Best of The Herd - January 8, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
• Episode: Best of The Herd
• Release Date: January 8, 2025

1. Tragic Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles [02:07 - 05:00]

Colin Cowherd opens the episode with a somber tone, addressing the catastrophic wildfires engulfing Malibu and Pacific Palisades. He extends thoughts and prayers to those affected, describing the scene as "apocalyptic" with "dark clouds hover[ing] all over Los Angeles" due to "100 mile an hour winds" that have led to significant property and home losses.

Colin Cowherd [02:30]: "It's apocalyptic in Los Angeles this morning. Dark clouds hover all over Los Angeles as fires and 100 mile an hour winds reportedly last night just engulfed Malibu."

Cowherd emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the disaster, highlighting the challenges faced by residents and the emotional toll of witnessing such devastation.

2. Raiders Coaching Changes: Blaming the Owner vs. the Coach [05:01 - 14:48]

A. Analysis of Raiders Firing Antonio Pierce [05:15 - 10:45]

Cowherd delves into the recent decision by the Raiders to fire Antonio Pierce, critiquing the franchise's handling of coaching staff. He argues that the blame should lie with the owner rather than the coach, citing the Raiders' ongoing issues with finding a stable leadership.

Colin Cowherd [06:20]: "This is a classic example where we are blaming the coaches and often blaming the GMs. And that's not the issue here."

He highlights the Raiders' attempts to hire high-profile coaches like Jon Gruden and Josh McDaniels, none of which proved successful. Cowherd maintains that Pierce was unfairly dismissed, pointing out the team's competitive performance despite the coaching changes.

Colin Cowherd [08:50]: "I would have kept the coach. I'm a friend of the GM, Tom Telesco. Nobody knew if he would keep the job."

B. Critique of Ownership Decisions [10:46 - 14:48]

Continuing his analysis, Cowherd criticizes the Raiders' ownership for their inability to provide consistent support and make informed decisions regarding coaching appointments. He emphasizes that the instability at the top has hindered the team's performance and potential success.

Colin Cowherd [12:10]: "The Raiders owner keeps giving his coach spam and canned beans and he wants him to beat Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck across the street."

Cowherd concludes that the root of the Raiders' struggles is systemic, stemming from ownership mismanagement rather than the competence of individual coaches like Pierce.

3. Bill Belichick and the Patriots: A Case of Misaligned Vision [14:49 - 22:04]

A. The Brady-Belichick Era and Its Aftermath [14:50 - 18:30]

Cowherd transitions to discussing Bill Belichick's tenure with the New England Patriots, particularly focusing on the departure of Tom Brady and its impact on the franchise. He disputes the notion that misalignment with ownership led to the team's downfall, instead attributing issues to Belichick's management style and drafting shortcomings.

Colin Cowherd [16:00]: "This is not about Robert Kraft. The minute Brady left, the filter was off Instagram."

He argues that Belichick's inability to draft effectively and maintain a progressive young staff contributed significantly to the Patriots' decline post-Brady.

B. Comparing Coaching Styles and Organizational Success [18:31 - 22:04]

Cowherd contrasts Belichick's approach with that of other successful coaches like Andy Reid and Sean Payton, highlighting the importance of shared vision and adaptability within a team.

Colin Cowherd [21:00]: "You can get a lot done when you're going in different directions, then that's..., that makes it really hard to keep up with everybody else."

He concludes that while Belichick had a successful run, the lack of evolving strategies and poor personnel decisions have marred his legacy, especially after the exit of a key player like Brady.

4. Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys: A Defense Amidst Speculation [22:05 - 37:55]

A. Defending Mike McCarthy’s Coaching Record [22:05 - 28:00]

Colin Cowherd shifts focus to Mike McCarthy, the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, defending his effectiveness despite recent rumors linking him to potential moves by the Chicago Bears.

Colin Cowherd [24:00]: "Mike McCarthy... gets the most out of Dak Prescott. When Dak is healthy, they win 12 games."

He praises McCarthy's ability to maximize the talents of quarterback Dak Prescott, maintaining a robust offensive ranking under his leadership.

B. Addressing Coaching Optics and Media Perception [28:01 - 37:55]

Cowherd discusses the challenges McCarthy faces regarding public perception, contrasting him with more flamboyant or "alpha" coaches who garner more media attention.

Colin Cowherd [30:00]: "He's not slick, young, and clever, just a good offensive coach. And he doesn't have a big alpha presence in the locker room."

Despite these challenges, Cowherd underscores McCarthy's accomplishments, including a Super Bowl ring and successful tenures with various quarterbacks, reinforcing his value to the Cowboys.

Colin Cowherd [35:00]: "He's got a Super Bowl ring. He's effective, he wins a lot. And he wins with different personalities."

Cowherd ultimately suggests that the Cowboys are likely working on extending McCarthy’s contract, valuing his contributions to the team's success.

5. Guest Segment: Drew Brees on Playoff Pressure and Coaching [37:56 - 37:55]

A. Playoff Preparation and Managing Pressure [37:56 - 45:00]

Drew Brees joins the show to discuss the dynamics of playoff football, particularly focusing on young quarterbacks like Jaden Daniels and their ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Drew Brees [24:49]: "Just focusing on the process and knowing the result will take care of itself."

Brees emphasizes the importance of process over outcome, advising young athletes to maintain focus on daily routines and preparation to achieve success in crucial games.

B. Sean Payton’s Coaching Longevity and Style [32:33 - 35:48]

The conversation shifts to Sean Payton, with Brees lauding Payton's enduring success and coaching methodology. He attributes Payton's longevity to his ability to incorporate lessons from legendary mentors and his commitment to evolving coaching strategies.

Drew Brees [35:00]: "He's taken the best of what people have poured into him, and now he's carrying on that legacy."

Brees highlights Payton's dedication to finding strategic advantages and fostering a motivated, cohesive team environment, which has kept him relevant and effective over the years.

C. Handling Playoff Favorites and Personal Performance [27:13 - 28:11]

Brees shares personal anecdotes about managing performance anxiety in playoff games, illustrating how focusing on preparation and execution can mitigate external pressures.

Drew Brees [27:46]: "If you focus on the process, the result will take care of itself."

He recounts an incident from a Super Bowl where he overcame initial panic by returning focus to the basics, reinforcing the importance of mental resilience in high-stakes environments.

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts [37:56 - End]

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by reflecting on the insights shared by Drew Brees, particularly the emphasis on process, preparation, and the enduring impact of effective coaching. He reiterates the importance of leadership stability in achieving team success and commends Brees for his candid perspectives.

Colin Cowherd [35:48]: "You've been so good today. Great stories today."

Cowherd invites listeners to tune in for future live editions and underscores the value of engaging with knowledgeable guests to navigate the complexities of professional sports.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Colin Cowherd [02:30]:

   "It's apocalyptic in Los Angeles this morning. Dark clouds hover all over Los Angeles as fires and 100 mile an hour winds reportedly last night just engulfed Malibu."

2. Colin Cowherd [06:20]:

   "This is a classic example where we are blaming the coaches and often blaming the GMs. And that's not the issue here."

3. Colin Cowherd [12:10]:

   "The Raiders owner keeps giving his coach spam and canned beans and he wants him to beat Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck across the street."

4. Colin Cowherd [16:00]:

   "This is not about Robert Kraft. The minute Brady left, the filter was off Instagram."

5. Colin Cowherd [24:00]:

   "Mike McCarthy... gets the most out of Dak Prescott. When Dak is healthy, they win 12 games."

6. Colin Cowherd [30:00]:

   "He's not slick, young, and clever, just a good offensive coach. And he doesn't have a big alpha presence in the locker room."

7. Drew Brees [24:49]:

   "Just focusing on the process and knowing the result will take care of itself."

8. Drew Brees [35:00]:

   "He's taken the best of what people have poured into him, and now he's carrying on that legacy."

9. Drew Brees [27:46]:

   "If you focus on the process, the result will take care of itself."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, listeners are treated to in-depth discussions about critical topics in the NFL, including the Raiders' coaching turmoil, the Patriots' post-Brady era, and a robust defense of Mike McCarthy's coaching prowess with the Cowboys. The guest appearance by Drew Brees adds valuable insights into handling playoff pressure and the lasting impact of effective coaching strategies. Throughout the episode, Cowherd emphasizes the importance of ownership decisions, leadership stability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence within professional sports teams.