The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 1: NFL Coaching Carousel, Cooper Flagg’s Breakout, and Big Issues Facing the NFL

Date: January 30, 2026
Host: Dan Patrick
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

The first hour of this episode covers the NFL coaching carousel as teams prepare for Super Bowl 60, including Kevin Stefanski’s move to the Atlanta Falcons and speculation about other open head coaching positions. Dan and the Danettes also discuss larger issues facing the NFL, both on and off the field, from officiating to fan costs, and debate the pivotal topics likely to face the Commissioner at his annual Super Bowl State of the League address. In the NBA, Cooper Flagg’s remarkable 49-point rookie game is dissected and celebrated. The crew also shares anecdotes, poll questions, and signature behind-the-scenes banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

NFL Coaching Carousel and Speculation (09:25–21:00)

• Two Head Coaching Vacancies:
  Dan notes that only the Cardinals and the Raiders still have vacancies. He expects Clint Kubiak (Seahawks OC) to land with the Raiders.

  “Clint Kubiak…he is the most talked about or one of the most talked about coordinators…and then you’re going to get him…maybe you get, you know, the situation where you bring in your quarterback.” [10:20, Dan Patrick]

• Kevin Stefanski Moves to Atlanta Falcons:
  Dan frames Stefanski’s move as a private win for him after leaving the Browns:

  “That’s one of those where you privately probably say, alright, I’ll get over the embarrassment that I got fired because I got an upgrade here. I’m going from the Cleveland Browns to the Atlanta Falcons in a division that I can win.” [09:42, Dan Patrick]

  Stefanski is seen as gaining a quarterback situation “a lot more” promising than what he left in Cleveland.

• Future of Kirk Cousins & Other QBs:
  Rumors swirl around Kirk Cousins’ next move (Minnesota, Pittsburgh, or even broadcasting at CBS) and the possibilities swirling as new coaches settle in.

  “I wonder if you’re Kirk Cousins and you look around the NFL, I don’t know if he would go back to Minnesota and they would want him. I don’t know if he could go to Pittsburgh…” [10:22, Dan Patrick]

• Other Coaching Changes & Team Outlooks:
  The show also glances at the Raiders, Cardinals, and possible changes for the Steelers and Ravens.

  “I do like that Mike McCarthy can develop quarterbacks if they happen to draft a quarterback.” [13:06, Dan Patrick]

The NFL’s Biggest Issues – A State of the League Discussion (21:00–35:00)

• Annual Commissioner Questions:
  Dan wonders what the central issue for the NFL is going into Super Bowl week, as past years have focused on topics like full-time officials, gambling, concussions, streaming, or the potential 18th game and international play.

  “Usually every year the commissioner does his state of the union address at the Super Bowl and he gets questions whether it’s full-time officials, whether it’s gambling, whether it’s concussions, streaming partners…but what is the big issue with the NFL?” [14:52, Dan Patrick]

• Global Expansion and Flag Football:
  The league’s international ambitions are noted, with flag football being an entry point in global markets.

• Integrity, Gambling Scandals & Quarterback Salaries:
  Dan says a gambling scandal involving a quarterback would be a “big issue”, but as yet, this has not occurred.

• Officiating, Transparency, and Fan Experience:
  The group debates whether making officials full-time would improve outcomes or just be a matter of perception. They also suggest more transparency (e.g., letting fans listen in to review deliberations) could benefit the league.

  “Would we know the difference other than their full-time officials? So, that might be the perception is the reality of, oh, okay. What about transparency? Is there a way that we can be in on the discussions when they’re looking at a review?” [16:51, Dan Patrick]

• Fan Costs and Accessibility:
  The rising cost of being a fan—ticket prices, streaming services, and merchandise—comes up as a sleeper issue that could become more pressing.

  “Ticket prices are mostly unaffordable…streaming…you have to have seven different streaming platforms…That costs a ton of money. Merch costs a ton of money…There’s all of these barriers now financially to being a fan.” [18:57, Seaton]

  Paulie provides a stat:

  “If you wanted all the streaming services to get every single NFL game this year, it cost you about $820.” [20:30, Paulie]

• Turf vs. Grass, Injuries:
  The group touches on the ongoing debate about playing surfaces and the role of modern footwear.

Content and Fan Engagement Brainstorm (35:00–40:00)

• No NFL This Sunday – Audience Polls:
  The Danettes discuss adjusting to a Sunday with no NFL games and brainstorm ideas for alternative content, like having the league’s two worst teams play for the number one draft pick.

  “For this Sunday, the worst two teams in the NFL play for the Number one draft pick.” [37:54, Paulie]

  The “good idea or bad idea?” banter ensues with Marvin and Dan.

• Behind-the-Scenes Humor:
  Marvin jokes about players faking injuries in the “worst teams” matchup; Dan counters humorously about draft pick incentives.

NBA: Cooper Flagg’s Breakout Performance (40:00–1:00:00)

• Cooper Flagg’s 49-point Night:
  Dan breaks down 19-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg’s game, noting his scoring, confidence, and potential role models:

  “He even had a moment last night where he had a little step-back, knee-up Dirk Nowitzki shot that he made...” [45:15, Dan Patrick]

  Flagg is compared to younger versions of Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki. Dan is surprised by how quickly Flagg has become his team’s focal point:

  “It’s not he gets to score. It’s when they come down the floor, they look for him…these are great athletes that he’s going against…those are all contested.” [47:22 & 50:05, Dan Patrick]

• Kanipple’s 34-point Game:
  Flagg’s former Duke teammate, Con Kanipple, had a big performance as well:

  “Kadipo has been the biggest surprise because he’s a great shooter. He had 34, they won the game and you look at his numbers now…he’s averaging 19 a game.” [51:27, Dan Patrick]

• Fan Call-In: Historical Context:
  Andrew from Washington offers NBA rookie scoring stats and historic comparisons:

  “…Cooper Flag’s 49 points is the most points by a rookie in a game since 2019. No rookie since 2009 has scored over 49 points…in 1971 is the only time that two rookies in a game scored more points than their 83.” [53:50, Andrew]

  Dan reminisces about witnessing the 1971 Maravich vs. Archibald rookie duel in-person.

• On NBA Defense and Evolution:
  The crew disputes the notion that past eras always played better defense, highlighting stars who were always “unstoppable.”

  “Nobody’s stopping Kareem. Nobody stopped Wilt, nobody stopped Oscar and Jerry. I mean, nobody’s stopping Mike...these guys are unbelievable at what they do and they know what they’re going to do…” [58:20, Dan Patrick]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Coaching Carousel:

  "You get out of Cleveland, and by all accounts, he got out of Cleveland, and you get an upgrade going to the Atlanta Falcons."
  — Dan Patrick (09:42)

• On NFL’s Potential Global Direction:

  "That’s why they’re doing flag football, because flag football is easy to play...and I think that can take you into other countries...NFL’s goal is global expansion here."
  — Dan Patrick (15:37)

• On Officiating & Transparency:

  "I do think transparency would be awesome. If they let us listen in when they’re, you know, in contact with the home office..."
  — Dan Patrick (20:50)

• Fan Cost Reality Check:

  "If you wanted all the streaming services to get every single NFL game this year, it cost you about 820 bucks."
  — Paulie (20:30)

• On Cooper Flagg’s Emerging Stardom:

  "If he can figure out, and he will, the three-point shot, that’s when it gets really, really interesting…He’s obviously athletic, not afraid to run and plays both ends of the floor."
  — Dan Patrick (45:15)

• NBA Scoring History Call-In:

  "...Cooper flag is 49 points, is the most points by a rookie in a game since 2019. No rookie since 2009 has scored over 49 points..."
  — Andrew in Washington (53:50)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 09:25: Start of NFL coaching carousel & vacancies discussion
• 14:52: Identifying the NFL's biggest current issue
• 18:57: Cost of fandom and streaming platforms debate
• 37:54: Poll question: What if NFL’s two worst teams played for #1 pick?
• 45:15: Cooper Flagg’s NBA performance breakdown
• 53:50: Call-in: Rookie scoring records and historical context
• 58:20: Discussion of NBA defense in past vs. present

Tone & Style

Humorous and conversational, with characteristic banter among Dan and the Danettes. The episode blends serious analysis with levity, especially regarding poll questions and the absurdity of “off-week” NFL programming ideas.

Conclusion

Hour 1 of The Dan Patrick Show delivers an energetic, wide-ranging survey of major NFL storylines, the league’s long-term challenges, and the rise of a new NBA star in Cooper Flagg. The mix of news, context, nostalgia, and signature wit makes this hour compelling for any sports fan seeking to catch up on what matters most before Super Bowl week.