The Dan Le Batard Show · Podcast summary
The Greg Cote Show (2026): Episode 342 - Goodbye, Herald
Greg Cote, the long-time Miami Herald sports columnist, reflects on his unexpected layoff from the newspaper after 50 years and shares his plans for the future of his podcast and writing career.
Listen on the show ↗Key takeaways
- 🎂Greg Cote's layoff from the Miami Herald was announced on his birthday, adding a layer of personal poignancy to the professional news.01:34
- 📉McClatchy, the corporate owner of the Miami Herald, laid off 30 employees, a move described as a "complete gutting of the staff."02:06
- 💰The layoff decision was made by corporate executives, not the Miami Herald, highlighting the financial motivations behind the cuts.04:49
- 🙏Despite the abrupt end, Cote expresses deep gratitude for his 50-year career in journalism, calling it a "relentless pleasure."05:53
- 🎾Cote's career began on September 5, 1972, and he recalls receiving a call from tennis star Chris Evert on his very first day.06:06
- ✍️Cote plans to continue his journalism career through his podcast, appearances on the Dan Le Batard Show, and independent writing, emphasizing he is not retiring from the profession.08:44
Chapters
- 0:00🎙️ Introduction to the Show
- 1:58📰 The Layoff Announcement
- 3:42🕰️ Reflecting on a 50-Year Career
- 5:32🚀 The Future of Greg Cote
- 15:56❤️ Chris Cote's Pride and Support
- 17:20⚖️ The Unfairness of Layoffs
- 23:47🧘 The Silver Lining: Freedom and New Hobbies
- 30:34🎳 The Bowling Alley Retirement
- 48:56🤵 Chris Cote: Ordained Minister
- 56:47🎤 Catchphrase Countdown
- 1:06:49😂 Dad Jokes
- 1:10:09🧠 Three Facts Jack
- 1:15:26🏈 Football Talk and Gambling Wins
- 1:31:30🌟 The Legacy of Greg Cote
The digest
Veteran sports columnist Greg Cote, a fixture at the Miami Herald for over five decades, recently found himself in an unexpected and poignant position: laid off. In a candid and emotional episode of the Greg Cote Show, Cote, joined by his son Chris and producer Yeti, reflects on the abrupt end of his illustrious career at the Herald, the changing landscape of journalism, and his optimistic outlook for what comes next.
The Shock of the Layoff
The news of Cote's layoff came on his birthday, delivered not by his long-time colleagues but by a corporate executive he'd never met. The initial text from Miami Herald sports writer Jordan McPherson, who also serves as the union representative, broke the news that McClatchy, the newspaper's corporate owner, would be laying off 20-plus Miami Herald employees. This number later increased to 30, a "complete gutting of the staff," as Cote described it.
Cote recounts the moment he received the call from "Tony Berg," a corporate executive, informing him that his 50-year career would be ending on September 25th. He describes the feeling as his "heart sank and my stomach sank," a visceral reaction to the suddenness of the news. While acknowledging the struggles of the newspaper industry, which he likens to a "southbound zeppelin struggling for years," the finality of being "abruptly discarded like yesterday's news" was a profound shock.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 3-minute article, 4 more sections, and every new episode from The Dan Le Batard Show and the creators you follow.
- A Career Beyond Dreams
- The Future is Bright
- The Harsh Realities of Modern Journalism
- A New Chapter, Same Passion
More from The Dan Le Batard Show
The Most Apocalyptic Ending In Football History | Hour 3 (feat. Amin Elhassan)
Dan Le Batard and Amin Elhassan discuss the most apocalyptic ending in football history and the ongoing saga of Pat McAfee's 'lit' object.
The Cleat Stomp Heard Around the World | Hour 2
Dan Le Batard, Mike Ryan, and the rest of the crew discuss the controversial cleat stomp, the NFL's new rules, and the ongoing drama in NASCAR.
As Good a Name As Anyone in the NFL | Hour 1
Dan Le Batard and the crew discuss the surprising upsets in the NFL, the impressive performance of Ross Tucker, and the unique way the Toronto Raptors are honoring their legendary players with statues.
Dan Le Batard's Top 44 Football Observations | Local Hour
Dan Le Batard shares his top 44 football observations, including a deep dive into the Miami Dolphins' struggles and the University of Miami's surprising season outlook.
Are Both NY Teams Actually Good?! Plus: Belichick's UNC Drama & Week 1 Overreactions (Feat. Gregg Rosenthal)
Gregg Rosenthal joins Dave Dameshek and Sal Iacono to discuss the surprising Week 1 performances of the New York Jets and Giants, Bill Belichick's controversial appearance at UNC, and whether Week 1 overreactions are justified.
BONUS: Dan Sits Down with Greg Cote Following The End of His Miami Herald Career
Dan Le Batard sits down with Greg Cote following the end of his Miami Herald career, discussing the emotional impact of his layoff, the changing landscape of sports journalism, and the profound connection he built with his readers over five decades.