The Dan Patrick Show
Episode: Hour 2 – Matt LaFleur, Doug Gottlieb
Release Date: April 23, 2025

Introduction to Guests

In the second hour of this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosts Dan Patrick, Paul Pabst, and Todd Fritz engage with two notable guests: Matt LaFleur, the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, and Doug Gottlieb, the head coach of the University of Wisconsin Green Bay basketball team. The episode kicks off with enthusiastic interactions, highlighting the strong presence of fans and supporters attending the live show at the Packers' facilities.

Discussion on the NFL Draft and Packers' Strategy

Matt LaFleur delves into the intricacies of preparing for the NFL Draft. He emphasizes the importance of balancing the offseason program while managing the pre-draft activities virtually due to the congregation of personnel in Green Bay.

Matt LaFleur (08:07): "When it comes to draft week, are you any different than you are in other weeks preparing for the draft?"

LaFleur explains how the scouting department plays a pivotal role in evaluating potential draft picks, focusing on player traits and character rather than relying solely on past performances. He underscores the challenge of assessing players from varying competitive levels, particularly those who dominate lower-tier leagues but may not translate their skills to the NFL.

Matt LaFleur (10:43): "We're always looking for certain traits at every position and obviously there's a lot of testing and the guys are doing less and less of that, but you're just looking for traits."

Packers' Season Overview and Performance

The discussion transitions to the Packers' recent season performance, analyzing their 11-6 record and the subsequent playoff loss to the Eagles. LaFleur reflects on the team's strengths and areas needing improvement, particularly highlighting the dominance of the Eagles' offensive and defensive lines.

Matt LaFleur (13:49): "We had a hard time blocking them and getting pressure on the quarterbacks. They are built the right way."

He also touches upon the emotional and strategic aspects of coaching, including handling losses and maintaining team morale.

Player Evaluations and Draft Predictions

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around evaluating potential draft picks, with a focus on quarterbacks like Jordan Love and Shador Sanders. LaFleur discusses the decision-making process behind drafting Love, emphasizing his leadership qualities and potential for growth.

Matt LaFleur (15:21): "I think he's not only a great player, but I think he's an even better person and I just love the energy he brings in every day."

The hosts probe into hypothetical scenarios, such as the impact of drafting different players and how it might have altered the team's trajectory.

Matt LaFleur (28:35): "If we would have stayed there and picked him, it would have been less controversial, but I think it was the right decision."

Host Banter and Humor

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in light-hearted banter, particularly around the topic of pickleball. Paul Pabst and Todd Fritz share a humorous dispute over whether Pabst cheated during a rematch, showcasing the camaraderie and playful tension among the hosts.

Paul Pabst (06:31): "Like you knew the rules or you still cheated."
Todd Fritz (07:03): "My motto. It's my pickleball motto. See the ball, just slam it."

Additionally, the interaction with Matt LaFleur includes jokes about his apparel and Hall of Fame status, adding a comedic element to the serious sports discussions.

Paul Pabst (52:16): "You know, that's a first-year head coach."
Seton O'Connor (53:02): "This is a wonderful, wonderful person."

Doug Gottlieb's Segment and Broader Sports Insights

Doug Gottlieb joins the conversation later in the episode, bringing his expertise as a sports analyst. The dialogue shifts to broader sports topics, including recruitment strategies and coaching philosophies in basketball. Gottlieb shares insights into his coaching approach, emphasizing trust and player development.

Doug Gottlieb (25:38): "One of the biggest things was to earn the trust of the players and let them know that we were here to help them take the next step."

He also discusses the dynamics of college basketball, player evaluations, and the challenges of balancing team performance with individual player growth.

Controversies and Public Relations

The episode touches upon a recent controversy involving Menteri Schefter's inaccurate tweet about Sac State football's NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. Paul Pabst expresses frustration over the misinformation and the personal backlash received.

Paul Pabst (32:20): "Like, come on, Shefty. Check your sources."

He elaborates on the challenges of managing public relations in the age of social media and the importance of accurate reporting.

Audience Engagement and Polls

Throughout the show, the hosts engage the audience with polls and interactive questions, such as predicting the Packers' win total for the upcoming season. These segments enhance listener engagement and provide real-time insights into fan opinions.

Seton O'Connor (39:26): "Paul, I'm going 12 and a half."
Paul Pabst (39:35): "I'm going with the over, Doug."

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Segments

As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts announce upcoming segments and greet the live audience, highlighting the community aspect of the show. They tease future guests and topics, ensuring listeners remain engaged for future episodes.

Paul Pabst (53:29): "Do you remember when we had the early days of this show and you had a crutch where you would say, that's just it."

The show wraps up with a nod to upcoming interviews and a heartfelt appreciation for the guests and audience support.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt LaFleur on Draft Preparation (08:07):
  "When it comes to draft week, are you any different than you are in other weeks preparing for the draft?"

• Matt LaFleur on Player Traits (10:43):
  "We're always looking for certain traits at every position and obviously there's a lot of testing and the guys are doing less and less of that, but you're just looking for traits."

• Matt LaFleur on Team Performance (13:49):
  "We had a hard time blocking them and getting pressure on the quarterbacks. They are built the right way."

• Matt LaFleur on Draft Decision (15:21):
  "I think he's not only a great player, but I think he's an even better person and I just love the energy he brings in every day."

• Paul Pabst on Pickleball Controversy (06:31):
  "Like you knew the rules or you still cheated."

• Doug Gottlieb on Coaching Philosophy (25:38):
  "One of the biggest things was to earn the trust of the players and let them know that we were here to help them take the next step."

• Paul Pabst on Social Media Backlash (32:20):
  "Like, come on, Shefty. Check your sources."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive dive into the strategies and challenges faced by coaches like Matt LaFleur and Doug Gottlieb. It blends in-depth sports analysis with engaging host interactions, providing listeners with valuable insights into the world of professional and college sports. The inclusion of notable quotes and real-time audience engagement further enriches the listening experience, making it a must-listen for fans seeking both expertise and entertainment.