The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 2 – NCAA Not Smart With Their Product, Bill Cowher

Release Date: March 18, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves deep into the current state of the NCAA and its impact on college sports, particularly focusing on March Madness and the broader implications of recent changes within collegiate athletics. Joined by Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher, the discussion navigates through the complexities of the NCAA’s decision-making, the transfer portal, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, and the ripple effects these have on both athletes and the institutions themselves.

Critique of NCAA’s Strategic Decisions

Dan Patrick opens the conversation by addressing the controversial inclusion of North Carolina in the NCAA tournament, questioning the selection criteria and the potential biases within the selection committee.

Dan Patrick [13:00]: “North Carolina shouldn't have been in. They got in. And a lot of conspiracy controversy.”

Bill Cowher echoes these sentiments, expressing skepticism about the transparency of the NCAA's processes.

Bill Cowher [13:14]: “You have a bunch of people in a room who are financially incentivized for their team to make it. And I think what comes out of all of this is not an injunction to stop tonight's game. That's silly.”

He further criticizes the NCAA’s handling of pivotal issues:

Bill Cowher [13:25]: “The NCAA has been corrupt for a long, long, long time. There's a lot of things that go on. We don't know why they did, when they did, how long they did, even NIL.”

Impact of the Transfer Portal and NIL Regulations

The introduction of the transfer portal and NIL rights has significantly altered the landscape of college sports. Cowher discusses how these changes have empowered athletes but also led to unintended consequences, such as teams stockpiling older players or focusing funding disproportionately on high-profile positions.

Bill Cowher [18:00]: “But there's so much money here, and they don't understand any of this. NIL. They fought it for years. Transfer portal. Well, you can't let players do it. Why? You let coaches do this.”

He highlights the strategic shortcomings of the NCAA in adapting to these changes:

Bill Cowher [19:30]: “They have not been smart. They have not been ahead of anything. They've always been, oh, my God, now what do we do?”

Case Study: Rutgers’ Undrafted Players

A significant point of discussion is Rutgers University’s failure to advance in the NCAA tournament despite having top-tier talents who are poised for success in professional leagues.

Bill Cowher [10:00]: “Two of the top five guys and they didn't make the NCAA tournament. All right, some phone calls here.”

Cowher attributes this to the NCAA’s flawed system, where even teams with exceptional players can falter due to systemic issues rather than on-field performance alone.

NFL Quarterback Dynamics and Team Strategies

Shifting focus to the professional realm, Cowher provides insightful analysis on the ongoing quarterback conundrum faced by the Pittsburgh Steelers, particularly regarding Aaron Rodgers' potential move and its implications.

Dan Patrick [25:05]: “But also with Aaron at this age, how much, how much should you factor age into this? The way he plays the position?”

Bill Cowher [26:34]: “I think those are conversations that you got to be convinced that that's where his heart is at.”

Cowher emphasizes the importance of strategic flexibility and the necessity for teams to build around their quarterbacks effectively, rather than being overly reliant on marquee names.

Bill Cowher [32:37]: “The quarterback position is there. Accuracy, the ability to have anticipation and throw with anticipation...”

Lessons from Coaching: Adaptability and Decision-Making

Drawing from his illustrious coaching career, Cowher underscores the critical role of adaptability and in-game decision-making. He reflects on past experiences where coaching decisions had significant impacts on game outcomes, both positive and negative.

Bill Cowher [38:29]: “Yeah, I mean, when you're not prepared and you don't have the ability to have flexibility to make, you know, alterations in terms of what you do in the course of a game...”

He shares a poignant memory from the 1994 AFC Championship game, highlighting how pivotal plays can haunt a coach but also serve as learning experiences.

Bill Cowher [41:03]: “We called the play and a Neil Donald pass that was batted down by Dennis Gibson that was intended for Barry Foster...”

Future of NCAA and Collegiate Sports

As the conversation wraps up, both Dan Patrick and Bill Cowher ponder the future trajectory of the NCAA amidst ongoing challenges. Cowher remains cautiously optimistic but insists on the necessity for significant reforms to restore integrity and competitiveness.

Bill Cowher [21:46]: “The way I approach risk is constantly try things and actually make it okay to fail.”

Conclusion

This episode provides a thorough examination of the NCAA’s current state, enriched by Bill Cowher’s expert insights from his extensive coaching background. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics at play within college sports and the broader implications for professional leagues like the NFL. Cowher’s candid reflections and strategic perspectives offer valuable lessons for sports enthusiasts, athletes, and administrators alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Cowher [13:25]: “The NCAA has been corrupt for a long, long, long time.”

• Bill Cowher [26:34]: “...you got to be convinced that that's where his heart is at.”

• Bill Cowher [38:29]: “...alterations in terms of what you do in the course of a game...”

• Bill Cowher [41:03]: “We called the play and a Neil Donald pass that was batted down by Dennis Gibson that was intended for Barry Foster...”

This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the evolving landscape of college and professional sports, offering a blend of critical analysis and seasoned expertise.