Best of The Herd

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – “Best of The Herd” (July 16, 2025)

Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

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Overview

In the “Best of The Herd” episode released on July 16, 2025, Colin Cowherd delves into a variety of hot topics across Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), and the National Football League (NFL). Joined by guest Bob Crawford, the discussion is rich with insights, notable quotes, and engaging debates, making it a comprehensive listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis and lively conversation.

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1. Major League Baseball All-Star Game Recap

[02:21 – 04:54]

Colin opens the episode by reflecting on the recent MLB All-Star Game, lauding the Fox production for its excellence.

Colin Cowherd [03:00]: "That was three and a half hours of great television for an exhibition. It was really good."

He contrasts this with other sports' All-Star events, such as the Pro Bowl and NBA All-Star Games, which he finds less engaging.

Colin Cowherd [03:45]: "The Fox production on that broadcast last night was magnificent. A master class in TV production."

The discussion highlights MLB’s strategic pivot towards entertainment and technology to attract younger audiences, emphasizing player highlights like Clayton Kershaw and innovative broadcasting techniques.

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2. NBA Trade Rumors and Lakers Analysis

[07:00 – 14:35]

Shifting focus to the NBA, Colin tackles the swirling trade rumors surrounding LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. The conversation explores the feasibility of trading LeBron to the Dallas Mavericks and the potential impact on both franchises.

Colin Cowherd [10:55]: "If you did a trade, let's say you give them Coop. You give them Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford. Two to three first round picks."

Bob Crawford adds depth by discussing the Lakers' current roster and strategic needs, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and draft picks to sustain competitiveness.

Bob Crawford [11:08]: "The Lakers want flexibility, they need draft picks to maintain their competitiveness in the long run."

Despite the speculative nature of the trade, Colin expresses personal support for the potential move, highlighting its benefits for both teams involved.

Colin Cowherd [14:35]: "If that's punishment for all the people that think LeBron's going to get traded, I would sign up today for that deal."

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3. WNBA and Caitlin Clark’s Influence

[22:42 – 43:47]

In a passionate segment, Colin and Bob discuss the rising star of Caitlin Clark in the WNBA, drawing parallels to Michael Jordan’s early career in the NBA. They delve into how Clark’s exceptional performance is exposing and challenging the WNBA’s current officiating and management practices.

Colin Cowherd [22:42]: "Caitlin Clark is like a black light in a hotel room where she's illuminating all the flaws."

Bob agrees, noting that Clark is pushing the league to address deficiencies in officiating, marketing, and overall management.

Bob Crawford [22:44]: "She's really providing a glimpse in real time of how the league needs to improve."

The discussion emphasizes the dual impact of Clark’s performance: elevating the game’s excitement while simultaneously highlighting areas in need of reform within the league.

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4. NFL Coaching Rumors: Nick Saban’s Potential Move

[34:00 – 43:46]

The conversation takes a speculative turn as Colin posits the intriguing possibility of legendary college coach Nick Saban transitioning to the NFL. Comparing Saban’s adaptability and success to that of Bill Belichick, Colin muses over which NFL franchise might benefit most from his expertise.

Colin Cowherd [39:41]: "I think quietly, Nick Saban thinks he's a better coach than Belichick."

Bob Crawford provides historical context, reflecting on Saban’s coaching prowess and his consistent ability to adapt, making him a coveted asset for any NFL team seeking transformation.

Bob Crawford [36:48]: "Nick Saban is adaptable, he's a highly respected coach, and he could bring incredible value to an NFL team."

They explore potential fits, such as the Dallas Cowboys or New York Giants, pondering how Saban’s leadership could rejuvenate these franchises.

Colin Cowherd [40:25]: "The idea of having Nick Saban back in the NFL just to see if it would work would be unbelievable."

Despite the enthusiasm, both hosts acknowledge the improbability of such a move, noting the significant differences between college and professional coaching landscapes.

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5. College Football National Title Bubble

[43:46 – 44:27]

In a brief yet engaging segment, Colin shares his personal national title bubble for college football, mentioning powerhouse teams like Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon, and Georgia. Bob concurs, adding insights into each team’s prospects and key players.

Colin Cowherd [43:46]: "What do you make of that?"

Bob Crawford [43:51]: "I think Notre Dame's gonna be really good again."

They express excitement for upcoming matchups, particularly the anticipated clash between Ohio State and Penn State, suggesting it will be a game for the ages.

Colin Cowherd [44:21]: "The Ohio State game is going to be one for the ages. That is going to be crazy."

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Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [03:45]: "The Fox production on that broadcast last night was magnificent. A master class in TV production."

• Colin Cowherd [10:55]: "If you did a trade, let's say you give them Coop. You give them Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford. Two to three first round picks."

• Colin Cowherd [22:42]: "Caitlin Clark is like a black light in a hotel room where she's illuminating all the flaws."

• Colin Cowherd [39:41]: "I think quietly, Nick Saban thinks he's a better coach than Belichick."

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Conclusions

The “Best of The Herd” episode offers a multifaceted exploration of current sports narratives, blending analytical depth with spirited discussion. From celebrating MLB’s All-Star Game success and dissecting NBA trade rumors to spotlighting transformative figures in the WNBA and contemplating landmark coaching changes in the NFL, Colin Cowherd and Bob Crawford provide listeners with a rich tapestry of sports insights. Their ability to interweave humor, expertise, and forward-thinking perspectives makes this episode a valuable resource for both dedicated fans and casual listeners seeking a thorough sports roundup.

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Transcript

[Danielle Robaix]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Danielle Robaix]

Just like great shoes, great books take you places through unforgettable love stories and into conversations with characters you'll never forget.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think any good romance, it gives me this feeling of like butterflies.

[Danielle Robaix]

I'm Danielle Robaix and this is bookmarked by Reese's Book Club, the new podcast from hello Sunshine and I Heart Podcast, where we dive into the stories that shape us on the page and off. Each week I'm joined by authors, celebs, book talk stars, and more for conversations that will make you laugh, cry, and add way too many books to your TBR pile. Listen to Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

So what happened at Chappaquiddick? Well, it really depends on who you talk to.

[Bob Crawford]

There are many versions of what happened in 1960 when a young Ted Kennedy drove a car into a pond and.

[Colin Cowherd]

Left a woman behind to drown.

[Bob Crawford]

Chappaquiddick is a story of a tragic death and how the Kennedy machine took control. Every week we go behind the headlines and beyond the drama of America's royal family.

[Danielle Robaix]

Listen to United States of Kennedy on.

[Colin Cowherd]

The iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever.

[Bob Crawford]

You get your podcast. I'm Bob Crawford, host of American History Hotline, a different type of podcast. You, the listener, ask the questions.

[Colin Cowherd]

Did George Washington really cut down a cherry tree?

[Danielle Robaix]

Were JFK and Marilyn Monroe having an affair?

[Bob Crawford]

And I find the answers. I'm so glad you asked me this question.

[Danielle Robaix]

This is such a ridiculous story.

[Bob Crawford]

You can listen to American History Hotline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio at noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Here we go. It is a midweek Wednesday. They tell me this is a slow week. It doesn't feel like it. We got a lot to talk about. We are live. We're in Chicago. It's the Herd. J. Mac. Major League Baseball. I know on these shows, nobody likes anybody in power. They don't like. They don't like people. In Canada, if you're the Prime Minister, everybody's divisive. Nobody likes commissioners. But Rob Manfred. Baseball's been a case study in how to pivot in a business that's got tradition and lore and history and a lot of purists. Last night was three and a half hours of great television for an exhibition. It was really good. Was that not fun? That was as good as all. Yeah. I mean, the Pro bowl is unwatchable. NBA All Star Games, unwatchable. I know I'm gonna sound like a homer, but the Fox production on that broadcast last night was magnificent. A master class in TV production. Between that, the ABS system, lots of runs. Let's talk about it. Because Major League Baseball a couple of years ago got over itself and decided let's lean into entertainment. They didn't need to revolutionize. They just kind of needed to retrofit. What the 23 year olds and 31 year olds. What do they want to watch? Home Run Derby. Ratings up last night. I'm sure ratings will be significantly up. Miking Clayton Kershaw, a legend. Our Sandy Koufax. Miking him. I could have sat and watched that for an hour. Here's a clip. I can't believe you're doing this, Clayton.

[Bob Crawford]

I can't either. I'm gonna try to throw some cheese real quick. Hold on. All right, we're going cheese again.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, yeah. Let's go. I mean, you and Paul Skeens are.

[Bob Crawford]

Pretty much the same guy. Right down the middle. I'm so glad he didn't swing. What do you want, Smolty? What do you want?

[Colin Cowherd]

Cutter in. Slide her in.

[Bob Crawford]

I don't throw a cutter. Smoltzy, slider. Son of a. All right, what's the count? Two. Two?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Bob Crawford]

It's so weird talking to you guys. It's kind of weird for us, too.

[Colin Cowherd]

Sit him down.

[Bob Crawford]

Thanks, guys. That was fun.

[Colin Cowherd]

That was fun.

[Bob Crawford]

Thank you.

[Colin Cowherd]

I could have just sat and watched that. That's fascinating. An inside glimpse. Lean into entertainment. Lean into technology. Now, some of baseball's growth is because Aaron Judge plays for the Yankees and Ohtani plays for the Dodgers. The Dodgers have might as well have a National League all star team. But there's stars in Kansas City and stars in Pittsburgh and the sport just stopped fawning over traditional and stop taking itself so seriously. And also wearing the real jerseys. Great for casuals and purists alike. That last two years have been amazing by this sport. And so the National League jumped out to a six nothing lead. I was just about ready to tweet NL once again better than the al. But they had a big six inning, a couple of home runs for the National League and it looked like Paul Steens was going to walk out of there with a win. But that didn't last long because the American League was roared back from a 6 nothing deficit because of. Hello, the Sacramento A's. Brent Rooker. Let's hear it. Way to go Pete Alonzo. Let's hear it for the Sacramento A's. Bringing the American League back from a 6 to nothing deficit. So then as they eventually tied it, they didn't go to extra innings because teams don't want to have players then flying home off a 14 inning game. So they went to a swing off and the great Kyle Schwaber who just hits bombs for A Living went 3 for 3. And here's how it ended. Al rallied in the game. NL has rallied in the swing with the hat trick. Look out chop house. National League takes the lead four to three. Unbelievable. The National League wins it in the first swing off. Kyle Schwarber wins it going three for. I gotta say, you know, it was pretty exciting. Like all of a sudden here we go. And the. In the camaraderie that you kind of build these last couple days with the team I think went into overdrive there. Like guys were, I mean our side to see how excited they were out there and like, you know, it's like, you know, wiffle ball in the backyard. Here we go, let's do it again. Didn't need to revolutionize the sport, speed it up, retrofit it, make moments big events. That felt big last night. That's the best All Star game in any sport I've watched in five or six years. And the last time I saw a great All Star game it was baseballs. But now, and you know, listen, some of it is the stars are in Philadelphia and LA and New York, the Mets and the Yankees and some of it's that Chicago, but a lot of it is Rob Manfred just saying, leaning into networks, listening to Fox and other networks on making more moments big. The technology was great. It doesn't hurt that Joe Davis sounds like a young Vin Scully. It just felt magnificent. It felt big. And baseball's been at about a three year heater. Two things can be true. You can respect tradition but not be beholden to it. And that's what baseball's done a very good job of. And last night, fantastic, just fantastic. Television beginning to end. I watched an hour and a half of the pregame show. That's how much I was into it. Okay, So I said yesterday, this, you know, it's July, so any little breadcrumb of an NBA or star rumor, it's an inferno. I don't buy LeBron James is going to get traded. He's still really good. It's an expiring contract. Let's see what happens to the trade deadline. The Lakers could have even more leverage. But I'm looking at the betting odds today and they are heating up that Dallas, Dallas is the favorite now to get LeBron James. Well, if that's the case, LeBron wins again. No state tax upgraded. Coach Cooper Flag reunited with Anthony Davis. Are you kidding me? Let's be honest about the lakers. I think J.J. redick had a decent first year. I like him. We don't know if he's ever going to be as good as Jason Kidd. Maybe not. He got worked in the series against Minnesota. DeAndre Ayton doesn't defend and has an attitude and has in Phoenix and Portland. Austin Reeves, I'm told can't. Can't trade him. Really? Seriously, not much of a bench, not much size, so or no state tax. Jason Kidd, unbelievable size including ad. I mean I said this, yet you have Luca. But here's a potential lineup. Now for simplicity's sake, I said if you did a trade, let's say you give them Coop. You give them Klay Thompson, P.J. washington, Daniel Gafford. Two to three first round picks. This is the Mavericks lineup. Kyrie Irving, Cooper flag. LeBron Anthony Davis and Derek Lively. Now again, they'll probably need a third team and you'll have to give up a couple of first round picks, but who cares? You have Cooper Flag and Derek Lively. You got a great wing and a great big on rookie deals for years. So you're telling me this is a punishment for LeBron? I would sign up for that today. Better coach reunited with two guys I've played very well with and won a title with. Kyrie and Anthony Davis and the great domestic star. And here's the thing with LeBron. LeBron is 41 years old. He does not want to be in the floor defending at an elite level. He doesn't. Well, Anthony Davis and Lively are great rim protectors, so you don't have to worry about that. And Cooper Flagg, at least at the college level, is an excellent defender. I don't know if Cooper Flag is going to be a great offensive player in the NBA. He's going to be a really good defender. Okay, so he May only average 24 tops. I don't know. He'll defend year one. So if this is the punishment for LeBron James, sign up now for it. I don't think it's going to happen. Here was Anthony Slater from the Athletic on a potential LeBron trade out of LA.

[Bob Crawford]

The Lakers, you know, can go search for, you know, a younger co star for Luka Doncic in the, in the market if they want to. Flexibility optionality has become a popular term in the league and that's clearly what the Lakers are prioritizing here. And it's, it's understandable. Just look at the ages, right? LeBron's going to turn 41 next year. It's unbelievable what he's been able to do. But as you mentioned, locking into longer term money on him, you know, kind.

[Colin Cowherd]

Of handcuffs them a little bit on building around LUCA. Listen, if LeBron won a fourth title and that team with Anthony Davis, if you could keep Lively and Anthony Davis as rim protectors, because you're going to have to give. They have so much depth in Dallas in their front line. They're huge. Best center rotation in the league. Lakers need. I mean, DeAndre, you're going to be over him by like January 15th. You're going to be over his act. So you could get some size from Dallas, a bunch of draft picks and I think that's what the new owners want. They don't want to be tied to like gigantic massive contract. You probably have to give up Klay Thompson. He could come back to Los Angeles. Michael Thompson, his dad, a very nice guy, played for the Lakers. Send him draft picks, size. But if that's punishment, I said this, you know, sports is a little like the stock market. It just depends on the day the tariffs are going to ruin the economy. I don't know. I looked at the stock market this week, it's at 44,000 plus the Dow. It just depends on the day, the moment, the reaction, investor sentiment. When this trade got done, Luca to the Lakers, it was the end of the Mavericks franchise. And I said on this show in front of this microphone. No, it's not. Now, Dallas fell apart physically, so it looked far worse than it was. But Laker fans got a glimpse of what Luka is singularly a profoundly gifted offensive player. That's what he is. And he kind of feels like he's aging quickly. So, you know, I've always said this. You can, you can talk about guys all you want when they're on your team, you pay close attention. Everybody said Lakers are going to win titles and Dallas is done. And I kept saying, no, they're not. They've got a great coach. It's an attractive place. They got Kyrie, they've got Anthony Davis and a massive center rotation. And in the NBA, guards and bigs are really important right now. So, you know you're going to have to defend Jokic, going to have to defend Wemby, you got to defend Giannis, you know, you got to have bigs. OKC won a title, had two bigs, Holmgren, Hartenstein. So this, it's just so funny. The way sports works is everybody thought Dallas was doomed if this thing came to fruition. Sign me up for Dallas Minimum Western Conference Finals J. Mac doesn't want to hear it. I'm becoming a Mavericks fan. My only question is, would the gm, Nico Harrison want to make another deal? I would do that deal in one second. I'd give you two bigs, three first round picks. Klay Thompson, put in a third team in every. I've said this before. Austin Reeves with LeBron James, you're. You're talking yourself into, wow. Put Austin Reeves in Washington and he disappears. He disappears. Kyle Kuzma disappeared in Washington and he's as talented as Austin Reeves or close. So Colin. Yeah, yeah. Obviously if you're the Mavs, you do this deal in a heartbeat. What's in it for the Lakers? What are we doing? Those picks are going to be garbage.

[Bob Crawford]

There's two or three picks, they're going.

[Colin Cowherd]

To be like 27 to 32. Well, remember, you have new ownership and they want to build it there. What did the Dodgers do when Mark Walter came in? Give us draft picks, get our front office right. They do not want aging players. They want the Lakers. History is size wins. Get draft picks. And by the way, when LeBron contract is off the books and he's out, then you can go big game hunting in one year. I don't think it's going to happen. I don't. But if that's punishment for all the people that think LeBron's going to get traded. I would sign up today for that deal. Well, wait a sec. If I'm the Lakers, there's no way I'm doing the deal. But if you swap out Gafford for Lively. Lively is younger. He does seem a little injury prone. Younger and cheaper. I want that. I don't want. I'm sorry. I don't want the Daniel Gafford contract on my books. By the way, the Lakers want clean books because they think maybe Jokic could be available in a year or two. Giannis could be available in a year or two. I don't know. Would they come to LA to play with Luca? I don't know. Well, if San Antonio starts winning, you're going to have to go through Wemby. So if I'm the Lakers, the reason I think of doing this deal with Dallas is I need a front line. Deandre Ayton doesn't defend. We're very we may see it this year. With all the way the dominoes are falling for San Antonio, the West may go through San Antonio, not Denver, Oklahoma City. If Wemby becomes what we think, it's wet because Wemby's already got a couple of kids next to him that can really play. So if it has to go through Wemby, you can't have Jackson, Hayes or deandre Ayton. You need multiple bigs and multiple fouls. What about the Houston Rockets? Does Kevin Durant have a say? I love that team this year and the next year. That's a two year team with kd. Let's see what transpires. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Hey, it's me, Rob Parker.

[Bob Crawford]

Check out my weekly MLB podcast Inside.

[Colin Cowherd]

The Parker for 22 minutes of piping hot baseball talk featuring the biggest names and newsmakers in the sport. Whether you believe in analytics or the eye test, we've got all the bases covered. New episodes drop every Thursday, so do do yourself a favor and listen to Inside the Parker with Rob Parker on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast.

[Danielle Robaix]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Bob Crawford]

Our league has been at a different.

[Colin Cowherd]

Level than it's been for a long time. And so she's probably hurt again and again. It has an MJ feel. Rocket to the moon year two, lot of physicality allowed, injuries. Nobody quite knows how to defend her. You know, the Pistons are picking on the Celtics are picking on MJ, who's dropping 50. And Caitlin Clark now is alienating some of the players. And I, you know, Hollywood knows how to handle stars. There's a playbook. But I noticed this when Tiger woods came to the PGA Tour at the first or Caitlin Clark. A little turbulence. They don't quite have a playbook on how to do it. And I, and I think that right now they need better officials. Right now, WNBA officials make less, according to the Washington Post, than college officials do. That's a problem. They're paying as little as $180 to WNBA officials. I'm sorry, the leagues arrived. 450 minimum. 550, 650, 750 is what officials should be making. But what Caitlin Clark is, is she is little. A little bit like a black light in a hotel room where she's illuminating all the flaws and you bring that black light in and, oh, need another cleaning crew in the hotel room. So first she illuminated the executive level of the WNBA and their inability to market or kind of see around corners. Then she illuminated how second and third tier the WNBA travel was. And then she sort of provided a glimpse of the pettiness and the tribal nature of this league, which is still young. And, you know, also she kind of provided a glimpse of black light on the women's Olympic basketball movement and how silly that was and behind the curve that was. So she's really providing glimpses of. You're seeing all of it in real time is that she's saying, guys, let's get. Let's get better fast. And she's almost like a stress test to a power grid. And we've got rolling blackouts in the wnba. They just the league, the marketing, the players, the travel. Now we're seeing the officiating needs to be upgraded. So I don't want to be too punitive because the games are fun to watch when she's involved, but she is really kind of giving you a glimpse in real time of how the league needs to improve. And I think the officiating is the next step that she's going to do to officiating what she did at travel. It's time to upgrade. You can't have college officials making more than WNBA officials. And I got nothing against college officiating. Women's basketball is, you know, by and large more national and popular than the WNBA has been for years until Caitlin arrived. But the officiating's out of control. I mean, Sophie Cunningham last night looked like hockey. It got checked into the boards, you know, well, she's flopping. Not really. It was a stiff arm. I don't think it was flopping. So it's just the latest illumination. And this is what happened when a star shows up on tour. The marketing's got to get better. The travel's got to get better. The security's got to get better. Better. The executive suites got to get better. And you're seeing all of it. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Danielle Robaix]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Interested in investing in Bitcoin but not sure how to get started? Well, with the Gemini credit card, you can dip your toes into Bitcoin without even trying. Just spend like you normally do groceries, gas or a night out and instantly earn up to 4% back in Bitcoin or one of over 50 other cryptos straight to your account with no annual fee. The Gemini Credit card is pretty much a no brainer and right now you can grab a $200 bitcoin intro bonus. So go to gemini.com card to learn more and start earning today. Terms apply. Again go to gemini.com card start building your Bitcoin stash now. Terms apply. The Gemini Credit card is issued by Web bank in order to Qualify for the intro $200 crypto bonus, your application must be approved by June 30, 2025 and spend $3,000 in your first 90 days. Terms apply. Some exclusions apply to instant rewards in which rewards are deposited when the transaction posts this content is not Investment Adv. Crypto involves risk. For more details on rates, fees and other Gemini credit card terms, see Rates and Fees. Hey, so we all make mistakes, but owning up to them is the right thing to do. So you know Degree Cool Rush deodorant, right? Well, last year they changed the formula and it did not go over well with their fans. So Degree's whole thing is it turns up the sweat and odor protection when you turn up the effort. And good thing it does, because Cool Rush fans really turned up the effort to bring the original formula back. One guy even started an online petition and Degree listened. They admitted they effed up. They're bringing back the original Cool Rush scent. They're bringing it back and it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. It's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under $4. There's a reason it's been the number one men's antiperspirant for the last decade. It's the same reason why people were not happy when it changed. So if you've never tried it, it might be a good time to see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart target and try the OG Degree Cool Rush for yourself. Hey everybody, you've heard me talk about Green River Whiskey, the official whiskey of the Herd podcast. And if you know anything about me, I love a good metaphor. So the Green river challenged me to come up with a perfect metaphor to describe their incredible bourbon and rye whiskeys. And with the playoffs upon us, the answer is clear. Green River Whiskey is like a big playoff win by your favorite team, always sure to raise your spirits. So pair the thrills of this playoff season with Green River Whiskey. And with four core products in their starting lineup, there's something to suit any taste. To find Green river near you, head on over to greenriverwhisky.com here's the green River Whiskey. Raise your spirits. A product of Green River Distilling Company, Owensboro, Kentucky. Alcohol by volume varies by product. Greenriverwhiskey.com Please drink responsibly. Couple of things bouncing around in the NFL About a year ago I kind of suggested if I was the Steelers, with all the money they have on defense, I'd shop around TJ Watt. He's mostly healthy, great lineage in the family. He's a great player. Eric Mangini disagrees with me, but my take is they've got so much money on defense. If you can get a couple of second round picks, I'd go for it. Well, now there are stories that the Steelers are at least, you know, taking phone calls. Albert Brear joins us live. Listen, if you look at the division with Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, obviously Cleveland's going to go and they got two first rounders. They're going for a quarterback next year. You're kind of unsettled at quarterback. My take is there's about, I said this yesterday, Albert. There's about seven quarterbacks, there's about eight left tackles and about five or five or six defensive linemen, mostly young Jalen Carter, Jared Verse, Miles Garrett's not young that I just, I'm not taking a phone call on.

[Bob Crawford]

Parsons.

[Colin Cowherd]

I take a phone call on Micah Parsons because I'm overpaying Dak. So my take is 30 year old TJ Watt. Yeah, I'm going to take a phone call. What are your thoughts on this?

[Bob Crawford]

I think it would make sense if they were in a different spot as a team. But so much of the idea of just acquiring Aaron Rodgers in the first place was tied to getting the most out of the core that they had in place and they've been competitive with over the last few years. And like it would just the idea of trading for draft picks would fly in the face of why you acquired Rogers in the first place, you know, so I think if they were again, if they had made decision that say like Miami made to retool the way that the Miami has this offseason or the way San Francisco has retooled this offseason, you might look at it as an opportunity to, to get a lot of capital back and really kind of juice, you know, a rebuild or a retooling of your roster. But that's not the spot Pittsburgh's in right Now. And so, you know, I, I just look at, at that roster and I see Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay and Aaron Rodgers, even DK Metcalf as an older 27 year old because he's on his third contract now and he's been a little beat up. Cam Hayward's at the very end of his career. You just look around there and it's like, well, why do you have all those guys in the first place if you're going to get rid of the best one of them, you know? So I think the spot the Steelers are in right now, they need T.J. watt. And I think the, the, the, the presence of Aaron Rodgers is something that, that, that Watt's been waiting for since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. So I, I think it's one of those situations where you could see where if one or the other were in a different spot, a trade would make sense, this would make sense, point to separate. But I think the two of them, as it stands right now, need each other too much not to find a way to get something done.

[Colin Cowherd]

So, so why are the Jets. They just gave a new contract to Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson. What, what is the message the jets are sending? Why now? I get the players, but what's the message?

[Bob Crawford]

Well, both those guys had a really strong spring, you know, and I think there's a message there that we are going to reward people who do it the right way. And I think for Aaron Glenn and for Darren Moshe, their new general manager, coming in there, that's an important thing. If you buy into the way that we're doing things, you don't need to be our draft picks, you don't need to be our signings. And you know, it's interesting because I think when, when Aaron Glenn got to the Lions, for the most part, they just brought in new guys, but there were guys they held onto that became foundation pieces for him. Right? Taylor Decker, the left tackle, Frank Ragnow was somebody that they inherited. And so you see a bunch of guys that could be that for the jets going forward. That's not a roster devoid of talent. There's the basis of a really good defense. Quinn and Williams, Jermaine Johnson, you know, Quincy Williams, Sauce Gardner. On the offensive side of the ball, you got Garrett Wilson, you got Olu Fashano, you got Olive Vera, Tucker, you got Breeze Hall. These are all guys that the new regime inherited. So if you want to get those guys on board, you know what you do, you get through the spring, you say, we really believe in Your talent. Now we believe in the person and we're going to go and reward you. And I think Wilson and Sauce are the first two examples of it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, there was, there are, you know, this is the silly season that, you know, little breadcrumbs of information leak out. And I saw the Nick Saban rumors. Lane Kiffin knows him well. I think he'll come back. And I don't think. I think NFL football is actually easier to coach as long as you don't get a crazy owner. And I also think because of the nil, you can't just fire coaches like you used to. Teams are going to boosters. They need 15 to 18 million for nil money. They're not paying 62 million to get rid of Brian Kelly or 70 million to get rid of Lincoln Riley. So there's not going to be any openings at the best positions. And Ryan Day is not going anywhere. And Dan Lanning's crushing it and Sark's doing well and there's not. And Kaylin DeBoer is going to turn it around this year. Do you think somebody would take a call on Saban in the NFL?

[Bob Crawford]

You mean somebody would make a call on Saban?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, right.

[Bob Crawford]

Yeah, sure. Yeah, I mean, I do. I think the, I mean, it's been, what I think now 18 years since Saban left the Dolphins to go to, to go to Alabama. And one thing I've learned in covering the league over all that time is no one thought the guy couldn't coach. Like the idea that the guy couldn't scheme at an NFL level, couldn't lead at an NFL level, that, that was at zero to do with why it didn't work. It was because of the program and it was, it was demanding. And the quarterback situation didn't, didn't work out. And because of the way he had his program set up back then, it was sort of this old school type of, of deal where if you don't win quickly, if you don't give players results quickly, they're going to tire of that pretty quickly. And what have we seen Nick do over the last 17, 18 years? He constantly adapts, you know, like what a Nick Saban team was in 2008 and 2009 was way different than the teams that he had when Jerry Judy and Devontae Smith were running all over the place. You know what I mean? So he's adaptable. He's a really good football coach. He's well respected. I think it'd be a little bit like Belichick in this way. And almost like when Tom Brady was a free agent. Right. It would be a very narrow group of teams that would be looking at the idea of hiring him. Like, you need to have a quarterback, you need to live in a part, need to be in a part of the country he was comfortable with, and you would need to have a win now roster. But if you have those three things in place, I mean, he's around the same age as Pete Carroll. So if you're an owner looking for credibility, it makes sense to hire Nick Saban. Like, if you've lost credibility in your market and you feel like you've not, you've got to find a way to get it back fast. Hiring Nick Saban could be a way to do that. And maybe it would, for all the reasons you laid out, the difference between college and the pros, appeal to Nick to come to the NFL.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, I'm going to throw this at you, Albert. And you have a sense of history.

[Bob Crawford]

Yep.

[Colin Cowherd]

So he's the greatest college football coach of all time. He goes to ESPN for a couple years and he's been an absolute home run as an analyst. Got a little itch and there's. He's not going to Jacksonville, but Brian Schottenheimer is over his skis. And Jerry Jones says, I don't, I don't want one of these NFL egos. I, you know what Jerry likes to do? He likes to hire guys where they feel like they owe him a little. And, and Jerry could go to Saban and go, okay, this Schottenheimer thing doesn't work. Jaden Daniels and Jalen Hurts. I need a guy that knows college personnel. I'm just saying Dallas. I don't think Saban would go to New York, but if you're talking about guy, just, just ego. Best college coach ever. Absolute five star analyst on tv. He's not challenged. He's still youthful, sharp as attack. The Dallas Cowboys call. He's not taking that call.

[Bob Crawford]

It makes some sense for sure. You know, and I guess geographically, it's not all that far from where he, where he put down roots over the last, you know, two decades. I mean, the Giants are always going to be interesting because, as you know, I'm sure Colin, like the Maras were fascinated with Nick. And I think there was a point in the 90s where they were trying to hire him from Michigan State. So they've had an interest in him going back that far. Right. Like, so I think it's the first one that NFL people always consider is like, would the Giants do it because there was that interest about 20 years ago. The Cowboys are interesting because they do have a lot of win now elements. And he could come in there and. And really go into a place that's set up for a strong coach. And it's interesting because I think, you know, like, the one thing about Dallas that people misunderstand is, yes, Jerry's involved in football, but the coach is involved in scouting, too. Like, the coach is involved in putting the team together. And that's always been the way that it's been run there and in that, like, they've got a really good personnel department. Will and Clay does a great job, but they've always involved the coach and how the team is put together. I think it's why they've been able to put some really coherent rosters over the last 20 years. You know, really going back to when Parcells was there. The one question for me is the spotlight factor, right? And I think if Jerry was going to do this, part of it would be, are you willing to take a backseat and move away from the spotlight for a little bit to see if Nick Saban can come and do it? But for a lot of different reasons, it does make sense. So, look, I think Schottenheimer is going to do a better job than most people do. But I mean, I just think if you. If you want to line the whole thing up and say he needs to go to a brand name, you know, he needs to go to one of the flagship franchises, the part of the country that it's in and the way they're set up. I could see Saban working, Working in Dallas.

[Colin Cowherd]

I. I think quite. I know this is a wacky topic, Albert, but I think quietly, Nick Saban thinks he's a better coach than Belichick. And if Belichick goes to. So Belichick can't win without Brady goes to Carolina, it doesn't go well. Nick goes to the NFL, Greatest college coach ever. Unbelievable media star. And wins and resurrects Dallas. I think Nick deep down thinks, hell, I would have won in Miami if the. If the doctor would have said okay with Drew Brees. And I think Nick is so hyper competitive. It sticks in his. I really do. And I don't think it's crazy. I don't think it's nuts. There you go. I'm nuts. Whatever. I don't care.

[Bob Crawford]

Like. Like, just from an NFL reporter standpoint, please come, Nick. I would, I would. I would love to have Nick Saban. I mean, that storyline would be unbelievable. I don't care what team he's with. Like, the idea of having Nick Saban back in the NFL just to see if it would work because he, like, look like, I don't think, like, I remember as a kid, like looking back at John Wood. Right. And thinking to myself, like you looked at. And I obviously wasn't born when Wooden was coaching, but you looked at that track record of success at UCLA as a basketball coach, said no one's ever going to do that again. And Saban more or less did at Alabama. Maybe not quite the number of championship, but as far as like a run of dominance, like, I feel like Saban was almost like John Wooden. So I mean, of course I think, like, it'd be fascinating to see what Nick Saban could do if he got another run at the NFL. And I do, I would say this. Like, I. I mean the players are thoroughly prepared for the league that come out of that program. I mean, that was always the thing with him was like there were two things about Nick Saban program. Nick Saban players coming out of Alabama, they were beat up because they played a physical style and practices were tough and they were maxed out. And that was actually a compliment to Saban in saying Nick got everything he possibly could out of every player. So the NFL people all had great respect for him. And. And again, like his failure in Miami, I think he'd be hard pressed to find a single person in the NFL who would say he didn't win in Miami because he wasn't a good enough coach.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. By the way, we just spent eight minutes on something that may never come to fruition. And I'm. No, I'm. I know I took a detour. I'm fascinated by it because I think Nick, me too deep down, wants to be mentioned in the Andy Reid Belichick group. And I did like Jim Harbaugh. Oh, he's a Michigan man. He wanted. He's these hyper competitive guys, hardball. Even at Michigan, the minute he had an opportunity. Justin Herbert's available.

[Bob Crawford]

Well, no, that, that loss to his brother in the super bowl stuck with him. Like you wouldn't. I mean, it's. Yeah, he was right there at the mountaintop and it stuck with him. And the one thing the Michigan job wasn't going to get him was the chance to, to make that right. And I mean, I think it in the same sort of way the picking Dante Culpepper over Drew brees thing in 2006 has stuck with Nick Saban. I mean, you remember Colin, they were. I was a promising team coming out of the oh, 7, the 05 season. A lot of people thought, like, if Dante Culpepper hit and he was the player that he had been a few years earlier, that team could have been in the super bowl. And obviously it came undone. But. But yeah, I think Nick probably. I think Nick looks at the. The, The. The decision, the quarterback decision of 2006, the same way that Jim Harbaugh looks back at that Super bowl in 2012.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm going to keep this tape. Let's archive this, guys, because we may. We may have touched on magic. Magic potion here. That's all I got to say. All right. By the way, here's my college football national title bubble. Throw this up for Albert. I don't know how good Ohio State's quarterback is, but they have the best defensive player and offensive player. I do a Super bowl bubble about once a month. I think Notre Dame and Bama. I don't know how good they're at quarterback. I have to watch them play.

[Bob Crawford]

We're in.

[Colin Cowherd]

What do you make of that?

[Bob Crawford]

Yeah, yeah, that makes sense. I think Penn State's going to be really good. Oregon's. Yeah, that. That totally makes sense. You never rule out Georgia with Kirby. Those. Those five seem like a good five to be in there. I think Notre Dame. I think Notre Dame's gonna be really good again. I. You know, Lloyd Carr's grandson is a quarterback there. I think he's going to be a really good player. So Notre Dame's interesting after the year they had last year, but I think I'd probably agree with the five yet. Inside the bubble.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. And on a high, especially the one.

[Bob Crawford]

In the top left corner there.

[Colin Cowherd]

At Penn State. Ohio State game is going to be one for the ages. That is going to be crazy. Great seeing you, buddy.

[Bob Crawford]

All right. Thanks, Colin.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. Have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant and their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back. And degree listened. That doesn't happen often. They admitted they effed up and they're bringing back the original Cool Rush scent. They're bringing it back and it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one men's antiperspirant. And it's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under four bucks. So try and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG Degree. Cool Rush for yourself.

[Danielle Robaix]

Just like great shoes great books take you places through unforgettable love stories and into conversations with characters you'll never forget.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think any good romance, it gives me this feeling of like butterflies.

[Danielle Robaix]

I'm Danielle Robaix and this is bookmarked by Reese's Book Club, the new podcast from hello Sunshine and I Heart Podcast where we dive into the stories that shape us on the page and off. Each week I'm joined by authors, celebs, book talk stars and more for conversations that will make you laugh, cry and add way too many books to your TBR pile. Listen to Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

So what happened to Chappaquiddick? Well, it really depends on who you talk to.

[Bob Crawford]

There are many versions of what happened in 1969 when a young Ted Kennedy drove a car into a pond and.

[Colin Cowherd]

Left a woman behind to drown.

[Bob Crawford]

Chappaquiddick is a story of a tragic death and how the Kennedy machine took control. Every week we go behind the headlines and beyond the drama of America's royal family.

[Danielle Robaix]

Listen to United States of Kennedy on.

[Colin Cowherd]

The iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever.

[Bob Crawford]

You get your podcast. I'm Bob Crawford, host of American History Hotline, a different type of podcast. You, the listener, ask the questions.

[Colin Cowherd]

Did George Washington really cut down a cherry tree?

[Danielle Robaix]

Were JFK and Marilyn Monroe having an affair?

[Bob Crawford]

And I find the answers. I am so glad you asked me this question.

[Danielle Robaix]

This is such a ridiculous story.

[Bob Crawford]

You can listen to American History Hotline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Robaix]

This is an iHeart podcast.