Podcast Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd — 3 & Out

Date: February 3, 2026
Episode: Rams have extended head coach Sean McVay, San Francisco 49ers CEO Al Guido stops by
Host: John Middlekauff (on The Herd/3 & Out)
Guest: Al Guido, CEO of the San Francisco 49ers

Overview

This episode dives into the recent NFL headlines, notably the extension of Rams head coach Sean McVay, trends around NFL coaching tenures, the league’s expansion of international games (including the first Paris game), and the logistical and business side of hosting major sports events. The centerpiece is a compelling interview with Al Guido, newly elevated to CEO of the San Francisco 49ers, discussing the behind-the-scenes efforts to secure and host the Super Bowl and World Cup, and insights into sports management and leadership.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sean McVay’s Extension with the Rams

[01:25–13:13]

• Surprise at Young Hiring: Middlekauff reflects on initially doubting McVay's hiring due to his youth but admits “I was wrong. He has been a superstar.”
• McVay’s Achievements:
  • Record: 92-57 as head coach
  • 10 playoff victories, multiple Super Bowl appearances, one win
• Quarterback Transition Challenge:
  • McVay’s success with Jared Goff, then Stafford; looming question of what the Rams do when Stafford retires
  • Prediction that the Rams will go all-in for a veteran, possible pursuit of a star like Joe Burrow instead of banking on rookie QBs.
  • “They will be the number one team that will offer absolutely everything to acquire the best quarterback who is disgruntled.” (John Middlekauff, 10:51)
• Modern NFL Coaching:
  • Coaches’ evolving priorities with wealth accumulation (e.g., McVay or Tomlin eventually stepping away for less stressful TV jobs) and how team management needs to stay aggressive to retain elite talent.

2. NFL’s Global Ambitions

[13:14–23:38]

• International Expansion:
  • NFL to host its first regular season game in Paris (Saints hosting); part of a bigger push into international markets (past games in UK, Mexico, Brazil, future possibilities: Japan, Saudi Arabia).
  • “This is going to be probably Rog’s last big swing, is I helped turn the NFL into a global brand.” (Middlekauff, 21:41)
• Business Motivation:
  • The league is seeking new revenue streams, modeling itself after global brands in soccer and F1.
  • Expectation of a future where every Sunday includes an early global game.

3. Dad Diaries (Personal Segment)

[23:39–29:28]

• Amusing anecdotes about Middlekauff’s experiences as a new father, humorously comparing baby care “explosions” to high-pressure situations in football.
• “If you lose [your cool], you create an energy and you make the situation worse.” (Middlekauff, 27:52)
• Side commentary on social media’s effect on parenting and practical hacks for handling infants.

4. Interview: Al Guido, CEO of the San Francisco 49ers

[31:30–55:19]

Al Guido’s Career Journey

• Promotion to CEO after a decade as president; grew organization from 80 to nearly 500 employees.
• “Jed is the best to work for, and having teammates like John and Kyle on the football side is just awesome.” (Al Guido, 31:39)

Building Levi’s Stadium & Event Economics

• Discusses transition from Candlestick Park to Levi’s Stadium.
• Importance of hosting more than just 49ers games (concerts, Super Bowls, World Cup, WrestleMania) due to the massive investment in modern stadiums:
  • “You can’t just put 10 games on. It just doesn’t make sense.”
  • Emphasizes regional economic impact: Over $2 billion generated since opening; another billion anticipated from Super Bowl + World Cup.

Securing the Super Bowl Bid

• The process isn’t automatic with a new stadium; requires years of lobbying, fundraising, and coalition-building.
• “We’re aggressive here at the 49ers. I didn’t wait for that indication of interest to come.” (Guido, 37:56)
• Describes forming the Bay Area Host Committee and support from other local sports franchises.

NFL & FIFA World Cup Logistics

• Hosting both in the same year is unprecedented. Heavy focus on operational capacity and collaboration with local governments and businesses.
• Most Super Bowl events in San Francisco; World Cup events concentrated in South Bay.

Division of Labor: NFL vs. Club on Event Week

• Monday–Saturday split between team and league; Game Day mostly falls to the 49ers staff.

Organizational Alignment and Culture

• Daily collaboration with GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan; the key is shared goals and open communication.
• “If all we do is win, we will have failed. We do have other goals and our fan base has been supportive… John and Kyle, they’re the best teammates I’ve ever had.” (Guido, 43:54)
• Highlights the importance of ownership stability, noting Jed York’s supportive and patient leadership.

People-Driven Success

• Discusses the evolving role of GM—John Lynch’s strength in player connection, character evaluation, and culture-building instead of just talent acquisition.
• “The margin of error and/or success is so small in this league...they’re not just draftable assets, they’re actually humans.” (Guido, 49:50)
• The NFL as a human capital business—players, not widgets, make up the product.

Career Advice for Aspiring Sports Executives

• Guido started in ticket sales; emphasizes curiosity, work ethic, treating people well.
• "The dream is free. The hustle is sold separately. Just loving it is not enough." (Guido, 53:28)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Sean McVay’s career trajectory:
  “Is Sean McVay going to be a 30-year guy?” (Middlekauff, 09:03)

• On the NFL’s international vision:
  “One day it’ll be in Brazil, one day France, Japan, Saudi Arabia... they’re trying to turn the NFL into a global brand.” (Middlekauff, 21:50)

• On stadium event economics:
  “To pay for those stadiums, you can’t just put 10 games on. Right. It just doesn’t make sense.” (Guido, 34:37)

• On organizational alignment:
  “The teams who consistently win... are teams that have alignment between their business and their football staff and their ownership team.” (Guido, 45:01)

• On sports career path:
  “The dream is free. The hustle is sold separately. Just loving it is not enough. … How you treat people and the work ethic you have will dictate your future.” (Guido, 53:28)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Sean McVay extension discussion: [01:25–13:13]
• NFL international expansion: [13:14–23:38]
• Dad Diaries (personal segment): [23:39–29:28]
• Al Guido interview starts: [31:30]
  • Team business growth and stadium philosophy: [32:42–34:37]
  • Super Bowl and World Cup planning: [36:21–41:30]
  • Team and league event logistics: [41:30–42:39]
  • Working with GM and coach: [42:58–45:40]
  • Importance of ownership: [47:29–49:09]
  • John Lynch’s strengths as GM: [49:19–51:11]
  • Career advice: [52:09–54:53]

Conclusion

This action-packed episode offers an insider’s look at how today’s NFL teams operate behind the scenes, the challenges of sustaining football excellence post-superstar-QB, the league’s ambitions abroad, and the scale and complexity of managing a global event like the Super Bowl. Al Guido’s interview is especially insightful for anyone interested in sports business, showcasing both the grandeur and the detailed grind behind the helmet and under the stadium lights. The episode balances humor, honesty, and practical leadership lessons for both football fans and aspiring sports professionals.