In short
Two-part “Hour 3” of The Rich Eisen Show. Main segment breaks down Mike Tomlin’s departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers, what it means for the coaching search and compensation, and how Steelers fans are reacting. Second segment shifts to Seahawks playoff outlook with comedian Adam Ray, including Seahawks’ defensive strengths and matchup predictions.
Guests and backgrounds
Jerry Dulac, longtime Steelers Radio Network host and long-time Steelers beat reporter; he reports from the Steelers facility and has covered Tomlin for years. Adam Ray, stand-up comedian and Seahawks fan, in-studio for NFL discussion.
Key claims
Dulac says Art Rooney II indicated Tomlin intended to return, so it wasn’t a Steelers “push-out.” He frames the change as environment/frustration after playoff droughts, not Tomlin “tiring” of football. Dulac expects Tomlin may return to the NFL in some form and that compensation would be substantial. For the Steelers, Dulac expects a young, defense-minded head coach profile, likely not a retread.
Notable examples
Tomlin’s 19-year tenure, 193 wins, division titles, and recent “nine one-and-dones”/playoff struggles; Steelers’ search comparisons to past hires (Knoll/Cowher/Tomlin). Seahawks talk references Lumen Field atmosphere, Darnold “not pooping the bed,” JSN disappearing at times, and a key third-and-17 run by Kenneth Walker.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOWelcome Back: Recap of Previous Guests
1:32 to 2:09
Recap of previous guests and introduction of upcoming guests Adam Ray and Jerry Dulac.
“Earlier on the show, pro football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner.”
Interview with Jerry Dulac on Mike Tomlin's Departure
2:09 to 3:17
Gerry Dulac discusses the reasons behind Mike Tomlin's departure from the Steelers.
“Whether you're watching on Disney Plus and the ESPN app or listening on ESPN Radio or our podcast or Sirius XM Channel 80.”
Analysis of Tomlin's Coaching Career
3:17 to 7:09
An in-depth analysis of Tomlin's successful coaching history and the challenges faced.
“Some of the failed frustration, you know, nine years without a playoff win.”
Future of Mike Tomlin and Steelers Coaching Search
7:09 to 11:29
Discussing Tomlin's potential return to coaching and the Steelers' next steps.
“but I thought it was time to make a change for the sake of change.”
Candidates for Steelers Head Coach Position
11:29 to 14:00
Exploration of potential candidates for the next head coach of the Steelers.
“I remember Bill Cowher telling me, obviously, years ago, that the one place he wouldn't go coach, despite what everybody in Cleveland thought, was that he would go be the coach of the Browns.”
Pittsburgh Steelers Coaching Changes and Fan Reactions
14:00 to 20:29
Discussion about the Steelers' coaching change, potential new hires, and fan sentiments.
“I think the two most attractive jobs out there, first of all, are Atlanta and New York, the Giants, because of the young quarterbacks being in place.”
Comedian Adam Ray on NFL and Humor
22:59 to 28:00
Adam Ray shares insights on NFL, his upcoming projects, and humor related to the league.
“So we're going to be back here in studio with an NFL champion crown, and we'll talk about it with Burt.”
Analyzing Seahawks Performance
28:00 to 29:12
Discussing the Seahawks' game performance and team dynamics.
Adam Ray's Theater Tour and Seahawks Fans
29:12 to 30:39
Comedian Adam Ray discusses his theater tour and the enthusiasm of Seahawks fans.
“Uh, main tomorrow and then Providence in Connecticut this weekend as well.”
Seahawks Defense and Playoff Prospects
30:39 to 33:24
Examining the Seahawks' defense and their chances in the playoffs.
“but I wish you guys could see and hear and smell Lumen field.”
Show all 15 chapters
Seahawks vs. Niners: A Fan's Perspective
33:24 to 36:24
Discussing the rivalry between Seahawks and Niners from a fan's view.
“i don't want to say we're playing with house money but this d is so you got your vets with Big Cat and Demarcus Lawrence and Julian Love.”
Phone Call with John Schneider
36:24 to 39:44
Adam Ray makes a humorous phone call to Seahawks GM John Schneider.
“The Bears being good are good for football.”
Comedian Adam Ray's Upcoming Projects
42:33 to 44:26
Adam Ray shares details about his tours and a special event with Cal Raleigh.
Adam Ray's Poem About the Seahawks
44:26 to 46:10
Adam Ray performs a humorous rap about the Seattle Seahawks and their upcoming game.
“never done made an entire country pretend to pretend to care about swimming and we still don't and everybody laughed and he looked at me and I was like, I can't wait to smoke weed with you after the show.”
Wrap-Up and Upcoming Shows
46:10 to 47:16
Discussion about Adam Ray's upcoming shows and a callback to previous jokes.
“You're going to wear this in New England?”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Rich Eisen:So good, so good, so good. Spring styles are at Nordstrom Rack stores now, and they're up to 60 % off. Stock up and save on Rag & Bone, Madewell, Vince, All Saints, and more of your favorites. How did I not know Rack has Adidas? Why do we rack? For the hottest deals. Just so many good brands. Join the Nordiclub to unlock exclusive discounts, shop new arrivals first, and more. Plus, buy online and pick up at your favorite Rack store for free. Great brands, great prices. That's why you rack. Score more with the college branded Venmo debit card and earn up to 5 % cash back with Venmo Stash. Got paid back?
0:37With the Venmo debit card you can instantly access your balance and spend on what you want. Like game day snacks, gear, tickets, and more. The more you do, the more cash back you can earn. Plus there's no monthly fee or minimum balance. Sign up now at Venmo.com slash college card. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp Bank N.A. Select schools available. Venmo Stash terms and exclusions apply at Venmo.me slash stashterms. Max$100 cash back per month.
1:00Rich Eisen:This is The Rich Eisen Show. Hey, everybody. Can't get enough of The Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck. You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to 3 Eastern. Miss the show? We've got a podcast so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part. Our YouTube channel. Subscribe at youtube.com slash richeisenshow and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show.
1:32I certainly can't seek comfort in the longevity of my career.
1:35Rich Eisen:This is the Rich Eisen Show. You know how I feel about Mike Tomlin. I understand why it is ending. The Rich Eisen Show. Earlier on the show, pro football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. Co-host of Good Morning Football, Kyle Brandt. Coming up, Steelers Radio Network host, Jerry Dulac. Comedian, Adam Ray. And now, it's Rich Eisen. Our number three of the Rich Eisen Show is on the air. The funny and talented Adam Ray making his way to our studio right now. We already chatted with Kyle Brandt and Kurt Warner and you. 844-204-H number to dial here on the Rich Eisen Show. Whether you're watching on Disney Plus and the ESPN app or listening on ESPN Radio or our podcast or Sirius XM Channel 80.
2:20Rich Eisen:We've been talking to this man for years. He's been covering the Pittsburgh Steelers for even longer. and every single time Jerry Dulac would come on this program at the end of the season towards the end of the season I'd be like what's going on with Mike Tomlin there in Pittsburgh so it's only fitting that joining us here on the Rich Eisen show the longtime Steelers radio network host and so much more joining us on a day in which Mike Tomlin has in fact left the Pittsburgh Steelers organization Jerry Dulac here on the Rich Eisen show good to see you Jerry how are you sir Rich I am well and it's always nice to see I don't want to violate the Larry David rule but I will wish you a happy new year.
2:55Rich Eisen:It's okay, Jerry, for you, I'll make any exception. You always do that for me. And I greatly appreciate it. I mean, you've zoomed into this show from the Steelers facility, from your spot there in your home, from the U.S. Open. You've done so much for this program because I'm always wondering what's up with the Steelers and what's up with Tomlin's future. And now we actually know Tomlin is no longer with the organization. What's your reporting in sense as to why this happened jerry you know rich um the one thing i learned today in talking to art rooney the second was that he intended to bring mike tomlin back for another year so this wasn't a case if anybody thinks that um you know that maybe the steelers pushed him out or there was some agreement uh you know you stepped on we'll let you say you stepped down but we want to make a change that wasn't the case um you know when you've been in it 19 years you're getting closer to the end than you are to the beginning.
3:52I don't think there's any question. Some of the failed frustration, you know, nine years without a playoff win. We all know it's seven losses in a row, nine one and dones. You know, I'm sure it took a toll on Mike Tomlin. And so was I shocked? No, but I was a little surprised because I had not, other than just the rumors, you know, which I don't put a lot of stock in, I didn't get any sense from him. You know, Rich, you have a nice relationship with him and you know, I mean, he's a football junkie. He loves the game of football. And I just didn't see him walking away from it at this point in time.
4:39He always views every season as a challenge. And Lord knows the last, well, however many years, seven playoff appearances in a row. But he's been in the postseason five in the last six years. And the frustration of not getting beyond that, I think probably, you know, it took its toll.
4:57Rich Eisen:Well, I mean, he's a king of saying he doesn't listen to the outside noise. But the question is, did he hear it? You know, like he doesn't live in a cave, you know, like he lives in the community there. And he must know, he must be aware, he certainly heard it a couple of times in the stadium loudly this year, that there's a large section of the fan base that had had enough of his tenure there. And I'm wondering if that's part of the reason why he did step down, that he heard it and he didn't want to be part of it anymore. Well, there's there's no question, Rich, he heard it because he's acknowledged in those instances, especially the one game during the regular season, the Buffalo game.
5:48I mean, he heard it and he said that. And but, you know, he's how did it bother him? Oh, I'm sure he didn't like it. But no, I, you know, he's not the type to let the outside fan noise or any disgruntled fan base chase him out from what he wants to do, especially when he has the backing of the ownership, which he did. And so I'm sure it played a small part in it. You know, I don't know if this was the case. Maybe Mike Tomlin thought, you know what, we're not going forward here. And I'm actually harming the franchise. I'm actually harming the fan base. I can't tell you he thought that. But I wouldn't be surprised if, you know, he kind of unselfishly thought that way and thought maybe it's just time.
6:43And again, you know, he's been at it 19 years. And, Rich, I've always, from what I've seen the last couple of years, look, this isn't about whether Mike Tomlin's a good coach or not. We know that. 193 wins, eight division titles, two Super Bowl appearances, one win, you know, five of the last six years in a postseason. This was about just the environment. And I've never, you hear people talk about this, that, you know, you don't make change for the sake of changing. but I thought it was time to make a change for the sake of change.
7:14Rich Eisen:And so, again, you mentioned how he's a football guy, he's a competitor, and you didn't get the sense of him tiring of it or having it grinded down on him. And we spoke to him on this show, on this actual day one week ago, and he talked about how he loves the challenge. How he just sat in the film room by himself for hours. I was the first human he had spoken to all day, coming out and getting ready for this Monday night game. So are you surprised to hear that he doesn't intend to coach in 2026? Yeah, and that's what Art Rooney said today, that it doesn't appear that he has any intention in the near future of coaching again.
7:57You know, I didn't hear that from him. It's not that I dispute what Art DeSecond had to say. but I if you ask me even before what Art Rooney said would he be back coaching in some form yes you know I saw Bill Cowher go through this but it was different with Bill because initially his his dispute with the Steelers was about money and then that wasn't it at all and he just reached a point where you know he felt like it was time to step down and he had had enough. And, you know, that came just one full season after a Super Bowl. And so, you know, and people thought he would go back to coaching and he never really did, as you saw.
8:39And I don't think he ever, he was willing to talk to some people, but I don't think he ever had the inclination to go back. I just think Mike Tomlin will, I could be wrong. He's never told me that, of course but i i just but i but you know if he sits out for a couple years maybe he won't um i i would have to if i were a betting man i would say he would probably be back in the nfl
9:02Rich Eisen:in some amount of time whatever that is and then you know the word is that he already has a media offer in his back pocket that wouldn't surprise me if that's the case i you know it would just be interesting to me to see him sitting suited and booted on a set uh providing outside noise jerry i mean like that's that's essentially it um and and that's why i kind of find it hard to believe that um there isn't somebody trying to kick a tire on mike tomlin today to say are you sure you don't want to coach this year um and and because there are some compelling opportunities that are out there for him to jump on.
9:42Rich Eisen:That said, there are some compensation requirements now that need to be met for the Steelers. Any sense of how the Steelers, I know this is so early, but any sense of how the Steelers would view compensation for Mike Tomlin, Jerry? Yeah, you know, Rich, I don't know what that answer would be in terms of how much, but let's face it, You saw what other coaches commanded in terms of return compensation, and it would be at least that for Mike Tomlin, who would be even in more demand than any of those other coaches who received, you know, who went out and were, quote, traded or sold to another team.
10:21You know, Rich, you used the word interesting by that. Did you mean odd or curious to see Mike Tomlin in an announcing role? Because I don't. And I know from the other side, they would probably love to have him. I've never had any indication from him or the people around him that he would want to do that. So, no, I can't see him doing that. And I'm sure other teams will knock on his door, if not his agent's door, to say exactly what you said. Did you want to stay, you know, stay away for a short amount of time, a year or whatever? Or would you consider coming to our team? And so, yeah, I'm sure that will happen.
11:01Yeah.
11:02Rich Eisen:And again, in the same way that Cowher, after he left, did rule over coaching carousel cycles for a few years, that will absolutely be Tomlin if he certainly is also in the public eye during the 2026 season. uh first first order of business jerry i mean the draft is in pittsburgh in april i'm sure my network i'm sure espn i'm sure anybody will be knocking on tomlin's door and say do you want to be part of the paparazzi talking about a draft in pittsburgh it makes complete sense that he will start to be in the public eye if that's what he wants um and he will then lord over any coaching process with him sitting out there for sure you know rich i i've yeah i've never um i i've never thought that mike tomlin was concerned about or was enamored with being in the public eye now i can't speak you know i i can't speak to his ego or anything like that but i've never had that sense that he's worried about being front and center but you're right i mean it would be great for television it would be great theater uh no question but um i i just don't see him wanting to do that right away i think he's would be more willing to sit back and think okay do i want to go forward again this year or do i want to wait and of course the big thing for the steelers and and naturally their fan base what would they get in return i love this notion that people are showing that clip of steve bashotti uh you know the ravens coach raising his eyebrows when it was mentioned that Mike Tomlin stepped on.
12:44I remember Bill Cowher telling me, obviously, years ago, that the one place he wouldn't go coach, despite what everybody in Cleveland thought, was that he would go be the coach of the Browns. And he said, even though he played there and coached there, he would never do that because he wouldn't do that to Pittsburgh. He wouldn't do that to the Rooney family. And I would be willing to bet everything I got. And as you know, Rich, that's countless thousands of millions of dollars that he would never go to Baltimore.
13:14Rich Eisen:Well, and not just that. I mean, there's a job opening in Atlanta. Does he want to maybe move to Las Vegas, take a Raiders position? Tom Brady sitting at the top of that flow chart. Would that be a – listen, we already know the openings that are there right now, Jerry, but in the few minutes that I have left with you, I'd love to focus on the Steelers and the community there. I guess the first order of business is who do you think the Steelers are thinking about? I know, again, this hasn't happened in two decades for a job search. But who do you think is at the top of Art Rooney II's immediate first blush wish list?
13:56Rich Eisen:Jerry Dulac. Yeah, Rich, I'm a little rusty on this coaching search thing. It's been a while. It's been a whole 19 years. I think the two most attractive jobs out there, first of all, are Atlanta and New York, the Giants, because of the young quarterbacks being in place. And, you know, Art Rooney said today that, you know, Mike Tomlin's decision will likely impact Aaron Rodgers because Aaron Rodgers came to Pittsburgh because of Mike Tomlin. And as for what they're looking for, you know, Rich, even though Art Rooney said today he's not going to be, quote, narrow minded about it. I think the template's been established here.
14:36And certainly the success has proven that to be the case that, you know, what they're looking for, just like their previous three, are a young assistant in their early 30s who are defensive minded. Chuck Knoll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tallman all fit that mold. And I have to think they'll go the same way. They've always believed in defense wins championships. There's nothing wrong in today's NFL. I think the big key will be getting that kind of head coach and a young one. No, they're not interested in any retread NFL coach. That being said, I think the smart move is you go hire a former NFL head coach, an unemployed one to be one or both of your coordinators.
15:20That would be the key move. I don't think that interests them in terms of filling that head coach position.
15:26Rich Eisen:Well, there's a couple of former Pittsburgh. I mean, what about having a hometown guy? You know, you got one guy who won a championship with Mike McCarthy, who might have taken a toll money from a Rooney if a Rooney was driving him or herself around town. or ton you know did i say that right right okay uh and then of course time rich time pardon me okay thank you uh or or or that current head coach at the university of indiana and he and you know who getting ready to win at all i mean signetti probably never thought he would ever get a call from a rooney saying what do you think but i understand that does not fit the mold of what you of who you just described jerry at all going way back you know they reached out to joe paterno to see if he wanted to be their coach.
16:11And they ended up with a Chuck Knoll. You know, Mike McCarthy, who I think, you know, I both like Mike personally, and I think he did an outstanding job. I'm actually surprised he's been out as long as he has, to be honest. And I know it hasn't been forever, but I just don't think they want to go in that direction. I'm not going to sit here and tell you they're not. I just don't believe that they are knowing the way they want to start with a franchise when they hire a head coach. But what they will do is hire the right person, and that's what they're mostly interested in. Nobody knew who Chuck Knoll was at the time outside of Don Shuler.
16:50Bill Cowher, excuse me, was a defensive coordinator, as was Mike Tomlin. But in today's day and age, Rich, with our social media and all the media outlets that we have, names will get thrown around, and the awareness of these young assistants are well known, unlike the last time the Steelers went to hire Mike Tomlin and certainly before that with Bill Cowher and never may that be the case with Chuck Knull.
17:15Rich Eisen:Well and the fact that Art Rooney II says the next head coach of the Steelers most likely isn't on the current staff is one of the things that folks in Pittsburgh who are happy to have a fresh start with their new head coach would point out has been an indictment of Tomlin is his coaching tree doesn't really exist in many different ways in terms of being hired by other franchises or being head coaches elsewhere. I'm sure you can make connective tissue between a Tomlin staffer and other staffs. That said, that's my final, that's my long wind up to this final question for you, Jerry, is how is this all landing there in Pittsburgh?
17:52Rich Eisen:Are people mostly happy, disappointed, sad? How would you describe the boots on the ground there? You know, Rich, for all the people who were claiming and clamoring for Mike Tomlin to be fired and it's time to get rid of him. I would just tell you in the short day and a half here now, all the people that I hear from, whether on social media, in chats that I do, in emails, whatever the case may be, all those people, I haven't heard from any of them dancing in the streets. And I think a lot of those people, you know, who were screaming for Mike Tomlin. Maybe they're quietly rejoicing, celebrating, which of course to me is preposterous, but then I don't sit in that camp.
18:43But I think, as I believe I said earlier, it was time for a change and that's no reflection on Mike Tomlin's ability as a head coach. That's been proven. I don't need to sit here and talk about it. And so I think the vast majority of the people understand that that's the case. But I do think that there's a lot of them who realize, wow, 19 years, this guy, let's face it, Rich, if he's not the most iconic coach in the NFL, he's right up there now, you know, with Andy Reid, now that Bill Belichick is gone. And so when you see that after 19 years, the same amount of career wins as Chuck Knoll, you sit there and you go, whoa, that's a big loss, no matter what you felt about it.
19:26And it's a big void. And, you know, Mike Tomlin was, you know, was a was the face of the Steelers and maybe the face of Pittsburgh. You can make that argument. So whatever way you you you leaned on a decision, I don't think there's any question. The departure of Mike Tomlin, you sit there and you go, I mean, that's that's that's a that's a big loss, I think, for the city, even though Steeler fans would maybe think it was a game for the French. Well, some Steeler fans think it would be a game for the French.
19:54Rich Eisen:Well, lots of questions just got answered with more to come. Obviously, with a coaching search that hasn't happened in two decades, a quarterback that no doubt will have to be found either through the draft or free agency. And then a draft itself coming up in Pittsburgh. Jerry, obviously, we will not lose your number and we will be reaching out to you in short order. We appreciate the time today. And Rich, whenever you call, as you know, I take the call. Thank you so much, Jerry Dulac. Everybody check him out on socials as well as locally on the radio. Print and so much more. Back here on The Rich Eisen Show with Adam Ray coming out of our green room.
20:33Rich Eisen:One of our favorites and one of our Seahawk fan favorites. Coming up next.
20:40Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show podcast.
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22:58hot sauce yes sir but man bert chrysler you're gonna see him in a light that you have not seen he is an actor dude this guy he even said it during the um post screening interview he goes he goes i know i'm not the best at listening but with this i got to listen a lot he goes i love he said it very in bert terms he goes i love listening as much as i like talking and he was so good the show is amazing shout out january 22nd free bird on netflix yeah it was so good well we're
Read the full transcript
23:26Rich Eisen:I believe Burt is booked to appear on this show the Monday after the Super Bowl. Wow. So we're going to be back here in studio with an NFL champion crown, and we'll talk about it with Burt. And obviously you can crash. Listen, if the Seahawks win, you will not be in Los Angeles the day after. You'll be sleeping off something overnight. Since you already said you're tight with John Schneider. Schneider is my guy. Got to be cool with Mikey McD. I've known Sam Donald since he got drafted. Mikey McD. That's how we're referring to him? Yeah. Okay. Coach McDonald, are you the only person to refer to him as Mikey McD?
23:58Rich Eisen:Because he strikes me. Probably. You have to really know him to call him Mikey McD. I've seen his house. I've seen him with his shirt off. In my NyQuil dreams. Does he know you've seen his house? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Over FaceTime. In his NyQuil dreams. You know, are you close enough to John Schneider, though, to let him know that he's pitting out? Are we? Already have. You have? And I will say this. Yes. yes and also he's self-aware and funny and self-deprecating enough to bring it up before you do oh oh really yeah he is um the way like brad williams you know brad williams great comedian little person brad will make the dwarf jokes before you do so that you're comfortable okay you know so he'll make the pits joke he'll make the pit jokes like and just the uh and he's like a big farley guy so we're always doing like tommy boy quotes so he'll be like i don't know how to perspire myself he'll like do okay yeah he'll he'll call it upon he's very very savvy in that department i will just counsel him that if he makes the super bowl to get bring a change to get some woman's band deodorant he uh he is sand deodorant is a callback my mom used to wear bands shout out to pudding shout out to pudding uh cox my mom used to wear band and i i forgot i didn't have my deodorant one day and so i used hers and i remember some girl in my class was like are you wearing my mint theater aunt and i was like yeah you wish and then i was so i mean how did you i thought i was how do you i mean girls they can just dude they can smell and sense and deodorant did you were you also drinking tab or diet right soda i was drinking surge okay surge was for a limited time it was pre for loco and pre living la vida loca it was but post eyes and Fleshlight.
25:42It was, dude, Surge was like, it was right around RC Cola and A Plus soda, but Surge was like, it was Fentanyl and Red Bull and Dayquil and Plan B and Sunkissed all in one can. Here is from the Google AI. Surge is a citrus-flavored soda from Coca-Cola launched in 97 as the Mountain Dew Killer. Yikes. I mean, it killed something. Sperm, hairlines, relationship real quick though John Strider executive of the year can we not dude listen sorry but swapping out
26:19Rich Eisen:swapping out Gino for for Sam sending DK along and saying JSN can be a number one guy and then he leads the league in receiving nobody thought that was gonna happen but building that offensive line when he did to get ready for this moment yes the defense balling out choosing the right coach it's hard to argue choosing the right coach and can we also acknowledge thank you for acknowledging that. Can we also just talk about post-Pete Carroll era? Yes. This is two years after that happened. I remember seeing Mikey McD after last season, and he so nicely did a first pitch with me at the Mariners game where I faked an injury, and he came out and did it, and he was like, yeah.
27:01And he goes, man, he was so bummed about getting 10 wins and missing the playoffs. I go, maybe I'm just captain positive, glass half full, but like you have to celebrate the fact that you came in and you kept the train moving like you came in new coach new regime like didn't even have i think all his guys yet right i think this was the year where he brought in correct me wrong with some new coach it right wasn't last year still
27:24Rich Eisen:well obviously he brought in the oc the clink kubiak who's getting interviews all over the place that is the one crappy part about what's happening well i mean that's but again this is what happens when you hire a defensive-minded head coach is that you wind up losing an offensive play caller if you get good enough but it doesn't matter if you put trophies in the case and the interesting thing is of the eight remaining head coaches in the call and in the current playoffs in the in the nfl playoffs half are offensive play calling coaches and the other half are the defensive-minded head coaches who are either like um vrabel the uh the ceo of it right or the play callers on defense as well and right we'll see how it all shakes out but you're right i mean pretty much the moves that john schneider made and that mikey mcd uh has or it's really mikey mack d mikey mack d okay you know what i mean like turn to the mac because seahawk fans are pissed off enough at me for believing that i need to see it before i actually put them atop my power rankings to finish the season because they are beginning to curb stomp everybody demarcus lawrence is another guy that you add from the dallas cowboys he is killing it he he he is uh i guess on the older side of things but you would never guess it right uh you i know we were texting um during niners or no rams hawks game remember thursday night when i was at that game and i was like yeah and then you were like yeah dude this is just not you know it's it's niners or bust or rams they you guys don't just have it you said something to the effect of like this is why your parents split early no forget what you said say anything that way no i was again just thinking again the niners had just won two games in a row with brock purdy with five plus touchdowns at each one of them and now here they have an opportunity at home at home to stay at home and i thought that was quite compelling and then the seahawks defense goes compel this and i totally compelled this basically you sure you know exactly like that's what they did and darnold i don't care that he's not throwing for 300 400 yards it doesn't matter it doesn't matter he's he's he's making a profit he doesn't go broke he's making a profit the only time where it was really dicey was when he got stepped on and that handoff almost flipped the script on everybody that night the ball was on the ground for a split second yeah but he he did not he did not poop the bed man he got it done charbonnet gets in the end zone i mean the backbreaker was really that third and 17 run by kenneth walker it broke the back it got john lynch cursing it probably pitted your guy out even more you know all of it it is working and now you got the buy the the niners are on a short short week man short week and um and still banged up i love george kittle and i that truly bummed me out because he's really a sweet fun like he just he's so good for the game and he should never not be playing but um so now you're down another stud like i and people it's a known thing how crazy lumen field is like it's it's known i i wish we could all like i wish i had private jet money and we could all go up and I could cancel my shows in Boston this weekend.
30:27Wilbur theater, two shows. First one sold out. Second one still needs some help. Uh, main tomorrow and then Providence in Connecticut this weekend as well. That's Adam Ray. Adam, Adam, Adam, who is me? It's my first theater tour. It's whatever. It's a big deal. I worked 20 years for this. So please come out. Um, but I wish you guys could see and hear and smell Lumen field. Like that Thursday night game was, was crazy, but I've been to games in 2013, 2014. And even the Russ years that continued post Superbowl collapse, We're pretty awesome. We are such a, it's why, you know, the Sonics eventually will come back.
30:59But we're such a sports city that like having something, a product like this, where people have been invested. Like there's bandwagon fans all the time. But like Seahawks football is a thing to be seen.
31:15Rich Eisen:It really is like being in a different planet going into that stadium. I've been there enough on, you know, standalone games, Thursday nights and things of that nature. We just talked about one with Alex Smith yesterday where it was a monsoon before the game and they had to delay the Niners Seahawks on a Thursday night because the field bubbled up. It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen. But it is up there with Arrowhead as the loudest outdoor stadium. Yeah, pretty loud. Or Denver where your ears are ringing. It is significant. But the Niners have been there before, man. And they won there in week one.
31:49Rich Eisen:I know it was an afternoon. Wow. Still sounds like you're on the Niners. No, listen. you can admit this is the one thing um i will say about the seahawks and only one thing please oh i will well i mean because you know i i need to give you your space um is is you watch to the end thanks for that i love that so much dude you have the most soothing melatonin voice at the end of the youtube clips hey you watch the whole thing thanks for that oh dude it's like plays on repeat in my head dude comfort food you need to do audiobooks by the way thank you for making it to the end um i heard it live i got a little hard and a little i don't know right is that everybody keeps saying if donald holds on to the football the seahawks will be tough to beat you could literally say that about the other seven teams in the playoffs that's the problem is that it it is it is such a level playing field yeah but the seahawks defense can get them through a game if Darnold does not have it to the tune of 80 % completion, 300 yards passing.
32:52Rich Eisen:JSN sometimes just in the second half of the season would disappear in a third quarter, in a second quarter. You're like, where is he? Is he hurt? And those are the moments that the Seahawks' defense would help survive. There would be times where Darnold would get the rest of the afternoon off because the Seahawks' defense just curb stomped everybody. The issue is it's the same thing about, hey, if Stroud can hold on the football, that defense yada yada yada that's the issue with the seahawks it is such a level playing field yeah that's my problem uh i hear you i think that's fair to say it is fair to say i i guess i just and you know any given sunday any given saturday but i do think that we are just too we're almost i don't want to say we're playing with house money but this d is so you got your vets with Big Cat and Demarcus Lawrence and Julian Love.
33:40But there are so many guys, Nick Imanwari and even Spoon still being, what, three years in. They're so young and hungry and almost like a child actor where it's like, you know, they don't know. They're too new and they don't have enough experience to get in their own way. You know what I'm saying? The Ricky Schroeder defense?
34:02Rich Eisen:Is that what you're saying? I was going to go Jaleel White or Haley Joel Offman. Adam Rich, if you really want to go way back to eight is enough, that's a Mike Del Tufo reference right there. I understand what you're saying. But you know what I'm saying? They're just so – but they're also just dialed in, dude. And I think having a young coach is obviously paying dividends, a guy that is still very – because Mike is militant. He loves a game. Is it Catan or Catan? There's a game called Catan that Mike is always like, we've got to play Catan. It's like Risk for – Are you referring to a Mikey MacD?
34:30Rich Eisen:Mikey MacD. Okay. You're confusing me by not using that big name. Big D, can we call him? You could. I don't know if he'd like it. Let's get him on the phone. Who wouldn't like that? Let's go here. Adam Ray here on the Rich Heisman Show. Let's go here. Who is me too? AdamRayComedy.com. Maine, tomorrow, Boston, Connecticut, Rhode Island. AdamRayComedy.com. Thank you. So you beat the Niners. Yeah. Then you go, you want the Rams or the Bears? Let's go. Let's go for it right now. Wow. You want the Rams or the Bears? You want the Rams. I want the Rams, dude. So you want to go take care of the Niners for a second.
35:04Rich Eisen:time then you want to take care of the rams a second time yeah then you want to go to the home of the 49ers and win a championship against two who do you want you want you want the patriots just because you want to exercise that ghost god you want them think about like seriously like what's the ultimate for you what will make you pit out you know like your gm what do you want dude i uh what's the ultimate i think you just nailed it i think if you are a true if you want to retire as a seattle sports fan yeah and forget about that super bowl loss and forget about that to Kembe Mutombo holding the ball on the ground.
35:35Wearing your Sonics hat. Wearing my Sonics hat. If you want to forget about the Sonics leaving, if you want to forget about the Mariners. Any of the Mariners. Any of the Mariners, but even though this last season was huge. If you want to forget about all that, but remember the show All That with Kenan Thompson, this is the scenario. it's beat the Niners handsomely on Saturday yeah yeah yeah and I truly think I fetal position beating it's a fetal position beating uh I think it's not gonna it's gonna be a close game but I think it's gonna end up being like a 27 20 type game okay so you beat the Niners you beat the Niners and then see you I love with the Bears seeing TikTok videos of them keeping the beer open for like an hour after the game sure it's the most Chicago thing ever and very exciting and The Bears being good are good for football.
36:28I think the Rams, even as much as I hate Stafford, Stafford looks like a guy who says his own name when he's having an orgasm. I just feel like I don't like him. I think he's got, look, he's good. Oh, he's so good at football. Yeah, of course, and he's good looking, and he's like, I don't know, his family looks perfect. He looks like they're in the Nordstrom Rack catalog picture frame. Yes, sir. Everything, he's got it too good. So you want to take care of him and the NFC champion? I want them coming back because I want to see him cry or at least just pretend to cry.
36:55Rich Eisen:You want it raining so Sean McVay's hair is spoiled, the whole thing, right? McVay is, I don't know if it's HGH or something, but the guy's just like, I don't know. He has a body I could never have, so I'm deflecting. I look like a softball coach that hits the kids. But McVay is just, he's like McVay. He's like a G.I. Joe villain. You want to ruin his day? I want to ruin his day. Right. And then what? Patriots, right? Not Broncos. You want the Bills. I think the Texans, I think, well, actually, I don't, you wouldn't want Texans. You would want best D versus best O. It would be two to nothing. We don't want that.
37:28We don't want that. Even though best D versus best O proved to not be a great Super Bowl in 2013. That's true. Was there. Shout out to them.
37:35Rich Eisen:But you want the Patriots. You want them. If you beat the Niners and the Rams and then you go to the Niners' house to beat the Patriots, I think they cut to a shot of Pete Carroll at home in his tighty-whities just going like this. Giving a Patriot salute. And then they pan away and Belichick's in the corner tucking in his girlfriend. And I think that. That's it. That's how you write off. And as a Seattle sports fan, you go, what? What a year? Like, you can't ask for anything else. You have to go, if the M's get a wild card, cool. Like, you can't demand anything after that. Yeah, yeah. That is, by the way, that is possible.
38:11That is potentially. Yeah, yeah. That can happen. Wow, dude. All right. I came in here with very mid-expectations. Now you're, like. Kind of riding a coffee. Yeah, yeah. And now I'm jacked up, dude. This is it. you want the game to start now.
38:26Rich Eisen:It could totally happen. Hawks, Pats. I didn't even think about that. Dude, sorry. I'm so in my own zone right now. You're taking them one at a time. Yeah. You're taking them one at a time, which is exactly what John Schneider's doing. It's exactly what Mikey MacD is doing right now. You're calling him right now? I was going to. Well, I could. He might be in a meeting. Who? John Schneider? Yeah. We can call Johnny real quick. Yeah, call him up because he didn't respond to my congratulatory text. Oh, whoa. He didn't? He didn't? No. He must have had about 100 of them. Sure. You know? Yeah, give him a call.
38:58Rich Eisen:Let's see what he's got. And, uh... Oh, this is great. He's busy. I'll leave a voice. He's probably in meetings. Hi, this is John Schneider. Getting my band roll on for the Saturday night game. Can't pit out. Leave a message. Your call has been forwarded. Oh, he doesn't even have an outgoing message. Adam, gotta call you back, bud. Uh-oh. Just leave him a message. Hey, Johnny, Adam Ray here with Rich Eisen. On live television. On live television. And radio. And Rich says, best of luck this weekend. And hopefully you just tell him to respond to my text. And he says, respond to your text. He says, the pit problem is NASCAR level pit worthy.
39:45Not pit panther. I said that you lather up pretty consistently. I said you smell great despite some of the shots that have been had. I said you you have I don't know what your colone is if it's Scotty Pippen for men or if it's what it is but you smell great you look great and I said you are the guy it's winning it's winning it's winning that's what it smells like how about this best record in franchise history GM of the year
40:10Rich Eisen:beat the Niners beat the Rams beat the Patriots wow did you hear that that's it that's what you want tell them what you want tell them what you want you just told them John I love you I'll talk to you soon goodbye for John Schneider wait can i i wrote a poem oh you did i was gonna maybe save this to the end but in case it's get it out of the way is it yeah i mean we're up against it is wait do we make it to the end we can take a break and come back yeah we could make you want to take a break come back my dad's calling me okay okay take that phone call we'll be back here look i'm on the rich eisen show and i'm wearing your shirt that you sent me there you go from etsy excellent very good uh let's take a break we're back with the entire ray family you're on live tv dad on the rich eisen show there he is look at him he looks like Clint Eastwood the Rich Eisen Show the podcast
41:00Rich Eisen:get into the Hyundai getaway sales event and get away with a deal so right it almost feels wrong because right now you can get great deals on our most popular models including our adventure ready SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Santa Fe Hybrid and the Tucson or Tucson Hybrid plus there's our bold and stylish Elantra loaded with the latest tech or go all electric with the IONIQ 5 or IONIQ 9. So get down to your local Hyundai dealer and get away with a deal you'll love during the Hyundai Getaway Sales Event. Visit HyundaiUSA.com for details. As you know, managing maintenance, repair, and operations is never easy.
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42:04Rich Eisen:What is it that makes the all-new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid an incredible SUV? Is it the spacious interior that's comfy for the whole crew? Maybe it's the capability to go off-road or the 600-plus miles of range. is it the driver behind the wheel what if it's all that and more what is it then the all-new hyundai palisade hybrid so much more than just another suv visit hyundaiusa.com or call this number 562-314-4603 for more details that's 562-314-4603 for more details this man knows all about reading uh reads for sponsors for his about last night pod and the dr phil unleashed available now on netflix that was a fun night that was a fun night just had kevin neil in here yesterday it's the last time i saw him was backstage of that that was unbelievable dr phil has been retired for now we have three shows in australia then five in canada next year but uh stay tuned for a netflix adam ray show announcement soon okay i'll come back on the show and announce it anytime um but the adam ray who is me theater tour is on sale again main portland uh portland main boston connecticut and rhode island this weekend and then new york next weekend and then vegas march 20th at the wind come out and see me go see the eagles come out and see me guys boys trip to vegas i'll take that silence as a maybe yeah um yes but uh but yeah the um oh and uh jerry rice if you're listening i saw you follow me on instagram i sent you dm inviting my you to my show in san francisco last week and you left me on scene what's going on man oh the ghost wow putting you on the pain oh my me on ig and i go the door is open if you follow me the door is open man okay but jerry i'm still a big fan what did you now what did you prepare so i prepared every time i come on the uh program i like to uh prepare something whether it's um just a statement or uh having a couple stories a couple a couple stories maybe something to announce oh real quick i know you guys are big uh cal raleigh fans cal raleigh and adam ray are doing a first time ever maybe only time ever one-on-one conversation it'll be announced friday but i'm announcing here at the fifth avenue theater in seattle uh i presented cal at the sports illustrated breakout star of the year award in vegas last week and after playing blackjack and some cocktails he goes we should do a show so fifth avenue january 28th fifth avenue theater one-on-one all the money going to charity cal and adam ray just a live pod chat some games some special surprises january 28th tickets on sale friday look at you very good michael phelps was there i made fun of him i said nobody cares about swimming but it was uh don't take that one awesome i said phelps i go you're the goat you've done something that brady jordan and gretzky have never done made an entire country pretend to pretend to care about swimming and we still don't and everybody laughed and he looked at me and I was like, I can't wait to smoke weed with you after the show.
44:34You have a better body than me. All right, here's the poem. Yes. It's a poem. It's a rap. I can recite it or I can rap it. What do you want? Do your choice.
44:41Rich Eisen:Listen, it's your, what do you think it's funny? Bars? Rap. What do you got? Yeah, rap. All right, bars. All right, here we go. Maybe? Maybe. I don't know. You got two minutes left before we hit the hard hour. I'll get this out in 30 seconds. That's what she said. Great. Okay, thank you so much. Oh, yeah. Yeah, we got it working. Seattle is a place where people say it rains. Well, after Saturday, none of his fans will feel the pains in their heart. Because their fart of a QB will play bad. Because the defense in Seattle sent a hand wishes he had. When he's crying on the bus ride home, like a horny garden gnome.
45:21He will soon be all alone. Watching TikTok on his phone. While 12s go celebrate a little football playoff date. With another team who will get F then take a pill to make it go away. The feeling of dismay because on this Saturday, the Donald led Seahawks will hit all of their blocks and catch everything in sight. Despite JSN's height, he's the best receiver in the game. John Schneider is the GM's name. The man who made our dreams come true and showed us gingers of people too. So listen here and listen good. You're saying, friend, people really should plan your trip to Mexico. However you will exit, know that you gave it all.
46:04And so when you stop, drop and roll. Watch us in the Super Bowl. Go Hawks. I wrote that last night on melatonin. Kids, stay in school.
46:18I love you guys.
46:20Rich Eisen:You're the best, buddy. Not bad. Pretty good. Very good. Okay, good. very good rhyming is not that hard true said raffi it's very hard that took me so long to write well the fact that you you you brought it um you gotta commit and if anybody who didn't know who you were you're wearing your name on your shirt oh adam ray everybody i love you adam ray right back at you man thanks for having uh about last night podcast wherever you get your podcasts Plus, also, if you're up for seeing this man in New England, by the way, what a time to be in New England. You're going to wear this in New England? Oh, yeah.
46:57Rich Eisen:Okay. Very good. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. You'll be in Boston on Friday night, right? In two nights? Boston is Friday night. Two shows at the Wilbur Theater. Famous theater. You probably went there as a child. Okay, let's go. Chris, let's go. Loved it. You should wear a I Love Brockman shirt with your face on it. You should do it. Yeah. Have Mary go on the Facebook Marketplace and get a Chris Brockman Rich Austin show shirt. That's what we call a callback in the biz. Adam Ray, comedy.com for tickets. Thanks for taking in this Wednesday show. Thanks for listening to the Rich Eisen Show podcast. You can watch and listen to the Rich Eisen Show live weekdays from noon to 3 Eastern on ESPN Radio, Disney Plus, and on the ESPN app.
47:33The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
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From the publisher
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac tells Rich the reasoning behind Mike Tomlin stepping down as the Steelers’ head coach after two decades at the helm, if Tomlin will ever return to coaching or take a job as a TV pundit, the top candidates to take over in Pittsburgh, and how fans in the Steel City are reacting to Tomlin’s departure.
Comedian Adam Ray joins Rich in-studio where he previews his beloved Seattle Seahawks taking on the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round, says why he wants to face the L.A. Rams in the NFC Championship Game and then the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, and more.
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