The Dan Patrick Show: The Best of the Week – April 26, 2025

Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Introduction

On this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, Dan engages in insightful conversations with prominent sports figures, delving into team strategies, draft analyses, and personal anecdotes. The episode features in-depth interviews with Matt LaFleur, the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, and Doug Gottlieb, the head coach at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Additionally, the show covers the latest developments in the 2025 NFL Draft, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the most talked-about picks and their implications.

Interview with Matt LaFleur – Green Bay Packers Head Coach

Matt LaFleur joins Dan to discuss the Packers' recent performance and their preparations for the upcoming draft. With the Packers finishing the season at 11-6 and securing the number two seed, LaFleur provides a candid assessment of the team's strengths and areas for improvement.

• Draft Preparations:

  • [02:22] LaFleur explains the unique approach taken during draft week, emphasizing virtual preparations due to the influx of people in Green Bay. He states, “We are mock free. We are mock.” highlighting the Packers' strategy to rely on their scouting department rather than engaging in mock drafts themselves.

• Evaluating College Talent:

  • Discussing the challenges of assessing talent, LaFleur remarks, “There are guys who are playing against guys who won’t be in the NFL and trying to understand just how good somebody is.” (04:22) He emphasizes the importance of character and work ethic in potential draft picks, noting, “If you get guys that love the game of football and have high character, I feel like they have a chance of reaching their ceiling.” (06:03)

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • LaFleur shares memories from his playing days with the Omaha Beef, humorously recalling, “Probably the rump roasters, which were these 300-pound men that would perform at halftime.” (13:15) He also touches on his transition from player to coach, highlighting the influence of his quarterback background on his coaching philosophy.

• Draft Strategy and Player Selection:

  • Addressing the controversial decision to draft Jordan Love, LaFleur defends the choice, stating, “I think it's the right decision. I think he's not only a great player but an even better person.” (11:02) He discusses potential alternative picks, such as wide receivers, but ultimately stands by his selection, emphasizing the necessity of securing a solid quarterback in today’s game.

Interview with Doug Gottlieb – Head Coach at University of Wisconsin Green Bay

Transitioning from LaFleur's interview, Doug Gottlieb discusses his relatively new role as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and the challenges he faces in this position.

• Coaching Philosophy and Challenges:

  • Gottlieb reflects on his journey from ESPN to coaching, expressing, “Every morning brings a fresh new energy and no matter what the day holds, we come to the Today show for all of it.” (21:43) He candidly discusses the difficulties of saying no to players and staff, highlighting the emotional aspects of coaching beyond just the game strategies.

• Social Media and Public Perception:

  • Addressing his past interactions on social media, Gottlieb admits, “I was totally addicted to social media. When I left ESPN, it definitely ran me foul there.” (24:32) He acknowledges mistakes made during his broadcasting days but asserts his growth, stating, “I'm better now. But sometimes it's just like, you didn't need that one.” (24:58)

• Team Performance and Recruitment:

  • Gottlieb critiques the Packers' recent loss to the Eagles, attributing it to the strong performance of the opposing team's offensive and defensive lines. He states, “They were dominant up front on both sides of the ball. Certainly, we had a hard time blocking them and also, conversely, getting pressure on the quarterbacks.” (08:23)

• Player Development:

  • Discussing player growth, Gottlieb emphasizes the importance of character and work ethic in his recruits. “If you get guys that love the game of football and have high character, I feel like they have a chance of reaching their ceiling.” (06:03) This aligns with his focus on building a team of dedicated and morally strong players.

2025 NFL Draft Analysis

The episode transitions into an extensive discussion on the ongoing 2025 NFL Draft, focusing on high-profile picks like Shador Sanders and Travis Hunter.

• Shador Sanders' Draft Prospects:

  • The panel debates Sanders’ potential first-round selection, with varying opinions on his ability versus his attitude. Dan muses, “Shador Sanders fell because ability or attitude? I’m gonna say ability.” (50:55) Meanwhile, Greg and Paulie weigh in on his character and performance, comparing Sanders to figures like Anna Kournikova for being “famous for being famous.” (49:00)

• Travis Hunter's Versatility:

  • Hunter's dual-role capabilities are scrutinized, questioning whether his talents as both a cornerback and wide receiver make him a valuable pick or a potential risk. Dan comments, “If you have two positions, then you probably don't have one, which is the one that you're going to be great at.” (54:52) The comparison to Shohei Ohtani highlights the rarity and challenges of such versatility in the NFL.

• Cleveland Browns' Strategy:

  • The Browns’ decision to trade up for Travis Hunter is analyzed, with opinions split on its long-term benefits. Greg suggests it may be a “trap,” while Paulie likens it to the Angels’ initial embrace of Ohtani, ultimately questioning the sustainability of such a strategy. (55:12)

• Poll and Audience Interaction:

  • Engaging the audience, Dan conducts live polls and questions, asking listeners to predict the number of wins for teams like Wisconsin Green Bay. The interactive segment includes humorous banter and speculative forecasts, enhancing listener engagement.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Matt LaFleur on draft preparations: “We are mock free. We are mock.” (02:22)
  • Doug Gottlieb on character in recruits: “If you get guys that love the game of football and have high character, I feel like they have a chance of reaching their ceiling.” (06:03)
  • Dan Patrick on draft unpredictability: “You never get the feeling that Cam Ward was the number one overall pick because while he's being selected, the mothership and NFL Network went all in on the trade at number two.” (43:08)

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Dan Patrick reflects on the dynamic nature of sports and the ever-evolving strategies teams employ to gain an edge. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, team spirit, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, irrespective of the season's outcomes.

• Appreciation for Guests:

  • Dan expresses gratitude to his guests, praising their insights and contributions to the discussions. He notes, “It’s mentorship and friendship and I truly appreciate it.” (36:18)

• Looking Ahead:

  • Anticipation builds for future episodes, with teasers about upcoming interviews with notable sports personalities like Joe Thomas and Rick Neuheisel. Dan concludes with enthusiasm, highlighting the show’s commitment to bringing expert analysis and engaging conversations to its audience.

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a deep dive into the strategies and thought processes of top coaches like Matt LaFleur and Doug Gottlieb, alongside a comprehensive analysis of the 2025 NFL Draft. With candid discussions, memorable quotes, and interactive segments, Dan Patrick ensures that listeners are well-informed and thoroughly entertained, making this episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts.

Quotes with Timestamps:

• Matt LaFleur: “We are mock free. We are mock.” (02:22)
• Matt LaFleur: “There are guys who are playing against guys who won’t be in the NFL and trying to understand just how good somebody is.” (04:22)
• Matt LaFleur: “If you get guys that love the game of football and have high character, I feel like they have a chance of reaching their ceiling.” (06:03)
• Doug Gottlieb: “If you get guys that love the game of football and have high character, I feel like they have a chance of reaching their ceiling.” (06:03)
• Dan Patrick: “Shador Sanders fell because ability or attitude? I’m gonna say ability.” (50:55)
• Greg Rosenthal: “Shador has that thing where he's a star, but maybe not a star player at that level.” (48:50)

Note: All timestamps are based on the provided transcript and correspond to the moments when notable quotes were made.