The Dan Patrick Show
Episode: Hour 2 – Long Road Ahead
Date: January 14, 2026
Overview
In this episode, Dan Patrick and the Danettes dig into NFL playoff scenarios, coaching vacancies—most notably the fallout in Pittsburgh and Baltimore—and the perennial debate on postseason quarterback performance. Key guest Alex Smith (former NFL QB, current ESPN analyst) joins to share his insights on coaching shifts, the pressures of the postseason, and advances in concussion research. The episode is marked by wit, personal stories, and lively banter among the crew and callers.
Main Discussion Topics
1. NFL Playoff Matchups and Super Bowl Odds
- The Danettes debate DraftKings' latest Super Bowl exact matchup odds.
- The “Seahawks are involved in three of the top four Super Bowl matchups,” leading to questions about market manipulation vs. genuine belief in Seattle.
- Dan muses about probability and betting psychology:
“Is this one of those things where they really believe in the Seahawks and Patriots or are they just daring you to bet it?” ([03:00])
- Dan favors taking a “long odds” flyer on a Bears or Niners Super Bowl appearance.
- Announcement of the “Gambling Podcast” taping later that day.
2. College Football Playoff Expansion Drama
- Dan reports the latest on the next year’s playoff format:
“Big Ten still wants a 24-team championship…but it feels like 16 is more likely. Still a chance it stays at 12 if there’s no agreement.” ([05:00])
- Discussion of season length and game count:
- “If they go to 24 teams, is there going to be more college football games than NFL games?” ([06:30])
- Paulie raises concern about player wear and tear:
“Are you going to get to 20 games to win a national title?”
3. Mike Tomlin’s Departure & Steelers’ Future
- Poll results show most expect Tomlin to work in the media next year over returning to coaching.
- “63% have him in the media and 28% have him on the beach playing Sudoku.” ([07:13])
- Steelers' offense and defense under scrutiny:
- “Not a great defense…certainly not a great offense. They are average and no more.” ([08:42])
- Debating head coaching candidates and potential direction:
- Dan questions if Pittsburgh hires another young defensive coordinator or goes for offensive innovation.
- Todd and Paulie debate the merits of Marcus Freeman and other unknown coordinators.
4. Talent Drought and Team Building (Steelers & Ravens)
- Reflection on who is truly a “marquee” player for the Steelers.
- “I’m not building around TJ Watt…That’s an older team.” ([09:55])
- Comparisons with Baltimore’s talent-rich roster.
- Discussion of coaching challenges and the impact of Lamar Jackson on Ravens’ leadership choices.
5. Lamar Jackson’s Influence and Ravens’ Coaching Search
- Dan relays that Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti is directly involving Lamar Jackson in the search process (“texting Lamar after every interview” [11:56]).
- Lamar’s lack of endorsement for Harbaugh perceived as pivotal in the coach’s dismissal.
- “If you want to make sure…there’s no finger of blame pointing to you, then you say, of course I want him back.” ([14:08])
6. Listeners Share Thoughts on Steelers’ Culture and Tomlin's Legacy
- Callers express doubts about blaming Tomlin and reflect on the Steelers' culture of patience and respect for coaches.
Featured Guest: Alex Smith (ESPN, former NFL QB)
Segment Begins: [24:10]
Key Topics
Jalen Hurts and Coordinator Turnover
- Smith empathizes with Hurts’ situation:
“I had seven offensive coordinators in my first seven years…to see what Jalen’s done in spite of all that volatility is incredible.” ([24:59])
- He remarks on the benefits and drawbacks of constant change.
Steelers’ Path Forward
- Smith predicts Pittsburgh will follow their tradition:
“I do anticipate that their track record has been—they’re going to go young…for a young coach that they believe in, that they’re going to support…and it’s going to be there for the next 20, 25 years.” ([27:23])
On Tomlin Stepping Down
- Dispels rumors of Tomlin being pushed out:
“Teams would be lining up to hire him. Lining up…he’s that well respected.” ([27:50])
- Notes the immense toll of 19 years as head coach.
Comparing Ravens and Steelers Firings
- Smith contrasts the situations of Harbaugh and Tomlin, suggesting Baltimore underachieved relative to Pittsburgh:
“One of them overachieved and the other from this year…I think they greatly underachieved.” ([29:00])
Analyzing Playoff Quarterback Performance
- On “postseason it-factor”:
“Quarterbacks, when your team wins and you play well, this is where you become legendary…a lot has to go right.” ([30:34])
- Uses Justin Herbert and Josh Allen as case studies.
Stopping Josh Allen / Bills Offense
- Defensive approaches for stopping Allen discussed:
“They’re going to spy him a lot in this game…Let’s not let him get going again.” ([32:51])
Smith’s Concussion Experience and Advocacy
- Detailed, personal account of his own concussion:
“I was very present…For me, it was a vision deal…having trouble focusing my eyes.” ([34:00])
- Highlights the stagnation of concussion treatment and his partnership with Oxia Biopharma to research solutions.
Rams vs. Bears Scoring Debate
- Smith jokes about his “50 burger” prediction for Rams over Bears—pending weather.
“I think it’s going to be a high scoring game. I haven’t checked the weather. Always a part of this when you’re playing at Chicago in January.” ([37:06])
Listener Calls & Banter Highlights
- Callers share thoughts on Steelers’ coaching legacy and the emotional cost of seeing Tomlin move on ([15:30], [42:00]).
- Anecdotes about being escorted out of ESPN upon resignation ([44:00]).
- Lively, self-aware banter about NFL uniforms and their subtle psychological impact on playoff games.
- Hilarious cookout conversation about what not to let Dan bring, with commentary about "who brought the mayonnaise-heavy salads?" ([48:22])
- Dan: “Like, oh, who made that? Aunt Beatrice made that. Ill. No, thank you.”
Memorable Quotes
- Dan Patrick: “Is this one of those things where they really believe in the Seahawks and Patriots or are they just daring you to bet it?” ([03:00])
- Dan Patrick: “If they go to 24 teams, is there going to be more college football games than NFL games?” ([06:30])
- Alex Smith: “Just because you’re a great coordinator doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to be a great coach. Those are very different things.” ([26:35])
- Alex Smith: “These [coaching] are dog years. It is a lot of pressure. It demands a commitment level. Like, you just have to sacrifice so much of your life.” ([28:20])
- Dan Patrick: “Quarterbacks, when your team wins and you play well, this is where you become legendary…a lot has to go right.” ([30:34])
- Alex Smith: “There are no approved treatments…When it comes to treatment of concussions, it’s the same as it was 20, 40, 50, 100 years ago.” ([35:28])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [03:00] – Super Bowl odds debate and Seahawks skepticism
- [05:00] – College Football Playoff expansion update
- [07:13] – Poll results: Mike Tomlin’s future
- [08:38] – Steelers’ offensive/defensive struggles and the case for Sam Darnold
- [11:52] – Ravens owner and Lamar Jackson’s influence in coaching search
- [14:08] – Lamar’s impact on Harbaugh’s exit
- [24:10] – Alex Smith segment begins (Jalen Hurts/coaching turnover)
- [26:27] – Alex Smith on Steelers' hiring history
- [27:42] – Alex Smith on Tomlin’s resignation
- [29:00] – Ravens vs. Steelers firing, talent comparison
- [30:34] – Discussion of playoff QB “it-factor”
- [33:42] – Smith on his personal concussion experience
- [37:06] – Rams vs. Bears “50 burger” prediction
Tone & Style
The episode blends Dan Patrick’s signature humor and candor with genuine sports analysis and storytelling. The interplay among the Danettes and with guests/callers keeps the pace energetic and relatable.
Conclusion
A quintessential Dan Patrick Show episode: timely, insightful, irreverent, and packed with locker-room banter and expert perspective. It covers the landscape of NFL playoff intrigue, coaching carousel drama, player safety, and fan culture—offering sports fans both laughs and analysis.