as a quarterback that left Alabama and chased the money in Tennessee or Miami. I'm proud of what I built here. Ty, brother, you lost to two Cuban quarterbacks by a thousand to like 12. What are we talking about? You're not even John Parker Wilson when it comes to out Alabama lore.

[Greg Cote]

I don't know that fool.

[Mike Ryan]

And I understand this sounds like sour grapes and to a degree, I'll even let you have that. But what you did in that interview by putting Miami's business out there was mad cheap and you played yourself because you're thinking that you're gonna buy clout with Alabama. Alabama doesn't think of you glowingly. You're the guy that on their watch, let the shine wear off. What are you doing, dude? That's not something that you do. And it may not stick to you, but it's gonna stick to your agent. When you put people's business out there for you to come on lower character than Sam Levitt, that says a lot about you.

[Greg Cote]

Why do some people. Why do I hear some people say that the numbers out there are fake? That the Canes aren't actually paying these guys this number.

[Stugats]

Omar Kelly. It's not some people. It's Omar Kelly that you've heard say this. I just want to put on the poll before he answers that question at LeBatard show. Please put this on the. On the poll is Ty Simpson mad cheap playing himself. What are you doing, dude? Yes or no?

[Mike Ryan]

I always take the numbers that are out there with a grain of salt. Cause sometimes I have an idea of what the number is and it doesn't match what's out there. A lot of these things are put out there by agents that are trying to get clients, be it in high school or at other schools. Look at the offers that I command. And the school's not gonna come out there and say that's not true. Because it's not a bad thing that people think. Miami is willing to pay six and a half million dollars. That may very well be the case.

[Zaslow]

Totally legal.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, that may very well be the case here. Miami is in a tough spot right now when it comes to the portal, in part because they've been playing these games and it's a difficult thing to manage right now.

[Zaslow]

Didn't Beck get 4 million? I mean, that's the going rate.

[Mike Ryan]

That was a thing that was out there.

[Ira Winderman]

Omar's skeptical of that as well.

[Mike Ryan]

Maybe the totality of his deal reached that with incentives. But I know that the number that was out there circulating early on was not the number that the deal was for.

[Stugats]

That sounds like I happen to know. All of that sounds like I happen to know. So take us inside some of the business of this, Mike, because you are in the middle of the business of all of this. What is going on with Miami in the portal. Because if this is to be a sustainable thing. Look, I really didn't have this going this particular way, okay? I did not have Mario Cristobal improving the program each of the years and then being able to do something after Cam Ward that was better than Cam Ward. I did not not think that the getting of Carson Beck would be more interesting or exciting than what I just witnessed from a number one overall pick in a draft. But I was proven wrong there because that's not where my expectations were. Now after two of those seasons, I am looking at it. I'm like, well, how are they going to replace this quarterback now? When yesterday you were making the argument of like, well, Malachi, Tony might be nice if everyone starts being. Everyone starts being greedy about this and the numbers start climbing into a place where the court, where Ty Simpson thinks he's worth $6 million when all he did this year was desecrate what Alabama has built for 15 years. This was the worst Alabama team I have seen in 15 years.

[Mike Ryan]

I think a lot of people, I just saw Mel Kuiper saying, I would have advised Ty Simpson to stay. And I think the part of Miami's pitch to Ty Simpson was look at the stats when it comes to quarterbacks that have had fewer than 15 starts in college. There's a lot of Anthony Richardson guys that actually stay in school and stack up the starts, their career goes better. But Ty Simpson got a first round grade from every GM that he spoke to. We're talking like highly respected front offices. We're talking when Les need tells you your first round pick, I don't know if you can pass that up because you want to accelerate the timeline to the, to the second contract. I don't have a beef with him not choosing Miami. I Have a beef with him putting the business out there. But I'm not going to sugarcoat Miami's current situation right now. Miami could approach this quarter the quarterback pursuit better. And I'm saying that even having no one, I'm wearing a number one Cam Ward jersey because he was the number one overall draft pick and Carson Beck's in the national title game. People have no idea how close those were to absolute swing and misses. Because Miami went for the best and they luckily got it. Right now, I think Miami's situation is if there is a quarterback and we're right now in a dead period and this feels kind of messed up to say, but. But I wouldn't be looking at guys that are in the portal right now. Right now you have agents reaching out to you with kids that haven't exactly signed their papers just yet. Maybe they've even announced other schools that see what's happening at Miami and realize, okay, this is a place where my guy can succeed and Miami's in a situation now where they've missed out on their two top choices. So I would say if Miami does get another quarterback and they feel good about the guys in the room. But I think if you look at the totality of the roster, it's safe to say that Miami might take a step back next year. And that's unfortunate. Given the momentum of the program, they have to nail that position. I would say that if Miami does get a quarterback in the portal, it's not somebody that's actually in the portal right now.

[Greg Cote]

Well informed. I'll tell you what, Dan. Speaking of agents putting stuff out there, John Morant, the Heat stuff is heating up.

[Jesse]

It is.

[Greg Cote]

There's some stuff out there, right, Jeremy?

[Ira Winderman]

Yeah.

[Jesse]

Kelly Eco from Yahoo Sports just put out an article.

[Greg Cote]

What do you say?

[Jesse]

Um, and within the middle of it here, it talks about how Miami is where JA wants to be. It says there are teams with varying levels of interest in Morant. Minnesota, Sacramento, Milwaukee, to name a few. But Miami has emerged quickly as an attractive option to Morant and his camp in recent days, sources said. And this is the really interesting part. It says the Heat have historically been regarded as one of the NBA's most detail oriented and structured organization. A major aspect of development that appeals to Martin, who has missed 34 games due to various suspensions. Morant also has a deep respect for Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra, who runs Team USA. Morant desires to represent his country in the 2028 Summer Olympics in LA. Miami's veteran presence is an additional Selling point and something Morant craves.

[Stugats]

You wouldn't have to give up much for him is what the attractive thing is. You're buying him unbelievably cheap. You never find the superstar for a 26 year old. You never find. You never find the guy who was being talked about as face of the league at 25 in the discount bin. That never happens. This is as damaged a face of the league as there has ever been at this age in terms of availability. It's just interesting to me, the conversation about this being available as Giannis becomes available and do you want someone you have to trade everything for or do you want someone who you're gonna be able to get get unbelievably cheap, who's also six years younger, that no one believes will ever be a three point shooter, that no one believes will ever be a threat from the perimeter. And I have questions about how much he wants to play the difficult game at his body type that is required at the rim.

[Greg Cote]

Here's the thing and here's where I think maybe things have changed and it's changed a little bit for me because I've been out on jaw, but I, I'm certainly inclined to be in on jaw when it would appear. I don't think they have to give up very much to get him. I think the landscape in the NBA when it comes to making these big trades, I think it's changing where I don't think you're gonna have to give up all these draft picks anymore and all the young players. I think the Trae Young thing was a little bit of a precursor to that. And if you're going to be able to get jaw for very little, which I think is the case, then I think the plan becomes oh, can you also get Giannis?

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah. Hearing you talk it out, that's where I'm at. Why not both? Why are you making it an either or? And I'll tell you exactly why. Because this franchise never gets anybody anymore.

[Zaslow]

There's the only question I'm asking if I'm Riley and spo is what's the difference between a team stuck in playoff purgatory like we are right now in a championship contender? It's not Ja Morant. Right. But it might be.

[Stugats]

I disagree. I think Yah Yah Jah at his best is better than any player the Heat have the best of jaw that we have seen is better than anyone who presently plays for the Miami Heat.

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