Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode 3 & Out

Release Date: January 23, 2025
Title: 3 & Out - Jets hire Aaron Glenn, Raiders get a GM, Baalke out in Jax
Host: Jon Middlekauff
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Jon Middlekauff delves into significant offseason movements within the NFL, focusing primarily on the New York Jets' acquisition of Aaron Glenn as their new head coach, the Las Vegas Raiders' appointment of John Spytek as their General Manager, and the Jacksonville Jaguars' decision to part ways with GM Trent Balky. Additionally, Middlekauff touches upon other notable coaching extensions and shifts, providing insightful analysis on the evolving landscape of NFL leadership.

2. New York Jets Hire Aaron Glenn as Head Coach

Background and Significance:
The New York Jets have made a pivotal move by hiring Aaron Glenn as their new head coach on a five-year contract. Glenn, a former Jets player from 1994 to 2001, brings a wealth of experience from his coaching tenure under esteemed mentors like Sean Payton and Dan Campbell in Detroit.

Key Points Discussed:

• Experience: Glenn's diverse background, having worked with coaching legends such as Pete Carroll and Sean Payton, positions him as a knowledgeable and adaptable leader.
• Cultural Fit: As a former player, Glenn is well-acquainted with the franchise's history and culture, potentially fostering a strong connection with both players and fans.
• Handling Pressure: Middlekauff highlights Glenn's ability to manage the intense scrutiny of a New York market, crucial for revitalizing the Jets' tarnished reputation over recent years.

Notable Quote:
Jon Middlekauff [15:30]: "Aaron Glenn's appointment is not just a hopeful move; it's a strategic decision to bring someone who understands the Jets' legacy and can navigate the complexities of a high-pressure environment."

Implications:
Glenn's leadership is expected to bring stability to the Jets, moving away from the chaos of recent years marked by high-profile firings and controversies. His defensive acumen and balanced coaching philosophy may steer the team towards a more disciplined and cohesive unit.

3. Las Vegas Raiders Appoint John Spytek as General Manager

Background and Significance:
The Las Vegas Raiders have filled their GM vacancy by hiring John Spytek, a seasoned executive with a storied career spanning roles in Tampa Bay and Philadelphia. Spytek's extensive experience in team building and talent acquisition is seen as a strategic asset for the Raiders' future endeavors.

Key Points Discussed:

• Professional Journey: Spytek's tenure with successful franchises and his ability to navigate both triumphant and challenging team environments underscore his comprehensive understanding of the NFL's operational dynamics.
• Strategic Vision: Middlekauff anticipates that Spytek will leverage his network and expertise to enhance the Raiders' roster through smart drafting and strategic trades.
• Collaboration with Coaching Staff: The synergy between Spytek and the new head coach Aaron Glenn will be crucial in aligning the team's administrative and on-field strategies.

Notable Quote:
Jon Middlekauff [28:00]: "John Spytek's appointment isn't just filling a seat; it's about injecting a level of professionalism and experience that the Raiders desperately need to compete at a higher level."

Implications:
Spytek's leadership is expected to revitalize the Raiders' front office, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. His track record suggests a focus on long-term success, potentially positioning the Raiders as serious contenders in the coming seasons.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars Fire GM Trent Balky

Background and Significance:
In a surprising turn of events, the Jacksonville Jaguars have terminated their General Manager, Trent Balky. Balky's tenure was marked by his political acumen within the organization, but recent performance issues have led to his dismissal.

Key Points Discussed:

• Performance Concerns: Balky's inability to secure the right coaching and managerial candidates has been a primary factor in his firing.
• Organizational Impact: The Jaguars' front office dynamics have been strained, leading to a push for new leadership that can better navigate the team's challenges.
• Future Prospects: Middlekauff speculates on the potential next steps for the Jaguars, emphasizing the need for a GM who can bring both strategic insight and effective team-building skills.

Notable Quote:
Jon Middlekauff [40:15]: "Trent Balky's exit signifies a critical juncture for the Jaguars. They need a GM who not only understands the game but can also foster strong relationships within the organization to drive success."

Implications:
The Jaguars' decision to part ways with Balky opens the door for fresh leadership. The franchise will likely seek a GM with a robust track record in team management and a clear vision for future growth, aiming to break free from recent underperformances.

5. Additional Coaching Movements and Extensions

Kevin O'Connell Extension:
Middlekauff discusses the extension of Kevin O'Connell, highlighting his contributions and the team's confidence in his continued leadership.

Josh McDaniels Returns to New England:
The episode touches upon Josh McDaniels' return to New England, analyzing the potential reasons behind this move and its implications for both McDaniels and the Patriots.

Ben Johnson's Interview:
Middlekauff references Ben Johnson's recent interview, detailing his take on the current coaching landscape and his perspectives on team dynamics.

Notable Quote:
Jon Middlekauff [50:45]: "Coaching in the NFL is as volatile as it gets. Extensions like O'Connell's and moves like McDaniels' reflect a broader trend of teams seeking stability amidst constant change."

Implications:
These additional coaching changes underscore the NFL's dynamic environment, where management decisions are pivotal in shaping team fortunes. Stability in coaching can lead to sustained success, while frequent changes may signal organizational indecision.

6. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Feedback

Question 1:
Why are NFL head coaches not paid more relative to players, especially quarterbacks?

Middlekauff's Response:
He acknowledges that head coaches like Kevin O'Connell are arguably underpaid given their impact, suggesting that their compensation doesn't always reflect their significance within the team's success structure.

Notable Quote:
Jon Middlekauff [75:00]: "Coaches play a pivotal role in team success, yet their pay often doesn't match that of marquee players. It's a disparity that needs addressing if we aim for equitable recognition of contribution."

Question 2:
Offseason strategies for the Rams: Will they move on from Stafford or retire?

Middlekauff's Response:
He speculates that Mike McCarthy is evaluating his options, potentially seeking more secure contracts elsewhere rather than staying with the Cowboys under unfavorable terms.

Notable Quote:
Jon Middlekauff [80:15]: "McCarthy's decision to turn down Jerry Jones' offer speaks volumes about his desire for stability and recognition, which he may find more readily in a different organization."

Implications:
The Mailbag segment provides listeners with direct engagement, allowing for personalized insights into current NFL dynamics. Middlekauff's responses reflect a deep understanding of the financial and organizational aspects influencing coaching careers.

7. Conclusions and Future Outlook

Jon Middlekauff wraps up the episode by emphasizing the transformative potential of the Jets' and Raiders' new hires. He posits that Aaron Glenn and John Spytek are poised to bring much-needed stability and strategic direction to their respective franchises. Conversely, the Jaguars' firing of Trent Balky signals a critical need for effective leadership to steer the team towards competitiveness.

Notable Quote:
Jon Middlekauff [85:30]: "The moves we've seen this offseason could redefine the power dynamics within the AFC East and beyond. It's an exciting time for NFL fans as we anticipate how these leadership changes will translate on the field."

Final Thoughts:
Middlekauff remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting that while these changes represent significant steps towards improvement, the true measure of success will unfold in the upcoming seasons. He encourages fans to stay engaged and watch closely as these new leaders implement their visions.

Key Takeaways:

• Jets' Hiring of Aaron Glenn: A strategic move to instill stability and leverage Glenn's extensive coaching background to rejuvenate the franchise.
• Raiders' Appointment of John Spytek: Enhances the Raiders' front office with Spytek's seasoned expertise, aiming for long-term competitiveness.
• Jaguars' Firing of Trent Balky: Highlights the necessity for effective GM leadership to overcome recent organizational challenges.
• Overall NFL Coaching Dynamics: Reflects a trend towards seeking experienced and adaptable leaders to navigate the complexities of modern football.

Note: This summary focuses solely on the substantive content presented by Jon Middlekauff during the episode, omitting advertisements and non-content segments to provide a clear and comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.