Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" Episode: Hour 3 - Who Should the Cowboys Go After?
Release Date: January 13, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin delves into the pressing question facing the Dallas Cowboys: Who should the Cowboys go after for their next head coach? The discussion is rich with expert analysis, insights from guest Dion Dawkins of the Buffalo Bills, and contributions from Matt Mosley of the Doomsday Podcast. The episode navigates the complexities of coaching changes in the NFL, team dynamics, and strategic decisions impacting the Cowboys' future.

2. Dallas Cowboys Coaching Situation

Mike McCarthy's Departure

The episode kicks off with Matt Mosley addressing the abrupt end to negotiations between Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys. "Mike McCarthy changed agents to a guy named Don Yee... My take is McCarthy wanted five years or a long guaranteed deal," Mosley explains (07:04). The inability to secure a satisfactory contract led to both parties parting ways, leaving the Cowboys in search of a new head coach.

Potential Candidates for Replacement

Mosley explores various candidates who could fill the head coach vacancy:

• Mike Tomlin: "I think you have to talk to Mike Tomlin. That would be somebody I'm interested in," Mosley suggests (24:10). Tomlin's proven track record with the Pittsburgh Steelers makes him a strong contender.

• Jon Gruden and John Gruden: Mosley and co-host J. Mac discuss the possibility of bringing back Jon Gruden, noting his history with the Cowboys and potential fit (55:15).

• Liam Cohen: Another name floated is Liam Cohen, though skepticism remains about his fit and willingness to take on the role (54:44).

• Cliff Kingsbury: Kingsbury is mentioned as a potential candidate due to his recent success and relationship with Jerry Jones (50:40).

Challenges in the Coaching Market

The conversation highlights the scarcity of top-tier coaching talent available at the moment:

• Limited Availability: "The two best coordinator candidates out there are both in Detroit," Mosley notes, emphasizing the difficulty in securing top coaches until the Lions' season concludes (15:05).

• Jerry Jones' Dilemma: Jerry Jones is portrayed as struggling to make timely decisions, which has hindered the Cowboys from interviewing prime candidates (15:25). This delay has resulted in missing the window to engage with sought-after coaches like Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson (15:01).

3. Interview with Dion Dawkins: Buffalo Bills Playoff Performance

Team's Current State and Confidence

Dion Dawkins provides an insider's perspective on the Buffalo Bills' performance in the playoffs. He expresses high confidence in the team's current form: "This is the best Buffalo Bills football team I have ever been a part of in my eight seasons that I've been here," Dawkins asserts (29:21). The combination of a positive team morale, effective coaching, and standout performances from key players like Josh Allen contribute to this optimism.

Offensive Line and Running Game

Dawkins discusses the improvement in the Bills' offensive line and running game, highlighting the impact of players like James Cook: "Going forward is always easier than going backwards for an offensive lineman," he explains (27:55). The enhancement of the run game has provided greater stability and versatility in the offense.

Play Calling and Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady

The role of offensive coordinator Joe Brady is praised for his collaborative approach and accountability: "He takes ownership when it's his time to take ownership. And because he does, we respect it," Dawkins remarks (30:57). Brady's ability to foster a positive environment and his strategic decisions have been pivotal in the Bills' success.

4. Additional NFL Topics

Tampa Bay Commanders' Performance

The episode touches on the Commanders' recent game, where strategic missteps like a fumble by Baker Mayfield had significant consequences: "Baker was fine. He had a good game," Mosley comments on the overall performance despite the setback (37:07).

Chargers and Other Teams

Discussions extend to other teams, including the Chargers, Steelers, and their coaching strategies. The analysis covers defensive line performances, quarterback management, and offensive strategies, with a focus on how these factors influence playoff prospects.

College Football Insights: Ohio State vs Notre Dame

A segment is dedicated to college football, particularly the Ohio State vs Notre Dame national championship game. Key plays, player performances, and strategic decisions are analyzed, with Mosley predicting a low-scoring, tightly contested match: "I think the game is going to be very low scoring," he forecasts (40:44).

5. Matt Mosley from Doomsday Podcast Joins for Insights on Cowboys

Matt Mosley, host of the Doomsday Podcast, shares his expert opinions on the Cowboys' coaching search:

• Frustration with Jerry Jones: Mosley critiques Jerry Jones for poor negotiation tactics and delayed decision-making: "Jerry gets All the credit in the world for being these like this great negotiator. But sometimes there's no evidence of it," he states (50:17).

• Evaluating Candidates: Emphasizing the importance of experience and fit, Mosley reiterates the suitability of Mike Tomlin and suggests that Chicago could be an ideal destination for McCarthy (50:32).

• Future Projections: Mosley speculates on the long-term implications for the Cowboys if they fail to secure a top-tier coaching candidate, warning of potential stagnation and continued struggles (51:59).

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by reiterating the critical nature of the coaching search for the Dallas Cowboys and the broader implications for the NFL's coaching landscape. The discussions underscore the interplay between team management, coaching talent, and on-field performance, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead for the Cowboys as they seek to rebuild and restore their competitive edge.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Mosley (07:04):
  "Mike McCarthy wanted five years or a long guaranteed deal. If he was going to rebuild this cowboy team... it is the worst running back room in the league."

• Dion Dawkins (29:21):
  "This is the best Buffalo Bills football team I have ever been a part of in my eight seasons that I've been here."

• Matt Mosley (15:05):
  "The two best coordinator candidates out there are both in Detroit. You don't get to interview either one until the season's over."

• Matt Mosley (50:17):
  "Mike McCarthy fits in Chicago, you know, his personality. Do you think he'd like to go back and tangle with Green Bay?"

Key Takeaways

• Coaching Market Scarcity: The NFL currently faces a limited pool of available top-tier coaches, complicating the Dallas Cowboys' search for a new head coach.

• Mike McCarthy's Leveraged Departure: McCarthy's departure from the Cowboys positions him with significant leverage, compelling teams like Chicago and New Orleans to vie for his expertise.

• Buffalo Bills' Optimism: Dion Dawkins highlights the Bills' impressive playoff performance, driven by strong team dynamics and effective coaching strategies.

• Jerry Jones' Management Critique: Persistent delays and negotiation missteps by Jerry Jones have strained the Cowboys' ability to secure preferred coaching candidates.

• Strategic Team Building: The episode emphasizes the importance of aligning coaching hires with team needs, organizational culture, and long-term strategic goals to ensure sustained success.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from Hour 3 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and readers alike.