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

Title: 3 & Out - Pete Carroll becomes Raiders HC, Jags land Liam Coen, Mailbag
Release Date: January 25, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff
Duration: Approximately 27 minutes

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John Middlekauff delves into significant NFL coaching changes, including Pete Carroll's appointment as the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Jacksonville Jaguars securing Liam Coen. Additionally, Middlekauff addresses listener questions in the mailbag segment, providing insights and opinions on various NFL-related topics.

2. Pete Carroll Becomes Raiders Head Coach

Overview: John Middlekauff opens the discussion by addressing the Las Vegas Raiders' tumultuous coaching history over the past three and a half years, highlighting the rapid succession from Jon Gruden to Josh McDaniels, then Antonio Pierce, and now Pete Carroll. He emphasizes the challenges the Raiders have faced and what Pete Carroll brings to the table.

Key Points:

• Raiders' Coaching Instability: The Raiders have struggled with consistent leadership, resulting in a lack of stability and performance on the field.

• Pete Carroll's Profile: At 73 years old, Pete Carroll is portrayed as a passionate and dedicated coach who continues to seek opportunities despite his age. Middlekauff admires Carroll's unwavering love for coaching, comparing him to other coaching legends like Bill Belichick and Andy Reid.

• Carroll's Financial Independence: Carroll is financially secure, enabling him to make career decisions based on passion rather than necessity. Middlekauff notes, "Pete Carroll is a good example. Takes the Raider job, which I totally understand. This is not about trying to win the Super Bowl... it's about just being a competitive football team." [07:45]

• Energy and Leadership: Despite his age, Carroll exudes the energy of someone much younger, which Middlekauff believes is crucial for revitalizing the Raiders. "He hasn't been that long... he's a young soul and his energy, you could argue, is unmatched." [10:30]

• Challenges Ahead: Middlekauff acknowledges the difficulties Carroll will face, particularly the absence of a solid quarterback, which is vital for coaching success in the NFL. He remarks, "If you don't have a quarterback, it's very difficult to coach football." [15:20]

Notable Quotes:

• "No matter what you end up doing for a profession, even if you are addicted to it and love it and it's your passion, there is elements that it becomes work. So you might as well do what you like to do." [05:50]
• "This guy has been printing cash. So he does not need any money. This is not some golden parachute." [12:10]

3. Jaguars Land Liam Coen

Overview: The episode transitions to discuss the Jacksonville Jaguars' acquisition of Liam Coen, exploring the implications of this move for both Coen and the Jaguars.

Key Points:

• Contract Details: Coen's move comes after the Buccaneers offered him a lucrative three-year contract worth $13.5 million, compared to the Jaguars' offer of $50-60 million. Middlekauff analyzes the financial motivations behind Coen's decision.

• Conflict and Contingency Plans: The negotiation complexities, including contingencies regarding interviews with other teams like Jacksonville, are examined. Middlekauff suggests that Coen's decision to pursue a higher-paying opportunity is a natural progression for a coach at his career stage.

• Business Perspective: From a business standpoint, Middlekauff argues that maximizing earnings is a rational choice, especially when contracts are substantial. "Every single human involved, the owners, the GM, the coach, would take 50 or 60 million dollars over 13 million dollars if it's legal." [20:15]

• Potential Fallout: He speculates on the possible reactions from Tampa Bay and the Jaguars, indicating that while some may view the move as shady, it's a common occurrence in the high-stakes environment of NFL coaching.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you have the opportunity to make 50 or 60 million dollars guaranteed, you're gonna probably do that over making 13 million dollars guaranteed." [22:30]
• "It's easy to sit a guy when you have Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers. It's harder to sit a guy when Lamar Jackson's a bad example because Lamar turned out to be a star." [25:00]

4. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Answers

In the mailbag segment, Middlekauff responds to a variety of listener-submitted questions, offering his perspectives on team strategies, coaching decisions, and player performances.

Selected Q&A Highlights:

• Patriots' Offseason Moves: A listener inquires about what the New England Patriots need to do in the offseason to make the playoffs. Middlekauff responds by emphasizing the need for offensive line improvements and bolstering the receiving corps. "Your offensive line is a joke. Your receiving core is not very good," he states. [29:50]

• Giants' Quarterback Dilemma: Addressing concerns about the New York Giants' quarterback situation, Middlekauff discusses the risks of drafting quarterbacks and the challenges of finding a reliable starter. "What are you going to do? Sign, trade for Kirk Cousins or sign Kirk Cousins as a free agent." [32:15]

• Vikings' GM Performance: A question about the Minnesota Vikings' GM assesses his draft and free agency performance. Middlekauff acknowledges mixed results but highlights the overall team success under his management. "In two of his three years they've won 13 and 14 games. So it's like he's clearly good and smart." [35:40]

• Greatest NFL Games Ever Played: Middlekauff shares his personal picks for the greatest NFL games, including Super Bowl XLIX between the Patriots and Seahawks, citing the high stakes and quality of play. "Both teams were proven winners. Coaches and players were making constant adjustments all game long." [40:00]

Notable Quotes:

• "Sometimes you see it and you're like, this has to end. It's not even about wins and losses." [26:55]
• "You have to have the balls to be like, hey, I'm re-interviewing. So if you're going to take the money off the table, fuck it, so be it." [24:50]

5. Conclusion

John Middlekauff wraps up the episode by reiterating his optimistic outlook on Pete Carroll's appointment with the Raiders and the Jaguars securing Liam Coen. He underscores the importance of passion and experience in coaching roles and encourages listeners to subscribe for more in-depth NFL analysis and discussions.

Final Thoughts: This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides a comprehensive look into significant coaching changes within the NFL, offering thoughtful analysis and engaging discussions. Middlekauff's insights into Pete Carroll's potential impact on the Raiders and the strategic movements of Liam Coen with the Jaguars are particularly noteworthy for fans looking to understand the evolving dynamics of their favorite teams.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• "No matter what you end up doing for a profession, even if you are addicted to it and love it and it's your passion, there is elements that it becomes work. So you might as well do what you like to do." [05:50]

• "This guy has been printing cash. So he does not need any money. This is not some golden parachute." [12:10]

• "If you have the opportunity to make 50 or 60 million dollars guaranteed, you're gonna probably do that over making 13 million dollars guaranteed." [22:30]

• "Sometimes you see it and you're like, this has to end. It's not even about wins and losses." [26:55]

• "You have to have the balls to be like, hey, I'm re-interviewing. So if you're going to take the money off the table, fuck it, so be it." [24:50]

Listen to the full episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on the latest NFL developments and insightful discussions.