The Dan Patrick Show

Hour 1 – Tomlin On Your Television

Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Dan Patrick on Fox Sports Radio (iHeartPodcasts / Dan Patrick Podcast Network)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the breaking news that Mike Tomlin has stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons. Dan Patrick, joined by his crew and guest Jerry Dulac (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette), dives into the reasons behind Tomlin’s departure, what’s next for both Tomlin and the Steelers, and the broader NFL coaching landscape. The hour features a mix of insider information, media speculation, and NFL coaching history, all delivered with Dan’s engaging, conversational tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mike Tomlin Steps Down: Surprise or Inevitable?

• News Recap: Tomlin steps down with two years and $25 million left on his Steelers contract, ending a 19-year tenure.
• Tomlin’s exit was not a “shock,” but still surprises some given his longevity and standing.
• Discussion of the Steelers' tradition: Each of the last three coaches (Noel, Cowher, Tomlin) have been defensive-minded, young hires. Will they follow that pattern again?
• List of current NFL teams searching for head coaches underscores unusually high volatility: Cardinals, Falcons, Ravens, Browns, Raiders, Dolphins, Giants, Titans, and Steelers.

Memorable Quote:

“After 19 years, Mike Tomlin steps down... If you’re looking at a pattern here... Defensive minded, young coach. That’s been the pattern for the Steelers over the last 60 years.”
— Dan Patrick (10:54)

2. Was the Decision Truly Voluntary?

• The crew debates whether Tomlin’s decision was wholly his own or partly engineered by ownership.
• Speculation that the Steelers did not “fire” Tomlin but may have set the stage for his departure (‘mutual parting’ skepticism).
• Comparison with John Harbaugh’s exit from the Ravens, which was less amicable.
• Dan is skeptical of mutual parting:

  “I never believe in a mutual parting where you walk in and you both say at the same time, ‘I think that we should break up.’”
  — Dan Patrick (14:38)

3. Tomlin’s Future: Television or Coaching?

• Speculation about Tomlin’s next step, with TV networks likely interested.
• Dan outlines potential fits (“NBC should hire Tomlin for the postseason and Super Bowl”), but questions his on-air style.
• Could this be similar to Bill Cowher: move to TV, never coach again?
• Notable insight: Steelers retain Tomlin’s rights for two more years—if he coaches elsewhere in that time, compensation would be required.

Quote:

“I don’t know how good he would be on TV… He’s interesting to look at with his expressions. I don’t know how demonstrative he’s going to be with his words. When you see him on the sidelines, he looks interesting, but… would you want him in studio or doing a game?”
— Dan Patrick (19:16)

4. Inside the Decision-Making Process

• The crew debates how Tomlin and ownership might have handled exit interviews and who initiated the meeting.
• Exit interviews (“season’s over, you get together, you talk about short-term, long-term plans”).
• Dan thought Tomlin’s departure had been forecast even at season’s start.

5. Guest Interview: Jerry Dulac (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

[Starts ~41:55]

• Tomlin’s playoff failures cited as final straw (“9 one-and-dones… same scene every year”).
• Dulac’s reporting: by all accounts, it was Tomlin’s decision to step down, not a firing.
• What’s next for Tomlin? Dulac hasn’t had insight he wants to coach or go into TV, but notes Tomlin is a “football junkie.”
• Steelers’ next move likely follows their template: hire a young, defensive-minded coach, with existing staff largely retained.
• The team is expected to undergo something closer to a “reload”—but more substantial changes might be necessary (“might be a bigger overhaul”).
• On Aaron Rodgers’ future: regardless of Tomlin’s status, Steelers intend to draft a quarterback.
• Steelers’ personnel limitations: picking in the 20s in the draft, missing out on elite prospects.

Jerry Dulac Notable Quotes:

“Mike Tomlin made the decision for them. It was time to make a change just for the sake of change.”
— Jerry Dulac (42:46)

“Mike Tomlin is a football junkie and I would almost expect him to want to coach again.”
— Jerry Dulac (45:44)

“No one is untouchable on this roster. I don’t think anybody is untouchable.”
— Jerry Dulac (50:18)

6. Fan & Crew Reactions: The Search for the Next Coach

• Callers and crew discuss the Steelers’ coaching template (defensive backgrounds, young, often internal promotions).
• Names floated: Jesse Minter, Brian Flores, Marcus Freeman.
• Broader commentary on why retread head coaches (like Tomlin, Harbaugh) often get interviews, even as playoff success is elusive.
• Discussion on the NFL’s cyclical unpredictability: “Your window can slam shut overnight.”

Quote:

“If I said, ‘You’ll be in the playoffs for the next 10 years but won’t win a playoff game,’ would you sign up for that?”
— Dan Patrick (1:07:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mutual Parting Skepticism:

  "I never believe in a mutual parting where you walk in and you both say at the same time, 'I think that we should break up.'"
  — Dan Patrick (14:38)

• Tomlin on TV:

  “He’s interesting to look at with his expressions. I don’t know how demonstrative he’s going to be with his words.”
  — Dan Patrick (19:16)

• Steelers’ Philosophy:

  “The Steelers say, hey, this is what you got and you work around that.”
  — Jerry Dulac (48:40)

• On NFL Coaching Hires:

  "If I said, 'You’ll have a winning record for 10 years but never win a playoff game,' do you take it?"
  — Dan Patrick (1:07:35)

Timestamps & Important Segments

| Timestamp | Content | |------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 06:30 | Rundown of all open NFL coaching jobs (Cardinals, Falcons, etc.) | | 10:54 | Steelers’ coaching tradition and likely next hire | | 14:38 | Dan’s take on ‘mutual parting’ stories in coaching changes | | 19:16 | Discussion: Would Tomlin be good on TV? TV Networks’ plans | | 41:55 | Jerry Dulac joins the show: inside Tomlin’s departure | | 43:10-49:00| Dulac on what’s next (for Tomlin and Steelers); why the time is now | | 50:18 | “No one is untouchable” — Steelers’ roster philosophy | | 1:07:35 | Philosophical discussion: Would teams take regular playoff berths over playoff wins? |

Summary Table of Main Topics and Insights

| Topic | Key Points/Quotes | |-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | Tomlin’s exit | Not a shock, but surprising. Playoff record a factor. | | Mutual parting narrative | Crew is skeptical; more likely a gentle push than a true mutual. | | Tomlin’s future | TV is a likely next step; networks all potential suitors. | | Steelers’ coaching strategy | Defensive-minded, young, mostly internal hires expected. | | Steelers’ roster outlook | No one is untouchable; possible “reload” with major changes. | | Broader NFL landscape | More openings than normal; possible playoff teams making changes.|

Takeaways for New Listeners

• The Tomlin era in Pittsburgh ends less with a bang than a slow, inevitable whimper, with mutual respect between coach and franchise but a clear sense of organizational fatigue.
• Uniquely, the Steelers' tradition of coaching longevity and defensive-minded young hires looks likely to continue.
• TV networks and possibly other NFL teams are circling Tomlin, but there’s no clear indication yet of which direction he’ll take.
• The NFL coaching carousel is particularly wild this year, with many high-profile jobs open and ongoing questions about what truly leads to postseason success.

Overall Tone & Language

Casual, witty, and speculative—Dan and crew mix humor, skepticism, and deep football knowledge throughout, echoing the blend of insider analysis and barroom conversation that defines The Dan Patrick Show.

Listen Further

For more details on Tomlin’s legacy, next moves in Pittsburgh, and interviews with NFL insiders like Alex Smith (coming up Hour 2), tune in to the subsequent hours of today’s show.