Hour 3 - Jim Harbaugh

Summary

Podcast Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode: Hour 3 - Jim Harbaugh
Release Date: June 17, 2025

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Introduction

In the June 17, 2025 episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, listeners are treated to an engaging discussion centered around Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the LA Chargers. The episode delves deep into key sports narratives, featuring insightful conversations about baseball’s Shohei Ohtani, the Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant situation, Ja Morant’s future with the Memphis Grizzlies, and an exclusive interview with Jim Harbaugh himself. This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting pivotal moments, expert opinions, and memorable quotes.

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1. Jim Harbaugh on Shohei Ohtani's Versatility

[03:06 – 07:08]

The episode kicks off with a spirited debate between Jim Harbaugh and Nick Wright regarding Shohei Ohtani’s multifaceted talent in baseball. Harbaugh lauds Ohtani’s extraordinary abilities, comparing him to sports legends who excel in multiple facets of their game.

Jim Harbaugh ([03:06]): "You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Yeah, I was talking with Nick Wright earlier on the show about Ohtani. I unveiled my mount just more is that you literally are so great at your chosen sport that you are just more significantly more than the second best person in your sport... I don't need Ohtani to be an ace because he already was an ace."

Harbaugh emphasizes that Ohtani’s contribution as a dual-threat player (both pitcher and hitter) surpasses the need for him to focus solely on pitching.

2. Nick Wright's Counterpoints on Ohtani vs Aaron Judge

[04:12 – 07:08]

Nick Wright counters Harbaugh's perspective by highlighting the current performance metrics, suggesting that Aaron Judge has been a superior hitter this season compared to Ohtani.

Nick Wright ([04:12]): "Because he hasn't pitched in a couple of years until we see him return to be a regular dominant pitcher hasn't his place forgot atop mount just more in history right now this moment he's not the best player in baseball. Aaron Judge is right because Judge has been demonstrably a better hitter this year."

Wright argues for Ohtani's potential return to pitching dominance while acknowledging Judge's current offensive prowess.

3. Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns Trade Speculation

[07:37 – 09:04]

The discussion shifts to the Phoenix Suns and their star player, Kevin Durant. Jason McIntyre expresses skepticism over the Suns’ ability to retain Durant, citing internal discord and failed trade negotiations.

Jason McIntyre ([07:37]): "Could the Suns just hold on to Kevin? Because they aren't finding a deal to their liking. Now this is absolutely comical... he never has to do it again. Derrick Henry was a one year Pro Bowler... If Ohtani can just start be a semi reliable starter, I've already seen enough to blow me away."

Jim Harbaugh adds to the conversation, suggesting that Durant’s performance metrics justify a shorter contract.

Jim Harbaugh ([08:58]): "Give him a two-year deal. Kevin Durant's going to average 25 for the next two years."

4. Ja Morant and Memphis Grizzlies' Possible Move to Miami Heat

[09:30 – 11:14]

The focus then shifts to Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies' potential relocation to the Miami Heat. The hosts debate Morant’s fit and the strategic moves of the Grizzlies.

Jason McIntyre ([10:53]): "They have to give up assets to get him and then make him the highest paid non-quarterback in the league. Right, similar to Kevin Durant."

Jim Harbaugh provides his insights on Morant’s necessity for a new environment to foster growth.

Jim Harbaugh ([10:02]): "I think he actually needs a new environment. New GM, new coach, new environment. I honestly think he's closer to a three... He's not a foundational one."

5. Cam Ward on Mental Preparation for the NFL Season

[11:14 – 11:53]

Cam Ward, recently transitioning to the Tennessee Titans, shares his mental strategies as he prepares for his rookie year in the NFL. He emphasizes resilience and maintaining focus amidst challenges.

Cam Ward ([11:27]): "I'm a gunslinger. I live by that. I always die by it... What’s the point of playing something that you love? You can't have fun with it."

6. Exclusive Interview with Jim Harbaugh on LA Chargers' Team Culture

[12:53 – 34:44]

a. Building Team Culture and Leadership

Jim Harbaugh discusses the LA Chargers' progress over two seasons, highlighting the shift in team culture and the recruitment of leaders.

Jim Harbaugh ([12:53]): "If you think of Jim Harbaugh teams, your teams always have leaders. And when I think of Harbaugh, I think tough and good leaders."

Dave Roberts ([15:00]): "You can tell the minute Derwin James walked out of the field... when he talks, everybody's listening."

Harbaugh emphasizes the importance of recruiting and nurturing leadership within the team, ensuring that players not only perform but also inspire others.

b. Justin Herbert’s Role and Team Dynamics

The conversation delves into Justin Herbert's impact on the team and his work ethic.

Jim Harbaugh ([21:54]): "When I watch Justin Herbert, he cares so deeply that there are times I think he gets so frustrated with himself."

Dave Roberts ([22:35]): "Do not change a thing about Justin Herbert. He does everything great."

Herbert is portrayed as a dedicated and passionate quarterback whose drive sets a high standard for his teammates.

c. Navigating a Competitive NFL Division

Harbaugh and Roberts analyze the challenges posed by one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, emphasizing the necessity for constant preparation and adaptability.

Dave Roberts ([24:10]): "I've never seen the coaching at a level that it is across the entire National Football League... It is competitive, dog-eat-dog for sure."

They discuss strategies to tackle formidable opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs, highlighting the importance of meticulous preparation.

d. Dak Prescott’s Influence on the Dallas Cowboys

The hosts evaluate Dak Prescott’s role in stabilizing and elevating the Dallas Cowboys amidst organizational challenges.

Jim Harbaugh ([38:30]): "Dak has made a lot of money and has benefited greatly, especially early in his career. I think Dak has run the gamut of the NFL experience..."

Jim Harbaugh ([38:30]): "He's generally had one good receiver, one big-time perimeter target, but that's where we stand with him."

Prescott is credited as the glue holding the Cowboys together, navigating fluctuations in the team's performance and roster changes.

7. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Defense in the NBA Finals

[40:30 – 43:21]

The discussion transitions to the NBA Finals, focusing on the Oklahoma City Thunder's exceptional defensive strategies. Nick Wright praises their ability to execute game-changing defensive plays consistently.

Nick Wright ([41:09]): "Any team in the last 20 years in their ability to go on these game-changing runs based on their defense... it's an all-time defense."

Jim Harbaugh compares their defensive prowess to legendary NBA teams, emphasizing their physicality and skill.

Jim Harbaugh ([41:51]): "Just think about how skilled players are. ... When Halliburton's not on the floor... they're just out of sorts."

Jason McIntyre adds admiration for individual performances, highlighting players like Jalen Williams.

Jason McIntyre ([43:07]): "He was a three-star recruit in high school... now he's dropping 40 in the NBA Finals... that's pretty impressive."

8. Closing Remarks

[43:30 – 44:53]

As the episode nears its end, Colin Cowherd wraps up the discussions, teasing upcoming segments and recapping key highlights from the episode. The hosts express optimism about the ongoing sports seasons, particularly lauding players' performances and team strategies.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jim Harbaugh ([03:06]): "Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, Tiger Woods and Shohei Ohtani... I don't need Ohtani to be an ace because he already was an ace."

• Nick Wright ([04:12]): "Aaron Judge is right because Judge has been demonstrably a better hitter this year."

• Jason McIntyre ([07:37]): "This is shaping up as a spectacular disaster. They're not keeping Kevin Durant. I'm sorry."

• Jim Harbaugh ([10:02]): "I think he actually needs a new environment. New GM, new coach, new environment."

• Cam Ward ([11:27]): "I'm a gunslinger. I live by that. I always die by it."

• Jim Harbaugh ([12:53]): "When I think of Harbaugh, I think tough and good leaders."

• Dave Roberts ([15:00]): "It's what they do speaks so loudly that I can't even hear what you're saying."

• Jim Harbaugh ([21:54]): "When I watch Justin Herbert, he cares so deeply that there are times I think he gets so frustrated with himself."

• Jim Harbaugh ([38:30]): "Dak has run the gamut of the NFL experience."

• Nick Wright ([41:09]): "Any team in the last 20 years... it's an all-time defense."

• Jason McIntyre ([43:07]): "He was a three-star recruit in high school... now he's dropping 40 in the NBA Finals."

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Conclusion

The June 17, 2025 episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive exploration of pivotal sports topics, anchored by the expertise of Jim Harbaugh and insights from other prominent sports analysts. From the versatility of Shohei Ohtani to the strategic maneuvers within the NBA Finals, the episode delivers a rich and engaging narrative for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis and expert opinions.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Heard Podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio at noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

[Jason McIntyre]

Now let's get this party started.

[Jim Harbaugh]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Yeah, I was talking with Nick Wright earlier on the show about Ohtani. I unveiled my mount just more is that you literally are so great at your chosen sport that you are just more significantly more than the second best person in your sport. Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, Tiger woods and Shohei Ohtani. And I don't need Ohtani. He pitched last night briefly for the Dodgers. I don't need him to be an ace because he already was an ace and an American League starting pitcher in an all star game. If Patrick Mahomes one year was a Pro bowl cornerback for the Chiefs, he never has to do it again. Derrick Henry was a one year Pro Bowler at linebacker for the Ravens and a running back. I don't need seven years. If Ohtani can just start be a semi reliable starter, I've already seen enough to blow me away. Nick Wright wants more though.

[Nick Wright]

Because he hasn't pitched in a couple of years until we see him return to be a regular dominant pitcher hasn't his place forget atop mount just more in history right now this moment he's not the best player in baseball. Aaron Judge is right because Judge has been demonstrably a better hitter this year. Like I mean he just has been. I need him to start pitching again. I know he threw the inning last night but before he gets elevated there or I mean you're you're ready. I mean I know you already you coined better than Babe which was great. But you know this year I don't know that he's been better than Bets because he's just playing the 1 position.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Now I would argue using that rationale was Burrow better than Mahomes now because last year Burrow was better than Mahomes. Mahomes did not have a great year last year he was good in one possession games but he didn't have a great year. And so I think Mahomes is considered to this point the greater quarterback talent and we all love Burrow. So Ohtani is better than Aaron Judge. You can go to the fifth Thing in the World Series, Ohtani is better than Judge. He's done thing. Ohtani can do everything Aaron Judge can do. Aaron Judge can't be an ace on the mound in an American League All Star game. Ohtani can do everything. I just don't think it's realistic to ask Ohtani to go to the Dodgers who have spent big time money on their staff and be a reliable ace or number two pitcher. If Ohtani could pitch in two of three or four, playoff series could give you a start. Could give you five and two thirds innings twice in the playoffs from the mound, leave the game with a lead. That's unbelievable. Forget the fact that he's just pitching. Let's say he plays in the divisional round. Game three goes five and two thirds innings, leaves with a lead. They win. You do that one more time, I don't need you to be an A. Some things I don't need you to do. Remember the guy that used to. I mean there's guys like tightrope walkers and they'll walk across a canyon. I don't need twice. If you could do that once. I'm good with it. I don't, I don't need everything duplicated. I don't there, there are certain feats in life I don't. You need you to do multiple times. If you're an actor and you've done just film, but you go on Broadway once and you crush it, you can do Broadway. I'm good with that. So it's just, it's just the fact to me that we literally talk about all the time in baseball. We'll like, we'll like see in the playoffs. Man, I don't know if this pitcher can go on short rest. Short rest. He literally batted last night. Didn't even get practice swings. Here's Dave Roberts on last night.

[Dave Roberts]

I thought the stuff was really good. Much better as far as the fastball velocity than I think anyone anticipated. Hit 100. You know, I was thinking 95 to 97. But I think that just a competitor, adrenaline came out in him to see him come into the dugout from the pen. All that stuff I was kind of fanboying for, for like a half an inning.

[Jim Harbaugh]

We're all fans. J. Mac with the news.

[Dave Roberts]

No, no, no, turn on the news. This is the Herdline news.

[Jason McIntyre]

Let's bust right into the soap opera that is Kevin Durant. Colin. Remember everybody wanted him two weeks ago. Now it's like not so much Colin. The latest, the very latest, indicates the Suns may just hold on to Kevin. Because they aren't finding a deal to their liking. Now this is absolutely comical. They're trying to play some kind of poker game here where they're trying to bluff their way to a trade. They're not keeping Kevin Durant. That's not happening. He wants out badly. He has checked out. We know he was ticked off. They tried to trade him at the deadline. This is an epic disaster. I will remind you, last week we talked about the Sun's owner, Hpia. I need to be in more control, bro. You're not a basketball guy. He's hiring his Michigan State people. Colin. This is shaping up as a spectacular disaster. They're not keeping Kevin Durant. I'm sorry.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Yeah. I mean, there's a report that they don't want Carl Anthony Towns. That's fine. I get that he's. He's a quirky player. I'm just. Not that it's a revelation, but I. I didn't think there would be a massive market. But only one other player in the NBA averaged 25 points a game and shot over 40% from three Jokic. So I can't believe I know he's going to want a new deal.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'd give him a two year deal. I'm not giving him a five year max.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Give him a two year deal. Kevin Durant's going to average 25 for the next two years.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'd give it up maybe at 38 and 39. I don't know. So Micah Parsons, we talk about this all the time, right? So Micah Parsons, if you want to trade him, which you and I would, you've got to give up assets to get him and then make him the highest paid non quarterback in the league. Right. Similar to Kevin Durant. Not the highest in the league, but you've got to give up assets to get him and then sign him to a two year. I mean, at 50 mil, he makes more than anyone on the Thunder or the Pacers.

[Jim Harbaugh]

I.

[Jason McIntyre]

Can you win with Kevin Durant as your number one player? No, no. Can you win with him as your number two? The Suns could not. So I'm just. I'm not seeing it. Colin. Next up, how about this? The Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant. So they just traded Desmond Bain away and all of a sudden we're hearing, could Ja Morant be going to the Miami Heat? Is Memphis just tearing it all down? The logic here is you go from west to East. Ja ain't winning in the west, but he could win in the East. Yeah, if they Pair him with the big guy. Bam. Out of.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Yeah. I think he actually needs a new environment. New gm, new coach, new new environment. I, I, I think sometimes people need a fresh start. And I, and I've said I think Ja's really talented, aesthetically fun highlight reel. I don't think you can build around him. I, I'm not sure he can be your two. He's not a one. He's not a foundational one. Maturity, availability. Can he be a two? I'm not sure. I honestly think, I think he's closer to a three. I think he may. No, I know I do. I mean, look around right now. Is he as dependable as SGA and Jalen Williams? Absolutely not. He would be a three on that team. Hell, Lou Dorrit is more dependable. Now you go now. Now let's go to Indy. Halliburton, Siakam. He's not as dependable as that. So these two teams, he is at best of three. On these two teams he's at best of.

[Jason McIntyre]

There's that he was on the injury list, I believe eight times with eight different injuries this season. And he has a history. But I do wonder Colin, Ja Morant's off court activities in Miami and South Beach. I don't know that that's a great recipe.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think that's fair.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Final story he needs, he needs to go to Sacramento and be bored out of his mind.

[Jason McIntyre]

Final story is Cam Ward. Colin, he's gotten high praise for his NFL off season work since he went number one to Tennessee. Here is Ward addressing his mental ahead of his rookie year.

[Cam Ward]

Then the day. I'm a gunslinger. I live by that. I always die by it. So Coach Callahan, know what type of guy he has in the quarterback room? Trash talk. It'll never mean nothing to me. It won't get to me in some type of way. I'm just somebody who likes doing it. And so what's, what's the point of playing something that you love? You can't have fun with it. So, you know, that's where it comes from. But I mean I, I love the game and so any chance I get, you know, to let somebody know that they can't. For me it really doesn't matter.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Can't wait to watch him play. They're going to make the playoffs. I really believe that. J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by the Herd lie news. Let's bring him on. Been talking about this all day. Jim Harbaugh, coach of the LA Chargers is joining us live. And often, as you see, Jimmy's got a smile on his face. I know why he's got a smile, because Joe Alts in year two. Hampton Najee, Mike William, Trey Harris. I was saying this earlier, Jim. I followed your career. I always feel Jim Harbaugh teams in year one, you change the culture. But it's not until year two, when you have a second recruiting class or a second draft, that I feel like it's a Jim Harbaugh team. I look at this team and I think, oh, that's a Jim Harbaugh team. Two tackles, two stud running backs. I felt last year, I'm like, it's not Jim's team quite, but the culture is good. Did you feel. Do you feel like this is more complete this year?

[Dave Roberts]

I loved our team last year, and as you know, I want to. I wanted to get everybody back, run it back, version 2.0. That. That wasn't the case. We couldn't do that this. This era of free agency and everything else, etc. But we made some great additions. Joe Ortiz, our personnel staff has done an incredible job. I mean, going out and finding some of the guys that, that they brought in, plus what we did with the draft that, yeah, I do. I feel like we're. I know we're in a better place, you know, June 17th than we were last year at June 17th. Yeah. Part of that is probably you're doing everything for a second time. Everything you've done before, you're. You're doing again. But, you know, the entire mentality of the. Of the team, and it's, it's from the leaders like, like Justin and Derwin and K. Mac and Dan Henley, all the, all the guys, I mean, they, they. They train and prepare like they've accomplished nothing. So that when the season comes, they can. They can be that guy. So I am. I am taking that same lead. And we just don't talk about it really, you know, unless. Unless we're on an interview and somebody, you know, puts a microphone in your face, you know, then you really. You have to talk about it. But, you know, the guys are. The guys are doing and prefer to do. You know, they're talking in the training environment and on the practice field, and I am drinking the Kool Aid, buying completely into that. And that's the way we've been rolling.

[Jim Harbaugh]

You know, if I think of Jim Harbaugh teams, your teams always have leaders. And I think to myself, do you recruit leaders? Can you tell when you're recruiting a kid, if He's a leader in high school. Do you draft leaders? I mean, Joe Alt goes to Notre Dame. He's a smart, tough kid. Your teams, when I think of Harbaugh, I think tough and good leaders. How do you end up with it? Do you create them or do you draft or recruit them? Why do your teams end up with those?

[Dave Roberts]

The. Yeah, you recruit them. You draft them. You can tell. You can tell the minute they walk onto the field. You know, the minute Derwin James walked out of the field our first off season, ota, when I walked over to shake Justin Herbert's hand, it's, you know, right away, you know, there's a presence. There's. Same with Khalil Mack. There's the presence. When he talks, everybody's. Everybody's listening. When he's playing, everybody is watching. And it's never what somebody says. It's never what they say. It's what they do. And that gets reinforced with how they train, how they go about their business, how they play the game of football. So we have a saying that we really love, which is what you say. I can't even hear what you say because what you do speaks so loudly that I can't even hear what you're saying.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Colin Cowherd]

Summer is here, and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. Now, what do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get chicken parm delivered. A day at the lake, That's a no. A Philly cheesesteak? That's a yes. A nice tan. Sorry. A box fan? Happily, yes. What about a day of sunshine? Not happening. How about a box of fine wines? Yeah, that's happening. Delivery's on its way. Okay. How about some clear skies? Nope. Well, how about some French fries? Yeah. So how about a freshly cut lawn? Can't help you there. But a barbecued prawn? Order it and it's on its way. Even throw in some paper towels. Clean up after the feast. So while you can't get fun in the sun delivered, don't worry, because you can get pork buns delivered. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol and select markets. Product availability may vary by region. See app for details. At the end of the season, there's only one team that can call themselves NBA champs. Only one player that can call themselves the number one pick in the NFL draft. Well, there's only one electric SUV worthy of the tit. The ultimate the all electric BMW ix. What I love about the IX is that it delivers legendary BMW performance while its sleek design exudes innovative style from the inside out, not to mention how much space and utility it provides. Over 75 cubic feet of cargo space, the IX is completely changing the game with an all electric suv. The greatest legends of sports never compromise any part of the game, so why would you settle for anything less from your suv? After all, there's only one ultimate the BMW ix. Everything you love about the ultimate driving.

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jim Harbaugh]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jim Harbaugh]

You know, it's obviously, and I said this when you went college to pro, I said, man, Harbaugh is going to be a great drafter for the first two to three years because he' recruited half these guys. Did you find in this draft, for instance, had you recruited any of your draft picks or at least seen their tape in high school? Did, did the Michigan stuff help you a little bit in the first two drafts, like Joe Alt you probably recruited at Michigan has. Have you found that it's helped you a little bit in the draft process?

[Dave Roberts]

It really helped a lot, Colin, and not just for it was my knowledge of guys. It was, it was Mike Elston's knowledge of Joe Alt who told all, all the stories of the, you know, the, the when he came in as a freshman, how athletic he was, you know, that Jesse mentor, you know, I could Steve Clinkscale, who I believe is one of the best, if not the best secondary coaches in all of football. The guys they recruited, the guys they coached, the guys that, you know, they watched weekly because they were preparing for him in an upcoming game. So it's not just me. It was that cumulative effect of all of us who's really been in that environment. You know, just a couple months earlier.

[Jim Harbaugh]

I remember years ago talking to a guy named Bill Polian, the legendary hall of Fame front office guy. And he said when he drafted Peyton Manning, he said Peyton cared so much, he called him a teeth clencher. He said, sometimes we have to say, hey, Peyton, it's ice cream after practice. Lighten up, it's okay. And when I watch Justin Herbert, he cares so deeply that there are times I think he gets so frustrated with himself. He's too hard on himself. That's my view of it. Am I. Right. And if I am, how do you make sure Justin still. You gotta have fun, Jim. You gotta have fun when you coach. You have to have fun when you play. Do you ever worry that Justin is too hard on Justin?

[Dave Roberts]

No. Don't change the thing. Do not change a thing about Justin Herbert. Yeah, he, he, he does everything, everything great. How much he cares. Yeah, he, he cares. He cares deeply how much he trains. He trains the, the perfect amount. You know, everything that he does is, is. Don't change the thing. Our challenge is the rest of us, you know, especially the ones on the offensive side of the ball that Justin's counting on. You know, the playmakers, the offensive line, the backs, the tight ends, the coaches. You know, it is our challenge to get to his level because, you know, the only, in my opinion, you know, his biggest weaknesses is us. You know, we've got to, we have to be the ones that rise up to his level.

[Jim Harbaugh]

So you're in a division now with Pete and Chip, with Sean Payton's a pretty good coach. Andy Reid and Spags. It's the best coach division in football. You get no breathers. Every week is like a coaching challenge. You're, you are feisty and you're tough and you love challenges. It is a, you don't have a lot of breathers on that schedule. But would you rather face that schedule and those staffs and say, you know, the roadblock, you'd rather have a, the book on Pete, although you have a pretty good book there. Is there an advantage to being in a division that is the best coach division in football?

[Dave Roberts]

Well, first of all, I mean there's, I've never seen the coaching, you know, at a level that it is across the entire National Football League. I mean it's, it's great coach after great coach because the way they prepare their teams, everybody is great. Yeah, we're going to, we're going to play games. No matter who we're playing, it's going to get decided in, in the last two minutes of the game. They're going to come down to one score games. This is the National Football League. Everybody's really well coached, everybody's really well trained. Everybody has, has great players. You know, it's, it's at an unprecedented level where the league is right now. I mean, everybody's good. Yeah, it's competitive, dog eat dog for sure. You know, tremendous in the AFC west, tremendous in every single division as you look across pro football. So it is, it is something you got to get prepared for. I mean, we know It. We're going to play the Kansas City Chiefs, Game one in Sao Paulo. So let's make sure we get ready for it.

[Jim Harbaugh]

I've said for years, I always like Najee Harris. He played in front of offensive lines that were kind of couldn't quite get it right. And I think you do occasionally find these players in the NFL that maybe the fit's not perfect, and then they go to a second place and you're like, oh, he's better than I thought. I think Najee Harris is one of those guys. What did you see about him when you looked on film in Pittsburgh? What did you say? Okay, that. That's going to work here with the Chargers.

[Dave Roberts]

Everything that he does is. Is at a high level and great. And he's. He's there every week. He's there every game. And it's so cool. I mean, you mentioned a little bit about being in college before now and guys you recruited and guys that, That I coached. I mean, nobody recruited harder than Najee Harris, you know, up in Antioch, California. You know, as many trips as I could make, I made there. Yeah. And. And Makai back then, I mean, I'm just. I'm reminiscing, going back to watching Makai play basketball and in high school and being at a game where I see him. See him slam dunk a basketball and then. Then he gets. Then he got elbowed. He got elbow. He might have broken his nose. And he went over the towel. There's blood coming out. He throw him a towel from the bench and, you know, he wipes it off. I think he was out for like, you know, like a whistle or two and then right back in the game and I'm like, yeah, yeah, that's. That's my kind of guy right there. He didn't end up coming to Michigan. He went to. Went to Louisville and had a tremendous career, but just so many, so many great guys, so many great, great stories that way. And I get, you know, you get a chance to be a part of it and coach these guys. I mean, you can imagine the excitement, you know, and still, still kind of pull it down. We have Justin Herbert and Derwin James. I mean, I just, I just loved him watching him play football, you know, just an appreciation for how he played the game. And now to be able to get to coach him. I mean, Derwin James, he likes people that like football. And if you like football, you're gonna like Derwin James and he's gonna, he's gonna like you back. And yeah, you just pull it down that you get to get to coach these guys, you know, it's. It's best darn job I've ever had.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Colin, I was gonna say you look good. You look. I look a little thinner than last year. You had a couple health things. Give me an update. How do you feel? How are you doing? How's your. Because you look good. You look younger than the last time I had you. That's Southern California sushi.

[Dave Roberts]

Jackie Harvaugh said the, Said the same thing. Yeah, get. Got a hip replaced. It's, it's working great. All patched up. The Iron horse had to go in for a few fine tunings and I had an ablaze, had an ablation done. That was, uh, it was, it was really, really successful. I was, I was really super happy. My, my doctor, Dr. Shapata, he came in, tell me how it went. He goes, oh, it went good. It went really good. And I go, what? Every doctor says it went good. I mean, I've never talked to a doctor after a surgery that said it didn't go well. I go, tell me about it. And he, I mean, he started describing what he did and, and it was like a, it was like a football player describing, you know, the miraculous, you know, way that he scored a touchdown. You know, he really, I could tell. Okay, now we're getting somewhere. And he really, he really feels, really feels good about it, you know, and then he kind of was described well, you know, why, why? I asked him why, why didn't they, why didn't they fix that issue? You know, the. But the last time I had this ablation, he go, well, you know, it wasn't, you know, they're really good. You know, the technology's a lot better. I go, nah, doctor, it was you. It was you. And so, yeah, I feel, you know, it just fires you up when you get that kind of. Right here in, right here in la.

[Jim Harbaugh]

By the way you saw Ohtani pitch last night. I think he's, it's just unbelievable. It's just unbelievable. He's good looking, he's great. Like, you talk about the whole package. He's magnetic. When, when you go to a Dodger game, it doesn't even feel. I mean, you know what great is when. Great is when among great players, they look up to you. I always used to say this about Mike Tyson. Other heavyweight fighters were intimidated by Mike Tyson. That's what great is. You watched Ohtani last night. What do you see?

[Dave Roberts]

I was just blown away by the whole thing, just everything. His walk up song. I Mean, you know, the way he puts his bat, you know, at the end of the top of the plate there and he measures it and he puts his foot in the same spot. And you know, I really watched him. I was there with my son Jack, who's a 12 year old baseball player and son Johnny, who's 8 and Katie. And I'm going, just study him, just watch, watch him. He, he's in a rhythm. Everything he does is to create the rhythm. He does it the same way every time. Look at that. The pitching motion, whether it's from the stretch or from the, you know, from the, from the wind up his, his routine. Rhythm, rhythm, you know, rhythm. Get the rhythm. Get the frick, you know, get the, get the freaking rhythm. Rhythm. Get the rhythm. Get the freaking rhythm. You know, it's it, you just watch it with him and yeah, hit him. Nukes a couple nukes. As Johnny what my son, 8 year old would say, just incredible. The walk up song is so good. Just everything about it. But that's sports, you know, Colin, you gotta, you've got to be able to get the rhythm. You get out of rhythm. You start trying to make adjustments and then you're out there floundering. So youngsters in sports, you know, get in the rhythm, have that rhythm trained and practiced and then go do your job. Get the rhythm and let the chips fall where they may. But don't try to start questioning yourself or making adjustments. I mean, that's probably my biggest takeaway of, of watching, watching last night's game.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Yeah. All right.

[Dave Roberts]

And another LA guy, JJ Spawn. How cool was that?

[Jim Harbaugh]

You know what's amazing is that JJ Spawn, did you hear the story that he literally, his daughter was sick. Is that JJ Spawn calling you? He's his daughter that morning.

[Dave Roberts]

I'll call her back.

[Jim Harbaugh]

So his, his daughter was throwing up Sunday morning. He was up at 3 in the morning, went to a CVS. He was working on four hours sleep.

[Colin Cowherd]

Wow.

[Jim Harbaugh]

And then he goes in rain delay and this kid ends up hitting one of the great putts in the history of the US Open. He was up at three in the morning driving to a CVS because his daughter. That's what being a great dad is. And he said, actually, he said it took my mind off golf. Yeah, I didn't think about golf. I was worried about my daughter all day. And I was like 64 foot putt that, that's a winner right there.

[Dave Roberts]

Yeah. How about the one where he hits the pin, you know, hits the great shot in there and kind of sucks.

[Colin Cowherd]

Up.

[Dave Roberts]

Then it hits the pin and then it goes.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Oh, brutal.

[Dave Roberts]

All the way back down. I mean, just. I mean, one of the most brutal breaks you could get. And, you know, it just. He was just an. He was just an iron wall to that negativity that, you know, just, just, Just shattered. And that adversity, that negative, you know, negativity just crumbled. And to watch him go about his business, I mean, it was, it was tremendous.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Okay, listen, Andy Reid right now is working on plays. You got to get back. I want some razzle dazzle in that opener, Jim. I want something. I want something with Mike Williams. I want lad McConkey double pass. I want you to go because I. That game, I have you winning the division and he's a wild card team. So I, I know he's working right now. You got. We got to get back to work, okay?

[Dave Roberts]

Yes, sir. Appreciate you having me on, Jim.

[Jim Harbaugh]

It's great seeing you're smiling more than you ever have. The great Jim Harbaugh. Thanks, coach.

[Dave Roberts]

Thanks, Colin.

[Jim Harbaugh]

He is all in on la. He's watching that story. JJ literally said, because I wasn't thinking about golf, my daughter's heaving up. I'm trying to make sure she doesn't get sick. I. I am JJ Spawn. I'm worried about all this other stuff and. Pretty good week in la. Harbaugh Otani, JJ Spawn.

[Colin Cowherd]

Magical.

[Jim Harbaugh]

What was that? J. Mac.

[Jason McIntyre]

I was saying, don't forget about J. Mac in la. You know, I know you're hyping Chicago dinners, but I got some good stuff going on as well.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Just everybody. All right. I think we have to take a break, don't we?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, we'll take a break. Back with Jay Magnuson.

[Dave Roberts]

Heard.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch live editions of.

[Jim Harbaugh]

The Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the iHeartRadio app.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jim Harbaugh]

We were talking about Dak Prescott earlier that he entered the league and I thought the Cowboys he was a beneficiary of it. Great O line, competent coaching staff. The division was very weak now and I think he's benefited greatly from being a Dallas Cowboy quarterback, especially financially. Now I think he's the only glue holding the entire organization together. But to give you some sense of how he has benefited being a Cowboy quarterback, play blind resume and if you look at Dak Prescott's career numbers so far, let's put his let's put his numbers up so far. Nine years, 33,000 passing yards and compare them to another quarterback that has been in the NFL that's got similar numbers but more Pro Bowls, more playoff wins, more conference championship appearances and more super bowl appearances. That quarterback is Jared Goff, who has not made nearly as much as Dak or been discussed nearly as much as Dak and in fact has been to a Super bowl and has been close to another and is arguably favored to get in another in Detroit by the end of his contract. So yeah, I think Dak has made a lot of money and has benefited greatly, especially early in his career. Now I think Dak is the only thing really holding Dallas together. I don't like their coaching staff. Cross your fingers that George Pickens can be productive and not disruptive. I think he will be at least early. But Dak has run the gamut of the NFL experience. Healthy, hurt, great O line, rebuilding O line, best running back in the league to the worst running back room in the league last year. No Amari Cooper then Amari Cooper. He's generally had one good receiver, one big time perimeter target, but that's where we stand with him. By the way, okc, we had talked about this earlier. As you know we always glamorize yesteryear in the NBA and you know this team was this and this player was that. I do think Oklahoma City's defense just visually trusting your eyes. I do think it's unique there's in the NBA now than ever can handle the ball. I mean you Go back to those Knicks teams and those Pacer series years ago. They made 30 for 30s on. I mean there were very few ball handlers and shooters. Everybody can, Miles Turner now can hit a three. That players are much more skilled and yet the Pacers look absolutely out of sorts. Steals, block shots, they just get overwhelmed offensively. And Nick Wright earlier today on OKC's defense being totally legit, they are unlike.

[Nick Wright]

Any team in the last 20 years in their ability to go on these 12, two or 14 to two runs that are based purely on steals. That it is not they hit a bunch of threes. It is not the offense gets hot. It's that they can have these game changing runs based on their defense. The Legion of Boom comp is apropos because they also do something those guys did which was we are going to play with such a level of physicality from the opening whistle of the game that we are going to put the refs in an impossible position.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Yeah and I, and I think that was the Legion of Boom. Another great NBA team that didn't win a title. John Stockton, Carl Malone, Jerry Sloan, rest in peace that coach Jazz teams for years were just physical and tough and they got the whistle at home. But I mean just, just think about how skilled players are. You can go back to these, you know, these legendary shows about all these tough guys. You didn't have seven guys who could handle the ball. You didn't have seven foot guys that could handle the ball. Everybody now can handle it, can pass, can dribble, can shoot. And all that said when Halliburton's not on the floor and sometimes when he is, they're just out of sorts. They feel like it's, they're uncomfortable. And I think you just have to be honest. I think this, this is an all time defense. Young, twitchy, long, fast. And when Jalen Williams is dropping 40 then you've got Lou Dort hitting threes. SGA chat Holmgren, who hasn't had a good offensive series, but this is a very complete team. I don't know if you'll keep them all. You're going to keep most of them. But Jalen Williams, what a story that kid is. Santa Clara three years, last thing that he developed at Santa Clara was offense. Good player. He's become a really dependable NBA offensive player.

[Jason McIntyre]

I was reading about him earlier, he was a three star recruit in high school. That's it. And now he's dropping 40 in the NBA Finals like six years after that. Like Colin, that's pretty impressive. He's a great story. I, I, I didn't think he was this good. I'll be honest. I did not.

[Jim Harbaugh]

No. Either did I Did not. All right, first things first is around the corner. I want to thank Jim Harbaugh and Nick Wright, both stopping by on a Tuesday. See you tomorrow.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jim Harbaugh]

I've been around long enough to know.

[Colin Cowherd]

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