The Richard Sherman Podcast – Belichick HOF SNUB, Shedeur in Pro Bowl, Browns Pass on Schwartz, Super Bowl Prep

Date: January 31, 2026
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)

Overview

In this packed episode, Richard Sherman and his co-hosts dissect some of the hottest NFL headlines a week before the Super Bowl. The conversation ranges from the shock surrounding Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame snub, the Cleveland Browns' controversial coaching moves, Shedeur Sanders’ surprising Pro Bowl nod, to key coaching hires around the league and in-depth Super Bowl preparation insights.

The tone is candid, opinionated, and at times, fiery, as Sherman and his team deliver honest takes, vent frustrations, and offer a player’s perspective on league politics and developments.

Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame Snub

Main Discussion:
Sherman and Mitchell open with disbelief and criticism over reports that legendary coach Bill Belichick may not be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, questioning the credibility of the Hall of Fame process.

Key Insights

• “How in the world is a guy like Bill Belichick not a first ballot Hall of Famer?” (Mitchell, 02:41)
• Sherman likens Belichick’s omission to leaving Tom Brady off a first ballot, calling the idea “insanity” and a sign of a broken system.
• They highlight Belichick’s resume: 8 Super Bowls as player, coordinator, or coach, making his candidacy “indisputable” and not open to emotional or personal bias.
• The lack of process transparency is a huge issue: “When you can hide behind a vote, it makes it really tough... You won’t ever be able to get to the bottom of who voted for him and who didn’t.” (Sherman, 04:56)
• Personal feelings and media friction are suggested as possible reasons—Sherman and Mitchell call it “a complete and utter joke” (Mitchell, 08:13).
• Even if scandals like Deflategate/Spygate are counted against him, his accomplishments still far outweigh those concerns.

Notable Quotes

• “If Bill Belichick’s not a first ballot Hall of Famer, then really there’s no coach that should ever be.” (Sherman paraphrasing Tom Brady, 03:29)
• “It’s the equivalent of putting Tom Brady on the ballot and saying he’s not a first ballot Hall of Famer. That’s the level of insanity this is.” (Sherman, 05:42)
• “If the media hated Bill Belichick, that does not change the fact he’s a Hall of Fame coach.” (Sherman, 08:48)
• “You gotta be good to the media... You gotta have those conversations.” (Co-host, 09:28)

Segment Timestamp: 02:41 – 11:42

Cleveland Browns Coaching Drama: Schwartz Passed Over

Main Discussion:
Sherman and team break down the Browns’ decision to hire Todd Monken over beloved defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, sparking frustration and predictions of dysfunction.

Key Points

• Schwartz seemed the obvious choice given his results and the respect from cornerstone players (Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, etc.).
• The Browns’ focus on external candidates and reportedly complex evaluation methods (“psychological tests and written tests”) are critiqued as out of touch.
• The hosts suggest Schwartz was “taken for granted” and may now seek opportunities elsewhere—specifically speculating he could join the 49ers.
• Sherman calls the situation “subtraction by addition,” worrying Monken’s arrival may cost the Browns their defensive core and breed more instability.

Notable Quotes

• “They did not appreciate Jim Schwartz. And it seems like he feels hurt by that.” (Sherman, 21:42)
• “What you're saying is, he's not the guy.” (Sherman, 18:24)
• “I don't know if this decision does anything but piss off your players.” (Sherman, 24:31)
• “This was the guy who was already there, who was successful... the only bright spot of this team, that defense was, and he led that.” (Mitchell, 22:00)

Segment Timestamp: 15:39 – 25:00

Shedeur Sanders Named to Pro Bowl: What’s the Value?

Main Discussion:
Debate over credibility of the Pro Bowl after rookie QB Shedeur Sanders is named despite being a seventh or eighth alternate.

Key Points

• Hosts admit Pro Bowl “has no credibility as is,” but are happy for Sanders and the attention he'll bring.
• Sherman pushes for reform: Only those voted in initially should be credited as “Pro Bowlers,” not alternates.
• They predict Pro Bowl will stick around, given its “All-Star Game” value, but advocate for separating participation from official Pro Bowl honors.

Notable Quotes

• “Pro Bowl has no credibility as is, but I’m happy for Shedeur.” (Sherman, 25:53)
• “It becomes participation... you got 100 Pro Bowlers in a year.” (Co-host, 28:53)
• “If you’re giving them the same accolade that you’re giving the guy that was voted in the first place... it loses its substance.” (Co-host, 28:42)

Segment Timestamp: 25:09 – 31:09

Coaching Carousel: Surprising Hires and Openings

Main Discussion:
Sherman and team evaluate prominent head coach and coordinator hires, questioning certain moves and speculating on team directions.

Highlights

• Mike McCarthy to Steelers (31:50): Called a “safe” choice, likely tied to allure for veteran QBs (e.g., Aaron Rodgers). Not the most exciting move, but you “can’t get a lot of flack for it.”
• Joe Brady to Bills (32:20): Promoted despite earlier season criticism. Keeps Josh Allen’s continuity but seen as a head-scratcher.
• John Harbaugh to Giants (33:04): Described as a home-run hire that “lots of teams would’ve wanted.”
• Jesse Minter to Ravens (31:50): Following the trend of fresh defensive minds in Baltimore.
• Remaining vacancies in Arizona and Vegas are unattractive due to unstable rosters, QB uncertainty, and ownership impatience.
• Lions hiring Drew Petzing (34:33): Fans are skeptical. Sherman and Mitchell urge caution; many top coaches were once unknowns. Don’t judge only by name recognition.
• “You didn’t know them until you knew them ... sometimes those are the guys that blossom.” (Sherman, 45:16)

Notable Quotes

• “I think McCarthy’s the perfect bridge coach... It’s familiar, it’s safe.” (Mitchell, 35:56)
• “Some schemes don’t work with certain personnel... It has to work with each other.” (Sherman, 43:39)

Segment Timestamp: 31:09 – 45:55

Titans Add Daboll; Chargers Hire McDaniel; Coordinator Moves

• Brian Daboll to Titans praised as a move that brings leadership and experience; Robert Saleh assembling strong staff is seen positively.
• Mike McDaniel to Chargers analyzed as a creative fit, with Sherman intrigued to see if Jim Harbaugh and McDaniel’s differing personalities mesh.
• McDaniel expected to help Herbert by simplifying the offense and not over-relying on “hero throws”:
  • “He has all the talent in the world, but we don’t want to always depend on him to make these incredible throws. I want to put him in situations where... the guy is just wide open. And every now and then I’m gonna ask you to be special, but I’m not going to depend on you being special.” (Sherman, 49:10)
• Chargers forecast for a “fun, potentially explosive” offense next year.

Segment Timestamp: 45:58 – 50:25

Offseason Focus: 49ers’ Priorities

Main Discussion:
Sherman weighs options for building the 49ers’ future, emphasizing line play over flashy receiver additions.

• Let Jauan Jennings test free agency but keep communication open.
• Tyler Linderbaum (if made available) would be a high-priority target, but “do your due diligence” due to possible hidden issues.
• San Francisco’s injury history makes reliability and depth a must.
• Speculation about using Mac Jones in a trade for a #1 receiver.
• “Solidifying the offensive line, finding a pass rusher is priority over wide receiver... if you can’t block for the fifty million dollar quarterback, then none of it really matters.” (Sherman, 53:20)

Segment Timestamp: 50:25 – 53:32

Super Bowl Preparation—Insider’s View

Main Discussion:
Sherman gives a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at Super Bowl prep week for players.

• First days are hectic, managing friends/family requests and organizing logistics by Thursday.
• Prioritize keeping next week distraction-free (“No distractions. Don’t call these kids ... this is about to be the biggest game in their lives.”).
• Conditioning and routine are paramount; media is tightly managed to avoid giving opponents “bulletin board material.”
• Most teams will avoid giving opponents headlines by restricting media availability.
• “Over-conditioned” for endurance. "We took so much pride in that because there were a couple really long drives... receivers are tapping out of the game and we're talking crap the whole time." (Sherman, 56:42)
• Sherman: “There’s no sub for a corner... if the drive's 18 plays, I'm out here for 18. Now, they might go goal line… but outside of that, we're in the game.” (57:09)

Segment Timestamp: 53:32 – 59:05

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “If you don’t think Bill Belichick is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, the process has to be changed because it’s clearly broken.” (Sherman, 07:19)
• “This was the guy who was already there ... the only bright spot ... that defense.” (Mitchell, 22:00)
• “It becomes participation ... you got 100 Pro Bowlers in a year.” (Co-host, 28:53)
• “Some schemes don’t work with certain personnel. ... It has to work with each other.” (Sherman, 43:39)
• “Don’t judge only by name recognition. ... Sometimes those are the guys that blossom.” (Sherman, 45:16)
• “No distractions. Don’t call these kids ... this is about to be the biggest game in their lives.” (Co-host, 58:49)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Belichick Hall of Fame Snub: 02:41 – 11:42
• Browns Coaching Debacle: 15:39 – 25:00
• Shedeur Sanders & Pro Bowl: 25:09 – 31:09
• Coaching Carousel: 31:09 – 45:55
• Chargers/Titans/Lions Moves: 45:58 – 50:25
• 49ers Offseason Options: 50:25 – 53:32
• Super Bowl Preparation: 53:32 – 59:05

Takeaway

From challenging the Hall of Fame establishment and defending deserving coaches, to giving honest appraisals of the league’s hiring trends, and explaining the chaos of Super Bowl week from a player’s lens, this episode delivers rich, firsthand analysis and strong opinions. Sherman’s player-centric authenticity shines, particularly in his candor, and the episode is packed with timely NFL insight—essential listening for fans seeking an insider's perspective on football’s hottest discussions.