Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 1 - Pete Carroll to the Raiders
Release Date: January 24, 2025

The Herd with Colin Cowherd delivers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the latest developments in the NFL, with a primary focus on Pete Carroll's unexpected move to the Oakland Raiders. This episode also delves into the broader implications for the division, the Dallas Cowboys' tumultuous coaching situation, rising stars like Jaden Daniels, and insights into other sports narratives. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

1. Pete Carroll’s Move to the Oakland Raiders

Colin Cowherd kicks off the episode with breaking news about Pete Carroll's surprising appointment as the new head coach of the Oakland Raiders, marking a significant shift in NFL coaching dynamics.

• Cowherd (02:33): “Pete Carroll, the silver and black got a little more silver. ... the Raiders have chosen Pete Carroll. He's an adult, and the organization needs one. I like the choice.”

This move is seen as a strategic decision to bring stability and a strong culture to a team in dire need of rebuilding. Carroll's track record with young quarterbacks and his organizational prowess are highlighted as key factors for his selection.

• Cowherd (03:07): “Pete provides stability, they need culture, and Pete provides that.”

2. Impact on the Division and Ageism in Coaching

The hiring of Carroll introduces a new dynamic to a highly competitive division, now characterized by experienced coaches like Andy Reid, Jim Harbaugh, and Sean Payton.

• Cowherd (02:33): “Ageism had a rough day today. ... that division now is incredible. Harbaugh, Peyton, Annie Reed and Pete Carroll.”

Michael Irvin chimes in, dubbing the division the “AARP Division” due to the age of its coaches, reflecting on the blend of experience and potential challenges this presents.

• Irvin (03:07): “Yeah, they're calling it the AARP division because every coach is old as hell.”

3. Dallas Cowboys’ Coaching Turmoil

A substantial portion of the discussion revolves around the Dallas Cowboys' uncertain coaching future. Jerry Jones' preference for Deion Sanders is contrasted with the organizational delays in hiring a new head coach, leading to speculation about potential candidates like Brian Schottenheimer and Robert Saleh.

• Cowherd (11:16): “Is he the right coach for the Cowboys?”
• Schultz (11:18): “No, no, not, not at all.”

Cowherd emphasizes the urgency for Dallas to secure a top-tier coach to avoid further destabilization of the team.

• Cowherd (02:33): “Every day you wait to hire a coach, you're losing out on the best assistants.”

4. Potential Hire: Robert Saleh

The podcast explores Robert Saleh as a prime candidate for the Cowboys' head coach position, citing his impeccable reputation and the high demand for his expertise.

• Cowherd (44:57): “Robert Sala is the best candidate on the market. ... Robert Sala has unbelievable leverage this morning.”

Saleh's desirability across multiple franchises underscores the competitive nature of hiring elite coaches in the NFL.

5. Rising Star: Jaden Daniels

Jaden Daniels, a rookie quarterback, is lauded for his exceptional performance, earning the nickname “The Terminator” for his ability to remain composed under pressure.

• Cowherd (25:27): “Jaden Daniels, the Terminator. That's a great nickname and that's what he is in crisis.”

Comparisons to established quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen highlight Daniels' impressive passer ratings in critical moments, positioning him as a future star in the league.

6. Analysis of Jalen Hurts' Performance

The episode provides a nuanced critique of Jalen Hurts, addressing misconceptions about his abilities and attributing his success to strong offensive support rather than individual prowess.

• Cowherd (34:00): “There is nothing wrong with Jalen Hurts. He is a little small. He is not great from the pocket. Not a top 12 quarterback from the pocket.”

The discussion emphasizes Hurts' leadership and mobility while critiquing his reliance on offensive line support for touchdown success.

7. NBA Insights: Lakers vs. Celtics

Shifting to basketball, the conversation touches on the Lakers' dominant performance against the Celtics, with Anthony Davis sparking controversy over his preference for playing multiple positions to bolster team strength.

• Irvin (29:03): “Anthony Davis: We need a center.”
• Cowherd (29:16): “What? Now, first of all, let's, let's be fair now. ... Boston's now going to go home, get some rest.”

The episode analyzes the strategic decisions behind playing multiple bigs in the NBA era, comparing it to past championship-winning teams.

8. Other Sports and Coaching Movements

Additional topics include the defensive strategies of various NFL teams, the potential impact of coaching changes on team performance, and brief mentions of other sports-related news and advertisements.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd (03:07): “Pete provides stability, they need culture, and Pete provides that.”

• Michael Irvin (03:12): “Yeah, they're calling it the AARP division because every coach is old as hell.”

• Cowherd (11:16): “Is he the right coach for the Cowboys?”

• J. Mac (43:13): “Brian Schottenheimer will acquiesce to Jerry Jones. That's not a very good thing.”

• Cowherd (25:27): “Jaden Daniels, the Terminator. That's a great nickname and that's what he is in crisis.”

• Cowherd (34:00): “There is nothing wrong with Jalen Hurts. He is a little small. He is not great from the pocket. Not a top 12 quarterback from the pocket.”

• Irvin (29:03): “Anthony Davis: We need a center.”

Conclusion

In this episode, The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth analysis of Pete Carroll's strategic move to the Oakland Raiders, examining its implications for team dynamics and the broader division landscape. The discussion extends to the Dallas Cowboys' ongoing coaching crisis, the ascendancy of rookie Jaden Daniels, and a critical look at Jalen Hurts' quarterback performance. Additionally, insights into NBA strategies offer a well-rounded exploration of current sports narratives. Through expert commentary and engaging dialogue, the episode delivers valuable perspectives for sports enthusiasts looking to stay informed on the latest developments.

For listeners who missed the episode: This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by Colin Cowherd and his co-hosts, providing a comprehensive overview of the major sports stories covered in this hour.