The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 2 - Where Colin Was Right and Wrong
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Bill Simmons, Founder and CEO of The Ringer
Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd sits down with renowned sports commentator and cultural critic Bill Simmons. Together, they delve into a diverse array of sports topics, analyzing Colin's predictions, discussing team performances, and exploring the intricate balance between analytics and traditional sports philosophies.
March Madness Bracket Predictions
Colin's Accuracy in Bracketology
Colin Cowherd begins by reflecting on his recent March Madness bracket predictions, emphasizing his high success rate compared to Bill.
Colin Cowherd [04:24]: "I've got 15 of 16 teams left."
Bill acknowledges Colin's impressive track record but hints at potential risks ahead.
Bill Simmons [04:30]: "Rick Patino did me wrong but good so far."
Baseball's Villains: The Dodgers Phenomenon
The Importance of Villains in Sports Viewership
Colin discusses the Dodgers' role as villains in baseball and how it boosts viewership, citing unprecedented game ratings in Japan.
Colin Cowherd [05:02]: "I've said the Dodgers being villains. Great for baseball."
He highlights that these games garnered up to 25 million viewers, showcasing how antagonistic teams can drive interest even during off-hours.
Colin Cowherd [05:39]: "Those games were starting at 3:00am Pacific Time and still did really good numbers."
College Basketball: John Calipari's Impact
Navigating Team Injuries and Coaching Prowess
The conversation shifts to college basketball, where Colin acknowledges a previous feud with John Calipari. He commends Calipari for leading injured teams to success, despite early-season struggles.
Colin Cowherd [05:42]: "Calipari deserves credit because this team's had injuries all year."
Bill adds depth by discussing Calipari's unique achievement of coaching four different schools.
Bill Simmons [06:05]: "He is the only coach ever to take four different schools. Only second coach ever."
US Men's Soccer: Coaching Accountability
Blaming the Coach for Team Failures
Colin critiques the US Men's Soccer team's recent performances, attributing their shortcomings to overvaluing players and underestimating coaching impacts.
Colin Cowherd [07:00]: "We have some good players but last World Cup were way too young."
He underscores the recurring issue of coaching instability leading to consistent underperformance.
Colin Cowherd [07:00]: "But once again we get a new coach after driving one out and it's the same result."
NFL Quarterback Dynamics: Brock Purdy and Aaron Rodgers
Contract Speculations and Team Dynamics
Discussing NFL quarterbacks, Colin expresses skepticism about Brock Purdy securing a lucrative deal, suggesting he's likelier to demand a hefty contract.
Colin Cowherd [07:42]: "He is going to go and play hardball."
He speculates on Aaron Rodgers' future, contemplating a potential move to the San Francisco 49ers due to strategic team considerations.
Colin Cowherd [07:42]: "If I'm Aaron Rodgers, I don't sign. I sit on the sidelines and wait and watch what's happening with the Niners."
Bill concurs, reflecting on Rodgers' fluctuating performance and the broader implications for veteran quarterbacks in the league.
Bill Simmons [28:55]: "It's just completely ruined how we should be seeing the end of people's careers."
Celtics Performance and Jayson Tatum's Role
Defining Team Identity Through Star Players
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Boston Celtics' current season, with Bill lauding Jayson Tatum's exceptional performance.
Bill Simmons [14:40]: "This year he's the third best guy in the league."
Colin reinforces Tatum's pivotal role, comparing his leadership and stability to that of LeBron James.
Colin Cowherd [16:07]: "He's more LeBron than, than Durant. Personality wise."
Bill emphasizes Tatum's versatility and durability, positioning him as the cornerstone of the Celtics' title aspirations.
Bill Simmons [15:23]: "He's the biggest reason they have a chance to win the title again."
Analytics vs. Identity in Sports
Balancing Data-Driven Decisions with Traditional Strategies
Colin initiates a debate on the reliance on analytics in modern sports, advocating for maintaining traditional "alpha" instincts, especially in high-stakes playoff scenarios.
Colin Cowherd [18:44]: "I like man analytics. Is that in the end?"
Bill counters by highlighting how analytics have become integral to team identities, using the Oklahoma City Thunder and Celtics as examples of successful implementation.
Bill Simmons [20:07]: "From an analytics standpoint, the analytics are more about identity than player-to-player."
The discussion underscores a mutual appreciation for the evolving nature of sports strategies, acknowledging that both perspectives hold value.
Celtics History and Larry Bird's Legacy
Exploring the Golden Era through "Celtic City"
Bill shares insights from his podcast series "Celtic City," specifically the episode dedicated to Larry Bird. He reflects on Bird's resilience and enduring legacy despite personal and professional challenges.
Bill Simmons [25:22]: "He's got this 30-pound back brace and he's still able to like kick butt against the best guys in the league."
Colin expresses enthusiasm for the series, highlighting its comprehensive coverage of the Celtics' rich history and Bird's pivotal role.
Colin Cowherd [34:11]: "Celtic City episode four tonight great hope, period."
NFL Team Struggles: The New York Giants
Analyzing Organizational Missteps
The conversation shifts to the New York Giants, where Colin criticizes the franchise's prolonged decline due to poor management and strategic errors.
Colin Cowherd [35:35]: "The New York Giants now are crossing their fingers that the Cleveland Browns don't take a quarterback."
Bill agrees, pointing out the consistent pattern of misjudgments that have plagued the team over eight years.
Bill Simmons [29:27]: "We see it every year. I think the Pats, if they can nail the draft and they can figure out left tackle and at least one playmaker, I, I think..."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a reflection on the intertwined destinies of franchises and the individuals leading them. Colin and Bill emphasize the importance of strategic leadership, player development, and maintaining a strong team identity to navigate the complexities of modern sports. Their candid analysis offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of where Colin's predictions hit the mark and where they fell short, providing valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports.
Notable Quotes
- Colin Cowherd [04:24]: "I've got 15 of 16 teams left."
- Bill Simmons [05:02]: "I've said the Dodgers being villains. Great for baseball."
- Najee Harris [09:02]: "The Steelers don't have any identity on offense."
- Bill Simmons [14:40]: "This year he's the third best guy in the league."
- Colin Cowherd [16:07]: "He's more LeBron than, than Durant. Personality wise."
- Bill Simmons [28:55]: "It's just completely ruined how we should be seeing the end of people's careers."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from The Herd with Colin Cowherd's episode featuring Bill Simmons. It provides a clear and engaging overview for listeners who may have missed the podcast, highlighting where Colin's predictions aligned with reality and where they deviated, all while maintaining a structured and informative format.