Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "3 & Out – Mike Tomlin OUT in Pittsburgh, Guy Haberman Joins the Show"

Date: January 14, 2026
Host: John Middlekauff (3 & Out Podcast on The Volume Network)
Special Guest: Guy Haberman

Main Theme

This episode centers on the seismic news of Mike Tomlin resigning as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, bringing to an end one of the NFL's most storied coaching tenures. John Middlekauff delivers immediate reaction, processes what the move means for the Steelers, Tomlin, and the wider NFL landscape, then invites veteran broadcaster and longtime friend Guy Haberman for in-depth conversation—touching on football culture, coaching changes, and inside perspectives from the booth.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Mike Tomlin's Resignation from the Steelers (01:19–25:05)

• Immediate Reaction & Context
  • Middlekauff reveals the news broke around the time he started recording, calling Tomlin’s departure "inevitable" despite its impact.
  • Cites key problems: team age, lack of quarterback solution, not bad enough to draft high, salary issues with aging stars.
  • "When the house is on fire, you gotta run out. And I think Mike Tomlin just went sprinting outside." – John Middlekauff (04:25)
• Modern NFL Coaching Tenure
  • Reflects on burnout, changing media landscape and financial security making 20-year head coaching stints unlikely.
  • Compares to McVay, Shanahan; predicts neither will coach same team for two decades.
• Tomlin’s Next Steps: TV vs. Coaching
  • The allure of TV work, specifically Amazon’s NFL broadcast (Thursday Night Football), is discussed.
  • "Sometimes you go on TV, it’s like, wait, you’re gonna pay me the same...for working 90 hours a week? I can’t lose a game and everyone likes me." – John Middlekauff (13:25)
  • Tomlin’s booth charisma could be wasted on studio sets; Amazon could make logistics easy (private jet, high pay).
• Potential Suitors and Trade Value
  • Miami, Atlanta, New York Giants among teams speculated to pursue Tomlin if he coaches again.
  • Recognizes Tomlin is still under contract; compares scenario to Sean Payton’s exit from the Saints.
  • "If John Harbaugh makes sense, Mike Tomlin makes sense. I’ve been saying forever, Mike Tomlin to the New York Giants..." – John Middlekauff (19:15)
• Legacy and Transition for Pittsburgh
  • Steelers now face reality of rare “transition year”—a soft reset and possible short-term bottoming out.
  • Ongoing comparison with Ravens: Ravens’ front office regarded as elite; Steelers' seen as diminished.
  • "Props to Mike Tomlin. Hell of a run, all time, great NFL figure." – John Middlekauff (52:10)

Notable Quotes

• "It was off for a while before that happened...It is pretty impressive what he did. Just refused to have a shitty season, refused to bottom out." – John Middlekauff (23:30)
• "That was a hell of a run. That was really impressive, you know, and I think it’s going to really age well." – John Middlekauff (24:25)

Timestamps

• [05:15] – Tomlin’s tenure, pride, and legacy
• [11:00] – Media/TV possibilities; Amazon as top fit
• [17:20] – Next job speculation; Giants, Dolphins, Falcons
• [21:10] – Organizational transition, front office comparison

Transition to Guest Discussion – Guy Haberman Enters (26:32)

• Haberman’s accomplishments, their longtime friendship, and his work filling in on 49ers broadcasts due to Greg Papa’s illness.
• Initial light banter about broadcasting, stadium experiences, and brush-ins with NFL/49ers figures.

Inside Football & Broadcasting Stories (28:59–52:07)

• Eagles–49ers Game Stories
  • Wind and weather impact, Tom Brady’s analysis, and the challenges for shorter QBs in those conditions.
  • Emotional recounting of Christian McCaffrey’s critical catch from Jauan Jennings:
    • "It almost brings me to tears, what an incredible physical accomplishment I witnessed. It's one of the greatest things I've ever seen." – Guy Haberman (30:47)
• Philadelphia’s Unique Football Culture
  • Haberman describes the distinctive, rowdy, and passionate Eagles fans; stadium atmosphere.
  • Discussion about the intensity and misery of a fanbase used to high standards, especially when the team underperforms:
    • "Like some people are just happier when they’re mad...they’re going to equal opportunity yell at their own team. I think it’s pretty stunning..." – Guy Haberman (37:56)
• Comparing Defensive Talent & Coaching Dynamics
  • Analysis of the 49ers, Seahawks, and Eagles from a “blue chip” defensive player perspective.
  • Observations about Seattle and Philadelphia’s defenses, unique talents (Leonard Williams, Jalen Carter), and the unquantifiable “weirdness” factor affecting teams.
• Locker Room Intangibles
  • Niners' cohesiveness/lack of in-fighting compared to Eagles’ friction (e.g., A.J. Brown/Jalen Hurts drama).
  • The importance of trust and belief in coaching:
    • "The most powerful thing is players think that [Kyle Shanahan] can make them reach their full potential. Like, they all believe in him." – Guy Haberman (48:02)
• Brandon Graham’s Viral Photo After Crushing Loss
  • "That’s one of the better photos. That’s not positive in, like, sports history, I think." – John Middlekauff (40:28)

Timestamps

• [28:59] – Eagles game conditions, Tom Brady’s analysis
• [30:35] – McCaffrey’s catch, emotional magnitude
• [33:17] – Haberman’s approach to live flag calls
• [36:40] – Home crowd reactions, city expectations
• [38:39] – Position-by-position defensive analysis
• [44:00+] – Team chemistry, leadership, and coaching buy-in

Coaching Futures – Pittsburgh's Next Move (52:10–54:37)

• Steelers likely to seek “tough” defensive-minded successor; suggestions include Brian Flores, Robert Saleh, Frank or Kurt Signetti.
• "They’re not going Mike Tomlin to Mike McDaniel…" – John Middlekauff (52:12)
• Comparing the difficulty of finding a worthy successor:
  • "Good luck replacing them…The Ravens front office is still viewed as top notch in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers is not." – John Middlekauff (53:05)

Timestamps

• [52:10] – Traits required in new Steelers coach
• [53:05] – Front office reputation and consequences for next era

NFL Media, Access & The Business of Football (57:48–75:51)

• Stories about getting started in radio, challenges with the Raiders and team access, navigating organizational politics as media.
• Insightful discussion on how TV analysts like Troy Aikman, Tom Brady, and others gain trust and informally influence coaching searches.
• Behind-the-scenes on preparation for NFL and college broadcasts, including meeting with coaches and gaining candid insights.

Notable Quotes

• "There is no replacement for human to human contact when it comes to information gathering." – Guy Haberman (71:46)
• "Ask for the phone number. People will, nine times out of ten, give you their phone number." – Guy Haberman (73:24)

Broadcasting Careers & Industry Wisdom

• Reflection on how new generations choose sports media roles, content creation, hustle, and the importance of in-person connections vs. digital networking.
• "My competition is diminishing...getting double the amount of work because my competition is diminishing." – John Middlekauff (74:05)
• "There’s a power because it’s never been easier...but the people that are going to separate are going to physically show up." – John Middlekauff (75:13)

Parenting, Grit, and "Dad Diaries" (75:51–82:53)

• The last segment is a candid personal exchange about impending and new fatherhood, focusing on the value of patience, grit, and setting an example for children.
• Insights from parenting studies:
  • "They told one half of the kids, ‘Good job working through all the problems’…the kids that they just said, ‘You’re so smart to,’ tested worse..." – Guy Haberman (76:35)
• Humorous and heartfelt stories about adjusting to new routines, the role model effect, the fleeting importance of trivial annoyances, and how core values shape kids.

Timestamps

• [75:56] – Grit over intelligence in raising kids
• [77:06] – Lessons and adjustments from new parenthood
• [80:26] – Perspective: what matters most in life as a parent

Memorable Moments

• Middlekauff’s impassioned tribute to the Tomlin era and what made him unique among NFL coaches (23:30, 24:25).
• Haberman’s raw emotional reaction to witnessing Christian McCaffrey’s improbable catch, likening it to a lifetime sports memory (30:47).
• Candid stories from Haberman about dealing with hostile (but lovable) Eagles fans and legendary game atmospheres (33:05, 37:17).
• Reflections on how behind-the-scenes media access informs team and coaching decisions far more than fans realize.
• The "Dad Diaries" segment provides a sincere, both funny and profound, closure.

Conclusion

This episode offers immediate, thoughtful analysis of Mike Tomlin’s resignation and spins it into a broader discussion about leadership, transitions, football culture, and personal philosophy—both within and beyond the game. With authentic anecdotes, industry insights, and energetic banter, Middlekauff and Haberman turn major NFL news into a rich, compelling conversation that blends breaking news and timeless wisdom.

Quick Navigation

• [01:19] – Mike Tomlin resignation news & analysis
• [26:32] – Guy Haberman segment starts
• [28:59] – Eagles-49ers game breakdown
• [44:00] – Locker room/leadership dynamics
• [52:10] – Steelers coaching search
• [75:51] – Dad Diaries & life advice

For fans of deep football analysis, authentic behind-the-scenes perspective, and relatable life wisdom, this episode is essential listening.