Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: "Thank You Jimmy"

Episode Information:

• Title: Hour 2 - Thank you Jimmy
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Release Date: March 3, 2025
• Description: "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.

1. Episode Introduction

Timestamp: [00:00 - 02:44]

Colin Cowherd kicks off the episode with brief mentions of current sponsors and advertisements but quickly transitions to the main content, setting the stage for a dynamic discussion focused on recent sports events and significant announcements.

2. "Where Colin Was Right/Wrong" Segment

Timestamp: [02:44 - 09:51]

Colin delves into his recent predictions and analyses, evaluating where his insights have hit the mark and where they may have fallen short.

• Deebo Samuel to Washington:

  • Colin (04:09): "Deebo to Washington. Both J. Mack and I thought this was an OB one. He's a great chess piece..."
  • Analysis: Colin praises Deebo Samuel's fit with Washington, highlighting his unique role as a wide receiver and the strategic advantage he brings, comparing his utilization to that of players like those under Belichick in New England.

• Matt Stafford and the Rams:

  • Colin (05:35): "We said Matt Stafford we thought would stay with the Rams... he stayed with the Rams..."
  • Analysis: Colin accurately predicted Stafford's retention with the Rams, emphasizing the team's desire to keep him close to a potential Super Bowl win and noting that Stafford would secure a better contract.

• Travis Kelce's Retirement Speculation:

  • Colin (06:10): "I thought Travis Kelce would retire... he's coming back at least for one more year."
  • Correction: Colin admits he was wrong about Kelce retiring, acknowledging Kelce's resilience despite numerous surgeries and his continued value to the team.

• Kevin Durant's Trade Potential:

  • Colin (07:00): "Story this weekend he's going to get traded by Phoenix... he's one of the best basketball players I've ever seen."
  • Analysis: Colin expresses admiration for Durant, hoping his legacy remains intact, and discusses the potential trade due to Durant's reduced role on underperforming teams.

• Aaron Rodgers and Team Dynamics:

  • Colin (08:15): "I didn't like Aaron Rodgers using his leverage to bring in Nathaniel Hackett... Jets are going to move off Devonte Adams..."
  • Analysis: Colin criticizes Rodgers’ attempts to reshape the team dynamics, suggesting that team management should handle strategic changes rather than players influencing coaching decisions.

• Joel Embiid’s Season Shutdown:

  • Colin (08:50): "One of my five bold NBA predictions with Paul George and Joel Embiid would not even play 20 games together. And it's been announced that Joel Embiid shutting her down for the season..."
  • Analysis: Colin's prediction about Embiid's limited participation proved accurate, reflecting on Embiid's injury-prone career despite his immense talent.

3. Special Segment: Interview with Jimmy Johnson

Timestamp: [09:51 - 23:07]

The episode's centerpiece is an emotional and heartfelt interview with Jimmy Johnson, the Hall of Fame coach, who announces his retirement from Fox Sports after a storied 31-year tenure.

• Jimmy Johnson’s Announcement:

  • Jimmy Johnson (09:51): "I've made an extremely difficult decision. I've been thinking about it for the last four or five years, and I've decided to retire from Fox..."
  • Details: Johnson reflects on his fulfilling career at Fox Sports, expressing gratitude towards colleagues and the environment that made his broadcasting years memorable.

• Colin’s Personal Tribute:

  • Colin Cowherd (10:39): "You're kind of the general manager and the coach of the show... When you could share that with the audience..."
  • Details: Colin shares personal anecdotes about his interactions with Johnson, emphasizing Johnson's role as a mentor and his pivotal influence on the show's success.

• Jimmy’s Coaching Philosophy and Relationships:

  • Jimmy Johnson (12:43): "I try to bring out the best in everybody... The biggest problems I ever had with anybody is when I didn't communicate..."
  • Insights: Johnson discusses his coaching philosophy centered on communication and fostering strong relationships, recounting his approach to building team cohesion and handling conflicts.

• Challenges of Modern Coaching:

  • Colin (17:37): "There are a lot of ways it could be easier, but the owners... it's harder to coach today."
  • Jimmy Johnson (18:31): "Yeah, I think it’s more difficult with the owners..."
  • Discussion: Both Colin and Jimmy explore the evolving challenges in coaching, particularly the increased interference and expectations from wealthy NFL owners.

• Final Reflections and Farewell:

  • Jimmy Johnson (21:52): "I tried to bring out the best in everybody that I came into contact with..."
  • Colin Cowherd (22:04): "You'd be watching them with a cold beer."
  • Emotional Close: Johnson reiterates his commitment to excellence and his legacy of nurturing talent, while Colin expresses deep appreciation for Johnson's contributions and friendship.

4. Post-Interview Analysis and Additional Discussions

Timestamp: [23:07 - 48:22]

Following the heartfelt interview, the show transitions into various sports analyses and discussions, maintaining an engaging and informative flow.

• NFL Free Agency and Draft Picks:

  • Colin (28:48): "Debo leaving the Niners is a little like Jimmy Butler leaving the Heat... it's time."
  • Analysis: Colin evaluates the implications of Deebo Samuel’s departure from the 49ers to Washington, comparing it to high-profile player exits and discussing the strategic needs of the teams involved.

• Travis Hunter’s NFL Combine Performance:

  • Joy Taylor (28:48): "Travis Hunter is not working out, but he is interviewing with teams..."
  • Colin (29:15): "I think that's the smarter tact... it's all part of the game."
  • Insights: The discussion focuses on Hunter’s versatility and strategic positioning during the combine, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and team fit over individual demands.

• Washington's Team Rebuilding:

  • Colin (32:14): "Washington may have had the seventh to eighth best roster in the NFC..."
  • Analysis: Colin assesses Washington’s roster, highlighting areas needing improvement such as the offensive line and secondary, while expressing confidence in their draft strategy despite a seemingly average roster.

• NBA Highlights and Player Discussions:

  • Anthony Edwards’ Performance:
    • Joy Taylor (33:25): "Anthony Edwards is too good in the high leverage spots."
    • Colin (33:48): "Kevin Durant is the greatest player to me of all."
    • Discussion: The conversation shifts to NBA performances, focusing on Anthony Edwards’ standout games and drawing comparisons between players like Edwards and Kevin Durant.

• Basketball Technology and Evolution:

  • Colin (36:51): "It's amazing. The technology in this country just keeps getting better... Yet for some reason people are just wedded to their favorite players of all time."
  • Analysis: Colin reflects on the technological advancements in sports and their impact on player performance, particularly in basketball, while critiquing the nostalgia bias towards past players.

• Final Thoughts on Jimmy Johnson’s Retirement:

  • Colin (48:22): Recaps Jimmy Johnson’s retirement announcement, highlighting his immense contributions across college football, the NFL, and broadcasting. He shares personal stories that illustrate Johnson’s passion for football and his unwavering commitment to excellence.

5. Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [48:22 - End]

Colin wraps up the episode by reiterating Jimmy Johnson’s legacy and the emotional significance of his retirement from Fox Sports. He emphasizes the lasting impact Johnson has had on the show and the broader sports community, ensuring listeners appreciate the depth of their conversation.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd [04:09]: "He's a great chess piece. He's not your classic wide receiver, but for the right kind of play... I think Washington's the perfect fit."

• Jimmy Johnson [09:51]: "I've made an extremely difficult decision. I've been thinking about it for the last four or five years, and I've decided to retire from Fox."

• Colin Cowherd [17:37]: "There are a lot of ways it could be easier, but the owners... it's harder to coach today."

• Jimmy Johnson [21:52]: "I tried to bring out the best in everybody that I came into contact with. I don't care what their role was."

• Colin Cowherd [36:51]: "And in the end, as they all say, scoreboard. Scoreboard is $76 billion over 11 years. NBC may lose money on the deal... it's scoreboard."

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," the spotlight shines brightly on Jimmy Johnson’s retirement from Fox Sports. Through genuine conversation and reflection, Colin and Jimmy explore Johnson’s illustrious career, his coaching philosophies, and the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting. Additionally, the episode offers insightful analyses on current NFL and NBA topics, demonstrating Colin’s keen sports acumen. This episode serves both as a tribute to a beloved figure in sports and as a rich source of expert commentary on contemporary sports issues.