Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Carson Palmer Stops By The Herd Release Date: January 24, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, former NFL quarterback Carson Palmer joins host Colin Cowherd to discuss his transition from professional football to high school coaching, his experiences working under Pete Carroll, insights into current NFL dynamics, and the burgeoning college football transfer portal. The conversation is rich with Palmer's firsthand experiences, strategic insights, and thoughtful analysis of both high school and professional football landscapes.

1. Introduction and Guest Appearance

Timestamp: 01:51

Colin Cowherd welcomes Carson Palmer, highlighting his illustrious career:

Colin Cowherd: "15 years in the NFL, multiple-time Pro Bowler, Heisman winner, College Hall of Famer, and now a high school football coach about to become a high school football coaching legend. His son's the quarterback, and he is joining us now live right now. Carson Palmer is in his office right now around the clock."

2. Carson Palmer’s Transition to High School Coaching and Influence from Pete Carroll

Timestamp: 02:50 - 06:10

Colin delves into Palmer’s first impressions of Pete Carroll and the impact Carroll has had on his coaching philosophy.

Colin Cowherd: "You were at USC and then all of a sudden your first Coach Paul Hackett doesn't work. Here comes Pete Carroll. So you're a young guy. What was your first impression of Pete Carroll?"

Carson Palmer: "Just the energy he brought to the program. There was such a vision that was laid out in front of us from the jump, and there was a clear vision. He knew what he wanted, he knew what he expected. We knew as players what to expect from him and what he expected from us. When you're the Raiders, you just want some stability. He instantly gives you that stability that the organization needs."

Palmer emphasizes Carroll’s multifaceted coaching approach and the foundational principles he adopted:

Carson Palmer: "He's not a one-thing guy. He doesn't do one thing well. He brings tremendous energy. He's super mature. He's got success, so he's got credibility. The simple rules he set—respect for your team, officials, and opponents—are easy to follow and make sense. He's the greatest coach I ever had the chance to play for. He's a future Hall of Famer and everything you want in a coach and the Raiders organization."

3. Insights from Carson Palmer's Coaching Experience

Timestamp: 06:10 - 10:47

Palmer shares the lessons he learned from Carroll, focusing on leadership, ball security, and defensive strategy.

Carson Palmer: "I learned how to be a leader. I learned how important it is to focus on the ball and how important it is to secure it, never give it away, and attack it on defense. Respect was a cornerstone of what he taught us—respect for your team, officials, and opponents. These principles are what I carry into my coaching at Santa Margarita High School."

He further discusses Pete Carroll’s unparalleled ability to stabilize and invigorate a football program:

Carson Palmer: "He gives instant credibility, stability, and maturity to the organization. What he did in Seattle was amazing—developing the Legion of Boom, reinventing the team even after star players left, and consistently taking the team to the playoffs. His tenure with the Seahawks showcased his ability to adapt and maintain success, which is exactly what he brings to the Raiders."

4. Analysis of NFL Quarterbacking: Jaden Daniels, Caleb Williams, C.J. Stroud

Timestamp: 06:41 - 09:10

The discussion shifts to the performance and potential of emerging quarterbacks in the NFL, particularly Jaden Daniels and Caleb Williams.

Colin Cowherd: "You played in a conference championship game, NFC championship game. Go back to that moment. Jaden Daniels, Jalen Hurts now. Been in a couple Mahomes, been in a lot. Josh Allen's experience. Jaden Daniels, this is his first. That was your first. You tell me, anxious."

Carson Palmer: "Jaden's got nothing to lose. He's playing with house money, all the pressure on Philly. He's got all the hype, but he's out there as a rookie, thinking about his future. He plays outside the system a lot, relying on natural instinct, which is unique and sometimes risky, but it’s his strength. I believe he can knock off Philly and head to the Super Bowl as a rookie—the first to ever do it."

The conversation highlights Caleb Williams' exceptional talent and Ben Johnson's role in harnessing that potential with the Chicago Bears.

Carson Palmer: "Caleb's got the blueprint. Ben Johnson is phenomenal, coming up with innovative concepts that haven't been seen before. Combining Caleb's athleticism with Ben's strategic mind is a perfect match. Chicago has a legitimate case to make the playoffs this year with Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. The sky's the limit."

5. Ben Johnson’s Impact on the Chicago Bears

Timestamp: 09:10 - 10:47

Palmer elaborates on how Ben Johnson’s coaching is transforming the Chicago Bears, particularly through his partnership with Caleb Williams.

Carson Palmer: "Ben Johnson doesn’t focus on one aspect; he embraces multiple facets of coaching, which I took from Pete Carroll. The Bears under Ben are seeing significant improvements, especially with Caleb Williams at quarterback. Ben’s innovative offensive strategies and Caleb’s dynamic playstyle create a formidable combination. The integration of new route combinations and defense strategies keeps opponents on their toes. I'm excited about Chicago's future—they're moving out of a playoff hibernation and becoming a real contender."

6. Transfer Portal and Jeremiah Smith’s Potential Move

Timestamp: 20:40 - 25:37

The conversation takes a lively turn discussing the transfer portal, focusing on Jeremiah Smith, one of college football’s top receivers, and his possible transfer from Ohio State to Miami.

Colin Cowherd: "USA Today is speculating Miami is pushing for Jeremiah Smith. They just landed Carson Beck in the portal a few weeks ago."

Carson Palmer: "I'm not paying $6 million for a college receiver. Jeremiah's receiving a lot but teams are already stacking up their receivers with multiple five-star recruits. Ohio State benefits from coaches like Ryan Day and Chip Kelly, and they've got a strong running game. Jeremiah touching the ball seven times a game is impressive, but paying top dollar doesn't necessarily translate to success. I’d rather invest in positions like center where my team's needs are greater."

The banter continues with Palmer expressing skepticism about the financial aspects of college transfers, emphasizing team needs over individual star power.

Carson Palmer: "It's like having a closet full of tank tops for the beach—you don't need more receivers if you've already got depth. Jeremiah's an exceptional receiver, but Ohio State's system and the surrounding talent make it hard for other teams to lure him away, especially when he's crucial to their offense."

7. NFL Team Analysis: Dallas Cowboys’ Struggles and Jacksonville Jaguars’ Future

Timestamp: 35:24 - 41:58

Palmer and co-host Jason McIntyre discuss the ongoing issues within the Dallas Cowboys organization and the promising outlook for the Jacksonville Jaguars under new coach Liam Cohen.

Dallas Cowboys’ Struggles:

Jason McIntyre: "The headline in Dallas will be 'Shot Through the Heart, Jerry's to Blame.' The team's been a disaster after disaster, particularly with the Dak Prescott contract and McCarthy's coaching decisions."

Colin Cowherd: "It's a disaster, folks. When you're the last team to hire a coach, you get the bottom end of the coordinators. Jerry doesn't pay his coaches a lot, unlike other organizations that invest more in their coaching staff."

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Future:

Jason McIntyre: "In Jacksonville, with Trevor Lawrence and new coach Liam Cohen, the team is ripe for success. The headline will be 'Cohen's Turnaround Turns Jags Around.' With weapons like Etan Thomas and Brian Thomas, and smart playcalling from Cohen, Jacksonville is poised to be a 10-win team next year."

Carson Palmer: "Trevor Lawrence can turn things around. Jacksonville is a 10-win team next year, put me down for the playoffs with Trevor Lawrence."

8. Predictions for Upcoming Games and Season

Timestamp: 30:32 - 37:00

The hosts make predictions for key NFL games and discuss the potential outcomes of upcoming matchups.

Philadelphia vs. Washington NFC Championship:

Carson Palmer: "Jaden Daniels is going to explode as a rookie. I think he can knock off Philly and lead his team to the Super Bowl."

Jason McIntyre: "I bet Jaden Daniels under 55 rushing yards. He usually picks up first downs but doesn't do many long runs."

Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs:

Colin Cowherd: "I'll go Eagles. Philadelphia always feels like they could give you more, but I'll take them."

Jason McIntyre: "I’ve taken the Bills this week, Philly, and the over in the Commander's Eagles games. Josh Allen needs to deliver for the Bills to pull off a win."

Chicago Bears Next Season:

Jason McIntyre: "With Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams, the Bears can make the playoffs. They’ve improved and have key players in place."

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 40:56 - 44:16

The episode wraps up with Carson Palmer expressing optimism about the Raiders under Pete Carroll’s leadership and a brief mention of upcoming podcasts and promotions.

Carson Palmer: "Pete Carroll is everything you want in a coach and the Raiders organization. This is an exciting day for the future. He gives you instant credibility, stability, maturity, and he's been there and done that."

Colin Cowherd: "I'm good with it. Ben Johnson, Liam Cohen, Aaron Glenn, Mike Vrabel, Pete Carroll—all fantastic coaches making moves that could shape the future of their teams."

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Carson Palmer [03:04]: "Just the energy he brought to the program... he instantly gives you that stability that the organization needs."

• Carson Palmer [03:55]: "He's the greatest coach that I ever had the chance to play for. He's a future Hall of Famer."

• Carson Palmer [09:10]: "Chicago's got a quarterback and an athlete back... Caleb's got the blueprint."

• Carson Palmer [20:40]: "I'm not paying $6 million for a college receiver."

• Carson Palmer [35:58]: "They're moving out of a playoff hibernation and becoming a real contender."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers listeners a deep dive into Carson Palmer's coaching philosophies influenced by Pete Carroll, insightful analysis of current and emerging quarterback talent, strategic discussions on NFL team dynamics, and the significant impact of the transfer portal on college football. Palmer's expertise and candid perspectives provide valuable takeaways for football enthusiasts aiming to understand the intricate layers of both high school and professional football.