The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3: "Big Ticket"
Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Dan Patrick & the Danettes
Episode Overview
In this engaging hour, Dan and the Danettes deliver wide-ranging commentary on sports' biggest stories of the week, with a primary focus on Mike Tomlin’s surprising departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team and callers speculate about Tomlin’s future—whether it lies in a new coaching role, a media position, or a hiatus. The episode also touches on NBA news, specifically the Lakers’ roster drama and Anthony Davis’ injuries, alongside lighter moments reminiscing about NFL history and interactions with fans.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. Mike Tomlin’s Departure & Coaching Future
Timestamps: 02:17 – 14:55, 24:15 – 38:49, 41:52 – 43:13
- Speculation on Tomlin's Exit: Dan and the Danettes debate whether Tomlin left of his own volition or was eased/fired out by the Steelers, and what that means for his legacy and next move.
- “It feels like a foregone conclusion that Mike Tomlin is not going to be coaching next season.” (Dan, 02:55)
- Paulie posits, “I still don’t think he wanted to leave the Pittsburgh Steelers… I think he read the room and chose to do whatever the classy thing [was].” (04:34)
- Would Tomlin Jump Back Into Coaching?
- Seaton draws an analogy: “You ever know somebody that is married for a long time and gets divorced and then gets married again right away?” (04:12)
- Dan: “I think he needed to. I think he needed to refresh. It’s 19 years…” (05:01)
- Speculating Landing Spots: The crew runs through potential teams—Jets, Falcons, Raiders, Giants, Ravens—but largely agree no move seems imminent or fitting right now.
- “I don't think there's a team right now that, unless he went to the Ravens… what other opening do you go, okay, that’s where Mike Tomlin wants to go? That’s a better situation.” (Dan, 05:39)
- Media Future: Dan suggests networks like NBC, CBS, and Fox will want Tomlin for NFL coverage or guest spots.
- “If I’m NBC, I’d hire Mike Tomlin for the playoffs. They have the Super Bowl this year.” (Dan, 03:02)
- Callers on Tomlin:
- A Pittsburgh-based listener offers perspective: “[Tomlin] is an outstanding individual, true leader of men and we are better fans for having [him] coach the Steelers for nearly two decades.” (Caller, 38:09)
- Another caller: “Don’t you think… he’s gonna wait to have one of the best quarterbacks in the league before he takes another job?” (Caller, 35:47)
- Is It a Firing or Retirement? Dan repeatedly returns to the semantics of Tomlin’s exit:
- “It’s only interesting because we want to know if he got fired or not. But what does it matter? He left the Steelers.” (Dan, 08:20)
- “Do I think Mike Tomlin, with two years left, it feels like somebody who's burned out… not, are the Steelers trying to protect him and say… we got to move on from you, we’re going to let you say you’re stepping down.” (08:36)
2. NFL Coaching Carousel & Franchise Stability
Timestamps: 10:17 – 14:14, 24:15 – 25:05
- The unprecedented coach turnover is explored:
- “I can't remember an off season… and you had these kind of options available to you. Remarkable.” (Dan, 11:24)
- Comparisons to Sean Payton’s contract situation and “coaching rights”/compensation are discussed (36:17 – 37:58).
- Listener proposes Tomlin for the Raiders job, but Dan expresses skepticism:
- “Mike Tomlin would be going from one of the most stable ownerships to the Raiders. That would concern me.” (Dan, 25:05)
3. NBA News: Lakers, LeBron, Trades, and Anthony Davis’ Injuries
Timestamps: 25:05 – 32:00
- Rich Paul’s Podcast Comments:
- Rich Paul (LeBron’s agent) suggests on Max Kellerman’s podcast that he'd trade Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr., causing media/fan drama:
- "I don’t know if I need my agent to have a podcast..." (Dan, 27:05)
- Mark: “If you’re a Lakers fan, this is like, oh my gosh, more drama that we don’t need...LeBron, your agent has a podcast and he’s talking about trading our second or third best player.” (29:01)
- Rich Paul (LeBron’s agent) suggests on Max Kellerman’s podcast that he'd trade Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr., causing media/fan drama:
- Anthony Davis’ Injury Woes:
- Discussion on Davis’ fragility and reliability:
- Dan: “Somebody should do the game of operation where it’s just Anthony Davis with all the injuries, and you pick out a bone out of it, and then—or it’ll buzz if you touch the side. If you’re old enough to remember the game of Operation…” (29:30)
- Paulie: “The past eight years, Anthony Davis has played more than 65 games once.” (30:08)
- Mark: “He’s got a constant grimace on his face—no matter what, he’s putting up 40 and 20, something’s always hurting.” (30:52)
- Discussion on Davis’ fragility and reliability:
4. Clippers’ Recent Success and Franchise Woes
Timestamps: 32:00 – 34:41
- Clippers hot streak acknowledged by a caller, but Dan and the Danettes recall the team’s historic misery and poke fun at possible jersey retirements and “what-if” scenarios.
- Dan: “You even gave Kawhi a fake job… They’re trying. You got James Harden there. I’d retire a jersey… How about a celebration?” (32:57)
- Paulie, on Kawhi: “If you just look at it blindly and you look at his stats, like, oh, he’s a very good player, but…” (34:21)
- Dan: “He’ll be a Hall of Famer, but just what he could have been.” (34:41)
5. Listener Calls & Miscellaneous Highlights
- Nostalgic Super Bowl story featuring Freddie Mitchell’s infamous lack of opponent knowledge (16:52 – 16:57).
- Multiple calls on Tomlin’s legacy and contract compensation, and on ticket pricing for NCAA title games (43:32).
- Brief digression into NFL history: plastic helmet prohibition and early Pro Bowl games (46:05).
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Tomlin’s Market Value:
- “He walked away from $50 million… He might be a $20 million a year guy if you’re paying Romo 18 million or Troy Aikman 20 million…” (Dan, 12:47)
- On the End of Coaching Eras:
- “Sometimes things just run their course. He was there for a long time. Sometimes… maybe we need to freshen things up a bit.” (Seaton, 05:20)
- On the NBA’s Drama:
- “But when your best player doesn’t play defense… Now, granted, Luka doesn’t maybe have to play a lot of defense, but it would be nice if he played a little bit of defense.” (Dan, 28:50)
- On Anthony Davis:
- “Anthony Davis… he’s had injuries I didn’t know were possible. It feels like it’s 30 injuries that he’s had or… conditions or something.” (Dan, 29:30)
- On Fan Culture:
- “Show me a billionaire who doesn’t want more money. That’s why they shouldn’t [raise prices]—because that’s stupid crap.” (Seaton, 44:12)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Mike Tomlin speculation and possible media future: 02:17 – 14:55
- Listener calls (Tomlin, Raiders, Clippers): 24:15 – 34:41
- Rich Paul/LeBron/Lakers trade drama: 25:05 – 32:00
- Anthony Davis injuries/availability: 29:30 – 31:12
- Clippers franchise woes/comedy: 32:00 – 34:41
- NFL ticket price capitalism: 43:32 – 44:13
- Closing What We Learned/History: 46:05 – 47:39
Tone & Style
The episode maintains Dan Patrick’s signature conversational, insightful, and occasionally irreverent tone. Banter among the Danettes is playful but informed, frequently punctuated by rapid-fire jokes and personal stories. Listener calls offer a blend of fandom, local expertise, and humor, contributing to the show’s welcoming, sports-bar-meets-radio feel.
Summary
This episode is a quintessential Dan Patrick Show hour: sharp sports analysis, speculation about high-profile coaching changes, playful skepticism towards league and player drama, and plenty of laughs and call-ins. It’s an essential listen for Steelers fans, NFL followers, and anyone tracking major figures’ moves both on and off the field.