The Dan Patrick Show (Covino & Rich)

Episode: C&R - Payton Pulls a Coach Pop, Sam Pulls a Muscle!
Date: January 15, 2026
Podcast by: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Overview

This episode of "The Dan Patrick Show" (as hosted by Covino & Rich) zeroes in on sports culture, media interactions, and the sometimes combative dynamic between coaches and reporters—highlighted by Sean Payton's viral press conference moment. The hosts balance their usual mix of humor and insight, discussing standout performances, coach/player dynamics, and major pop culture sports headlines. There’s also a lighthearted competitive segment and classic back-and-forth banter throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sean Payton's Combative Press Moment

Starts ~[08:00]

• Main Event: Sean Payton responds testily to a reporter’s question about football strategy, notably asking, “What do you know about attacking downhill in the run game?”—which the hosts dissect for tone.
• Discussion:
  • Is the press becoming an easier target, or are coaches less tolerant of what they perceive as ‘uninformed’ questions?
  • The distinction between legitimate sports reporting and attempts to bait or “gotcha” questions.
  • The role and validity of traditional reporters vs. newer, personality-driven media (reference to McAfee/Rodgers interviews).
  • Ethical boundaries in coach-reporter relations, with parallels drawn to Greg Popovich’s infamous press interactions.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “What do you know about attacking downhill in the run game? You don’t know? All right. That’s right.” – Sean Payton (via audio clip, [09:21])
  • “Sometimes as an interviewer, you’re asking questions so that people could explain… Maybe you’re giving them the opportunity to make it clear what is the strategy or what’s going on?” – Sam Covino ([09:57])
  • “Kindness never goes out of style. People being rude just for being rude... what do you know about punching down, because I think you’re just bullying a goofy reporter right now.” – Sam Covino ([16:24])

2. The “Coach Popovich” Standard & Etiquette

Starts ~[17:41]

• Topic: When, if ever, is it acceptable for a coach to ‘snap’ at the media?
  • Acknowledgment that “Pop being Pop” is a unique dynamic, but most coaches don’t get that pass.
  • Historical badges of honor for reporters—e.g., getting ‘dissed’ by Bobby Knight or Greg Popovich.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “It’s like being dissed by Eminem… You weren’t a reporter in the NBA until Popovich gave you a short answer and told you to beat it.” – Rich Davis ([18:20])
  • “Other than Greg Popovich, everyone else—step up your game.” – Rich Davis ([18:34])

3. Sportsmanship, Kindness, and Human Decency

Starts ~[16:29]

• The Value of Civility:
  • How people treat ‘the staff’—waiters, store clerks, media—reflects true character.
  • Discussion expands to everyday markers of decency: returning grocery carts, saying “thank you,” etc.
• Quote:
  • “That’s the ultimate test of how you are as a human. That and returning your grocery cart.” – Rich Davis ([16:49])

4. Lighthearted Show Segments & Listener Interaction

Mike’s “Words of Wisdom” Contest

[05:32], Winner at [15:16]

• Format: Listeners call in to repeat a humorous, prerecorded “word of wisdom.” If they recite it accurately, they win a CNR/FSR Nerf football.
• This Week’s Wisdom:
  • “Starting your day with an early morning run is the best way to make sure that the rest of your day can’t get any worse than it started.” – “Big Mike”, echoed at [07:44] and [15:16]

“Midweek Major” Segment

[27:26]

• Game: Sports & pop culture headlines are presented for hot takes.
• Notable Topics:
  1. Jameis Winston’s celibacy in a contract year ([29:22])
     • “No abstaining… a lot of married guys do that automatically.” – Rich Davis ([30:21])
     • Insights into athletes’ rituals for focus; skepticism about actual benefits.
  2. Airbnb Price Surge for World Cup/Olympics ([32:56])
     • Renting out homes near major events for tens of thousands—hosts debate the practicality and dignity trade-offs.
  3. Tom Brady: “Today’s athletes are too soft” ([35:43])
     • “He knows the way to do it, so why wouldn’t you take his advice? You know better than Tom Brady?” – Sam Covino ([37:17])
     • Generational shift in accountability and coaching style.
  4. Miami player’s mom drives 17,000 miles to see him play ([38:21])
     • Sweet but “mid” story; commentary on mothers, travel, and accepting offered help.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Sean Payton’s Response:
  • “That reporter couldn’t have gone home feeling cool about himself.” – Rich Davis ([09:44])
  • “As an interviewer, sometimes you ask questions you know the answer to, so people can hear the explanation.” – Sam Covino ([09:57])
• On Kindness:
  • “Kindness never goes out of style… what do you know about punching down?” – Sam Covino ([16:24])
  • “I notice when someone just says ‘thank you’… these are things you teach your kids.” – Rich Davis ([16:52])
• On Sports Coaches/Media:
  • “Other than Pop, everyone else—step up your game. It almost became a rite of passage as a reporter to be mean to you.” – Rich Davis ([18:34])
• Comedy & Banter:
  • “What do you know about bonus podcasts? Shut up. Coach Covino. Next question!” – Sam Covino ([12:57])
  • “You want some other strangers romping in your kids’ room?” – Sam Covino, on renting Airbnbs for big events ([33:30])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [08:00] – Sean Payton press conference discussion starts
• [09:21] – Audio and analysis of Payton’s “downhill” comment
• [12:03] – Reporter’s aftermath and how to handle public put-downs
• [16:24] – The value of kindness and etiquette in sports and life
• [17:41] – The “Coach Popovich Exception,” badge-of-honor reporter stories
• [27:26] – “Midweek Major” interactive headlines segment
• [29:22] – Jameis Winston’s celibacy year story
• [32:56] – Airbnb/World Cup and Olympics home rental boom
• [35:43] – Tom Brady: generational softness in athletes
• [38:21] – Miami runner’s supportive mom, story wrap-up

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The tone is irreverent and comedic, with moments of genuine insight about sports culture and the evolving relationship between coaches and media. The hosts stress the importance of kindness and professionalism, even while ribbing each other and digesting absurd sports headlines. The Sean Payton incident serves as a larger metaphor for a world that’s quick to antagonize and slow to empathize. The show’s unique blend of humor and heart makes it both entertaining and thought-provoking for sports fans and casual listeners alike.

Final Thought

Whether you’re in it for sports analysis or the banter, this episode delivers big with teachable moments, fun debates, and the perfect “midweek major” energy. If you missed it, just remember: “Kindness never goes out of style,” even if attacking downhill in football is still up for debate.