The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 1
Episode: “James Franklin Fired, Monday Morning NFL Recap”
Date: October 13, 2025
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Overview
The first hour of The Dan Patrick Show delivers an energetic wrap-up of the weekend in sports, with a prime focus on the firing of Penn State head coach James Franklin and a lively NFL recap. The episode balances humorous banter, pointed analysis, and real-time reactions to breaking football and baseball news. Noteworthy is the ongoing debate about high-stakes contracts in college football coaching and the inconsistent performances of prominent NFL teams and quarterbacks.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. James Franklin Fired by Penn State
- Context: Franklin was dismissed after being the first team since 1978 to lose consecutive games as a 20+ point favorite.
- Money Matters: Penn State is paying Franklin a $49 million buyout.
- Legacy: Strong regular seasons, but Franklin’s record in “meaningful” games fell short, especially compared to blue blood programs like Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, Alabama.
- Coaching Carousel: Discussion on the domino effect for hiring, potential replacements, and where Franklin might land next.
Notable Quote:
"I wish somebody would do that. Like, I don't want you around so much here, take this money and go away." – Dan Patrick (06:14)
Further Insights:
- Dan and the crew dissect the rationale behind Franklin's earlier 10-year extension after an underwhelming 7-6 season, casting doubt on the wisdom of such long-term deals.
- The panel questions the industry trend of “monster” contracts, viewing it as a lucrative racket for coaches and their agents.
2. College Football Contracts—A “Game” of its Own
- Trend: Ten-year contracts (like those given to Jimbo Fisher, Brian Kelly, Kirby Smart) are standard, raising skepticism.
- Agent Influence: Paulie Fusco notes, “It’s a game that's being played by the agents of college football and everyone's in on the joke.” (18:23)
- Dan’s Stance: Coaches should get a max of five years; ten years is “an eternity.” (17:41)
Notable Quote:
“College football is changing too rapidly and... you can be really good and then really bad. ...You have to be careful with falling in love with somebody.” – Dan Patrick (18:41)
3. NFL Weekend Recap – Surprises & Standouts
- Chiefs over Lions: The Chiefs return to favor, though Dan suspects officiating advantages (“Convenient.” – Paulie Fusco, 08:34).
- Chargers vs. Dolphins: Dan is critical of Tua Tagovailoa’s leadership after on-field and off-field mishaps, particularly regarding his comments on teammates' late arrivals to meetings.
- Tua's press conference complaint: (09:29) “We have guys showing up to player only meetings late. Guys not showing up to player only meeting...”
- Dan challenges Tua’s decision to air grievances publicly rather than handle issues internally.
Notable Quote:
“If you have player-only meetings after six weeks, that says an awful lot about your team.” – Dan Patrick (10:11)
- Justin Fields/NY Jets Saga: Dan reacts to the nine sacks conceded by Fields and the testy response by Jets coach Aaron Glenn to media questions about benching the quarterback.
- Poll Question for the Day: “Did James Franklin have a bad weekend?” Debated with humor and real consideration for the fate (and finances) of fired coaches.
Notable Quote:
“I don’t know that there is a more lucrative profession than being a failed college football coach.” – Seaton (15:44)
4. Baseball Playoff Action
- Dan admits he “forgot there was baseball last night,” but covers the Mariners’ dramatic 15-inning win to clinch an ALCS berth, and the nostalgia of iconic broadcasters Vin Scully and Bob Uecker.
- Discussion of upcoming Dodgers-Brewers and Mariners-Blue Jays matchups.
Memorable Moment:
Dan’s excitement at the “five hour marathon in Seattle” (31:24) and appreciation for postseason baseball without “ghost runners.”
5. Other Notable NFL Takes
- Drake May and the Patriots: Dan draws comparisons to a young Josh Allen, touting May’s athleticism and New England’s sneaky playoff potential given the relative weakness of AFC East rivals.
- Steelers: Quietly stacking wins; “Just be a little bit above [average] and you're going to be fine.” (52:33)
- Cowboys: Call-in segment with Shay and discussion about Dallas’s ongoing woes, defensive issues, and dashed playoff dreams.
- On Football Fights: Dan and Seaton riff on the pointless nature of on-field fights (“If I'm that guy…I'll never forget this. And I'm coming after you.” Dan Patrick, 43:01)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Dan on buying out coaches:
“That’ll make you feel a whole lot better with that $49 million.” (14:42)
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Seaton on coaching contracts:
“I don’t know that there is a more lucrative profession than being a failed college football coach.” (15:44)
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Caller Chris on the Patriots’ decline:
“Whoever thought the words ‘unorganized and undisciplined’ would be attached to a Bill Belichick run football program?” (30:43)
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Dan on NFL late-season discipline:
“When you win a game... quarterback and coach and clock management, being able to do the right thing. You know what drives me crazy? ...First play, there’s a false start. It’s unimaginable.” (38:45)
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Paulie on coaching extensions:
“It's the dance of college football.” (36:42)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- James Franklin Firing—Context, Reaction: 06:14—16:44
- Coaching Contracts Debate: 16:45—19:28
- NFL Recap (Chiefs, Dolphins, Tua Comments): 08:34—10:57
- Justin Fields Sack Debate & Aaron Glenn: 11:57—14:30
- Poll Question Discussion (James Franklin): 14:03—15:46, update at 50:07—50:57
- Baseball Playoffs Recap/Nostalgia: 07:22—08:35, 31:24—31:39
- Cowboys Critique/Shay Segment: 28:39—29:52
- NFL Calls and Banter: 30:43—43:01
- On-Field Fights & Player Discipline: 40:51—43:33
Flow and Tone
The show maintains Dan Patrick’s signature blend of wit, seasoned sports analysis, and good-natured ribbing among the team. The tone is conversational yet incisive, with the hosts critiquing everything from bad coaching and underwhelming contracts to late-game mental lapses and media gaffes. Callers add flavor with both serious and tongue-in-cheek commentary on their teams’ fortunes and coaching drama.
Summary Table: Key NFL & NCAAF Topics
| Topic | Speaker(s) | Quote/Insight | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------|--------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|------------| | James Franklin firing | Dan Patrick | “It's embarrassing … but $49 million makes it better.” | 14:42 | | College coaching contract lengths | Dan, Paulie, Seaton| “Five years... that’s the max.” – Dan | 17:41 | | Tua’s post-loss leadership | Dan Patrick | “If you’re a leader, why talk about this to the press?” | 09:57 | | NFL QB controversies (Fields/Glenn) | Dan, Seaton | “Doesn’t mean you just bench them. You know better.” | 12:16 | | Chiefs’ ongoing success | Dan, Paulie | “Convenient.” – Paulie (on no penalties) | 08:34 | | Baseball postseason’s magical moments | Dan Patrick | “Five hour marathon in Seattle ... postseason baseball.”| 31:24 |
For New Listeners
This episode is an ideal entry point for listeners who enjoy informed, lighthearted, and occasionally irreverent sports talk. It’s perfect for fans who want to get up to speed not just on scores and stats, but on the underlying stories, culture, and personalities shaping college football and the NFL right now.