The Dan Patrick Show – Episode Summary: Hour 2 – Aaron Glenn Passes on the Patriots, Kenny Dillingham
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Notre Dame's Impressive Winning Streak
The episode kicks off with host Dan Patrick highlighting Notre Dame's remarkable performance since their loss to Northern Illinois on September 7th. The Fighting Irish have secured 13 consecutive victories, including six wins over ranked opponents. Notably, they've triumphed against Indiana (#9), Georgia (#2), and Penn State (#5). Patrick emphasizes the team's resilience and strategic prowess, setting a positive tone for the discussion.
Dan Patrick [02:45]: "Since losing to Northern Illinois September 7th, Notre Dame has won 13 games in a row, including six wins over ranked teams."
Coaching Speculations: Aaron Glenn, Ben Johnson, and Others
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around potential coaching changes and speculations within the NFL. The panel delves into Aaron Glenn's decision to pass on the New England Patriots, instead opting to coach the New York Jets. This move is analyzed in the context of Glenn's history with the Jets and the dynamics of coaching within competitive divisions.
Seton O'Connor [04:11]: "I don't think he wants to coach."
The conversation further explores the prospects of Ben Johnson taking over as head coach for teams like the Chicago Bears and the Patriots. The hosts debate the feasibility and strategic implications of such moves, considering factors like team culture and division rivalries.
Additionally, the potential of Mike Vrabel being appointed as the head coach for the Patriots is examined, highlighting the complexities of coaching transitions in high-stakes environments.
Building Team Culture with Coach Paul Pabst
Coach Paul Pabst shares his philosophy on cultivating a positive and effective team culture at Arizona State. He emphasizes the importance of recruiting players who embody the program’s three pillars: being good individuals, making sound decisions, and working harder than anyone else. Pabst underscores the value of personality and camaraderie in fostering a supportive and motivated team environment.
Paul Pabst [27:27]: "We better recruit to people that when they walk around the building, they have a smile on their face, they're excited to be here, they crack a joke, you know, they have personality."
Pabst also discusses his leadership style, highlighting the collaborative decision-making process where players actively participate in strategizing and setting team goals. This approach, he believes, enhances ownership and commitment among players.
Game Analysis: Notre Dame vs. Penn State
The panel provides a detailed analysis of the recent Notre Dame versus Penn State game. Coach Pabst lauds Notre Dame's defensive strategies and particularly commends Marcus Freeman's leadership, noting his ability to inspire and lead the team effectively.
Paul Pabst [25:42]: "Marcus Freeman's an absolute stud of a human being."
Patrick and the hosts delve into specific plays and coaching decisions, offering insights into what Notre Dame did right and areas where improvement is needed. The discussion also touches on clock management and its impact on the game's outcome.
Callers' Interactions: Rookie of the Year Debate
Listeners call in to debate the frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year award. The main contenders discussed are Jaden Daniels, Bo Nix, and Brock Bowers. Coach Pabst advocates for Daniels, citing his significant impact on his team's performance and his potential as an MVP candidate.
Paul Pabst [26:00]: "I would say Jaden Daniels because I think he is an MVP candidate as opposed to the others who just had really good rookie seasons."
The conversation highlights the differing criteria fans and analysts use to evaluate rookie performances, balancing individual statistics with overall team contribution.
Interview with Coach Kenny Dillard
In the latter part of the episode, Coach Kenny Dillard of Arizona State joins Dan Patrick for an in-depth interview. They discuss the team's recent 11-3 season, improvements from the previous year, and the strategic adjustments made to achieve such success. Dillard elaborates on his approach to leadership, emphasizing trust and empowerment within his coaching staff and players.
Coach Kenny Dillard [26:48]: "I just believe in trusting people. I mean, I leave. I mean, I shouldn't say this, but I leave my car unlocked...I truly believe that if you try to... empower people, they're gonna be better versions of themselves."
Dillard also shares his thoughts on upcoming games, particularly the matchup against Texas and Ohio State, offering tactical advice on defensive strategies and player performance.
Conclusion
Dan Patrick wraps up the episode by summarizing the key takeaways from the discussions on Notre Dame's success, coaching changes, team culture, and game strategies. He thanks the guests and callers for their valuable insights, setting the stage for future episodes filled with expert analysis and engaging sports conversations.
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Patrick [02:45]: "Since losing to Northern Illinois September 7th, Notre Dame has won 13 games in a row, including six wins over ranked teams."
- Seton O'Connor [04:11]: "I don't think he wants to coach."
- Paul Pabst [27:27]: "We better recruit to people that when they walk around the building, they have a smile on their face, they're excited to be here, they crack a joke, you know, they have personality."
- Paul Pabst [26:00]: "I would say Jaden Daniels because I think he is an MVP candidate as opposed to the others who just had really good rookie seasons."
This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive analysis of current football dynamics, insightful coaching philosophies, and engaging discussions on player performances, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth coverage and expert opinions.