Podcast Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode: Hour 3 - More on the NCAA Tournament
Release Date: March 21, 2025

Introduction

The Herd with Colin Cowherd episode titled "Hour 3 - More on the NCAA Tournament" delves deep into the intricacies of the ongoing NCAA basketball tournament, exploring coaching strategies, team performances, and significant upsets. Hosted by Doug Gottlieb in Colin Cowherd's absence, the episode features insightful discussions with guest Grant McCaslin, head coach at Texas Tech, and Mark Dominick, former NFL GM.

NCAA Tournament Analysis

Coaching Strategies and Adaptation

Doug Gottlieb initiates the discussion by critiquing the performance and adaptability of veteran coaches like Bill Self of Kansas and John Calipari of Kentucky in the evolving landscape of college basketball. Highlighting the shift towards utilizing transfers and accommodating younger, more versatile players, Gottlieb argues that traditional coaching methods are becoming obsolete.

[02:55] Doug Gottlieb: "The idea that guys that have been doing it for 30 years can adapt, I think is laughable."

Grant McCaslin concurs, emphasizing the necessity for coaches to evolve with the sport’s changing dynamics, especially in recruiting and team management.

[14:16] Grant McCaslin: "The obsession with finding guys that really want to win in a climate where everything's changing quickly is probably the most valuable that you can find."

Impact of External Factors

Gottlieb and McCaslin discuss the influence of factors such as the transfer portal and COVID-19 on team compositions and player longevity. They note how extended player careers and the increased mobility of athletes have reshaped team strategies and coaching approaches.

[15:51] Doug Gottlieb: "Sports changed. Evolution is here. It's not one point, it's multiple points."

Guest Insights: Grant McCaslin

Grant McCaslin shares his experiences in managing rosters and adapting to the modern challenges of college basketball. He underscores the importance of roster turnover and maintaining team continuity to foster a winning mentality.

[14:16] Grant McCaslin: "Finding the quality of a guy that you want to be around every day that you feel like believes in winning... it's unique to every team."

NFL Free Agency and Aaron Rodgers Discussion

Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers Fit

Mark Dominick provides an update on Aaron Rodgers' potential move to the Pittsburgh Steelers, analyzing the fit between Rodgers' playing style and the Steelers' team dynamics. The discussion touches upon the Steelers' talented defense and offensive capabilities, speculating on the possible outcomes of such a move.

[26:19] Mark Dominick: "I do think that it's a really good fit. I thought that's where he should go in the first place."

Quarterback Market Analysis

The conversation transitions to a broader analysis of the current quarterback market, comparing players like Geno Smith, Sam Darnold, and Daniel Jones. The panel debates the strategic moves of various NFL teams in acquiring quarterbacks and the implications of these decisions on team performance.

[35:43] Doug Gottlieb: "It feels like that's really what's going on. When I feel the same way you do, Doug."

NCAA Tournament Upsets Highlight

Historical and Current Upsets

Doug Gottlieb reminisces about memorable NCAA tournament upsets, including Tom Brennan's 2005 Vermont Catamounts and CJ McCollum's Lehigh victory over Duke. Mark Dominick adds his perspective on significant upsets, such as Northern Iowa defeating Kansas and undefeated Kentucky losing to Wisconsin.

[43:22] Doug Gottlieb: "Tom Brennan and the Vermont Catamounts... do this, fans."

[47:29] Mark Dominick: "I definitely remember that upset that you referenced already with Northern Iowa and Kansas."

Current Tournament Highlights

The hosts discuss the ongoing tournament games, including Baylor's narrow victory over Mississippi State and Alabama's hard-fought win against Robert Morris. They analyze team performances, player contributions, and potential upcoming games.

[19:05] Mark Dominick: "Nine seed Baylor taking on eight seed Mississippi State... a potential upset."

NBA Insights: New York Knicks Analysis

The discussion shifts to the NBA, focusing on the New York Knicks' prospects with the return of Jalen Brunson from injury. Gottlieb and Dominick analyze the team's strengths and the necessity for a superstar to elevate their championship aspirations.

[22:08] Doug Gottlieb: "Probably those superstars are hard to find and the right fit is hard to find."

[23:19] Mark Dominick: "How do you think the Knicks stack up? Obviously, the Cavaliers have just had an absolutely insane regular season run..."

Closing Remarks and Best for Last Segment

In the final segment, Gottlieb and Dominick recap notable NCAA tournament upsets and reflect on the unpredictability of the games. They reminisce about historic moments and emphasize the excitement surrounding the tournament's progression.

[50:45] Doug Gottlieb: "Let's get to our top five upsets that come to my mind on the first weekend of the NCAA tournament."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of the NCAA tournament, NFL free agency movements, and NBA team strategies. Through expert insights and engaging discussions, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the current sports landscape and the factors influencing team performances and coaching decisions.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug Gottlieb [02:55]: "The idea that guys that have been doing it for 30 years can adapt, I think is laughable."
• Grant McCaslin [14:16]: "The obsession with finding guys that really want to win in a climate where everything's changing quickly is probably the most valuable that you can find."
• Mark Dominick [26:19]: "I do think that it's a really good fit. I thought that's where he should go in the first place."