Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Changes for Baseball, Eric Mangini

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Hosts:

• Colin Cowherd
• J. Mac

Guest:

• Eric Mangini – Former NFL Head Coach and Analyst

1. Introduction and Light Banter (00:00 - 03:42)

The episode kicks off with Colin Cowherd and J. Mac engaging in casual conversation about travel experiences, particularly contrasting East Coast and West Coast airports. Colin shares his personal experience living in Connecticut, highlighting the frequent airport delays caused by lightning storms and humidity on the East Coast.

Notable Quote:

Colin Cowherd [02:24]: "Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio..."

2. Cooper Kupp's Summer League Debut (03:54 - 12:07)

Colin and J. Mac delve into Cooper Kupp's performance in the summer league, discussing his skills and potential impact. Colin praises Kupp's versatility and finesse, emphasizing his ability to elevate the play of those around him. They also touch upon the broader context of rookie players transitioning to the NBA, with Colin proposing a theory on minute and game restrictions for rookies to better acclimate to the league's physicality.

Notable Quote:

Colin Cowherd [06:30]: "That kid is something else. And he showed on draft night. He has a sense of humor."

3. Nick Saban's Potential Return to College Football (12:07 - 28:04)

A significant portion of the episode centers on the speculation surrounding Nick Saban's possible return to college football. Colin expresses skepticism about the rumors, highlighting the challenges Saban would face in the current landscape dominated by NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. He discusses the financial implications and the difficulty of buying out coaches in the new environment where schools are financially constrained.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [09:00]: "I just think he'll be back, whether that's NFL or college."
• Colin Cowherd [10:15]: "Nick Saban coaching college football. Yeah, don't mess with it."

The discussion further explores the stability of existing coaches like Lane Kiffin and Lincoln Riley, emphasizing that the NIL era makes high-profile coaching changes less likely due to financial constraints.

4. All-Star Game and Player Performances (28:04 - 35:47)

Colin and J. Mac shift focus to the upcoming All-Star Game, debating player selections and standout performances. Colin expresses enthusiasm for Juan Soto's participation, comparing his reliability to legends like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. They also touch upon the nature of baseball and golf as mental sports, appreciating the nuances of prolonged slumps and individual performances.

Notable Quote:

Colin Cowherd [33:06]: "I can't wait to watch this kid pitch tonight. I think it's going to be great."

5. Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams (35:47 - 30:21)

The conversation transitions to the Chicago Bears and their quarterback prospects, particularly focusing on Caleb Williams. Colin discusses Bears' head coach Ben Johnson's approach to building a winning culture, emphasizing accountability and detailed offensive strategies. They debate the team's prospects for playoff contention, weighing their roster's strengths against divisional rivals like Green Bay.

Notable Quote:

Colin Cowherd [26:50]: "Our roster has to get better. I have to get better. My teammates have to get better."

6. Discussion with Eric Mangini: NFL Coaching and Player Contracts (30:21 - 50:17)

Guest Eric Mangini joins Colin for an in-depth discussion on NFL coaching dynamics, player contracts, and team strategies.

• T.J. Watt's Contract Situation: Eric highlights the significance of T.J. Watt to the Pittsburgh Steelers, emphasizing his impact on and off the field. He explains why Watt is indispensable, noting his consistent performance and leadership qualities.

  Notable Quote:

  Eric Mangini [38:49]: "When you look at T.J. Watt, he had a little over 30 sacks between the last two seasons. Every single game, you have to account for him."

• Coaching Philosophy and Player Development: Eric shares his experiences as a coach, discussing player development and the importance of aligning with the right organization. He underscores the challenges of transitioning between coaching roles and the impact of organizational support.

  Notable Quote:

  Eric Mangini [43:50]: "Human beings all develop at different rates, and human beings inserted into different organizations with different coordinators and different head coaches having those experiences that can have a dramatic impact on how quickly they develop."

• Nick Saban vs. Eric Mangini's Coaching Prospects: The conversation circles back to Nick Saban, with Eric advocating for his potential move to pro football, contrasting it with college football's current challenges. They discuss the evolving landscape of coaching roles in both arenas.

  Notable Quote:

  Eric Mangini [47:47]: "If I was advising Nick, I would advise him to go to pro football because that's where he hasn't. He hasn't achieved at the same level as he has in college football."

7. Final Thoughts and Closing (50:17 - 53:36)

The episode wraps up with reflections on team chemistry, the impact of NIL on college sports, and the importance of maintaining team dynamics amidst financial incentives. Colin reiterates the significance of player consistency and coaching effectiveness in building successful teams.

Notable Quote:

Colin Cowherd [50:17]: "Chemistry matters in sports. You just all of a sudden I pay a receiver more than any of my current receivers and my current receivers won games for me the previous year and I'm paying a guy from Louisville. Not good for the room."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, listeners are treated to a comprehensive discussion on various sports topics, with a particular focus on NFL coaching dynamics, player contracts, and team strategies. The inclusion of Eric Mangini provides expert insights into the complexities of professional football management, offering a nuanced perspective on the ever-evolving sports landscape.

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