The Dan Patrick Show

Hour 2 - No Good Jobs in College Basketball, Jon Rothstein
Date: March 20, 2026
Podcast Host: Dan Patrick, iHeartPodcasts
Key Guest: Jon Rothstein (CBS Sports, college basketball insider)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the dramatic first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament with a focus on surprising upsets, the state of storied college basketball programs, and the shifting landscape of coaching opportunities – especially at schools traditionally seen as “blue bloods.” Dan Patrick welcomes college basketball insider Jon Rothstein for in-depth analysis and spirited debate about recent games, the future of coaches at North Carolina and Syracuse, and what constitutes a “good job” in today’s college basketball world. The crew also shares their signature humor and banter, fielding passionate calls and debating the greatest college centers of all time.

Main Discussion Points and Insights

1. Roundup of NCAA Tournament Upsets

• High Point’s upset win over Wisconsin and VCU’s dramatic finish against North Carolina are at the heart of what March Madness is about, creating “Cinderella” moments for programs with something to prove.
  • Jon Rothstein: "So much of the start of the NCAA tournament is about Cinderella, about creating those moments …. it's about the dreamer. It's about the chance to do something, be cemented in school history." (07:07)

2. Historical Context: Greatest Upset Debates

• Rothstein argues that Fairleigh Dickinson’s win over Purdue in 2023 remains the biggest upset, even surpassing what a Siena-over-Duke win would have represented.
  • Jon Rothstein: "In my opinion, unequivocally the biggest upset in the history of the NCAA tournament." (08:04)

3. North Carolina’s Collapse and Hubert Davis’ Future

• North Carolina’s blowing a 19-point lead to VCU, despite missing their best player, has created tension among the fan base. But injury context is crucial:
  • Rothstein: "[Hubert Davis] had his full roster intact, did a great job this season returning North Carolina to prominence … it was an injury-plagued season ... but with all hands on deck, North Carolina obviously returned to being one of the best teams in the country." (09:02)
• Both Rothstein and callers defend Davis, arguing the season should not define his tenure.

4. Siena’s Jerry McNamara and the Syracuse Job

• Debate over whether McNamara should take the Syracuse job if offered, with Rothstein emphasizing the job isn't what it once was.
  • Rothstein: "There is a faction of people at Syracuse that want to move away from the Jim Boeheim regime ... But, the Syracuse job right now is not the Syracuse job that you and I grew up with in the Big East." (11:05)
  • He cites declining win percentages since joining the ACC and how tournament success under Boeheim has somewhat masked the downturn.

5. State of Coaching Jobs in College Basketball

• Dan and Rothstein discuss how many traditional "destination" jobs—like Syracuse—aren't as desirable due to conference realignment and changing landscapes.
  • Dan Patrick: "Is Syracuse a really good job? It used to be. And what John is saying, it's not now…. Who are you bringing in? That's always the key." (14:24)

6. Tournament Parity and The Myth of ‘Cinderella is Dead’

• Rothstein argues the idea that underdogs can't win in the NIL era is overblown, citing recent mid-major successes.
  • Rothstein: "The greatness about the NCAA tournament is what we saw yesterday … Cinderella is not dead." (12:56, 14:00)

Highlights, Notable Quotes, and Memorable Moments

Epic Quotes

• Dan (on Siena’s upset bid): "If Siena beat Duke, would that have been the greatest upset in college basketball history?" (07:53)
• Rothstein (on Hubert Davis): "I'm not saying this is 2000 when Cincinnati lost Kenyon Martin to a broken leg ... but we have to tell the whole story right here." (09:02)
• Rothstein (on the modern Syracuse job): "Since Syracuse joined the ACC in 2013, its winning percentage in ACC regular season games is 51%. Syracuse's winning percentage in Big East regular season games in its last 13 years in the conference was 69%." (11:22)

Audience Engagement

• Callers weigh in passionately—Monica from Raleigh standing by Coach Davis and recounting her lifelong love for the tournament with her dad. (16:05)
• Dan’s playful humor: Busting on a caller’s husband for giving the “wrap up” sign—"Why don’t you tell him to mind his own business?" (17:27)

“Greatest Centers” Debate

• Spirited debate on best college centers in the last 30 years, led by Marvin.
  • Marvin nominates Anthony Davis, but Dan presses for Patrick Ewing, with historical (and comical) context:
    • "He didn’t score in the national title game." (19:01)
    • "Who's your all-time starting center in your lifetime?" (18:40)
  • Paulie corrects that Davis was listed as a forward, not a center. (29:46)
  • Tim Duncan and Jahlil Okafor enter the discussion, and the crew splits hairs on historical positions versus peak performance.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:51] – Recap of upsets: Texas over BYU, Siena’s run at Duke, VCU over North Carolina.
• [07:07] – Rothstein on Cinderella stories and the emotional significance of High Point’s win.
• [08:38] – Rothstein debates what the greatest upset would have been.
• [09:02] – Rothstein breaks down North Carolina’s injuries and context for their loss.
• [10:36] – Outlook on Jerry McNamara, Syracuse job quality, and the shifting college basketball landscape.
• [12:56] – Rothstein refutes the “Cinderella is dead” narrative.
• [17:23] – Caller Monica, defending Hubert Davis and sharing her March Madness memories.
• [18:44] – Dan and Marvin spar over all-time college centers, leading to a wider debate among the crew.
• [29:46] – Paulie corrects the record: Anthony Davis was listed as a forward at Kentucky.
• [32:32] – Allen Iverson and the “best one-and-done point guard season” discussion.
• [49:12] – Gambling segment: Dylan recaps upsets and his parlay dilemma.
• [53:03] – Dylan’s 10-leg parlay: Should he cash out or let it ride? Show vote: all say “let it ride.”

Additional Fun & Banter

• Dave & Buster’s outing: Dan recounts his visit with his daughter, describing the “human claw,” spinach dip, and feeling old in the arcade. (28:17)
• Meat Friday tradition: Pastrami vs. corned beef debate and Dylan’s kitchen exploits. (48:02)
• Gambling woes: Dylan’s brand as “the losing gambler” and a consensus to “let it ride” on his parlay. (53:03)

Tone & Style

The show maintains its trademark blend of humor, sports expertise, and camaraderie, with Dan’s affable leadership drawing spirited takes and laughter from both guests and crew. Jon Rothstein matches that energy with polished, rapid-fire college hoops analysis, while callers bring a mix of devotion and quirk that’s classic for The Dan Patrick Show.

Summary for Non-Listeners

If you missed Hour 2, the show dissected the NCAA tournament’s wild upsets, the challenge of coaching high-profile programs in today’s landscape, and why “great jobs” in college basketball are less appealing than ever. Jon Rothstein’s insider takes provided critical context for North Carolina’s loss and the true value of the Syracuse opening, while the crew’s passionate debates over all-time greatest centers (and positional definitions!) kept things lively and relatable. The tone is equal parts expert analysis and locker room fun, making for an episode that’s as informative as it is entertaining.