Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 1 - Head Coach-QB Combos
Release Date: June 13, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd and co-host Jason McIntyre delve into a variety of pressing sports topics, focusing primarily on NBA and NFL analyses. The discussion navigates through the intricacies of head coach-quarterback (QB) dynamics in the NFL, the ongoing NBA Finals, and critical team decisions such as the New York Knicks' recent coaching change. The hosts provide in-depth insights, backed by statistics and personal observations, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking nuanced perspectives.

NBA Finals Game 4: OKC vs. Indiana Pacers

The episode opens with an intense discussion about Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) and the Indiana Pacers. Jason McIntyre expresses his admiration for the Pacers, highlighting their unexpected prowess this season.

Jason McIntyre [00:35]: "I am falling in love with this Indiana Pacer team."

He predicts that if the Pacers win tonight, they will lead the series 3-1, emphasizing their superior fourth-quarter performance and strategic gameplay.

Jason McIntyre [12:53]: "They have been the much better fourth quarter team. Oklahoma City is clearly younger and not as good on the road."

The hosts analyze the potential impact of referee Scott Foster on the game's outcome, noting his history of extending series rather than facilitating sweeps.

Jason McIntyre [27:38]: "Scott Foster is like when the Chiefs don't get called for a holding penalty for like three Super Bowls. That's where it's like Scott Foster stuff."

Despite concerns about Foster's officiating, McIntyre remains optimistic about the Pacers' chances, citing their current form and strategic advantages.

NFL Head Coach-QB Combinations

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to evaluating the importance of head coach and quarterback pairings in the NFL. McIntyre categorizes quarterbacks into three groups based on their synergy with their coaches and predicts playoff success accordingly.

Jason McIntyre [05:00]: "If you have a star quarterback and he has at least a B coach, he's going to make the playoffs."

He names the top five quarterbacks likely to lead their teams to the postseason: Patrick Mahomes, Matt Stafford, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow. McIntyre underscores the critical balance between QB talent and coaching quality, suggesting that even exceptional quarterbacks need competent coaches to maximize their potential.

Jason McIntyre [08:25]: "The league is now, because of rule changes, a 70, 30 quarterback coach league."

This analysis extends to predicting the performance of various QB-coach duos, shedding light on the strategic elements that influence team success in the highly competitive NFL landscape.

New York Knicks Firing Tom Thibodeau

The podcast shifts focus to the New York Knicks' decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau. McIntyre scrutinizes this move, questioning the rationale behind the firing given the team's recent performance improvements.

Jason McIntyre [09:15]: "The Knicks were actually better in the regular season, went further in the playoffs and were actually slightly better offensively."

He argues that the firing was more about personnel issues rather than coaching deficiencies, pointing out the loss of key players like Dante DiVincenzo and Julius Randle as critical factors that may have influenced the decision.

Jason McIntyre [10:40]: "It's always been about personnel. I like Mikhail Bridges, but he's not consistent offensively."

McIntyre contends that simply changing the coach won't address the underlying roster limitations and emphasizes the need for strategic acquisitions to propel the Knicks forward.

Shoubre Sanders (SGA) and Indiana Pacers Performance

McIntyre offers a deep dive into Shoubre Sanders' (SGA) performance in the NBA Finals, debating his standing among NBA greats and his impact on the Pacers' success.

Jason McIntyre [24:05]: "SGA may be the leading scorer, but we don't put him in the LeBron MJ bird class."

Despite acknowledging SGA's exceptional talent, McIntyre advises caution, suggesting that while he is a standout player, comparisons to legends like LeBron James or Michael Jordan may be premature.

Jason McIntyre [25:28]: "He's exceptional, but he's not an all-timer."

The discussion highlights SGA's recent struggles with turnovers and defensive pressures, analyzing how the Pacers' strategy of double-teaming him affects his performance and the team's overall dynamics.

Jalen Hurts’ Offensive Coordinators in the NFL

The conversation transitions to Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, focusing on his experience with multiple offensive coordinators and its impact on his performance.

Jason McIntyre [28:56]: "Jalen Hurts is working with his sixth offensive coordinator in as many seasons."

McIntyre explores the challenges Hurts faces in maintaining consistency and developing his game amid frequent changes in coaching staff. He contrasts this with other quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, who benefits from long-term coaching stability.

Jason McIntyre [29:54]: "If you were GM tomorrow, your GM Burrow and Hertz are on the board. Who do you take?"

The hosts debate whether frequent coaching changes hinder or help a quarterback's development, ultimately emphasizing the need for a stable and supportive coaching environment to maximize a player's potential.

Mike McIntyre Leaving the Dallas Cowboys

A heated segment addresses Mike McIntyre's abrupt departure from his position with the Dallas Cowboys, sparking discussions about the implications for the team's future.

Jason McIntyre [30:24]: "Mike McCarthy chose to leave the Cowboys and he left them in somewhat of a lurch."

McIntyre questions the reasons behind McIntyre's decision, speculating that it may be related to concerns over quarterback Jaden Daniels' performance and the overall direction of the team. He underscores the rarity of such departures in the NFL, suggesting potential turmoil ahead for the Cowboys.

Jason McIntyre [31:19]: "Mike McCarthy left them in somewhat of a lurch... This situation is much more dire than anybody wants to acknowledge."

The analysis hints at deeper organizational issues within the Cowboys, hinting at possible future challenges both on and off the field.

Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers

The episode also features a critical examination of Luka Doncic's role with the Los Angeles Lakers, focusing on his physical conditioning and defensive capabilities.

Jason McIntyre [48:00]: "He's never going to be a finely tuned and sculpted Adonis. He'll never be D. Wade. He'll never be LeBron James."

McIntyre argues that while Doncic is offensively gifted, his defensive shortcomings and inconsistent conditioning pose significant challenges for the Lakers. He draws parallels with past Lakers legends who excelled both offensively and defensively, suggesting that Doncic needs to enhance his defensive game to meet the high standards expected in Los Angeles.

Jason McIntyre [50:05]: "Can the Lakers be honest and acknowledge he's never going to be a great defensive player? It's never going to be like Kobe, LeBron..."

This segment emphasizes the importance of holistic player development and strategic team building to maximize player strengths and compensate for weaknesses.

Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears

In an insightful commentary, McIntyre discusses Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' quarterback, highlighting his collegiate success and the challenges he's facing in the NFL.

Jason McIntyre [48:45]: "Caleb Williams was absolutely magical... he then goes to Chicago, ends up with a passing game coordinator as a head coach."

McIntyre traces Williams' decline in performance to systemic issues within the Bears' coaching staff, particularly focusing on offensive line protection and playbook limitations. He underscores the critical role of trust between quarterback and coaching staff in a player's transition from college to professional football.

Jason McIntyre [51:02]: "Ben Johnson's all about trust and erasing some really bad habits."

This analysis underscores the intricate relationship between player development and coaching strategies, highlighting the Bears' efforts to revamp their approach to maximize Williams' potential.

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Discussions

As the episode concludes, McIntyre shares personal anecdotes, including a recent dinner with Kevin Warren, the president of the Chicago Bears, discussing Caleb Williams' future prospects. The hosts hint at upcoming topics, including their new podcast Over Promised, promising more in-depth discussions on sports and personal life.

Jason McIntyre [33:36]: "We never have enough time to get to everything we want to get to. And that's why we have a brand new podcast called Over Promised."

The episode wraps up with a teaser for future episodes and a brief mention of upcoming sports events, leaving listeners anticipating more comprehensive analyses in subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Jason McIntyre [12:53]: "They have been the much better fourth quarter team. Oklahoma City is clearly younger and not as good on the road."

• Jason McIntyre [22:31]: "Sometimes you get wrapped up when you're in the multiple play call game... and he had a lot of college starts."

• Jason McIntyre [29:54]: "If you were GM tomorrow, your GM Burrow and Hertz are on the board. Who do you take?"

• Jason McIntyre [50:05]: "Can the Lakers be honest and acknowledge he's never going to be a great defensive player?"

• Jason McIntyre [33:36]: "We never have enough time to get to everything we want to get to. And that's why we have a brand new podcast called Over Promised."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of current sports topics, blending statistical insights with personal opinions. From the strategic nuances of NFL coach-QB dynamics to critical evaluations of NBA players and team decisions, Colin and Jason provide listeners with a rich, engaging discourse that enhances understanding of the sports landscape. Whether you're a casual fan or a dedicated follower, this episode delivers valuable perspectives to enrich your sports conversations.