The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 1 – John Harbaugh to the Giants, Dante Moore’s Decision (Jan 15, 2026)

Episode Overview

On this episode, Dan Patrick and the Danettes dive into breaking news and major storylines in the NFL and college football. The show focuses on two lead stories: John Harbaugh reportedly finalizing a deal to become the next head coach of the New York Giants, and Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s decision to remain in school instead of entering the NFL Draft. They also address the ongoing NFL coaching carousel, transfer portal chaos in college sports, and discuss the evolving value of NIL for college athletes. As always, the crew injects humor and perspective, with listener calls and lively exchanges.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. John Harbaugh to the New York Giants

• Deal Nearly Finalized
  Dan opens with breaking news: John Harbaugh is expected to become the Giants’ next head coach.

  “...Not official yet, but it looks like John Harbaugh will be the next head coach of the New York Football Giants.” (02:05)

• Harbaugh’s Demands & Giants’ Commitment
  The Giants reportedly prepared to meet Harbaugh’s salary ($20M/year for 5 years) and give him control over staff and football operations.

  “He wanted $20 million, he wanted $10 million for his staff. He wanted total control. But the reports I’m seeing, they’re going to keep Joe Shane, the general manager. John Harbaugh met with Shane and had a nice meeting...” (15:32)

• Why the Giants Moved Aggressively
  Insights from Dan’s sources:

  “My source said when he was fired, immediately sent me a note saying he’ll be number one on the Giants list...I think the Giants realized we’re not going to let him out of the building, not without cementing him as our next head coach.” (39:15)

• Was Atlanta Used as Leverage?
  Harbaugh was also linked to Atlanta but seemed to favor New York, possibly leveraging one offer against another (39:45).

• Poll Question:

  • “Is John Harbaugh in a better football situation now than he was a month ago?” Majority of the crew leans yes since he gains autonomy, a rookie-contract quarterback, and a chance to rebuild a storied franchise (01:06:42).

• Giants Fan Callers & Realistic Expectations

  • Dan tempers fan expectations:

    “How about over under seven wins next season...Anybody? That feels like a huge upgrade. That feels like, wow.” (01:18:30)

  • Emphasis that Harbaugh isn’t a “savior”:

    “I like John. I don’t know if he’s putting my team over the top. I don’t know if Mike Tomlin is going to put my team over the top. Because you didn’t do it with your teams." (01:16:08)

2. Dante Moore Staying at Oregon

• Moore’s Draft Potential and Development
  Dan supports Moore’s decision to return to Oregon rather than declare for the NFL draft, emphasizing the need for more collegiate starts.

  “He could get $40 million going to the Jets...He’s only 20 years of age, he needs more starts. As I’ve told you, only because, you know, an NFL scout told me I gotta have at least 30 starts for quarterbacks...” (06:09)

• NIL's New Reality
  Moore can stay in college, develop, AND earn life-changing money:

  “That’s life-changing money. He’s set for life either way and he could wait and find a better situation and not an option 10 years ago.” (01:03:14)

• Dylan Raiola’s Surprise & The Transfer Portal

  • Raiola’s transfer from Nebraska to Oregon becomes more intriguing with Moore returning, likely making Raiola a backup or redshirt.
  • Paulie adds:

    "If he sits this year, gets his, you know what together, has one great year at Oregon... long term, great move." (11:13)

• Impact on Other Quarterbacks
  Alabama's Ty Simpson may benefit the most, rising in draft stock as others stay in school (09:03).

• Poll Question:

  • "Would you rather be a starter at Nebraska or a backup at Oregon?" — 75% of listeners prefer to start at Nebraska (48:45).

3. NFL Head Coaching & Quarterback Carousel

• Mike Tomlin’s Departure from Pittsburgh

  • Steelers owner Art Rooney II addresses Tomlin’s choice to step away:

    “I truly believe Mike Tomlin realized that it was time to go and him and John Harbaugh about the same timeline. The...Baltimore Ravens approach was far different. They were firing John Harbaugh. The Steelers now have to replace Mike Tomlin because Mike Tomlin decided...” (20:28)

• Future of Steelers and Head Coaching Trends

  • Will the Steelers finally break tradition and hire an offensive coach?
  • Interest in Matt LaFleur and Brian Flores for open jobs.

• Belichick’s Coaching Future
  Dan and callers agree that Bill Belichick’s return to coaching is unlikely:

  “No, no, no. I think that ship sailed. It’s just too much baggage that comes with that...” (01:35:04)

4. College Football Transfer Portal & NIL

• Transfer Portal “Commonsense” Tweaks
  Dan argues for reasonable restrictions, such as allowing only one penalty-free transfer:

  “How about you can only transfer once without penalty?...Now you have too much freedom with it.” (53:13)

• Academics in College Football?
  Dan wonders about the absent academic discussion amid widespread transfers:

  “I haven’t heard one player be academically ineligible through all of this. So I don’t even know if you’re going to school. I don’t know if it matters anymore.” (54:28)

5. Notable Statistical Nuggets and Memorable Moments

• Brock Purdy’s Dependency on George Kittle (Niners)

  • “When Brock Purdy targets George Kittle this season...completes over 80% of his passes...Passer rating is 138. When Brock Purdy targets everyone else...passer rating of 95.” (56:43)

• The Globe-Trotting QB

  • TJ Finley is now on his seventh school: “LSU, Auburn, Texas State, Tulane, Western Kentucky, Georgia State and now Incarnate Word.” (01:23:12)

• Classic “Football Guy” Terminology Moment

  • Sean Payton brushes off a reporter’s jargon-y question about “attacking downhill,” leading to a discussion on the pitfalls of media using “insider” language. (01:04:40-01:06:15)

Notable Quotes

• Dan on Harbaugh to Giants:

  “I think it’s a great situation for him. ...Now you breathe some life into it. They wanted you. They really wanted you.” (01:11:32)

• On Dante Moore’s patience:

  “I think it’s very smart decision. Do not take the quick money and go to the Jets. Because if you go to the jets...you’re thrown into that mess, and it is a mess..." (01:01:28)

• On the perils of hype and draft analysis:

  “We fall in love, or we’re told to fall in love...Before the guys who do their job to analyze these players come in...” (01:05:42)

• On Transfer Chaos:

  “There’s a quarterback who I think is going to be on his sixth team in six years. You shouldn’t have that...you have to have some kind of regulations…” (53:47)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:05] — Start of John Harbaugh to Giants discussion
• [06:09] — Dante Moore’s decision and the “30 starts” rule for quarterbacks
• [09:03] — How Ty Simpson benefits from Moore staying
• [15:32] — Harbaugh’s demand and Giants’ willingness to meet it
• [20:28] — Art Rooney II on Mike Tomlin’s departure
• [39:15] — Why Harbaugh landed in New York, not Atlanta
• [39:45] — Harbaugh leveraging Falcons for Giants deal?
• [48:45] — Listener poll: Starter at Nebraska or backup at Oregon?
• [53:13] — Transfer portal: Dan calls for commonsense limits
• [56:43] — Stat: Brock Purdy with/without George Kittle
• [01:01:28] — Dante Moore, NFL impatience and NIL’s positive influence
• [01:04:40]–[01:06:15] — Football jargon misunderstanding: “Attack downhill”
• [01:11:32] — Why the Giants are a good fit for Harbaugh
• [01:16:08] — Why Harbaugh/Tomlin aren’t sure-fire “saviors”
• [01:18:30] — Fan expectations: Over/under 7 wins for Giants in 2026
• [01:23:12] — TJ Finley’s seven-school saga
• [01:35:04] — Bill Belichick’s coaching future

Tone and Style

Dan and crew keep a lively, witty, and occasionally self-deprecating tone, balancing insider information with relatable, big-picture fan perspective. There’s a signature blend of banter (especially when debating poll questions), honest takes on sports business, and organic transitions to listener engagement.

In Summary

This hour delivers a comprehensive look at two major football headlines—John Harbaugh’s coaching future with the Giants and Dante Moore’s savvy decision to play another year at Oregon. Surrounding these are rich discussions on the NFL’s coaching landscape, the impact of NIL on college sports, transfer portal regulation, and the challenges of media “insider lingo.” Alongside stats, poll results, and quirky anecdotes, the show blends news, analysis, and pure sports radio entertainment.