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

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.

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.

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."

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.