Hour 3 - The Knicks have finally found their coach

Summary

Episode Summary: Hour 3 - The Knicks Have Finally Found Their Coach

Release Date: July 3, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: LaVar Arrington, Jonas Knox

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1. Los Angeles Lakers' Signing of DeAndre Ayton

The episode kicks off with an analysis of the Los Angeles Lakers' recent acquisition of DeAndre Ayton. Colin Cowherd expresses mixed feelings about the move:

"DeAndre Ayton means that the Los Angeles Lakers have now all of a sudden catapulted themselves up towards the upper echelon of the National Basketball Association because they went out and signed DeAndre Ayton." ([04:52])

Despite recognizing Ayton's potential to strengthen the team's interior presence, Cowherd remains skeptical about the immediate impact on the Lakers' title aspirations:

"I'm still not sold that it brings him any closer to a title, especially in the Western Conference with that gauntlet in front of them." ([05:00])

Jonas Knox counters by highlighting Ayton's elite abilities and the strategic advantage he brings:

"He can dribble, he's a good rebounder, he can score. It wasn't the most productive of years for him in Portland, but this is an opportunity for him to go to an amazing market." ([06:42])

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2. New York Knicks Hire Mike Brown as Head Coach

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the New York Knicks' decision to hire Mike Brown as their new head coach. Cowherd questions the prolonged hiring process and the reasons behind the delays:

"Why did it take so long? They had to turn it into a circus. They had to scratch the itch." ([08:22])

Jonas Knox speculates on alternative candidates and the optics of hiring:

"Would that have been how you think that would have been received? ... How would that be perceived?" ([09:34])

The hosts delve into the potential impact of this hire on the Knicks' future direction, emphasizing the desire for stability and clear leadership.

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3. Hypothetical Scenario: LeBron James Joining the Knicks

The conversation takes an intriguing turn as the hosts entertain the possibility of LeBron James switching teams to join the Knicks. They discuss the implications of such a move and its feasibility:

"Is LeBron James the next domino in line to fall to end up as a New York Knick?" ([14:00])

Cowherd humorously suggests a scenario where LeBron joins the Knicks under specific conditions:

"What if The Knicks said LeBron will trade for you, but you can't bring Bronnie. He's got to stay back." ([14:06])

Jonas Knox expands on the potential benefits and challenges of LeBron making such a transition, considering family dynamics and team chemistry.

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4. Pittsburgh Steelers Extend GM Omar Khan Amid Trade Speculations

Shifting focus to the NFL, the episode discusses the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to extend their General Manager Omar Khan's contract for three more years:

"He has received a three year contract extension that will keep him with the team through at least the 2028 season." ([25:05])

Jonas Knox analyzes the significance of this extension, suggesting it signals the organization's confidence in Khan's strategy despite ongoing contract issues with key players like TJ Watt:

"That says to me that's a firm indicator that the decision makers, the ownership of the team believe and subscribe in the approach that they're taking this off season." ([25:55])

The hosts explore potential trade scenarios, such as trading TJ Watt for Washington Commanders' Terry McLaurin, evaluating how such moves could reshape the team's dynamics:

"If there was the possibility of there being a trade partner for TJ Watt ... they have Luv." ([27:44])

Cowherd raises concerns about the Steelers potentially becoming a "mercenary" team:

"You have a group, ... I have never seen it be successful in the NFL." ([39:10])

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5. Philadelphia Eagles' Head Coach Nick Sirianni and Team Dynamics

The discussion briefly touches upon the Philadelphia Eagles and their head coach Nick Sirianni. Lane Johnson defends Sirianni's coaching style despite past criticisms:

"He's evolved as a head coach. ... Bad play by a player, bad call by the coach, their name, their number, everyone's held accountable." ([47:17])

Cowherd reflects on Sirianni's relationship with the team and the challenges of maintaining success amidst high expectations:

"He has gotten the last of the laughs for now." ([49:36])

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6. Bill Belichick's Foray into College Football with North Carolina

An unexpected yet entertaining segment discusses Bill Belichick's debut in college football as part of North Carolina's coaching staff. The hosts humorously speculate on Belichick's integration into the college scene:

"You think he's gonna walk a shame at this Fourth of July in Nantucket again?" ([51:19])

Jonas Knox commends Belichick's work ethic and dismisses rumors about his personal life affecting his professional endeavors:

"That man put in some work." ([51:45])

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7. LeBron James' Contract Situation with the Lakers

Returning to the NBA, the episode revisits LeBron James' contract status with the Lakers. Brian Windhorst provides insights into the lack of substantive discussions about extending LeBron's deal:

"The Lakers and LeBron... did not have substantive discussions about extending his contract." ([52:13])

Jonas Knox and Cowherd debate the likelihood of LeBron remaining with the Lakers or seeking new opportunities, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining championship contenders in a competitive league:

"Easier path in the East." ([18:52])

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8. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Segments

As the episode wraps up, Colin Cowherd previews upcoming segments, including exclusive interviews and future guest appearances. The hosts also engage in light-hearted banter about traditional show formats and future plans.

"The podcast will be going up shortly after we go off the air." ([46:30])

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• DeAndre Ayton on Lakers' Title Hopes:
  "I'm still not sold that it brings him any closer to a title, especially in the Western Conference with that gauntlet in front of them." ([05:00])

• Mike Brown Hiring Delay:
  "Why did it take so long? They had to turn it into a circus. They had to scratch the itch." ([08:22])

• LeBron James Joining Knicks:
  "Is LeBron James the next domino in line to fall to end up as a New York Knick?" ([14:00])

• Omar Khan's Contract Extension:
  "That says to me that's a firm indicator that the decision makers... believe and subscribe in the approach that they're taking this off season." ([25:55])

• Nick Sirianni's Coaching Style:
  "He's evolved as a head coach. ... Bad play by a player, bad call by the coach, their name, their number, everyone's held accountable." ([47:17])

• Bill Belichick's College Football Role:
  "That man put in some work." ([51:45])

• LeBron's Contract Discussions:
  "The Lakers and LeBron... did not have substantive discussions about extending his contract." ([52:13])

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Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts navigate through a spectrum of sports topics, from NBA team strategies and coaching hires to intricate NFL trade speculations. Highlights include the Los Angeles Lakers' strategic signings, the New York Knicks' coaching decisions, and the Pittsburgh Steelers' organizational moves. With engaging commentary and insightful discussions, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of current sports dynamics, enriched with memorable quotes and expert analysis.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[LaVar Arrington]

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[Katie Couric]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jonas Knox]

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[Katie Couric]

On the latest episode of Next Question with me Katie Couric. I sat down with Jasmine Crockett, Democratic representative of Texas. She's holding down the fort for her party in one of the most conservative states in the union.

[Jonas Knox]

I think that ultimately who will become.

[Katie Couric]

The Democratic nominee for president will be someone that has been out there and.

[Colin Cowherd]

Has shown that they won't allow themselves.

[Katie Couric]

To be punched and just say thank you like they will punch back. Listen to Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app. Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[LaVar Arrington]

Thanks for listening to the Herd 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.

[Jonas Knox]

Now, let's get this party started.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're listening to Fox Sports Rad. It's the Herd, Fox Sports Radio. LaVar Arrington, Jonas Knox in for Colin. Now, you normally hear Lavar and I alongside Brady QUINN Weekday morning, 6:00am Eastern Time, 3:00 clock Pacific, on something called two pros and a Cup of Joe, which you can hear on many of these Fox Sports Radio affiliates. But a couple of things have changed. One, we're in this time slot. Two, Brady Quinn's not with us. And so no. Whoa, whoa.

[Jonas Knox]

That's clear.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, not with us today.

[Jonas Knox]

And I didn't do anything to Brady Quinn, so y' all stop writing in this. Mother lover. What did lavar do to him? Like, like what? Like, I'm gonna be Valentor.

[Colin Cowherd]

Damn.

[Jonas Knox]

Y' all need to stop that man. But if Q hasn't made it a point to tell y' all why he's not on air.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right on.

[Jonas Knox]

That's not on me or Jonas. You take that up with him.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey.

[Jonas Knox]

Dead man walking. We gonna hit him with that. We gonna hit with taps.

[Colin Cowherd]

But Brady's out with us today. So when it's just lavar and I, we do something called black and drag. Black.

[Jonas Knox]

And I'm black.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. And I'm very pale. And he's drat. Lavar thinks I look like. Yeah. So with that said, we are off and running here in our three of the program. We opened up the show talking about the decision by the Los Angeles Lakers. Well, first, we started off with a positive note. Clayton Kershaw gets Strikeout 3000.

[Jonas Knox]

Congratulations.

[Colin Cowherd]

It looked a little. Looked a little suspect there for a while. He was getting lit up early, and then he ended up finding his. On the hundredth pitch, he ended up throwing his 3,000th strikeout. And the Dodgers came back to beat the White Sox, who are awful. Came back to beat the White Sox on a Freddie Freeman walk off in the ninth. So an amazing night at Dodger Stadium. Also, Max Muncie was injured on a slide. So that not great. And now we see what that could, could do for the Dodgers, how they, how that impacts their movement at the trade deadline, et cetera, et cetera. So kind of a wild night at Dodger Stadium. Ball and all a historic night for Clayton Kershaw and then apparently a historic night for the Los Angeles Lakers who are all of a sudden NBA title contenders again because deandre Ayton. Because deandre Ayton means that the Los Angeles Lakers have now all of a sudden catapulted themselves up towards, up towards the upper echelon of the National Basketball association because they went out and signed deandre Ayton. And look, I, I'm just saying I feel like we've got enough evidence here to have at least a little bit better read on the DeAndre Ayton NBA experience to know. Not exactly what everybody expected when he was taken number one overall in the draft, but apparently for the Lakers this might make a lot of sense for them and at least it's an upgrade. I'm still not sold that it, it brings him any closer to a title, especially in the Western Conference with that gauntlet in front of them.

[Jonas Knox]

It's a, it's a fair conclusion to come to. It's a fair assessment to have, but nonetheless, the LA Lakers need help on the interior with their bigs and, and Guyton does. Excuse me a. What is it? Aiden. Aiden.

[Colin Cowherd]

Aiden.

[Jonas Knox]

Aiden.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Jonas Knox]

DeAndre. He, he. I think he fills that, that void. I really do. He has elite big ability. He could take a guy outside. He can dribble, he's a good rebounder, he can score. It wasn't the most productive of years for him in Portland, but again, I'm not, I'm not going to judge him off of Portland because I just. The things that I've heard about players in Portland, like with the whole. Whose buddy that just went to Milwaukee Bucks. What's his name?

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, Damien Lillard.

[Jonas Knox]

Dame Lillard. Right. We just heard about how that kind of went north or went south and, and never came back.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh yeah, Portland stinks.

[Jonas Knox]

A lot of people have had a lot of complaints about Portland. So I'm not going to hold deandre Ayton accountable for all the way accountable for it not being more in Portland than what it ended up being. But this is an opportunity for him to go to an amazing market. He gets a two year deal. So if he plays really well and he plays at a high level, you gotta assume that he's going to be rewarded. And, and so I think this is a great opportunity for him. I think it's also a great opportunity for the, the LA Lakers to continue what would perceivably be moves that make them Stronger and build more around what they're going to do in the future with Luka Doncic than what it would look like having LeBron James on this roster.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now, from one team, the Lakers, to another team, the Knicks, I mean, you know, pick a sideshow. Any sideshow. Everybody, uh, here we go. The New York Knicks are hiring Mike Brown as their head coach. Now two time coach of the year winner, you know, has spent years with two of the more stable and successful organizations in the league, San Antonio and Golden State. You look at the move, you look at the hire, you go, okay, makes a lot of sense, like the hiring of Mike Brown, but why did it take so long? Like, what was like, I feel like this is a move that could have been done shortly after the season pretty quickly, and everyone would be like, all right, at least there's a clear understanding, clear direction. Instead, they just couldn't help themselves. They had to turn it into a circus. They could not stop themselves. They had to scratch the itch. It turned into what it turned into. They were rejected as they tried to interview everybody. Wasn't Don Staley's name brought up?

[Jonas Knox]

There was a moment in time where they were going to interview Don Staley for the job. Job.

[Colin Cowherd]

And, and who is after her? Deuce Staley. I'm just like, what are we doing.

[Jonas Knox]

Here in terms of optics? What it. What do you. In terms of the New York Knicks? Would that have been how you think that would have been received? And let's just say, for the sake of saying they ended up hiring Don Staley as the head coach of the New York Knicks. How do you think that would hit? Do you think that the sports world is ready for that type of a hire? I think that that would be an intriguing conversation to delve into and to talk about because she is a fine basketball coach. She knows how to motivate, she knows how to relate. She understands the game. She's got a great mental disposition, a mentality. The biggest concern and the biggest question to me would be, does that translate to. To men? And that would. Would be my. Like, nobody has a problem when there's a male coach coaching a WNBA team, but how would that be accepted? The first woman to be an NBA head coach, and it being of the New York Knicks, historic, a historic franchise, how would that be perceived?

[Colin Cowherd]

I just like they're trying to spin it as well. We gave a very thorough effort in looking.

[Jonas Knox]

I mean, that's crazy.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's what they want me. You know, we were, we were thorough about the entire process. Like no, you were looking to grab headlines. Let's just, let's be honest. You were looking to grab headlines. Otherwise, Mike. Mike Brown was the only guy that interviewed multiple times, the only one. Like, everything was a headline grabbing. Like Don Staley. You had all the other names that came out. Jay Wright's name was out. All these names popped up. You know, Danny Hurley's name was like all of these names that were out there. Ime, Udoka, all of these guys, it was never going to happen. Like, they just wanted to grab headlines. They wanted to get talked about. They wanted everybody to talk about. It's like right when you think they're at least past all that, then you see them celebrate getting past the second round and you go, oh, it's still the nickel and dime Knicks. Okay, at least now we know. All right, at least now we know. Like, for a second there you thought that they were back and a legitimate organization. And then you see the way they celebrate and the way they handled this whole thing. Like, oh, yeah, same old Nicks. Yeah, nickel and dime.

[Jonas Knox]

I think the Don Staley conversation is an interesting conversation. I think another interesting topic line we discussed in hour one of the show is the idea that Mike Brown has a relationship with LeBron James. A lot of people are having the conversations that the time in LA has, has started to wind down quicker and, and that looking to possibly, you know, be in a different market could possibly take place for LeBron if he doesn't want to step away from the game. He accepted his, his contract extension from the Lakers, meaning that it doesn't seem like he has any intentions of not playing in next season. Mike Brown coached him his first, first stint and, and Cleveland, they had great success together. They didn't win it all, but they got very close, made it to the finals, and I think now the, the rumor mill will be out there. And this is something that, again, I got to give credit to my man Cuffs, the legend, because I can't, I can't take it. As for me. But is there the possibility that now that Mike Brown has taken the job in New York, that is the first domino to fall, and, and, and LeBron James being the next domino to fall, coming to New York and becoming a Knick, it would not be surprising if that were something that took place, knowing that this New York Knicks team is very close. That's the reason why they went a different direction, which makes no sense to me that you would go in a different direction because you're so close to winning an NBA title. But they're so close to an NBA title and maybe they're one player away. I think they realized that they were probably one player away from being that next level, being able to get through to the Finals and possibly had the opportunity, the chance to be able to win the finals. Is LeBron James the next domino in line to fall to end up as a New York Knick?

[Colin Cowherd]

What if The Knicks said LeBron will trade for you, but you can't bring Bronnie. He's got to stay back.

[Jonas Knox]

Do you think Again, I think there's two ways of looking at the Bronnie James situation, and you gave a interesting plot twist in an hour. One, but I'll say there's two ways. One, with J.J. redick, I do believe that, that LeBron James played a intricate role in him getting the gig. I, I. Whether people want to say he didn't or he did, whether people want to debate it or they don't, I don't care. They got J.J. redick, and I believe that LeBron James influence is the reason why they, they then reward him with drafting his son in the draft and bringing him to the team. They kept him on the team and he maintained his, his position. If they can ensure LeBron James that Bronnie is okay as a, as a, as a LA Laker, then I don't think he would have an issue. I don't think he would have an issue with leaving Bronnie behind in la, considering that his family's here, right? His little sister still here. Bryce, the little brother's still here. Mom would probably still be here. So LeBron going to New York, I don't think that that would be a deal breaker. They didn't want to take Bronnie with him. But I do think it would be an interesting conversation if Bronnie James did, in fact go with LeBron James, if he were to New York to play for the Knicks.

[Colin Cowherd]

And you know, the honest thing of the truth about all this and people listening right now on the blowtorch AM570LA sports, you know this is a fact, and you can push back on it all you want. People are kind of tired of LeBron out here. They're kind of tired of it's run its course. We're good. Like, if he wants to move on, you can move on. And fine. We got Luca. That was the real concern, what was going to happen afterwards, because the thought was it was going to be Anthony Davis who was going to be here after LeBron left. And then, as we've learned to find out you couldn't depend on Anthony Davis because of the injuries and all that and you just didn't know what you were going to get. At least now you've got in shape, in his peak, at his full potential. Luke is a top five player in the NBA. And if you're Laker fans, I think you look at it and go, LeBron, if you want to go, that's fine, well, whatever. We can get back in return and then we just try and work towards the future. Because I don't know that anybody is honestly looking at this team as currently constructed and saying, oh yeah, I'd take them against OKC, Houston, Denver, Minnesota, etc. So if you're the Lakers, yeah, it would make sense. If you're going to do it, do it now, get something in return and New York might be the spot to go to.

[Jonas Knox]

All I will say is if he.

[Colin Cowherd]

Waves is no trade clause.

[Jonas Knox]

In a slight, in a slight pushback because I think your points are well founded. I would say in a slight pushback, adding DeAndre Eitan. Eitan, how you say? Ayton. Ayton. Adding him and his, his ability. Hate him. Adding him to your roster and having that down low presence. If he can get back to form that he had in, that he had in Phoenix. I, I just really, I believe if you have LeBron James on this roster, him, Aiden and Luca and add. Fill in the blanks. However you like to fill in the blanks. I think that's a big three. Austin Reeves, I mean, if he wants to stay. Yeah, Austin Reeves wants to stay. I mean, yes, I really believe they could be a very, very talented team that would take us.

[Colin Cowherd]

What's your problem with Austin Reeves?

[Jonas Knox]

I don't have a. It's if he wants to stay.

[Colin Cowherd]

Sally looks. Is that what it is?

[Jonas Knox]

No. Didn't he, wasn't he like. Didn't he not sign his extension?

[Colin Cowherd]

They offered him a deal, but he's gonna wait and try and cash in for more next year.

[Jonas Knox]

I'm just saying like he didn't sign the deal. You know, I, I just, you know, to me I think that if you did one more year with LeBron James, it, it wouldn't hurt. But I think the whole conversation on the ring chasing, you know, is, is LeBron James a ring chaser? And why should the answer be no? LeBron James is, is basically held in the balance of being the greatest of all time based around upon the count of rings he has. So if he's ring chasing, who cares? Okay. You're going to ring Chase in New York. Is there a problem there? I don't know. I think he has a better chance of trying to win in New York right now today than what he would here in LA with the Lakers.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'd agree. Easier path in the East. Easier path it is the Herd here on fox Sports Radio. LaVar Arrington, Jonas Knox in for Colin coming up next here on the show. Somebody's been rewarded, all right. Somebody that we mentioned earlier on this show in real time has been rewarded here, and we'll tell you who right here on fsr. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. Hi, this is Jay. I'm the producer of the Paulie and Tony Fusco Show. Usually in these promos they ask you to listen to the show. I'm here to ask you, please don't listen to the show. The hosts are two absolute morons who have the dumbest takes on sports imaginable. Don't listen to this show so it can get canceled.

[Jonas Knox]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. What the hell are you doing in our studio?

[Colin Cowherd]

Get him, Paulie. Ignore that fool. Listen to the Paul and Tony Fusco show on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast.

[Jonas Knox]

He's still moving.

[LaVar Arrington]

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[Colin Cowherd]

It's the Herd. Fox Sports Radio. Levar Arrington, Jonas Knox in for Colin here on this Thursday afternoon. And coming up here in a little over 20 minutes from now in another edition of the Herdline News, it's going to feature none other than Ryan Music. Ryan Music will be here to close up shop as we send you into the fourth of July holiday here on this Thursday on fsr. Now we had mentioned somebody earlier in the show, we were having a conversation about the Pittsburgh Steelers. Andrew Filiponi, who covers sports, he's a radio host in Pittsburgh out the fact that, hey listen, the Steelers are only favored in six games going into the season. So while everybody is really excited about what they've done, the betting market at least looks at them and goes they're an underdog in majority of their games. And the discussion and we were having this on our show, lavar that despite what anybody says about Pittsburgh and all the additions that they've made, if for some reason they were to lose TJ Water not be able to get that deal done, it would kind of change the way you view this off season. Well, apparently not enough because their GM Omar Khan, a name who was brought up earlier in this show, has received a three year contract extension that will keep him with the team through at least the 2028 season.

[Jonas Knox]

That's pretty big. I mean that's, that's a significant development in all of this because in the midst of having a contract issue with one of your, your most beloved and most important pieces to your team, you get an extension done with, with your gm, which says to me that's an, that's a firm indicator that, that the decision makers, the ownership of, of the team believe and subscribe in the approach that they're taking this off season. So no matter what the opinions of the outside world may be, you know, including myself, it, it would appear that the buy in is there, the belief is there and, and con and, and what it is that he brings to the table. So congratulations to him on the extension for one. And you know, as a, as a Steelers fan, I, I am 100%, if I'm being honest, even as, even as a sports personality, I am 100 skeptical of, of what this offseason has looked like. I'm skeptical of what the prior off season looked like in terms of how things were handled with, with the quarterbacks. I just, I'm a little, I am a little bit skeptical in the sense that I believe that the Steelers will do exactly what the Steelers have done quite, quite lately is the fact that we have. Geez, all right. I can't maintain my thought that way. I believe we have a situation here where it plays out. Totally lost my thought, Totally lost it. Totally lost my thoughts.

[Colin Cowherd]

So he gets the three year extension now. And now you've got, now you've got the Steelers going into this season with Rogers, with DK Metcalf, with Ramsey, with John Smith.

[Jonas Knox]

There's a lot of pressure on this team, on Mike Tomlin, on Khan, the GM to have a successful year. But to me it ultimately comes down to what is this? This is, to me they're okay with saying we're going to take this as a one year go at trying to win the Super Bowl.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Jonas Knox]

But we believe in what you're doing in terms of setting up the pieces to build this team into the future. That's what a three year extension says to me.

[Colin Cowherd]

It would be kind of interesting if Omar Khan, if Omar Khan signs this three year deal, if Omar Khan signs a three year deal and then the first move he makes after signing the contract extension is to trade TJ Watt. How do you think that would land.

[Jonas Knox]

I'll say this, and again we, I made this, this point. I, I brought up the rumor mill and, and, and again we talked to Albert Brer about it as well. In terms of if there was the possibility of there being a trade partner for TJ Watt, if you didn't feel as though getting a long term contract done with him would be the right thing to do. Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders came up as a possible, that could be a win win situation. TJ Watt would increase the value of the defensive front that lost to John Allen. But they have Luvu. They, I mean to have him and TJ Watt, I think this would turn into one of the more elite defensive fronts that would make, you know, the Washington Commanders perceivably a way more formidable team. But if you were to le lose Terry McLaren, how do you replace that, how do you replace that production? If you are the Washington Commanders, but if I'm the Pittsburgh Steelers at a team that you are saying only feels as though you're going to win six games by the betters and, and by the lines only six games being projected as the amount of games that they're going to win, that doesn't bode very highly to how you feel about Aaron Rodgers or T.J. watt or anybody else that's on this team, even adding Jalen Ramsey or the tight end or, or DK Metcalf. But I think if you were to add Terry McLaurin to this team, you definitively in improve and upgrade the offense to this team, even though it's a tremendous downgrade to your defense. But if I have to take a choice on if I'm giving, if I'm giving Khan the three year extension that says I'm okay with you building, if you're okay with him building, and this is a one year deal to try to win the super bowl and then go into a total rebuild, I'm going with Aaron Rodgers, I'm going with Aaron Rodgers and if I can bring in another tool and that tool is as significant as a Terry McLaurin and I had to lose T.J. watt, I'm, I, I think I have to do it, I think I have to do it just based upon his age, TJ's age based upon, if I look at getting rid of him early versus getting rid of him late, I think that it would improve this offense tremendously. Character guy and Terry McLaurin. I just think that that's, it's, that would be an interesting move.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now earlier in the show we did catch up with Albert Brer and Albert Breer was having vacation with his family, nearly got attacked by a shark. Real story, shark in the water. But Breer was able to get out of the water and call us and give his opinion and his thoughts on the trade rumor and speculation that Lavar laid out to him. McLaurin for watt. Let's take a listen. It does kind of fit in with, with, with what the Steelers have done this offseason in general. So it's not, it's not an awful idea. I just, I think with both the players, you know, you have to be confident you're going to get a deal done. And I think part of the hold up in both the contracts is kind of where those guys are in their careers in that they're in their 30s and both teams, I mean, obviously you guys know what Terry McLaurin means, the commanders and you know what TJ Watt means, the Steelers both from a playing standpoint, a leadership standpoint, all that different stuff, right? So like the read, the only reason either of those teams would hesitate on paying them is age. Right? And you're looking at both those guys that are on the wrong side of 30 and it's not do I think you can play for me this year. It's like what is this going to look like two years from now? So like I think in both cases it would take the team because I don't think like the contract issue is going to go away if you trade those guys. So that was Albert Brear talking about the possibility of a McLaurin for watt trade that was thrown out earlier. I'll say this. And he mentioned, you know, with the Steelers approach this off season and we've talked about it on our show that whatever you think of the Steelers and the Steelers legacy and the Steelers history and all that, but it's been a long ass time since they've won a playoff game. Long time. And I think that there was this feeling that they keep trying to roll out the same plan and it doesn't work. They tried to draft well, but because they don't lose.

[Jonas Knox]

Yeah, but just don't win. Yes. And, and I think so that works.

[Colin Cowherd]

And so for that fan base, they're looking at it going cool. But that's not what. But this is here. Like here we expect more. Like if you can do that in, in Cincinnati or you can do that elsewhere here we expect more. And so I guess you have to give the Steelers some credit and Omar Cotton some credit for this. It has looked different this off season. We've never seen them aggressive, really aggressive.

[Jonas Knox]

They usually spend the money on the defensive side of the ball and their own guys and. Well, that too to a certain degree. But they will. They, they went for the offense this year. They, they went offensively this year and, and that's showing. I, I think again where they're at right now. This is a team that wins. They win the regular season, they make it to the playoffs and then they don't win. That's. That has been the Steelers story for most NFL franchises. Would love to be in the situation that the Steelers are in. Oh because they, they keep their fans in, in captivity. Meaning we're not necessarily going to give you a Super bowl or even a Super bowl run, but we're going to keep you interested enough because we're winning and we're going to make it to the playoffs. And so that gives us at least a leg up in terms of keeping the interest level there. Which I will say as a historical Steelers fan. Chuck no did that for the whole entire last half of his career. Bill Coward did it for his entire career until the end. Mike Tomlin is the only one that came in guns a blazing and now oh, well, hold on. Let's. Let's. Let's rewind here. Chuck, no, didn't come in guns ablazing, but definitely got it popping early in his year, in his years when he got all them Super Bowls with that, with the steel curtaining and branch on all those guys. And then the rest of the way it was. He had some very, very good teams, and they underperformed Bill Cower. Bill Coward gets in, and it took him a while and he finally got his one right. Tomlin started off much like how Chuck Noel did. Came in, did very well. Got. Got a Super bowl out of it too, right? Two Super Bowls. He got one Super Bowl. And in. In doing so, he created a standard. And that standard was with a group of guys that he inherited. So now we are all the way into what Mike Tomlin's teams looks like with the GM that he's working with. And it hasn't been good enough to get to that super bowl, but it hasn't been bad enough to say they're too far away from being competitive for a Super bowl to start over.

[Colin Cowherd]

Do you want to know how long it's been since the Steelers won a Super Bowl? John Madden was on the call for that game.

[Jonas Knox]

I mean.

[Colin Cowherd]

A long time. That's a long time.

[Jonas Knox]

I was still.

[Colin Cowherd]

Things have changed.

[Jonas Knox]

I believe I was. Was I still playing? I think I was still playing. What was that? That might have been 2005.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, that might have been right after. It was 2008. Ish.

[Jonas Knox]

2008. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It was against Arizona, right?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Jonas Knox]

Yeah. I had just opened a restaurant. That's what it was. I had just opened a restaurant. Yep.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's been a long time, man. So I. I think the fact that they have gotten so aggressive because they've got to be looking around, seeing what Baltimore's got and realizing that's a problem. For as long as Lamar Jackson's there, that's a problem. Cincinnati, if they could just, you know, not nickel and dime it themselves and figure out how to pay guys, especially on the defensive side, that could also be a problem. And then you just got the Browns, which are just the Browns, but you look in the afc, man, Mahomes and Josh Allen and all that, there's so many things, obstacles in their way, and they've been struggling to find it. It's almost like Bill Cower finally got his quarterback at the end of his career, and that's when they won. Mike Tomlin inherited the quarterback and that's when he won. And since then, they've been trying to.

[Jonas Knox]

Figure it out at that position.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Jonas Knox]

And for what it's worth, I mean, because that's a great point. But for what it's worth, Jonas, when you look at this Pittsburgh Steelers team and the things they've been able to accomplish, if you're an avid sports fan and you're saying, I'm bringing in Aaron Rodgers, and while he may be older, he is one of the most accomplished, one of the most talented football players that we have ever seen play this game. You can't get. You can't get too much flack for pulling off getting Aaron Rodgers the one to come play for you. You just can't. I mean, he might be older, but, hell, David Copperfield is old. If you want. If I want to do a. A magic show and there's some young guys out there doing what he's doing, who am I going with? I'm going with David Copperfield. You got that right.

[Colin Cowherd]

So anyway, remember when he did that thing where he made you touch the TV screen and, like, he could pretend. That's so sweet. How do you do that?

[Jonas Knox]

I don'. But it didn't matter how old he was. He was coming up with some fly stuff. Right. So to me, I don't feel like looking at it from the. The scope of. You brought in Jalen Ramsey. Jalen Ramsey still has good football left in him. So you're going to get quality from the guys you've brought in. If I'm looking at the job that they've done this offseason, I don't have a problem with it. You added depth to the tight ends position, that'll go a long way. You added DK Metcalf, you got rid of what considered to be a malcontent and pickings in your locker room. So you might have fixed your culture and you might have handled bringing in a playmaker or two. That's going to change things around. I don't have a problem with that. You know what I have a problem with? Tell me how many times you've seen a team win with mercenaries, and that's almost what this is turning into. You have a group, and I know. I know this very well because I was drafted into a mercenary situation. 2000, when I came in, they brought in Mark Carrier, they brought in Bruce Smith, they brought in Deion Sanders, they brought in Jeff George. I know what mercenary situation looks like. I have never seen it work. And maybe there's some people out there that have great investigative skills and can go through the annals and Find a team that actually in the National Football League had a group of mercenaries that came together and went and won it all. Like, in basketball, you can do mercenary stuff. You can get away with mercenary hires. I just have not seen that be. Be successful in the NFL.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Because the last team was Philly, the Eagles. Yeah. With like, the awesome one, like three different quarterbacks.

[Jonas Knox]

What was it? Vince Young, Mike Vic, Kevin Cobb?

[Colin Cowherd]

Or is that before?

[Jonas Knox]

Who was the third? Was it McNabb that was the starter? Who was. Who was it? It was three quarterbacks on that team. It might have been McNabb. I don't know if it was McNabb. It might have been.

[Colin Cowherd]

Whatever it was, it was like three quarterbacks. And I know it was eight and eight. That's what I know.

[Jonas Knox]

They were not very good. And I mean, they called them the dream team of football, and they did nothing. You just don't see it work.

[Colin Cowherd]

What'd they do?

[Jonas Knox]

Nothing. Zilch. A.J.

[Colin Cowherd]

Feeling all right?

[Jonas Knox]

And A.J. feely had some game back then.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Jonas Knox]

Anyway, I'm just.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's nice to be represented in that quarterback.

[Jonas Knox]

It makes sense. It makes sense. The moves. You can, you can justify the moves, but can you justify it beyond this season? For one, as a Steelers, as, as the GM who's just been awarded and rewarded, I guess. Does it. Does it translate beyond this season? And, and, and honestly, if it, if it doesn't, then how are you measuring and how are you weighing the. The weight and the pressure of this year? This is. If this is truly a win now effort and what you're doing, then what if you don't win any more than what you've won? Because winning has been good enough so far. It's been good enough, but the act of winning, they've won so much that it's not enough. So if they can't show that they can win at the level they've been winning and also take a definitive step forward in the AFC north, as you mentioned, with Joe Burrow, with Lamar Jackson, then what are we talking about here? And I think that's ultimately the conversation, where the conversation will go if Pittsburgh doesn't have a tremendous measure of success in this upcoming season.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. At least they're not the Pirates, you know.

[Jonas Knox]

Sheesh.

[Colin Cowherd]

Could always be worse. Well.

[Jonas Knox]

Cause you could not care.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, that's true. It is the Herd here on Fox Sports Radio. Levar Arrington, Jonas Knox in for Colin. Coming up next here on the Herdline News, we've got bad news for the rest of the NFL. Find out what it is here at fsr. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am.

[Jonas Knox]

Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and.

[LaVar Arrington]

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[Katie Couric]

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[Colin Cowherd]

It is the herd here on Fox Sports Radio. Levar Arrington, Jonas Knox in for Colin.

[Jonas Knox]

I'd appreciate it if you did say we're in for Colin anymore, please. You know I'd appreciate that. Appreciate it, appreciate it. You still in for Colin Coward?

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh my God, I can't get enough of that story. All right, so if you've missed any of this show, the podcast will be going up shortly after we go off the air. Just search Herd or two pros wherever you get your podcast. Be sure to also follow rate and review the pod Again. Just search herd or two pros wherever you get your podcast. You'll see this show posted right after we get off the air. And we are actually a Lavar and I Black and Dracul. Be in tomorrow for 4th of July on the Dan Patrick show time slot. So that's the one that precedes this time slot.

[Jonas Knox]

So maybe you guys shoot messages in saying, why is Lavar and Jonas in versus saying, where is Brady? I mean, at Brady Quinn? That's. That's his. That's his handle. You know, take it up with him. We will actually be in on the 4th of July, you know, before we go see all the.

[Colin Cowherd]

Of the.

[Jonas Knox]

You know, the fireworks and all that stuff, you know, you want to come over? You come over. You know, you guys are invited. I got a nice little view. Not you, Lee.

[Colin Cowherd]

Damn.

[Jonas Knox]

You're not invited. Nope. You run amok around here. I don't know if you gonna run amok around my crib. No way.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right now. It is time for this, though. No, no, no, no.

[Jonas Knox]

Turn on the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is the herd line news. Crying music yeah. Okay.

[Jonas Knox]

Come on. One more time.

[Colin Cowherd]

Let's get some NFL going. All right. Eagles, reigning super bowl champs, surprising many who doubted their head coach, Nick Sirianni. Colin actually being one of the most loud critics of Nick Sirianni. But they're all pro. Right tackle Lane Johnson coming to the defense of their head coach, talking to Pat McAfee, explaining what makes the head coach special. He had this to say, you know, when he's gotten emotional on the sidelines or he's screaming at guys. The good thing is we go and talk about it at the next team meeting after the game. I think for him, he's evolved as a head coach. He's kind of learning as he goes. But what I enjoy about coaches, everyone's held accountable, whether it's in the film room. Bad play by a player, bad call by the coach, their name, their number, everyone's held accountable. By the way, if Nick Sirianni was cocky before. No. What do you think it's gonna be like now?

[Jonas Knox]

I mean, he knocked off. He knocked off the juggernaut, man.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, he got that one back.

[Jonas Knox]

He got it back.

[Colin Cowherd]

He got it back.

[Jonas Knox]

He had the first one, if we being honest.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Jonas Knox]

Good for him, man. You know? Good for him. Things work out sometimes.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, the problem is, it's Philly, so he could be out in two years.

[Jonas Knox]

I mean, he could be in bad graces after one week. Yeah, one week. Believe me. I played at Penn State as James Franklin, as Mike Tomlin Pen the state of Pennsylvania. We don't play around about a few things. Our hoagies, our wings, our fries on stuff, our mama and our sports. We all play.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, it's. I mean, look, he Was even before they were winning Super. Super Bowls. He was, you know, busting balls and yelling on the sideline and tell. You know, getting into arguments with fans.

[Jonas Knox]

Now they were using that against him.

[Colin Cowherd]

Nobody could say nothing to him.

[Jonas Knox]

It was calling him immature. Not. Not if I heard it correctly from one of the shows around here. Not acting as a head coach would act. I don't know which personality it was that said it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Who said?

[Jonas Knox]

I don't remember. But his disposition wasn't that suitable of a head coach. Well, I think he has gotten. At least for now. He's gotten the last of the laughs for now.

[Colin Cowherd]

To your point, Jonas, Doug Peterson wins the super bowl, and three seasons later, he was out. Yep. So like a fart in the wind, gone.

[Jonas Knox]

He did happen to have the eventual MVP and in Super Bowl Championship benched. He was on the bench. I mean, it was quite a mistake. Just a little bit of a mistake. That guy.

[Colin Cowherd]

It went great in Jacksonville. So I, you know. Oh, well. Stupid, I guess.

[Jonas Knox]

Is he still the coach there? Oh, exactly.

[Colin Cowherd]

Liam Cohen.

[Jonas Knox]

That is worse than that. You actually did it a little bit better.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, college football. We're anxiously awaiting Bill Belichick's debut on the sidelines of college football with North Carolina. An interesting development for the Tar Heels and potentially Belichick's future. Well, the university announced that athletic director Bubba Cunningham will step down from his position and step into a new role. But reporting from CBS Sports on the hiring process of Belichick to Chapel Hill claims Cunningham didn't have Belichick High on his list of candidates to replace Mack Brown. And instead it was John Pryor, the leader of the board of trustees, who led the charge to getting Belichick. So perhaps Belichick already seizing a little bit more control. Struggle. Yeah. Good. You know what? Guy deserves some respect. Right? And I'm tired of people shaming somebody who was wrongly terminated by Robert Kraft and what happened there in New England. And then he goes out and God forbid he dates a rocket ship in her 20s. Everybody's got to stand in judgment. God forbid, do good for Bill Belichick.

[Jonas Knox]

I'm gonna stay away from that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, you think he's gonna. You think he's gonna walk a shame at this Fourth of July in Nantucket again or.

[Jonas Knox]

No.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, those days are over.

[Jonas Knox]

I don't think it was a walk of shame then. It was. It was. It was a walk of accomplishment. I mean, ain't none of y' all old fogies doing what Bill is doing. Respect it. It's like that man was not afraid to come out half dress with his taco meat out on his chest. It was feeling good. Did he have a necklace on?

[Colin Cowherd]

It was like the. Remember when Jermaine Taylor, the boxer, when he used to start a fight, he would always kick his feet back like you think Belichick did that?

[Jonas Knox]

Absolutely. Absolutely. And it was either it was either Rose Sparks or it was, it was Blue Chew that was with him. Something assisted him. But that man put in some work.

[Colin Cowherd]

Batter up.

[Jonas Knox]

And it wasn't a strikeout.

[Colin Cowherd]

What else we got? We'll wrap up with this. Brian Windhorse reporting the latest on the Lakers LeBron contract standoff, if you will. LeBron opted into his deal, but here's what Windhorse said. Quote The Lakers and LeBron, whoever wants to spin their side of the story. I'm not sure what happens happened, but The Lakers and LeBron did not have substantive discussions about extending his contract. Whichever team LeBron's been on for 20 years now, they've always had conversations about extending his contract.

[Jonas Knox]

Because he's leaving. Yeah, he's leaving. It's rain chasing time. Like, see you in the Big Apple. It's a wrap.

[Colin Cowherd]

By the way, didn't you rip on Brian Windhorst recently and say they weren't friends and they weren't.

[Jonas Knox]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, it's all right.

[Jonas Knox]

Hey, shoot your shot.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Katie Couric]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Katie Couric]

On the latest episode of Next Question with me, Katie Couric. I sat down with Jasmine Crockett, Democratic representative of Texas. She's holding down the fort for her party in one of the most conservative states in the union.

[Jonas Knox]

I think that ultimately who will become.

[Katie Couric]

The Democratic nominee for president will be someone that has been out there and.

[Colin Cowherd]

Has shown that they won't allow themselves.

[Katie Couric]

To be punched and just say thank you, you like they will punch back. Listen to next question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Who are the 25 greatest football players to grace the gridiron since the year 2000? Introducing NFL Daily's top 25 players of the last 25 years. Join me, Greg Rosenthal and an all star cast of media personalities including Mina Kaiman, Steve Wych, Kevin Harlan and more for a look at football's best since the turn of the century. Listen to NFL Daily's top 25 players of the last 25 years starting on June 30th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Katie Couric]

This is an iHeart podcast.