Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd Release Date: August 8, 2025
Host: Doug Gottlieb (filling in for Colin Cowherd)
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Doug Gottlieb steps in as the host to guide listeners through a comprehensive discussion of the top sports stories of the day. Skipping over the advertisements and intros, Gottlieb delves deep into pressing topics ranging from NFL contract negotiations to the evolving landscape of college football. The episode also features insightful guest appearances, particularly focusing on the intricacies of college football coaching and team dynamics.

Micah Parsons and Dallas Cowboys Contract Negotiations

Timestamp: 02:33 – 09:24

Gottlieb opens the discussion with a detailed analysis of Micah Parsons, the star player of the Dallas Cowboys, and the contentious contract negotiations surrounding him. He provides a candid assessment of Parsons' situation, emphasizing the limited options available to both the player and the team.

Key Points:

• Contract Dilemma: Parsons is navigating the end of his current contract with limited choices, primarily negotiating a long-term extension or remaining under the franchise tag.
• Team’s Position: Gottlieb argues that the Cowboys have no intention of letting Parsons become a free agent, highlighting the mutual benefits and punitive aspects of the current contractual arrangements.
• Player’s Stance: Contrary to media speculation, Parsons is not holding out but is instead expressing a desire to be traded.
• Organizational Commitment: The Cowboys are portrayed as fully invested in Parsons, with Gottlieb dismissing any notion within the organization that they desire his failure.

Notable Quotes:

• "He's one of the brightest people I've ever been around and he's very, very talented." (09:22)
• "He is under contract and he's not a free agent." (07:45)
• "The Cowboys choose to not negotiate at all with Micah Parsons for the next three seasons, he's a Dallas Cowboy." (08:15)

Gottlieb also critiques Mike Parsons' decision to start a podcast, questioning the maturity and expertise required to handle such endeavors effectively.

Preseason NFL Games and Player Evaluations: Focus on Shador Sanders

Timestamp: 09:25 – 26:57

Transitioning from the NFL contract saga, Gottlieb shifts focus to the preseason games, particularly spotlighting Shador Sanders, the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.

Key Points:

• Shador Sanders' Performance: Gottlieb discusses Sanders' preparedness and the extensive training regimen he underwent, including training with Tom Brady.
• Team Dynamics: The Browns aim to simplify plays during preseason to evaluate Sanders without the pressure of complex strategies.
• Organizational Support: Emphasizing that the Browns organization is committed to Sanders, Gottlieb dismisses any internal desire for his failure.
• Comparative Analysis: He draws parallels between NFL and college football, highlighting differences in contract structures and player negotiations.

Notable Quotes:

• "The sale of Shador Sanders is that this is what his entire career was built upon." (23:07)
• "The Cowboys have to slap on the franchise tag, which they will do if there's no contract agreed to at the end of the year." (08:45)
• "He's built for have continual contract negotiations going on." (12:30)

Gottlieb provides a nuanced view of the preseason's role in player evaluation, asserting that preseason games are not definitive measures of a player's future success but rather opportunities for teams to assess readiness and fit within their systems.

Insights into College Football: Coaching Changes and Team Expectations

Timestamp: 26:58 – 51:32

The conversation pivots to college football, where Gottlieb provides a critical analysis of coaching changes, team rebuilding efforts, and the unrealistic expectations placed on collegiate programs.

Key Points:

• Coaching Stability: Highlighting the high turnover rate in college football coaching positions, Gottlieb emphasizes the challenges new coaches face in rebuilding teams.
• Case Studies:
  • Arch Manning at Texas: Gottlieb questions the longevity and performance expectations for Arch Manning, drawing comparisons to high-profile athletic families and their impact on team performance.
  • Barry Odom at Purdue: Discussing Odom’s massive roster turnover, Gottlieb underscores the difficulty in predicting team performance amidst significant changes.
  • James Franklin at Penn State: Gottlieb expresses high expectations for Franklin, noting the program's potential to leverage his experience and leadership to achieve championship success.

Notable Quotes:

• "There's a lot of number one picks who stink first time." (37:30)
• "Arch Manning talking about that chief among them, his thought process...because of what his last name is." (41:12)
• "They're built to win. And they have addressed that emphatically." (46:24)

Gottlieb critiques the often optimistic preseason narratives, urging listeners to adopt a more measured and realistic approach to evaluating college football teams' potentials.

Guest Segment: Josh Pate on College Football Predictions

Timestamp: 51:18 – 51:32

Bringing in expert insights, Gottlieb invites Josh Pate, the host of "College Football Show," to discuss the unpredictable nature of college football and the pitfalls of preseason predictions.

Key Points:

• Unpredictability: Pate echoes Gottlieb’s sentiments on the inherent uncertainties in college football, especially with extensive roster and coaching changes.
• Season Expectations: Both agree that while high expectations are fair, the dynamic nature of the sport means that outcomes are often unforeseeable.

Notable Quotes:

• "This has got to be the year." (51:00)
• "James Franklin could do that forever up there, but there probably is a window to win a championship." (51:30)

The segment reinforces the theme that both NFL and college football are rife with unpredictability, making it essential for fans and analysts alike to remain adaptable and critical of overhyped narratives.

Conclusion

Doug Gottlieb wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of realistic expectations in sports, whether analyzing NFL contracts or forecasting college football seasons. He emphasizes the need for adaptability in discussions and predictions, acknowledging the ever-evolving nature of sports dynamics.

Closing Remarks:

• Encouragement to listeners to stay informed and critically engage with sports narratives.
• Teasers for future topics, including upcoming guest appearances and continuing analysis of ongoing sports stories.

Notable Advertisements and Promotions Skipped

• Promotions for other podcasts like "No Such Thing," "Latino USA," and "Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre."
• Advertisements for products such as "washablesofas.com" and "Hill's Pet Nutrition."
• Announcements about Katie Couric’s Substack venture and other podcast features.

Overall Insights and Takeaways

• Contract Negotiations: The NFL's contractual structures can significantly impact star players' career trajectories and team strategies.
• Preseason Games: While essential for player evaluation, preseason performances should not be overemphasized in predicting regular-season success.
• Coaching Changes in College Football: High turnover rates necessitate a deeper understanding of each coach’s philosophy and adaptability to truly gauge team potential.
• Unpredictable Nature of Sports: Both NFL and college football are highly dynamic, requiring fans and analysts to maintain flexibility in their expectations and analyses.

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a thorough exploration of complex sports topics, blending expert analysis with candid opinions, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking depth and clarity in their understanding of ongoing sports narratives.