Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Tomorrow's Headlines Today Release Date: January 17, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

The Herd with Colin Cowherd delves deep into the most pressing sports stories of the day, offering insightful analysis and spirited discussions. In the episode titled "Hour 3 - Tomorrow's Headlines Today," Colin Cowherd is joined by esteemed guests Albert Breer and Jason McIntyre to unpack significant developments across the NFL, NBA, and college football scenes. This comprehensive summary captures the episode's key points, notable quotes, and insightful conclusions.

1. Dallas Cowboys’ Coaching Turmoil

Timestamp: [03:12]

Colin Cowherd opens the discussion with a focus on the Dallas Cowboys’ unexpected departure of head coach Mike McCarthy. He shares his theory on the possible reasons behind McCarthy's exit, suggesting a culmination of contract disagreements and team performance issues.

Colin Cowherd: "Dallas may be a tough place to win. Is that possible?" ([03:12])

Albert Breer expands on this by highlighting McCarthy's dissatisfaction with being in a contract year alongside his assistant coaches, which may have influenced his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Albert Breer: "Mike McCarthy was looking at the landscape and decided there's a better opportunity to build somewhere else." ([04:20])

2. Chicago Bears’ Search for Stability

Timestamp: [05:05]

The conversation shifts to the Chicago Bears, where Colin and Albert analyze the team's current struggles, particularly the weakness in the running back position and missed opportunities in the draft.

Colin Cowherd: "I just don't think in a world of Philly and Detroit and the Rams and Green Bay and Washington, I don't think they have enough firepower." ([05:35])

Albert Breer discusses the Bears' considerations in potentially promoting Marcus Freeman to a higher coaching position, though he expresses skepticism about Freeman’s readiness for an NFL head coaching role.

Albert Breer: "If you're going to lose your offensive coordinator, say, after two or three years... I don't know that Chicago is a spot." ([07:00])

3. Raiders’ Coaching Search Influenced by Tom Brady

Timestamp: [08:00]

Ben Johnson's interest in the Raiders' head coaching position becomes a focal point, especially with Tom Brady’s influence within the organization. Colin speculates on Johnson being the frontrunner given Brady’s endorsement.

Colin Cowherd: "I think Ben Johnson would probably be his number one choice." ([09:05])

Albert Breer reinforces this by explaining how Brady’s partnership with the Raiders has reshaped the team’s attractiveness to potential coaches, making Johnson's candidacy more appealing.

Albert Breer: "Ben Johnson is looking at that Raider job differently now because of the organizational changes." ([09:14])

4. New York Jets’ Quarterback Conundrum

Timestamp: [14:21]

The discussion moves to the New York Jets, debating whether to retain Sam Darnold or pursue J.J. McCarthy. Colin expresses doubts about Darnold’s fit in the Jets' warm-weather setting.

Colin Cowherd: "They're gonna get J.J. McCarthy, they're gonna let Sam go." ([21:11])

Albert Breer examines the Jets' strategic options, suggesting that the team prioritizes building around a coherent quarterback plan rather than making impulsive coaching hires.

Albert Breer: "They want somebody who has a coherent plan. So, yeah, I mean, I think they started with the leader of men thing, which Marcus Freeman 100% fits." ([07:45])

5. NBA Spotlight: Jimmy Butler’s Miami Heat Situation

Timestamp: [18:20]

Transitioning to the NBA, Colin and Jason discuss Jimmy Butler’s suspension and trade request from the Miami Heat. Colin voices his support for Butler despite the ongoing drama.

Colin Cowherd: "I'm one of the biggest Jimmy Butler fans out there." ([23:08])

Jason McIntyre criticizes Butler's behavior but acknowledges his impact on the team’s performance, debating whether the Heat should secure Butler’s services long-term.

Jason McIntyre: "This behavior from him just sucks." ([23:11])

6. College Football Clash: Ohio State vs Notre Dame

Timestamp: [38:50]

The episode delves into the upcoming Ohio State versus Notre Dame game. Colin emphasizes Ohio State's talent advantage and questions Notre Dame's defensive capabilities against a powerhouse offense.

Colin Cowherd: "Ohio State clearly has a huge advantage in talent and skill." ([05:46])

Jason McIntyre analyzes the potential strategies, highlighting Marcus Freeman’s influence and expressing skepticism about Notre Dame's ability to contain Ohio State’s offense.

Jason McIntyre: "If Marcus Freeman wins this game, I need to see him interviewing for multiple NFL teams next week." ([39:35])

7. Future NFL Predictions and Betting Insights

Timestamp: [33:04]

In the segment titled "Tomorrow's Headlines Today," Colin and Jason make predictions for upcoming NFL games. They discuss the Kansas City Chiefs' dominance, the Texans' injury woes, and potential outcomes for teams like the Ravens and Bills.

Jason McIntyre: "Everything here lines up for Kansas City. I can't find one edge." ([34:01])

Colin Cowherd: "I think Chiefs are going to win without those two receivers and mix in. They'll get blown out." ([19:12])

8. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [41:43]

As the episode wraps up, Colin reflects on the unpredictability of the current NFL season, emphasizing the importance of strategic coaching hires and the impact of star players on team dynamics.

Colin Cowherd: "I'm thinking to myself... Ben Johnson's gonna have trick plays left and right now." ([41:13])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Colin Cowherd: "Dallas may be a tough place to win. Is that possible?" ([03:12])
• Albert Breer: "Mike McCarthy was looking at the landscape and decided there's a better opportunity to build somewhere else." ([04:20])
• Colin Cowherd: "Tom Brady is going to have some level of influence here." ([08:00])
• Jason McIntyre: "Everything here lines up for Kansas City. I can't find one edge." ([34:01])

Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, Colin Cowherd and his guests provide a thorough analysis of current sports narratives:

• Coaching Stability: The instability within high-profile NFL teams like the Cowboys and Bears underscores the broader challenges in maintaining consistent leadership amid performance pressures.

• Influence of Star Players: Tom Brady’s influence within the Raiders showcases how star endorsements can sway significant organizational decisions, affecting coaching searches and team strategies.

• Quarterback Dynamics: The Jets' dilemma between Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy highlights the critical role of quarterbacks in shaping team fortunes and future prospects.

• Cross-League Implications: Discussions on the NBA and college football reveal the interconnectedness of sports leagues, where player behavior and college performances can influence professional trajectories and team compositions.

• Betting Trends: The analysis of betting trends and game predictions offers listeners actionable insights, reflecting the hosts' deep understanding of the sports landscape.

The Herd with Colin Cowherd continues to provide listeners with a rich tapestry of sports discourse, blending expert opinions with strategic insights to illuminate the ever-evolving world of sports.