The Dan Patrick Show: C&R - McCarthy Crocodile Tears, Breaking Belichick Bomb!
Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Steve Covino (“Covino”), Rich Davis, Dan Beyer, Danny G, Iowa Sam
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Episode Overview
This episode of Covino & Rich dives into two of the NFL’s hottest coaching headlines: the emotional homecoming of Mike McCarthy to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the bombshell that legendary coach Bill Belichick fell short of first-ballot Hall of Fame induction. The crew breaks down the meaning behind McCarthy’s tears, the reaction among Steelers fans, and how rare it is for people to come “full circle” in their careers. Then, live on air, breaking news hits about Belichick missing the HOF cut, sending the studio into disbelief and sparking a sharp debate about sports legacies, voter grudges, and the impact of scandals. Interwoven are personal stories and classic C&R humor, plus some candid listener calls and reflections on sports dreams coming true.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Snow Shoveling & Inflation Side Chat (02:12–04:48)
- Modern “Snow Shovel Economy”:
- Rich discusses how snow shoveling, once a classic kid’s hustle, is now dominated by professionals charging exorbitant rates (“250 bucks!” – 04:09).
- “Taking jobs away from high school nose pickers, man. Leave it to the high school kids.” – Covino (04:30)
- Sets the stage for a bigger theme: how things change over time, from childhood dreams to grown-up realities.
Super Bowl Prep & Sports Media Anticipation (05:07–06:29)
- Covino and Rich express excitement (and a bit of disbelief) about heading to Santa Clara for Super Bowl coverage.
- “...I feel like this is going to be our biggest super bowl yet. So Covino and Rich, center stage.” – Rich (05:31)
- They preview athlete and celebrity interviews, schmoozing with industry vets, and bonus content.
Steelers Hire Mike McCarthy – Fan Reaction & Resume Realness
[Main segment begins 06:30]
The Stability & Surprise of the Steelers (07:04–08:16)
- Pittsburgh’s reputation for rare coaching changes sets the scene.
- Mike McCarthy’s résumé is recounted: Packers (Super Bowl winner), Cowboys, and now Steelers.
- There’s acknowledgment that Steelers fans found the hire “underwhelming,” with some hoping for a younger OC.
- “This hire was underwhelming to a lot of Steelers fans over the weekend. In fact, it kind of felt like a news dump.” – Guest Analyst (08:03)
- Covino defends McCarthy’s knowledge and experience: “174 wins in the NFL...as far as knowledge and a guy to coach, the Steelers should be pretty pumped about that.” (08:30)
Emotional Press Conference: McCarthy’s Dream Come True (10:25–11:18)
- Rich identifies with emotionally driven stories (“...I get emotionally pulled to that. If someone’s...parents were in jail and he’s an orphan, and then he, you know, now he’s singing on the big stage, I’m like, that’s beautiful.” – 10:35)
- They play a clip of Mike McCarthy’s teary Steelers presser:
- Quote:
"I understand and embrace the responsibility,...the weight that comes with this stewardship, this city, this franchise, this fan base means the world to me because Pittsburgh’s my world. And it’s just awesome to be back here."
— Mike McCarthy (11:00)
- Quote:
- Covino and Rich frame his emotion as more than a fourth job—this is his “childhood team,” a true full-circle moment.
Why So Emotional? (11:54–16:22)
- The crew speculates if the tears are for going home or gratitude for a rare third NFL chance.
- “So playing for your childhood team, coaching for your childhood team, I’m sure has something to do with it. But again, it’s that third opportunity. It’s trying to make the most of it, take it all in. He’s front of his home city.” – Covino (16:22)
Rarity of “Full Circle” Childhood Dreams (16:36–21:14)
- They riff on other athletes who get to play—for or coach—their childhood teams (e.g., Anthony Volpe, Garrett Cole, Tom Brady).
- “I imagine the percentage is really low where these players get to play for the team they dreamed about as children.” – Covino (18:23)
- Rich likens it to his own feeling coaching his son’s Little League Mets: “If I’m excited that me and my kid are on the Ponyball Mets, how do you think a pro feels? Take my feelings and amplify them by a minute.” (20:09)
BREAKING: Bill Belichick Falls Short of First-Ballot Hall of Fame
[Breaking news drop: 21:28–25:18]
The Bombshell & Raw Reaction
- Dan Beyer delivers ESPN’s scoop:
- “A report from ESPN says that former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will not be a first time first ballot Hall of Famer...” (21:31)
- Quote: “Belichick fell short of the 40 votes out of the 50 needed to get in...Belichick quoted as saying ‘Six Super Bowls isn’t enough and what does a guy have to do?’” — Dan Beyer (21:48)
- “That’s crazy.” – Covino (21:47)
- “Those Jabronis deserve to get their vote taken away.” – Rich (23:49)
Debating the Snub & Legacy
- The crew is floored, raising theories (feuds with media, Spygate/Deflategate, recent team performance without Brady).
- “You could think whatever you want about Belichick as a person...everyone should be able to acknowledge what he did for the Patriots and in the NFL. Damn. So that’s—that’s just ridiculous.” – Covino (24:04)
- Dan Beyer connects the dots with other snubbed coaching greats (Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren): “If Belichick’s not getting in, how are their cases any better?” (23:22)
- “Lesson learned, I guess.” – Covino on the political realities behind Hall votes (41:33)
The “Crying in Sports” Angle & Listener Engagement
[Transitions to emotional intelligence, fan input, and lasting impact of the news]
Age and Emotion; Permission to Cry? (34:21–34:40)
- Covino: “How many cries do you get per year? We already established as you get older, you do tend to get more emotional.”
- Sets up a discussion for men on emotional expression in high-profile sports and life.
Listeners Weigh In: Cheating Scandals & HOF Votes (29:56–31:53)
- Multiple listeners and hosts speculate that Belichick’s scandals (Spygate, Deflategate) and his chilly reputation with the press cost him the unanimous nod.
- “Yeah, just thought, I mean, if Belichick’s not getting in, it’s because one of those votes, those guys are like, are mad at him for cheating, you know, for being accused of cheating multiple times.” – Isaac, caller (30:18)
- Dan Beyer: “...Belichick probably wasn’t the warmest towards some reporters. And these are people who vote for the Hall of Fame.” (31:24)
- Covino: “When you really dissect it and break it down, making sense of something that didn’t make sense just minutes ago, that’s exactly what happened.” (31:36)
- “...He’ll get in, but this is their way of making a statement.” – Rich (31:53)
Quick Hits & Notable Moments
Steelers' McCarthy, Allen, and Player-Coach Relationships
- Covino and Dan Beyer discuss if McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers are truly reconciled (13:13).
- “I believe that Aaron Rodgers has a better appreciation for what Mike McCarthy did for his career and did for his time in Green Bay...” – Dan Beyer (13:55)
Coaching Carousel & Young Hires (36:59–37:38)
- talk of the NFL veering younger in coaching: “Joe Brady, youngest coach in the NFL now, 36.” – Rich (37:04)
Iconic Macho Man Debate (33:35–34:14)
- Covino and Rich banter about who’s the “real” Macho Man, ranking Randy Savage, Macho Camacho, and even video game characters.
Hall of Fame Voting Petty Theories
- Covino raises if Belichick’s highly publicized relationship with a 20-something could have cost him votes (39:49–41:33)
- “Do you think the Jordan Hudson thing had anything to do with maybe a vote or two? People are petty, dude.” – Covino (40:09)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
- On McCarthy’s Emotions:
“This city, this franchise, this fan base means the world to me because Pittsburgh’s my world. And it’s just awesome to be back here.” — Mike McCarthy (11:00) - On Steelers Fans’ Tepid Reaction:
“I think maybe they were not underwhelmed. I think they were just whelmed.” — Rich (08:54) - On Belichick HOF Snub:
“Belichick fell short of the 40 votes out of the 50 needed to get in...Belichick quoted as saying ‘Six Super Bowls isn’t enough and what does a guy have to do?’” — Dan Beyer (21:48) - On Biased Voting:
“Belichick probably wasn’t the warmest towards some reporters. And these are people who vote for the Hall of Fame.” — Dan Beyer (31:24) - On Childhood Sports Dreams:
“I imagine the percentage is really low where these players get to play for the team they dreamed about as children.” — Covino (18:23) - Listener Call:
“If Belichick’s not getting in, it’s because one of those votes, those guys are like, are mad at him for cheating, you know...” — Isaac, caller (30:18)
Important Segment Timestamps
- Snow shoveling and inflation anecdote: 02:12–04:48
- Super Bowl broadcast anticipation: 05:07–06:29
- Steelers hire McCarthy; reaction and emotional context: 06:30–16:22
- Full-circle childhood sports dreams: 16:36–21:24
- BREAKING BELICHICK HOF SNUB: 21:28–25:18
- Belichick legacy debate, cheating, and emotions: 25:38–31:53
- Listener callers and “petty voting” discussion: 29:56–31:53
- NFL coaching changes and youth movement: 36:59–37:38
- Fun banter (“Macho Man” debate): 33:35–34:14
Tone, Style, and Flow
The episode combines classic sports radio energy, fandom, and humor. C&R’s style is accessible and relatable, mixing pop culture asides with informed sports commentary. The emotional impact of sports for both public figures and average fans is a running thread, anchored by the McCarthy and Belichick stories. The hosts don’t shy away from ribbing each other or pondering the more human elements behind famous names.
Value for Listeners
Whether you’re a hardcore NFL watcher or just intrigued by what happens off the field, this episode offers:
- Deep dives on coaching careers, NFL culture, and the politics of legacy.
- Candid and sometimes humorous admission of what it means to “come home” again—whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just a Little League dad.
- Immediate, raw radio reaction to stunning breaking news about an all-time-great coach.
- A unique look at how sports emotions—from tears to pride—reflect bigger truths about growing up, dreams, and doing what you love.
In Short:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by sports legacies, media drama, and the human stories beneath the stats. Touching, surprising, and laugh-out-loud at times, it shows why Covino & Rich have become an essential sports talk listen.