The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2: Kalen DeBoer Rumors, Ross Tucker
Date: December 12, 2025
Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show (iHeartPodcasts, Dan Patrick Podcast Network)
Episode Focus: The episode delves into Kalen DeBoer coaching rumors (particularly around Michigan and Alabama), chaotic college football developments, the challenges of following legendary coaches, and an in-depth NFL discussion with guest Ross Tucker.
Main Theme Overview
This hour of The Dan Patrick Show balances college football’s landscape—especially the coaching rumors swirling around Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer—with key NFL storylines and Dan’s signature banter. The segment features a substantive interview with football analyst Ross Tucker, covering the Jaguars/Jets matchup, playoff scenarios, and broader NFL themes. Underpinning the analysis is a discussion about the shifting pressures and expectations within both college and pro sports.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Cost and Culture of Going to the Movies (02:15–10:36)
- Lighthearted riffing among Dan and the Danettes about escalating movie theater prices, concession stands, and the changing moviegoing experience.
- Tangent into general inflation—questioning what is currently "appropriately priced."
- Personal stories about overpriced beer on flights and the nostalgia for cheaper times.
- Reflections on how prices in the US differ from those overseas, especially for alcohol.
2. Army vs. Navy – The Enduring Rivalry (10:36–12:54)
- Dan waxes sentimental about the meaning and uniqueness of the Army-Navy game:
"It means more than the final score...there’s no transfer portal, no NIL… It's old-school, must-see TV." (11:13)
- Encourages fans to see a game at West Point or Annapolis, describing the event as "magical" (12:35).
3. Heisman Weekend, College Football Chaos, and Coaching Search Drama (12:54–19:20)
- Dan reveals his Heisman ballot:
- Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)
- Jeremiah Love (Notre Dame)
- Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt)
"Mendoza, that’s the best story of the year...might be the number one pick in the draft." (13:57)
- Touches on Michigan's uncertain coaching situation and ongoing drama.
- Kalen DeBoer Rumors:
- Despite public denials, DeBoer's name keeps coming up for jobs like Michigan (aside from Alabama and previous Penn State rumors).
- Dan notes "I was told...his family wasn't happy in Alabama...his name came up for Penn State, now Michigan."
- Dan reflects on the immense pressure and scrutiny involved in following a legend like Nick Saban, recalling his advice to DeBoer:
"Do you know what you're getting into?... There’s no way you’re following Saban where we want national championships. We don’t want playoff berths." (14:41)
- Mentions similar rumors around Lincoln Riley and the unpredictable dynamics driving coach movement.
Notable Quote
"There was going to be chaos. There’s more chaos than we thought there was going to be in college football. And it’s not over yet." — Dan Patrick (15:57)
4. The Psychological Toll on Coaches – Dan’s ESPN Parable (17:12–19:20)
- Dan compares his career decisions to the choices facing Kalen DeBoer, reflecting on comfort zones and knowing when to move:
"Stay wherever you’re comfortable. If you’re comfortable there, then stay. Don’t take it because you feel like you need to...you’ll get that next step." (17:51)
Featured Guest: Ross Tucker
Segment Start: 25:00
Key Topics with Ross Tucker
a. Jaguars vs. Jets Matchup Analysis (25:00–26:59)
- Ross highlights the Jaguars' strength and being "legitimately good" but overlooked:
"They’re first place in the AFC South, but nobody’s talking about them." (25:42)
- On the Jets, excitement around undrafted rookie QB Brady Cook getting his first start.
b. Philip Rivers Comeback Rumors (27:06–27:45)
- Tucker jokes about being recruited out of retirement, referencing the Hall of Fame clock.
- Both hosts share bemused interest in the Rivers storyline.
c. Toughness and "Sleeveless" Linemen Culture (27:55–29:33)
- Ross explains not wearing sleeves in cold weather as a "mindset thing":
"Sleeves are soft. There’s no way around it—you are sending a message that you’re soft if you wear sleeves...it does give them something to grab." (27:57)
d. Buffalo Weather Stories (29:33–30:50)
- Tucker shares a story about a freezing game in Cincinnati and how painful postgame showers became due to windburn.
e. Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Collapse and NFC South Playoff Race (30:50–32:15)
- Recaps the wild Bucs game with 19 penalties (22 called, 3 declined).
- "They play the Panthers two out of the last three weeks...If they win both, they’ll still win the division."
f. The Larger Picture for the Buccaneers and NFC (32:15–33:06)
- Reflects skepticism about Bucs' future playoff viability given offensive regression and the strength of teams like the Rams and Seahawks.
g. Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Hurts, and Backup Talk (33:31–35:38)
- Ross frames the recent struggles as concerning but not reason enough to bench Hurts.
- "If Hurts has two more games...with five turnovers, it might be a more legitimate question." (34:12)
- Points out how Eagles fans remember backup QBs succeeding (Nick Foles/Super Bowl).
h. Most Important NFL Games of the Week (35:38–37:00)
- Lions-Rams highlighted for playoff significance.
- Patriots-Bills pivotal for the AFC #1 seed; distinction:
"The Broncos are a good team winning close games...the Patriots have an MVP caliber quarterback." (36:00)
i. Quarterback-Driven Betting and Public Perception (37:00–38:08)
- Observes how betting lines and public confidence often hinge on QBs.
j. Joe Burrow’s Gloom and the Psychological Toll of Losing (38:08–41:32)
- Discusses Joe Burrow’s dark tone in a recent presser, comparing possible burnout to Andrew Luck:
"It felt like you get to that Andrew Luck...all of a sudden what you’ve done most of your life, you’re not enjoying anymore." — Dan (38:08)
- Ross suggests Burrow might prefer a new team before retiring; loss and rehab are not fun, but he doubts Burrow has reached Luck's level yet.
Notable Exchange
Ross: "A lot of teams, Dan, over the years have reached out to me to come out of retirement, but I just didn’t think it was fair to my wife and daughters to reset my Hall of Fame clock!" (27:23)
Dan: "That’s what makes you father of the year. Unbelievable…" (27:37)
- Wraps up by joking about Ross’s on-camera TV timing for the Jags-Jets game:
"For one o’clock games, we do our on-camera open at 12:53." — Ross Tucker (41:51)
5. Poll Question / Who Had the Best Week in Sports? (47:52–49:55)
- Multiple Danettes and Dan agree: Indiana football—beating Ohio State, winning the Big Ten, quarterback Mendoza winning Heisman, and reaching the #1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Following Legends:
"There’s no way you’re following Saban where we want national championships. We don’t want playoff berths." – Dan Patrick (14:41)
- On Paying $30 for Popcorn and a Drink:
"You know when somebody says, oh, that'll be $30. And you're like, no, no, it's just for the drink and the popcorn. And then you're going, how did that happen?" – Dan Patrick (07:20)
- On NFL Lineman Mentality:
"Sleeves are soft. There’s no other way around it...It’s a mindset thing." – Ross Tucker (27:57)
- On Joe Burrow’s Struggles:
"Every aspect of it was strange. Maybe he’s just having a bad day…You never know what’s going on with guys." – Ross Tucker (40:33)
Important Timestamps
- Army-Navy Discussion & Rivalries: 10:36–12:54
- Dan’s Heisman Ballot/Wide CFB Rumors: 12:54–15:57
- Kalen DeBoer & Coach Drama: 14:41–19:20
- Ross Tucker Interview Begins: 25:00
- Jags-Jets Analysis: 25:23–26:59
- On Linemen Wearing Sleeveless: 27:55–29:33
- Tampa Bay Bucs Analysis: 30:50–32:15
- Jalen Hurts’ Job Security: 33:31–35:38
- Joe Burrow’s Mental State: 38:08–41:32
- Who Had the Best Week in Sports?: 47:52–49:55
Tone & Style
The show is conversational, blending irreverent jabs and inside humor with earnest sports analysis. Dan and the Danettes keep things lively—jumping between NFL drama, college football’s intricate mess, and slice-of-life anecdotes on prices, stadium experiences, and personal decisions.
Summary
This hour of The Dan Patrick Show marries CFB chaos and coaching rumor-mongering (with special attention to the Kalen DeBoer watch) with the NFL’s unpredictable landscape, elevated by Ross Tucker’s guest segment. The episode balances the human dimensions—burnout, comfort zones, career moves—with spirited debate, locker-room stories, and the ever-changing life of fans and players. Whether dissecting Heisman picks, the agony of buying $30 popcorn, or pondering Joe Burrow’s existential football questions, the show keeps its signature wit and insight front and center.