Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Andy Reid Release Date: January 29, 2025
In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth conversation with Andy Reid, the esteemed head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. This episode delves into Reid's coaching philosophy, player development strategies, the Chiefs' team dynamics, and broader NFL insights, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into what makes Reid and his team so successful.
1. Introduction and Setting the Stage [02:32]
Colin Cowherd opens the hour by welcoming Andy Reid to the show, emphasizing Reid's impressive coaching record with the Chiefs:
“Andy is 33 and 7 after a buy. He’s made more playoff appearances than any coach in league history. Needs three more wins, and he's the winningest playoff coach ever.”
— Colin Cowherd [03:00]
2. Coaching Philosophy and Strategy [03:06 – 06:21]
Andy Reid discusses his strategic approach to coaching, particularly his philosophy of saving special plays for critical moments in games. He attributes much of his wisdom to his mentor, Mike Holmgren:
“He always said, you know, keep one more bullet in that gun there so that you're ready to go and you've got it down the stretch.”
— Andy Reid [06:21]
Reid reflects on his growth as a coach, acknowledging that his patience and strategic planning have evolved over time, enabling him to make pivotal plays when they matter most.
3. Player Development: Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelsey [07:28 – 12:10]
A significant portion of the conversation centers around the development of key players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelsey. Reid highlights Mahomes' growth from a promising quarterback to a formidable leader on the field:
“We did have a couple things in for him so that he could get out there and move. He enjoys doing that during the playoffs and later in the season.”
— Andy Reid [05:40]
Regarding Travis Kelsey, Reid praises his versatility and leadership:
“He's able to get up there and explain things and teach these young guys exactly what he sees and feels. He's got a good feel for the game.”
— Andy Reid [10:30]
Reid emphasizes the importance of having experienced players who can mentor younger talent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.
4. Chiefs’ Defensive Prowess and Team Dynamics [08:51 – 10:30]
Discussing the Chiefs' defense, Reid credits defensive coordinator Spaggs for maintaining the team’s tackling excellence:
“We work on it year-round. So it's, he doesn't miss a beat with that. He has guys out there, they're either tackling those giant donut things or they're tackling each other.”
— Andy Reid [09:10]
He also touches upon the balanced composition of the Chiefs' roster, blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent to create a formidable and adaptable team.
5. Legacy and the GOAT Debate: Mahomes vs. Tom Brady [11:29 – 35:01]
A pivotal segment of the discussion revolves around the ongoing debate about whether Patrick Mahomes can surpass Tom Brady as the greatest quarterback of all time (GOAT). Reid defends Brady's legacy while acknowledging Mahomes' exceptional talent:
“Brady will always have something over Mahomes. He beat him head to head at Arrowhead. He crushed him in a Super Bowl.”
— Colin Cowherd [32:14]
Andy Reid shares his perspective on how Mahomes is still building his legacy, noting that Mahomes hasn't yet faced the same level of adversity that Brady has encountered throughout his career:
“We've built out a first seven seasons as a starter, Mahomes versus Brady. And that's a little unfair because Brady was a game manager.”
— Andy Reid [33:07]
The conversation highlights the nuances of their careers, including coaching dynamics, team support, and individual performances, painting a comprehensive picture of both quarterbacks' impacts on the sport.
6. Playoff Strategies and Super Bowl Aspirations [12:31 – 22:42]
Reid elaborates on the Chiefs' playoff strategies, emphasizing the importance of mastering various schemes and maintaining a fast-paced game during high-stakes matches:
“Every step you take in the playoffs, the games get a little faster. Well, that's why, you know, it's not just an effort thing. It's that you've mastered kind of all these different schemes that we've got in and, and, and you can play fast and it goes that way, both sides and special teams.”
— Andy Reid [15:24]
He expresses unwavering enthusiasm for the team's prospects, citing their robust offensive and defensive units as key factors in their postseason success.
7. Coaching and Team Culture [22:42 – 39:52]
The dialogue transitions to broader topics, including team culture, ownership, and comparisons with other NFL franchises. Reid underscores the importance of trust and honesty within the team:
“Being honest with the guys, trusting the guys. I think those are all, all things I think are important.”
— Andy Reid [12:10]
He also reflects on the challenges and successes of managing a team in a competitive league, highlighting the unique rivalry with teams like Buffalo and Philadelphia.
8. Final Thoughts and Legacy [39:52 – 52:11]
As the conversation winds down, Reid shares personal anecdotes about his experiences in New York and reflections on team ownership and management. He emphasizes the significance of being deeply involved with the team’s operations and maintaining a strong presence within the community:
“I was rooting Chiefs heavily in that game because I didn’t like the Patriots as a Jets fan.”
— Andy Reid [18:08]
Reid discusses the importance of maintaining a competitive edge and fostering a passionate fan base, critiquing the lackluster performance of New York teams and highlighting the contrasts in team management philosophies.
9. Closing Remarks [52:11 – 53:19]
In the closing moments, Colin Cowherd and Andy Reid recap key points from their conversation, reinforcing Reid's pivotal role in the Chiefs' success and his enduring legacy in the NFL:
“You can’t go cheap on mattresses and coaches. You won’t sleep well.”
— Colin Cowherd [30:20]
Notable Quotes with Attributions and Timestamps
- Colin Cowherd [03:00]: “Andy is 33 and 7 after a buy. He’s made more playoff appearances than any coach in league history. Needs three more wins, and he's the winningest playoff coach ever.”
- Andy Reid [06:21]: “He always said, you know, keep one more bullet in that gun there so that you're ready to go and you've got it down the stretch.”
- Andy Reid [10:30]: “He's able to get up there and explain things and teach these young guys exactly what he sees and feels. He's got a good feel for the game.”
- Andy Reid [09:10]: “We work on it year-round. So it's, he doesn't miss a beat with that.”
- Colin Cowherd [32:14]: “Brady will always have something over Mahomes. He beat him head to head at Arrowhead. He crushed him in a Super Bowl.”
Conclusion
This episode of "The Herd" offers a deep dive into Andy Reid's exceptional coaching career, his strategies for player development, and his insights into NFL dynamics. Through candid discussions and thoughtful analysis, Reid and Cowherd explore what sets the Kansas City Chiefs apart, the evolving legacy of Patrick Mahomes, and the enduring debate surrounding the greatest quarterbacks in football history. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on leadership, team management, and the intricacies of navigating a championship-contending team in the highly competitive landscape of the NFL.