Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show

Episode: Hour 2 – Questions About Fernando Mendoza, Dan Orlovsky
Date: January 7, 2026
Host: Dan Patrick (plus regular “Danettes” and guests)
Notable Guest: Dan Orlovsky (NFL analyst, former QB)

Main Theme

This episode dives into current NFL coaching vacancies post–“Black Monday,” debates about quarterback prospects (with a spotlight on Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore), and engaging NFL analysis—sprinkled with humor and some classic banter about the Beatles, breakfast, and sports pop culture. Dan Orlovsky joins to offer his perspective on the landscape for head coaches, offensive coordinators, and what really matters in evaluating NFL talent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL Coaching Carousel & Vacancies

• Ravens and Harbaugh Departure (01:08–03:35):

  • Dan discusses the surprising split between John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens; speculates on possible successors, notably Chris Shula (grandson of Don Shula, close to Sean McVay), despite his thin resume.
  • Dan Patrick on NFL coaching trends:
    “The Sean McVay tree should have saw it all. You got to do—you know, somebody who babysits for Sean McVay may end up being a head coach one day.” (02:50)

• Mike McCarthy’s Reputation (05:00–06:13):

  • Debate over why McCarthy, with a resume as strong as Payton’s or Tomlin’s, isn’t highly sought-after—possibly due to lack of charisma.
  • Dan Patrick:
    "Mike McCarthy, he's like old school, but I wonder if he gets an opportunity with these coaching vacancies." (05:40)

• The Dallas Cowboys Coaching Experience (05:47–06:55):

  • Paulie opines Cowboys coaches deserve more credit due to unique pressure from owner interference and lack of a true GM.
  • Dan Patrick responds:
    “If you’re going there to get credit, then you’re going to the wrong place...You’re going to get blame, you’re not going to get credit.” (06:13)

• Poll Question—Who’s in a Better Position: Harbaugh or Ravens? (07:04–07:14):

  • Audience leans toward Harbaugh; doubts remain about Lamar Jackson’s postseason ceiling.

2. Quarterback Analysis & Draft Questions

• The Overvaluation of College QBs (08:31–14:10):

  • Dan highlights the annual QB draft hype cycle, noting how would-be first-rounders’ reputations shift drastically—specifically mentioning Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore rising by default in a weak class.
  • Dan Patrick’s philosophy on QB evaluations:
    "Every year we do this with quarterbacks. Be like, man, did you see that game? Man, did you see that throw? The scouts, they take away the clutter...How good are you?" (13:00)

• Fernando Mendoza as a Prospect (13:00–14:10):

  • Mendoza’s stats are ordinary; Dan questions how much “the story” factors into hype versus on-field talent. He likens Mendoza’s ceiling to a “safe pick”—a possible Joe Flacco or Kirk Cousins, but cautions against wishful comparisons to superstars.
  • He warns that success depends greatly on system and environment.

• Where QBs Are Drafted Matters (14:10–15:44):

  • Lower-picked QBs often thrive, Dan argues, because they join better-run teams—a la Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Tom Brady.

3. Guest Segment: Dan Orlovsky Discusses Openings & QB Prospects

• Best Offensive Coordinator Openings (17:55–18:54):

  • Orlovsky ranks Atlanta highest, citing talent (Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts) and strong O-line.
  • Dan Orlovsky:
    "So much talent, so many weapons, very good offensive line...there’s just too much talent and a good offensive line." (18:16)

• Orlovsky on the Raiders’ Challenges (19:02–19:59):

  • He calls Las Vegas “the worst roster in football,” warns it’ll take years to build, and names Brock Bowers as the only sure foundational player.

• Head Coaching Openings: Giants vs. Falcons (20:03–20:53):

  • Giants have a QB but other roster holes; Atlanta offers skill position talent and stability in front office.
  • Decision complicated when coaches don’t get to pick their GM.

• The “GM-Head Coach” Dynamic (21:13–22:17):

  • Orlovsky says pre-existing relationships matter; sometimes media overstates the friction created by inherited GMs.

• Cleveland Browns Situation (22:17–24:18):

  • Orlovsky calls the job unattractive due to ownership instability and Deshaun Watson’s decline.
  • Dan Orlovsky on Watson:
    "The last time Deshaun played good football, I think, was five years ago…he looked like a shell of himself athletically." (23:38)

• Running QBs Aging Out (24:18–26:01):

  • Discussion on mobile QBs like Lamar Jackson running less for longevity—good coaching, player health, and adaptation.

• QBs & Coaches Under Most Pressure in Playoffs (28:00–29:44):

  • Orlovsky: Trevor Lawrence faces the most playoff scrutiny after a confidence rollercoaster year.
  • Dan Orlovsky on Lawrence:
    "He thinks he's the best player on the field every time he steps on the field." (29:23)
  • Coach: Sean McDermott’s job in Buffalo might be on the line if the Bills lose.
  • “I just watched the Ravens move off from one of the great coaches in the last two decades.” (29:44)

• How to Evaluate Mendoza & Moore (31:10–34:04):

  • Orlovsky’s quarterbacking litmus test: “Can you see it and throw it?” Mendoza checks these boxes, excels at processing, but faces questions about explosive, adversity-tested plays.
  • Dante Moore: strong when in rhythm (“very pure”), but regresses when play breaks down; compared to Matt Ryan.

• On Arch Manning (34:04–35:45):

  • Orlovsky says if Arch Manning was in this year’s draft, he’d be a “runaway” #1 pick, praising his physical talent, wiring, and “weathered” mental toughness.
  • Orlovsky:
    "Arch Manning is kind of like the throwback 1970 quarterback with modern day training and nutrition. I’m a huge fan of this guy." (34:04)

4. Side Conversation: Breakfast & The Beatles (36:15–39:54)

• Classic Dan Patrick banter:
  • Dan reveals he dislikes breakfast (even on weekends or at hotels).
  • The Danettes riff (hilariously) about breakfast in Italy and U.S. food culture.
• Beatles Debate:
  • Todd Selliman jokes the Beatles are overrated, sparking playful psychoanalysis about why pop stars trigger such fervor.
  • Todd Selliman:
    “I think they're highly overrated. And I think part of it is the...jealousy of seeing how people have reacted in past years...nothing they've done...should have someone move in such a way where they can pass out and possibly die from being near another human being.” (38:53–39:32)

5. Listener Mail: Coaches Quitting Bad Organizations (40:50–41:27)

• Dan explains that unlike college, NFL head coaches almost never quit before contracts end due to the scarcity of jobs (only 32 in the world). He analogizes with his own departure from ESPN, where “nobody leaves until they have to leave.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Chris Shula’s rise:
  “The Sean McVay tree...you know, somebody who babysits for Sean McVay may end up being a head coach one day.” (02:50 – Dan Patrick)

• On overhyping QB prospects:
  “Last I looked, when they do that at your pro day, nobody is rushing you, nobody is covering the wide receiver. It doesn’t make any impact on me.” (12:40 – Dan Patrick)

• On Mike McCarthy ‘lacking personality’ in the coaching race:
  “Mike McCarthy is just like, you could be his neighbor and not know what he did for a living... We want that coach who—man, he looks dashing, he’s young.” (05:15 – Dan Patrick)

• On Deshaun Watson’s decline:
  “He looked like a shell of himself athletically...his body is just kind of started to break down.” (23:38 – Dan Orlovsky)

• On Arch Manning (potential NFL draftee):
  “Not even close. [He’d be the] runaway number one pick. Arch Manning is kind of like the throwback 1970 quarterback with modern day training and nutrition. I’m a huge fan of this guy.” (34:04 – Dan Orlovsky)

• On choosing Atlanta as the best job opening:
  “So much talent, so many weapons, very good offensive line...Atlanta would make sense to either keep Kirk or I could see them adding maybe a second round draft pick at quarterback.” (18:16, 20:03 – Dan Orlovsky)

• On coaches’ credits & Cowboys’ difficulties:
  “If you’re going there to get credit, then you’re going to the wrong place. You’re going to get blame, you’re not going to get credit.” (06:13 – Dan Patrick)

• Classic Beatles take:
  “I think they're highly overrated...nothing they've done...should have someone move in such a way where they can pass out and possibly die from being near another human being.” (39:32 – Todd Selliman)

Segment Highlights & Timestamps

• Coaching Carousel Breakdown: [01:08–07:04]
• Poll Questions & Ravens/Lamar Debate: [07:04–08:16]
• QB Draft Hype and Mendoza/Moore Deep Dive: [08:31–15:44]
• Guest/Orlovsky (Best Openings, Raiders/Giants/Falcons, Cleveland, Watson, Playoff Pressure): [17:55–30:33]
• QB Evaluation: Mendoza, Moore, Arch Manning: [31:10–35:45]
• Classic Banter—Breakfast & Beatles: [36:15–40:41]
• Caller/Listener: Why NFL Coaches Don’t Quit Bad Jobs: [40:50–41:27]

Engaging Takeaways

• John Harbaugh’s exit signals both risk and opportunity for Ravens and Harbaugh alike; the coaching market values charisma and narrative almost as much as record.
• Quarterback success can’t be measured in college stats or combine throws alone—system, toughness, and adaptability win out.
• The allure of “can’t-miss” QB prospects is as much about team fit as individual skill; hype cycles are perennial but misleading.
• Dan and the crew blend sharp NFL analysis with warm, quirky digressions on food and pop music—reminding us why the Sports Talk genre endures.

For anyone who missed the episode, this hour provides a sharp, timely look at the real mechanics underlying NFL coaching searches and QB evaluation—plus a dose of the unique Dan Patrick Show camaraderie and irreverence.