Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 1 - The Bears Have Their Man
Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In the inaugural hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre delve deep into the current state of the Chicago Bears, the shifting dynamics of college football, and the broader implications for the NFL. The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of coaching decisions, team performances, and the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.

Chicago Bears' Coaching Conundrum

Assessment of Coaching Candidates
The episode opens with a heated discussion about the Chicago Bears' search for a new head coach. Colin expresses his viewpoint on the potential candidates, emphasizing his preference for Mike Vrabel over others.

• Colin Cowherd [05:00]:
  "Vrabel was the best candidate in my opinion. He goes to New England, a place he knows well."

Ben Johnson vs. Other Contenders
Jason McIntyre brings up Ben Johnson as a dark horse candidate, questioning whether he can match the prowess of coaches like Sean McVay or Matt LaFleur.

• Jason McIntyre [04:45]:
  "Ben Johnson is smart, he's clever, he takes risks. He just watched an organization get built up and smart people by proximity."

Challenges Ahead for the Bears
The duo discusses the intricate challenges the Bears face, including political obstacles and the difficulty in securing a transformational quarterback.

• Colin Cowherd [07:25]:
  "This is an organization that cannot get quarterback right. They've never had a quarterback throw for over 30 touchdowns."

The Big Ten’s Ascendancy in College Football

Ohio State’s Dominance
A significant portion of the conversation centers on Ohio State’s recent victory and their projected dominance in the upcoming seasons. Colin argues that the Big Ten has emerged as the new powerhouse, overshadowing traditional strongholds like the SEC.

• Colin Cowherd [10:15]:
  "College football now has a new king, and it's called the Big Ten. Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon, USC are wealthy, well-heeled programs."

Impact of NIL and Collectives
The discussion highlights how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and athletic collectives have reshaped the financial and competitive landscape of college football, benefiting Big Ten schools.

• Jason McIntyre [12:00]:
  "Alabama's Nick Saban saw this coming years ago. They have big boy money now, Texas may have more than anybody except Phil Knight in Oregon."

Future Projections
Colin predicts that Ohio State will not only repeat as champions but also attract top NFL talent, solidifying their position as a dominant force.

• Colin Cowherd [14:36]:
  "I think Ohio State's going to repeat next year. Texas will be good. But Texas wasn't even part of the SEC a year ago."

NFL Quarterback Analysis

Comparing Lamar Jackson and Peyton Manning
The hosts engage in a comparative analysis of quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Peyton Manning, questioning their transformations and impacts on their respective teams.

• Colin Cowherd [18:25]:
  "Peyton Manning didn't win a Super Bowl until he was in his 30s. Lamar Jackson just turned 28."

Concerns About Joe Burrow
A segment is dedicated to quarterback Joe Burrow, with Colin expressing concerns over his team's management and support structure.

• Colin Cowherd [24:05]:
  "Joe Burrow is the one I worry about because it does take, let's be honest, as great as Matt Stafford is, you don't have the right owner, the right coach."

Detroit Lions’ Future Prospects

Potential Coaching Changes
The conversation shifts to the Detroit Lions, where Jason speculates on defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn possibly joining the New York Jets, raising questions about the Lions' Super Bowl window.

• Jason McIntyre [24:09]:
  "Is Detroit Super Bowl window closing? Don't tell that to Dan Campbell."

Colin’s Optimism
Despite the uncertainty, Colin remains optimistic about the Lions' core group and their strategic direction under Dan Campbell.

• Colin Cowherd [24:34]:
  "We have our culture, we have our identity, and we have players that fit into that. Our window is open now."

Dallas Cowboys’ Struggles

Coaching Search Critique
A critical analysis is presented on the Dallas Cowboys’ unsuccessful coaching search, highlighting the potential hire of Brian Schottenheimer and its implications.

• Jason McIntyre [27:36]:
  "The Dallas Cowboys... it's like an intervention. Somebody has to take away the helicopter keys from grandpa."

Colin’s Take on Ownership Issues
Colin elaborates on the Cowboys' internal challenges, questioning the alignment between ownership, front office, and coaching.

• Colin Cowherd [35:02]:
  "The Dallas Cowboys... Ownership, front office, head coach, quarterback—where are they? Elite? Like, even Cleveland."

Broader NFL and College Football Insights

Defensive Strategies and Team Building
The hosts discuss successful defensive strategies employed by teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the importance of balancing offense and defense in team building.

• Colin Cowherd [26:23]:
  "Kansas City is a theory in the league right now that you pay... a defensive player huge money, and he has to be up front."

College vs. Professional Systems
A debate ensues about the similarities and differences between college football systems and the NFL, advocating for a model that allows for more flexibility akin to the NFL's playoff system.

• Colin Cowherd [35:24]:
  "I am 100% for a sport that follows more closely the model of the NFL. College football is going to tweak. The NFL is constantly tweaking."

Closing Thoughts

Reflection on Sports Imperfections
In his closing remarks, Colin reflects on the inherent imperfections in sports, emphasizing the importance of resilience and growth through challenges, much like Ohio State's journey to the championship despite setbacks.

• Colin Cowherd [37:19]:
  "Sports isn't perfect... But that's nothing new at Ohio State. They grew, they built, and they responded to tough times."

Future Outlook
The episode concludes with an optimistic view of the future, anticipating continued success for Big Ten teams and the evolving strategies within the NFL.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd [05:00]:
  "Vrabel was the best candidate in my opinion. He goes to New England, a place he knows well."

• Jason McIntyre [04:45]:
  "Ben Johnson is smart, he's clever, he takes risks."

• Colin Cowherd [10:15]:
  "College football now has a new king, and it's called the Big Ten."

• Jason McIntyre [12:00]:
  "Alabama's Nick Saban saw this coming years ago."

• Colin Cowherd [24:05]:
  "Joe Burrow is the one I worry about because it does take... you don't have the right owner, the right coach."

• Jason McIntyre [27:36]:
  "The Dallas Cowboys... Somebody has to take away the helicopter keys from grandpa."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Herd" offers listeners a thorough exploration of current sports dynamics, particularly focusing on the Chicago Bears' coaching search, the Big Ten’s rise in college football, and the strategic maneuvers within the NFL. Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre provide insightful commentary, backed by statistics and personal opinions, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis.