Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" Release Date: December 18, 2024

The Herd with Colin Cowherd, produced by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the most pressing sports stories of the day. In the episode titled "Best of The Herd," Colin Cowherd delves into a variety of topics ranging from the NBA Cup’s evolving dynamics to the Chicago Bears' coaching search and the complexities of college football coaching. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. NBA Cup Analysis

Overview: Colin Cowherd initiates the episode with an in-depth analysis of the recent NBA Cup, highlighting concerns over the league's direction and gameplay consistency.

Key Points:

• Television Ratings vs. Social Media Popularity: Cowherd discusses NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's acknowledgment of declining TV ratings despite a surge in social media engagement.

  “[...] Adam Silver was talking to the media. He acknowledged that television ratings have fallen on a cliff. But one of his lines was, listen to this. Well, we're at the point where our social media audience is at the highest of any league.” ([02:00])

• Repetitive Gameplay Due to Three-Point Emphasis: The host criticizes the NBA's heavy reliance on three-point shots, arguing that it makes the game predictable and less entertaining.

  “The three-point shot is boring and repetitive. Every team plays the exact same way.” ([06:45])

• Comparative Analysis with the Michael Jordan Era: Cowherd contrasts the current three-point-heavy gameplay with the more athletic and dynamic style of the Michael Jordan-era Bulls, which garnered higher ratings.

  “The most entertaining team in league history that had the highest ratings, The Michael Jordan Bulls. Do you know what they shot? Because they were athletic and high flying. Five threes a game.” ([07:00])

Conclusion: Cowherd advocates for a restructuring of the three-point rules to enhance game diversity and competitiveness, suggesting modifications like moving the three-point arc closer to the basket or eliminating certain types of shots to invigorate the sport.

2. Chicago Bears Coaching Search

Overview: The discussion shifts to the Chicago Bears' ongoing search for a new head coach, with Colin Cowherd expressing skepticism over suggested candidates like Joe Brady.

Key Points:

• Critique of Joe Brady's Qualifications: Cowherd argues that Joe Brady lacks the necessary experience to lead a team as complex as the Bears, likening the role to assembling the Golden Gate Bridge without an architect.

  “You can't hire a guy who's good with asphalt to build the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a grown-up job.” ([08:00])

• Comparison with Mike Vrabel: He suggests that Mike Vrabel, with his experience from the Tennessee Titans and under the coaching mentorship of Bill Belichick, is a more suitable candidate.

  “But Mike Vrabel can do it. Mike Vrabel was coached hard in the ecosystem of Belichick.” ([08:45])

• Analogy of Bridge Construction: Cowherd emphasizes the magnitude of the Bears' coaching position by comparing it to a major construction project, underscoring the need for a seasoned leader.

  “The Chicago Bears are a bridge project, but not just a bridge project. They're the Golden Gate Bridge.” ([08:30])

Conclusion: Cowherd concludes that the Bears require a head coach with extensive leadership experience and the ability to manage high-pressure situations, rather than someone with a purely coordinator background like Joe Brady.

3. Insights from Brian Baldinger

Overview: Brian Baldinger, a former NFL offensive lineman and analyst, contributes to the discussion by offering his perspective on quarterback evaluations and team strategies.

Key Points:

• Quarterback Selection – Sam Darnold vs. Brock Purdy: Baldinger analyzes the potential trade between the two quarterbacks, ultimately favoring Sam Darnold for his athleticism and experience.

  “I don’t get the upside physically arm mobility that I get with Sam Darnold.” ([23:50])

• Evaluating First-Round Quarterbacks: He underscores the value of first-round quarterbacks in the NFL, asserting that most playoff-contending teams have first-round QBs who have demonstrated significant talent and potential.

  “All of the first-round quarterbacks in the NFL. You know, it's all the good ones.” ([25:10])

• Critique of Brock Purdy’s Story: While acknowledging Purdy's underdog narrative, Baldinger points out that storytelling should not overshadow actual performance and potential in team-building.

  “People have always confused the story with the truth.” ([25:30])

Conclusion: Baldinger emphasizes the importance of selecting quarterbacks based on measurable talent and potential to elevate team performance, rather than sentimental narratives or draft position alone.

4. College Football Coaching – Ohio State vs. Tennessee

Overview: The episode transitions to a discussion on college football, focusing on the upcoming Ohio State vs. Tennessee game and the broader implications of coaching strategies within college programs.

Key Points:

• Impact of Coaching Changes: Cowherd and guest analyst Urban Meyer discuss the challenges faced by college football coaches transitioning from the NFL, highlighting the unique demands of college programs.

  “It's simply how much is it? I'm recruiting Colin Coward. I call you up, say, Colin, how much is it going to cost for you to come to North Carolina?” ([31:10])

• Ohio State’s Offensive Line Challenges: Concerns are raised about Ohio State’s offensive line's volatility and its potential to be a liability against strong defensive lines like Tennessee’s.

  “I don't see the same creativity that I usually see from Sark, and I'm wondering if he's just a game manager now.” ([35:00])

• Program Momentum and Recruitment: The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining momentum in college programs and the difficulties coaches face in recruiting top talent amidst high expectations.

  “Once you lose momentum, it's hard to get back.” ([34:30])

Conclusion: The discussion concludes with an agreement that maintaining a strong culture and effective coaching strategies are pivotal for college football programs to succeed, particularly in high-stakes environments like Ohio State.

5. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Topics

Overview: As the episode nears its end, Cowherd previews upcoming segments and topics, including further analysis of coaching dynamics and potential game outcomes.

Key Points:

• Future Discussions: Cowherd indicates plans to delve deeper into the Bears' coaching search and the Ohio State vs. Tennessee game in subsequent segments.

  “Danny Parkins later this hour on the Bears coaching search. I'll get to that in five minutes.” ([03:00])

• Guest Appearances: Announcements about upcoming guest appearances from sports analysts like Brian Baldinger and Urban Meyer provide listeners with expectations for detailed breakdowns and expert opinions.

  “We bring a guy on this show who I like a lot, Brian Baldinger.” ([09:00])

Conclusion: With a comprehensive overview of the discussed topics, Cowherd ensures listeners are informed and engaged, setting the stage for continued in-depth sports analysis in future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Colin Cowherd on NBA Ratings:

  “We're at the point where our social media audience is at the highest of any league.” ([02:00])

• Colin Cowherd Critiquing Three-Point Shots:

  “The three-point shot is boring and repetitive. Every team plays the exact same way.” ([06:45])

• Cowherd on Joe Brady’s Qualifications:

  “You can't hire a guy who's good with asphalt to build the Golden Gate Bridge.” ([08:30])

• Brian Baldinger on Quarterback Selection:

  “I don’t get the upside physically arm mobility that I get with Sam Darnold.” ([23:50])

• Urban Meyer on Coaching Challenges:

  “It's a much different game that me and you knew, Colin.” ([32:00])

Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd provides a critical lens on current sports trends, emphasizing the need for balance between analytics and entertainment in professional leagues. His analysis suggests that over-reliance on specific strategies, such as the NBA's three-point shooting, can diminish the overall excitement and unpredictability of the game.

In discussing coaching roles, particularly with the Chicago Bears, Cowherd highlights the importance of experience and leadership in high-pressure positions, advocating for leaders who possess both tactical knowledge and the ability to manage complex team dynamics.

The conversation on college football underscores the delicate balance coaches must maintain in recruiting and maintaining program momentum, especially when transitioning from professional leagues to the collegiate environment.

Overall, the episode underscores the intricate interplay between strategy, leadership, and entertainment in sports, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on the evolving landscape of athletic competition.