The Dan Patrick Show: Most Improved NFL Team & Coaching Carousel

Hour 3 Summary – January 19, 2026
Host: Dan Patrick
Featured Guest: Albert Breer (Senior NFL Reporter, Monday Morning Quarterback)
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the fallout from the NFL’s divisional playoff weekend, focusing on which teams have improved the most, head coach firings and vacancies, and the shifting landscape of the league. Dan and the crew field callers discussing best and worst moments from the weekend, the surprise firing of Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, and future prospects for teams and quarterbacks. Senior NFL reporter Albert Breer joins to provide insider perspective on the biggest coaching storylines and what comes next for teams like Buffalo and Baltimore.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Most Improved NFL Team Debate

• Dan and the crew discuss which team made the most dramatic improvement over the past season, weighing the Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
• Dan: “I would say the Patriots are the biggest surprise.” (06:15)
• Paulie provides stats: Last year, Patriots offense was 30th, defense 22nd; now, offense ranks 2nd, defense 4th. (06:16)
• They note the massive turnaround despite public skepticism over strength of schedule.
• Key point: Changing expectations for coach tenures—less time for rebuilding, more focus on immediate results.

2. NFL Coaching Carousel & Firing Fallout

• News of Buffalo Bills firing Sean McDermott after nine years sparks debate about when it’s right to move on from a highly successful head coach.
• Dan compares the situation to John Harbaugh’s potential exit from Baltimore and Mike Tomlin’s step-down in Pittsburgh.
• Dan: “If the Ravens could fire John Harbaugh and the Bills could fire Sean McDermott, could you move on from us?” (01:07; in jest to his radio team)
• Discussion about the risks of firing coaches and the urgency among owners to emulate successful rapid turnarounds in other franchises.
• Conversation foreshadows more volatility in coaching positions and front office roles.

3. Caller Insights: Fan Perspectives on NFL & MLB

• Nick from Irvine (09:14): Shares his weekend of sports, praises Broncos’ backup QB, and laments his injury; also celebrates the Dodgers’ success and discusses their polarizing payroll strategies.
  • Quote: “That kid, that quarterback on the Broncos, he threw two of the best balls I’ve really ever seen … and to hear that he got nixed out of that was a disappointment.” (09:45)
• David from Ohio (12:41): Bears fan who, despite playoff loss, remains optimistic about the team’s future; notes Niners loss as a low point.
• Greg from Buffalo (13:52): Critiques Bills GM Brandon Beane for poor roster moves, particularly at WR and D-line, asserting his responsibility outweighs McDermott’s in Buffalo’s struggles.
  • Quote: “Brandon Beane has lost a lot of goodwill this year … not only has his wide receiver room construction been malpractice, but they have spent money and resources galore into the defensive line and it does not work, especially in the playoffs.” (14:08)

4. Albert Breer Interview: Insider’s Take on the Coaching Dominoes

• Sean McDermott’s Firing:
  • Breer likens McDermott’s situation to Tony Dungy’s in Tampa—great turnaround, but owners sense a shrinking window.
    • Breer: “Sean McDermott did a ton of good in Buffalo ... But the same way it was with Tony Dungy … the owners felt this shrinking window.” (18:04)
  • Josh Allen’s aging and injury risk makes this offseason critical for Buffalo.
  • Big opportunity for coaching candidates—a rare chance with an elite QB and championship potential.
• Best Available Jobs:
  • Buffalo vs. Baltimore debate: Dan thinks Baltimore is a better job due to franchise stability and deeper roster, but acknowledges the appeal of inheriting Josh Allen.
• Next Head Coaching Moves:
  • Breer expects Miami and Tennessee to make hires soon; identifies Jeff Hafley and Robert Saleh as strong candidates. (25:11)
  • Notes emergence of newer names and second interviews with up-and-coming coordinators.
• CJ Stroud’s Future with Texans:
  • Uncertainty about his long-term role; big contract decisions loom. (27:07)
• Jared Stidham Profile:
  • Breer explains the journey of Broncos QB Stidham—his blue-chip high school pedigree, college path, and NFL stops, including why Sean Payton values him. (28:32)
• Head Coaching Salaries Escalating:
  • First-time coaches like Ben Johnson and Liam Cohen now command $12-13M/year; “the dam’s broke” due to TV money and competition from broadcasting for top coaching talent. (30:47)
• NFL Officiating Criticism:
  • Breer: “Public trust is at an all time low ... I really think they need to go in this offseason and tear the thing down to the studs.” (32:34)
  • Suggests implementing sky judges, revising how technology is used, and communicating rulings more clearly to fans.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dan Patrick:

  • On coaching job security: “If you choose to leave, like Mike Tomlin, then … good luck. You’re dead to me. Just letting you know.” (02:28, joking with crew)
  • “You don’t get that much time to come in and be like, all right, we’re going to the playoffs.” (04:47)

• Paulie:

  • “Last year, the Patriots offense was 30th in the league. Their defense was 22nd. This year, their offense is 2nd in the league in scoring and their defense is 4th.” (06:16)

• Albert Breer:

  • “Sean McDermott did a ton of good in Buffalo ... but the owners felt this shrinking window.” (18:04)
  • “If you’re going to make this bold a move to get rid of a coach that accomplished that much over nine years, I think your hire has to be bold as well.” (21:52)
  • “Public trust [in officiating] is at an all-time low ... I really think they need to go in this offseason and tear the thing down to the studs.” (32:34)

Important Timestamps for Segments

• 00:33: Show introduction & update on coaching vacancies
• 03:07: Poll results; most problematic playoff losers
• 06:16: Patriots' turnaround statistics
• 09:14: Nick (caller) on Broncos QB and Dodgers
• 12:41: David (caller) on Bears/Niners
• 13:52: Greg (caller) on Bills GM
• 17:37: Albert Breer joins to talk coaching updates
• 18:04: McDermott firing compared to Tony Dungy
• 21:52: On boldness of Bills’ coaching search
• 25:11: Miami and Tennessee coaching vacancies update
• 27:07: CJ Stroud’s contract future
• 28:32: Jared Stidham’s football journey
• 30:47: Head coach salaries
• 32:34: Breer on state of NFL officiating

Tone & Style

• Language: Conversational, candid, informed by personal relationships and experience.
• Tone: Blends insider reporting and analysis with humor and lighthearted banter, especially in exchanges among the Danettes.

For Listeners Who Missed the Show

This episode is a must-listen for those tracking NFL coaching vacancies and team trajectories as the postseason reshapes the league. The blend of fan calls, smart crew banter, and Albert Breer’s inside knowledge delivers a comprehensive, entertaining snapshot of a volatile NFL moment. The dialogue ranges from the pragmatic realities facing embattled coaches and GMs to the deeper emotional investment of fans riding the highs and lows. If you're curious about which teams are really on the rise, who will fill the NFL’s biggest coaching seats, and how insiders view the officiating crisis, this hour gives you timely answers and plenty of food for thought.