The Dan Patrick Show (Covino & Rich Takeover)

Episode: "Harbaugh's Steep Contract Demands"

Date: January 10, 2026
Podcast by: iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Overview

This episode, hosted by Covino & Rich (in place of Dan Patrick), dives into the trending topic of John Harbaugh's reported contract demands as he enters the NFL coaching job market. The show discusses how Harbaugh is leveraging his high demand to request unprecedented power and salary, compares his requests to those of celebrated coaches, and examines negotiation strategies in sports and everyday life. The hosts also touch on college football, viral sports moments, and take listener feedback on coaching moves.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. College Football Talk and Weekend Setup

• Miami’s win & CFB Playoff preview:
  Early in the episode, Covino and Rich congratulate the University of Miami on their big win and discuss upcoming playoff scenarios, hyping Indiana vs. Oregon and the potential for great national championship storylines.
  [02:41–03:56]
• Funny coverage moments & mispronunciations:
  The hosts have a lighthearted conversation about different college football TV feeds and how people mispronounce teams and places (e.g., “Oregon” pronounced by East Coasters; Ochocinco’s viral “Raleigh” moment).
  [03:03–07:20]

2. Pass Interference: NFL vs. College Rules

• The team debates the difference between NFL and college pass interference penalties, questioning whether spot fouls (NFL style) are fair compared to the 15-yard penalty (college).
• Quote:

  "Spot fouls are tricky, especially when it puts someone in field goal range automatically." — Rich [08:49]

3. Main Segment: John Harbaugh’s Steep Contract Demands

Begins ~[09:35]

Details of Harbaugh's Reported Demands

• Source: Tony Grossi, ESPN Cleveland
• Demands:
  • $20 million/year salary
  • $10 million staff budget
  • Total authority over the roster
  • The right to select his own GM

Reactions and Analysis

• Covino and Rich break down each demand’s legitimacy and compare them to top NFL coaching salaries:
  • Andy Reid: $20M/year
  • Sean Payton: $18M/year
  • Tomlin, Jim Harbaugh: ~$16M/year
  • McVay: $15M, Shanahan: $14M
    [11:29–12:54]
• The hosts note that Harbaugh, while respected, has "only" one Super Bowl but is the hottest coach on the market.
• Quote:

  “He’s in a position of power... he got seven, eight phone calls the minute they let him go, everybody wants some Harbaugh.” — Covino [10:38]

• Discussion around supply and demand: Teams in desperation may be willing to fulfill such steep demands.
• The most contentious points are absolute roster control and GM selection, which would give Harbaugh total organizational power.
• Listener input: Some argue these demands may be especially for the Browns, historically seen as a dysfunctional “clown car” team Harbaugh has no desire to coach.
  [15:00–16:23], [40:00–40:23]

Is Harbaugh Crazy or Just Savvy?

• The hosts debate whether Harbaugh is overreaching or simply playing his hand to perfection, given rare career leverage.
• Quote:

  “When you are in demand... you might have an opportunity where... you actually have some leverage, and you could call the shots.” — Rich [16:28]

• They compare it to “art of negotiation,” noting you should always ask for more and let the market decide.
• Parallels are drawn to everyday negotiations (car buying, job contracts, even dating).
• Quote:

  “In any negotiation, you always shoot high... you know the team's going to come back with something a little lower.” — Covino [33:58]

The Precedent of Winning Coaches at Multiple Stops

• The show examines the rare success of elite coaches after moving teams; most (Parcells, Phil Jackson, Joe Torre, Pat Riley) achieved greatness in only one primary stop.
• Quote:

  "It's very rare when that Super Bowl, World Series, NBA title winning coach goes on to the next gig and is like, 'I'm bringing you a championship.'" — Rich [22:47]

The Fan Perspective: Should Fans Care About Coach Salary?

• They remind listeners that coach salaries do not count against the salary cap:
• Quote:

  “You should care as a fan about money against the cap. And a coach is not in that category.” — Rich [24:29]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Harbaugh’s boldness:

  "He's in a position of power. ... This is what I expect: 20 million per year... One Super Bowl, I mean that's one more than a lot of people." — Covino [10:38]

• On negotiations in life:

  "There are very few times in a man or woman’s life where you have that power... you could demand any crazy stuff." — Rich [16:46]

• On comparing coach salaries:

  “Andy Reid makes $20 million a year. … Been to the Super Bowl a ton of times. … Sean Payton, 18, Tomlin at 16, McVay 15. But it’s supply and demand.” — Rich [11:37]

• On the “clown car” organizations:

  “Do you think Jim Harbaugh looks at Cleveland and goes, yeah, I don't care what. Nope. Whatever you're gonna give me. No, no thanks. No, thanks. Jets. Clown car.” — Rich [15:00]

• Listener Fred in West Virginia theorizing:

  “I think this is just a list of demands just tailored for the Browns. He spent the last 19 years hating this team. ... If you want me to fix it, this is my price.” — Fred [40:02]

• On everyday negotiation:

  “If you are not getting what you want at your job ... I don't think there's any harm in you saying ... can you throw me, like, one or two more flex days?” — Rich [31:33]

Important Timestamps

• 00:40 — Weekend football/college football banter begins
• 02:41 — Miami congratulations, college football storylines
• 09:35 — Start of Harbaugh contract demands discussion
• 11:29 — Salary comparisons to other coaches
• 13:10 — Discussion on “supply and demand” and negotiation leverage
• 15:00 — Listeners weigh in on "clown car" teams Harbaugh may never consider
• 16:28–18:44 — Negotiation strategies, real-life parallels
• 22:13 — History of great coaches succeeding (or not) after changing teams
• 24:29 — Should fans care about coaching salaries?
• 33:00 — Caller (John from South Dakota) expands on ownership dysfunction and Harbaugh's leverage
• 40:02 — Listener Fred: “This is just for the Browns.”

Listener Feedback & Chat Highlights

• The chat is lively, with predictions of Harbaugh landing spots (e.g., “Men’s Warehouse guarantee: Cardinals!” [30:12]).
• Other listeners debate whether Harbaugh could demand as much in broadcasting (consensus: no).
• There’s reflection on life “demands” and whether it's appropriate to always ask for what you want, regardless of odds of getting it.

Conclusion

This Covino & Rich-led episode is entertaining, sharp, and loaded with insights for NFL and negotiation fans alike. The main takeaway is that John Harbaugh, capitalizing on rare market leverage, is justified in making sky-high demands—whether or not any owner, even the most desperate, will surrender that much power is another question entirely. The hosts relate these sports maneuvers to real-world negotiating, offering a blend of sports analysis, humor, and practical wisdom.

For more fun and football talk, tune in to Covino & Rich live weekdays or revisit the best-of podcasts on the iHeartRadio app or YouTube.