The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2 with Bill Cowher

Date: January 13, 2026
Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show (iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network)
Summary by Podcast Summarizer AI

Episode Overview

This hour of The Dan Patrick Show centers on Dan's in-depth conversation with Hall of Fame coach and CBS NFL analyst Bill Cowher, focusing on major storylines in the NFL: the uncertain futures of Aaron Rodgers, Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin, and high-profile coaching changes across the league. The discussion explores what’s next for the Pittsburgh Steelers, analyzes broader NFL coaching trends, and showcases Cowher’s uniquely candid, humorous perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Steelers’ Season Recap & Future Outlook

• Dan and Bill Cowher break down the Steelers’ recent playoff exit and what it reveals about the franchise's direction.
• The show delves into the challenges of maintaining both competitiveness and long-term sustainability, examining recent "patchwork" attempts at solving the quarterback position.

Notable Quotes:

• "A tale of two halves. I think missed opportunities by the Pittsburgh football team in the first half, two turnovers ... yet they were still losing at halftime."
  — Bill Cowher, 22:42

2. The Mike Tomlin Situation: Stability or Change?

• The hosts discuss whether 19-year head coach Mike Tomlin will return, and whether it’s in the team's best interest.
• Emphasis on not making a rash decision after a tough loss and recognizing the “life cycle” of long coaching tenures (with parallels to John Harbaugh, Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick).

Notable Quotes:

• "You can't take 19 years of being together and make a decision in 19 hours."
  — Bill Cowher, 24:45
• "Sometimes these things have a life cycle. They come to an end."
  — Cowher, 25:38
• "I think Mike's earned the right ... Art and Omar have a chance also to talk about what's the direction we have."
  — Cowher, 24:45

3. Aaron Rodgers’ Future: Stick or Twist?

• If Cowher were coaching, would he bring Rodgers back?
  • Cowher praises Rodgers’ leadership and the need to ensure he’s “all in,” but stresses the importance of planning for succession at QB.

Quote:

• "If you can bridge it with him for one more year, I think that would be ideal."
  — Bill Cowher, 24:40

4. Coaching Identity: Coordinator vs. Head Coach

• The challenge of promoting coordinators who may lack head coach “presence.”
• Discussion about personality, leadership styles, and how “CEO-type” attributes are crucial for NFL head coaches.

Quotes:

• "Not every coordinator is a head coach. It's a totally different job."
  — Dan Patrick, 03:00

5. Life After Coaching and Personal Priorities

• Cowher reflects on stepping away from coaching at age 49 to focus on family, suggesting he has “no regrets.”
• He shares how he maintained a love for the game but prioritized stability and normalcy for his children.

Quote:

• "I have no regrets to this day. Having walked away ... I love my life."
  — Bill Cowher, 29:29

6. NFL Coaching Carousel: Opportunities for Veterans and Young Talent

• Discussion around openings across the NFL, the appeal of TV for established coaches, and the merits of hiring first-time head coaches with defensive backgrounds.

Quote:

• "I love seeing young guys getting opportunities for the first time, not just offensive coordinators.”
  — Cowher, 34:16

7. Playoff Teams & Momentum

• Cowher and Dan analyze the parity in the playoff field, with several lower seeds (wildcards) dangerous on deep runs.
• Cowher passionately argues for the intangible value of momentum—especially avoiding risky fourth-down calls early.

Quote:

• “Momentum creates pressure ... playoff pressure is greater than regular season pressure.”
  — Cowher, 41:12

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

On The Tomlin Dilemma

• Dan Patrick:
  "I don't think Mike's getting fired. It might be, 'Hey, what do you want to do?' ... I don't view it as a hot seat."
  [15:23]
• Cowher:
  "You haven't won a playoff game in 10 years. … That's what it's been, the last ten years."
  [16:46]

On Coaching Futures (Cowher’s & Tomlin’s)

• Cowher:
  "Did I think I would probably come back? I did. But ... I've enjoyed this platform. … I do have normalcy."
  [29:29]

On Player Parenting

• Cowher:
  “Three things: Choices and consequences; the people you surround yourself with; ... and nothing good happens after midnight. I expect her back here by midnight.”
  [35:00]

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:56 | Show begins; set up Steelers’ and Aaron Rodgers questions | | 03:00 | Discussion of poll questions: Rodgers’ and Tomlin’s future | | 08:30 | On coordinators vs. head coaches | | 12:42 | Jokey segment on Dolphins’ coaching change | | 14:41 | Call-in: Fritzi as the “Mike Tomlin” of the Danettes | | 15:22 | Calls: Tomlin’s job security and the franchise’s playoff drought | | 22:42 | Bill Cowher joins: Steelers’ loss, roster construction, and moving forward | | 24:45 | Cowher: Tomlin’s future, Pittsburgh’s need for deliberate decision-making | | 25:38 | Life cycles of coaching tenures, parallels to other franchises | | 29:29 | Cowher on his own coaching exit and life after coaching | | 31:57 | Could Tomlin join TV? (NFL Today set) | | 35:00 | Cowher’s advice to his daughters’ dates: “Choices and consequences…” | | 37:56 | AFC/NFC playoff picture analysis | | 41:12 | Cowher’s rant on momentum, playoff pressure, and fourth-down decisions |

Episode Tone & Language

Dan and Cowher’s conversation is candid, introspective, and laced with humor, especially when comparing team leadership to parenting or poking fun at rivalries ("You ever see our Baltimore games?" – Cowher, 38:55). The tone is conversational—direct but never harsh. Both speakers seamlessly move from professionalism to playful banter, making the analysis accessible and enjoyable.

In Summary

This episode delivers a deep, engaging look at the NFL through the eyes of a legendary coach and a powerhouse veteran broadcaster. Key topics include the future of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, legacy and endings in coaching careers, the pitfalls of quarterback “quick fixes,” the value of deliberate leadership changes, and how momentum and culture shape the postseason. Cowher’s reflections on his own departure from coaching, his family priorities, and enduring love for the game add warmth and depth to the analysis.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• "Momentum creates pressure ... playoff pressure is greater than regular season pressure." — Cowher [41:12]
• "You can't take 19 years of being together and make a decision in 19 hours." — Cowher [24:45]
• "I have no regrets to this day. Having walked away ... I love my life." — Cowher [29:29]
• "I still love the game ... [but] I have enjoyed this platform. I do have normalcy." — Cowher [29:29]
• "Not every coordinator is a head coach ... It's totally different." — Dan Patrick [03:00]

This hour is a must-listen for fans of the Steelers, students of NFL culture, and anyone curious about leadership both on and off the gridiron.