Richard Sherman Podcast - Belichick HOF SNUB, Shedeur in Pro Bowl, Browns pass on Schwartz, Super Bowl prep | Richard Sherman

Summary

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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)

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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.

Transcript

[Narrator]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human New Year.

[Richard Sherman]

Same extra value meals at McDonald's. So now get two snack wraps plus fries and a medium soft drink for just $8 for a limited time only. Prices and participation may vary. Prices may be higher in Hawaii, Alaska and California.

[Narrator]

And for delivery on June 11, 1998, a deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department went missing.

[Mitchell]

Hey, if they'll kill a cop and.

[Richard Sherman]

Bury him, what are they gonna do to me?

[Podcast Host (Valley of Shadows)]

What really happened to the missing deputy? Valley of Shadows, a new series from Pushkin Industries about crime and corruption in California's high desert.

[Narrator]

Listen to Valley of shadows on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nav Green]

This show contains information subject to but not limited to personal takes, rumors, not so accurate stats, and plenty more. What's up man? It's your boy Nab Green from the Broken Play Podcast. Look, it's the of the season. The playoffs are here. Guess what? It ain't the end of your season. You can always tune in with Broken Play podcast with Nav Green on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Not a team who ain't going to the playoffs. The Chief. It's time to rebuild. Listen to Broken Play with Nav Green from the Black Effect Podcast network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

[Podcast Host (Valley of Shadows)]

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[Richard Sherman]

Business welcome back to the Richard Sherman Podcast and I just want to say I appreciate you guys. You can be getting your NFL content for from anywhere.

[Co-host/Analyst]

But you're here with me. I'm thankful for you.

[Richard Sherman]

So hit that sub button so you can get the notifications when I'm dropping a new episode. All love. Hope you guys are having a great New Year's, accomplishing all your New Year's resolutions and staying healthy. Welcome back to the Richard Sherman Podcast. You know what time it is Mitchell? It's the Super Bowl. Well, I guess the week before the super bowl and it's still a lot of action going on. We know the teams, we know what they got going on. No billboard, no bulletin board material yet.

[Co-host/Analyst]

But there's some coaching hires and some.

[Richard Sherman]

Fires and some People getting picked up that you wasn't expected.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Schwartz is pissed. Mitchell, what you thinking?

[Mitchell]

Richard, there's a lot of action. Even though this is technically a bye week, the week before super bowl week, there's still a lot of action going on in the NFL. One of the big things right around super bowl time is the hall of Fame. And Richard, we got caught with an absolute right hook of news this week. How in the world is a guy like Bill Belichick not a first ballot hall of Famer? I'll start there.

[Richard Sherman]

Mitchell, you want to know how you, you want to know how you use.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Lose credibility in an established organization, team or anything? You watch a slam dunk candidate, a no brainer answer and it go unanswered.

[Richard Sherman]

If you, if you don't want to listen to me, just listen to what Tom Brady said. He said he doesn't understand if he's not a first ballot hall of Famer, then really there's no coach that should ever be a first ballot hall of Famer. And that's true. Now I have a lot of respect for the hall of Fame and a hard job that all the voters have and, and all of that, but this wasn't a hard job. This wasn't a hard job at all. This is, hey, whether you think he's the greatest coach all the time or not, whatever you can, you can argue that with somebody else.

[Co-host/Analyst]

One of the greatest coaches to ever play, coach the game.

[Richard Sherman]

A lot of Super Bowls, I think you got eight. Between playing, between coordinating and head coaching, between the Giants and the New England.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Patriots, earned first ballot hall of Fame earned.

[Richard Sherman]

Not, not speculative, not, hey, I think he should a hundred percent sure. First ballot hall of Famer. Now, when you don't do it, and then there's conjecture and conversation about what Bill Polian said or may have not.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Said because there's, you know, we don't.

[Richard Sherman]

Know what's happening behind closed doors. There's rumors both ways he said something and then they're saying, hey, he didn't.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Say anything and he voted for Bill Belich.

[Richard Sherman]

So I don't know. I think this is what happens when you don't have a transparent process and when you don't have a transparent process, there's no accountability. If you had accountability in this process.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I don't think I, I think this.

[Richard Sherman]

Is a slam dunk and nobody's talking about it. But when you can hide behind a vote, it makes it really tough. It makes it really tough because you, you won't ever be able to get to the Bottom of who voted for him and who didn't vote for him. If it's true now, we may get to next week and Bill Belichick be a Hall of Famer and all this was, was some made up rumor and somebody got misinformation and all this. And I'm hoping that's what the case is, because if that's not.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I don't.

[Richard Sherman]

Know, I don't know how you, you can trust this process going forward. If, if somebody with his resume as.

[Co-host/Analyst]

A coach, in a coordinator isn't an.

[Richard Sherman]

NFL hall of Famer on the first.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Ballot that he's on.

[Richard Sherman]

It's, it's hard to debate that anybody is now because the equivalent is putting Tom Brady on the ballot and not saying he's the first ballot hall of Famer. That's the level of insanity this is. And if you don't believe me, I mean that's, that's what it is like if you put Tom Brady on the.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Ballot and you said, hey, Tom Brady didn't get the 40 votes.

[Richard Sherman]

What are we, what are we voting for? I, and I understand people are saying, oh man, the deflate gate, the this, the that, I don't know if that.

[Co-host/Analyst]

It'S the Barry Bonds baseball thing for me.

[Richard Sherman]

Hall of Famer, like you could say, you know, how many people probably, you know, took enhancements in these sports. Those enhancements don't help you hit that little ball. I guarantee you there's no enhancement that can increase your speech, your hand, eye coordination enough. Because if, if it did, the, the batting percentages would be crazy out of this world. But the guy was an incredible ball player. This is an incredible coach. And I don't think the, the things and the speculation should ever diminish that. And it almost seems like personal agendas are getting in the way of, of, of the facts and objective opinions about the greatest sport in the National. I mean, the greatest sport in America. And I just don't like that, Mitchell. I don't like it. I don't like human emotion getting between fact like Bill Belichick's a first ballot hall of Famer. That's a fact. If he, if that's not a fact, the process has to be changed because it's clearly broken. It's clearly broken.

[Co-host/Analyst]

If that's not a fact, I, I'll.

[Mitchell]

Take it a step further, Richard. I, I think it's a complete and utter joke. I think it discredits the hall of Fame. This guy, Bill Belichick, he is the Michael Jordan of coaches. I mean, whether you think he's the greatest of all time or not? He's certainly in that discussion. And if any person, coach, player, executive, etcetera, Is in that discussion as one of the greatest of all time, they deserve to be first ballot. And that's what Bill Bellich is. You got to wonder, you know, if his riff with the media of how he handled his. His press conferences with the media had anything to do with this. You got to wonder if these voters kept him off the first ballot out of spite. You know, obviously, he's coaching at UNC now. You know, he didn't retire and sail off into the sunset.

[Richard Sherman]

He.

[Mitchell]

He chose to go. Go keep coaching and chase a new challenge. Richard, this is a complete. Another joke.

[Richard Sherman]

But even if that's the case, even if you say, hey, he was abrasive, he was this. That would be okay if there was like a fringe. If he's a fringe hall of Famer, if he's a fringe hall of Fame.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Culture, you say he doesn't deserve the first ballot.

[Richard Sherman]

Hits a fringe. This man got eight Super Bowls to his name. That's not a friend. That's not a debatable point. This is not a debatable topic. It's so It's. It personal opinion or not like it. It's.

[Co-host/Analyst]

It's.

[Richard Sherman]

Is the sun hot? Yes, it's hot. That's not a debatable thing. It's. It's. It's one of those things. Is the sky up or down? Like, it should not be up for debate. It should not be up for. For somebody's emotional emotions to change an outcome. If the media hated Bill Belichick does not change the fact he's hall of Fame coach now.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Did they do that to.

[Richard Sherman]

To 100 to was probably supposed to be a first battle hall of Famer.

[Co-host/Analyst]

His numbers say that.

[Richard Sherman]

His rankings on a number of lists say first ballot hall of Famer, they.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Punished him, said, nope, we're not gonna do it.

[Guest Speaker]

Cool.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I guess. You know what I mean? You got to be good to the media. You got to be nice to people. You got to have those conversations.

[Richard Sherman]

But this guy just doesn't feel like this is right. It almost. If this doesn't change something in a big way. And I know the hall of Fame came out and made a statement, but.

[Co-host/Analyst]

To this point, hall of Fame, if.

[Richard Sherman]

If this guy doesn't go on the first ballot, I mean, the.

[Co-host/Analyst]

The. The integrity is in question. And you never want to say that about some.

[Richard Sherman]

Something that's lasted as long as the hall of Fame but is it emotions now? Like, if you, if you hurt my feelings, I'm not going to vote for you. If I, if you hurt my feelings personally, those people can't, like, that can't be the reason he's not in. If there's a legitimate topic that's, that's beyond debate. Indisputable fact that you say, hey, this happened, this happened, this happened, which means he does not deserve to be in the hall of Fame on the first ballot because of these things.

[Co-host/Analyst]

And that's a strong argument that, hey.

[Richard Sherman]

And I don't, I know the deflate gate and the spy gate and all that. That, that even if you said, hey, we'll take away those two Super Bowls, he's still first out, still first ballot. Like, I, I just don't. That's where it's like, I, I hear you get cool, make those arguments. And still, if you took those away, it does not change his resume to the point he's not a first ballot hall of Fame coach. So it's frustrating. Obviously Tom hears it.

[Co-host/Analyst]

The, the hall of Fame reached out.

[Richard Sherman]

They didn't really say much, but that's all I got to say about it, man. That's, that's ridiculous. Hopefully they do the right thing and.

[Co-host/Analyst]

And make this right. Hopefully this is all just conjecture and rumors and when the, when the class comes out, Bill Bella checks on.

[Mitchell]

That would be a pretty wild PR move on their part. But you know what, Richard, bottom line, like you said, I would love to know who voted no, and I would need an explanation as to why, because this one is just making no sense whatsoever.

[Narrator (Mind Games)]

What if mind control is real?

[Co-host/Analyst]

If you could control the behavior of.

[Richard Sherman]

Anybody around you, what kind of life would you have?

[Narrator (Mind Games)]

Can you hypnotically persuade someone to buy a car?

[Richard Sherman]

When you look at your car, you're.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Going to become overwhel.

[Narrator (Mind Games)]

With such good feelings, can you hypnotize someone into sleeping with you?

[Mitchell]

I gave her some suggestions to be sexually aroused.

[Narrator (Mind Games)]

Can you get someone to join your cult?

[Richard Sherman]

NLP was used on me to access my subconscious.

[Narrator (Mind Games)]

Nlp, AKA Neuro Linguistic programming, is a blend of hypnosis, linguistics and psychology. Fans say it's like finally getting a user manual for your brain.

[Richard Sherman]

It's about engineering consciousness.

[Narrator (Mind Games)]

Mind Games is the story of nlp, its crazy cast of disciples and the fake doctor who invented it at a New Age commune and sold it to guys in suits. He stood trial for murder and got acquitted. The biggest mind game of all, nlp, might actually work.

[Co-host/Analyst]

This is wild.

[Narrator (Mind Games)]

Listen to mind Games on the. IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nav Green]

This show contains information subject to but not limited to personal takes, rumors, not so accurate stats, and plenty more. What's up, man? This your boy Nav Green from the Broken Play podcast. Look, it's the end of the season. The playoffs are here. But guess what? It ain't the end of your season. You can always tune in with Broken Play podcast with Nav Green on the Black Effect podcast network. Not a team who ain't going to the playoff. The Chiefs.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Oh, it's a wrap.

[Nav Green]

It's time to rebuild. Who your MVP right now then Drake May up there.

[Mitchell]

Josh Allen up there still.

[Richard Sherman]

Oh, my boy Matthew Stafford.

[Podcast Host (Valley of Shadows)]

Where did Bo Nicks at?

[Richard Sherman]

He ain't too far behind. He did all this talking.

[Mitchell]

Hey, what Matthew Stafford is doing statistically, bro, is crazy.

[Nav Green]

Bro, you know I ain't no Josh Allen fan, but Matthew Stafford got better weapon. Caleb Williams.

[Mitchell]

Hey, he should be in that conversation.

[Richard Sherman]

In what conversation?

[Nav Green]

Should be in it. Listen to Broken Play with Nav Green from the the Black Effect podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

[Narrator]

On June 11, 1998, a deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department went missing. It's an all out manhunt for John Ajay.

[Podcast Host (Valley of Shadows)]

Every search and rescue team in LA county has been called in to help. Within days, tips started flooding into the sheriff's department.

[Co-host/Analyst]

The rumor around the drug scene was.

[Narrator]

That a deputy was taken care of. Is this the story of a man who just got lost in the desert? Or of a cover up inside the nation's largest sheriff's department?

[Guest Speaker]

A homicide captain saying, detective, do not find out if this guy's guilty or innocent.

[Richard Sherman]

Who does that?

[Podcast Host (Valley of Shadows)]

Valley of Shadows, a new series from Pushkin Industries about crime and corruption in California's high desert.

[Narrator]

Do you have any advice for us while looking into this disappearance?

[Mitchell]

I wouldn't do it alone.

[Podcast Host (Valley of Shadows)]

Listen to Valley of shadows on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jacob Goldstein]

The Volkswagen Beetle started out as Hitler's dream car. It wound up as a beloved hippie icon and the best selling car of all time.

[Richard Sherman]

How did that happen?

[Jacob Goldstein]

I'm Jacob Goldstein.

[Guest Speaker]

And I'm Robert Smith. On business history, we tell the surprising stories behind the inventions and and entrepreneurs that shaped our economy.

[Jacob Goldstein]

And the story of the Beatle is truly surprising. It has so much in it. It has Nazis. It has the German economic miracle.

[Guest Speaker]

And it features one of the most famous ads of all time. An ad that really redefined what advertising was in the United States.

[Jacob Goldstein]

The calculation was that there was some number of Americans who were ready for something different, who were ready for something that was counter to the culture, if you will. Perfect timing in this decade of the 1960s.

[Guest Speaker]

Listen to Business History on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and watch episodes on YouTube.

[Mitchell]

Richard, we got some news on the coaching circuit. Let's start in Cleveland. Todd Monkin, the old OC at Baltimore, takes the job. And I know you know, he has certainly been a name, a candidate for a lot of different jobs. He ultimately ends up in Cleveland. But the bigger story here is a guy like Jim Schwartz who is know, truly wants to be there. Where's his emotion on his sleeve? Week in and week out led one of the top defenses in this league. The only bright spot of the Cleveland Browns team for the last few years does not get the job. Richard, let's start with Jim Schwarz not receiving the job and then we can talk a little bit more about Todd Monkin. Your initial thoughts? When you heard Jim Schwarz was not the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Insane. Insane.

[Richard Sherman]

With the amount of people that, that took their name out of the hat.

[Co-host/Analyst]

For this job, including Udinsky, who, who just pulled his name out.

[Richard Sherman]

It seemed.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Like Swartz is to lose the way his players speak about him. Like those are things you can't measure the, the respect and regard that your best players have for him. And I'm talking about Miles Garrett, I'm talking about Denzel Ward, I'm talking about the defensive players.

[Richard Sherman]

That are foundational pieces to this organization.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I think they took him for granted and I think he feels that way. I, I, I don't know him.

[Richard Sherman]

I didn't have any conversations with him.

[Co-host/Analyst]

But I think he feels that way because when you have a top five defense, top 10 defense, just about every.

[Richard Sherman]

Year, regardless of how you're out, your.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Offense competes regardless of how, how, how they play and how you, your defense shows up. Their defense is giving them a chance.

[Richard Sherman]

And for, for them to basically treat.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Him like an afterthought and say, hey, we, we, we know what we got with you, but we, we want to.

[Richard Sherman]

Go out there and get something new.

[Co-host/Analyst]

We want to get an offensive guy. Couldn't he hire an offensive guy like.

[Richard Sherman]

Todd Monkin was, was on his way to be the OC for the Giants? If you hire Schwartz, like can't, can he, you, you could easily hired an.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Offensive coordinator to do this.

[Richard Sherman]

Like if you're you're saying this, it's.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Almost like a damning statement against Swartz's.

[Richard Sherman]

Ability to lead men. And, and as an organization, you're saying you don't think he can do it. And we've heard all these rumors about.

[Co-host/Analyst]

The Browns's process and, and they got all these psychological tests and written tests.

[Richard Sherman]

And all these things that they want to use all this information that they're compiling to, to, to evaluate these candidates. But you, you can evaluate Swartz with all that.

[Co-host/Analyst]

He's been there long enough for you to evaluate him.

[Richard Sherman]

And what you're saying is he's not the guy.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I think if Swartz goes to another team, a contender, who's, who's out of a D coordinator right now, I, I, I think he has a head coach job within the next two years. And, and by contender, I'm, I'm thinking of the San Francisco 49ers. And I would imagine Kyle Shanahan is.

[Richard Sherman]

On the phone right now.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Whatever you need.

[Richard Sherman]

Hey, you don't want to, you don't want to be sitting in the AFC north in the freezing cold in November, then come over here to the San Francisco 49ers. You don't want to have your team treat you like you don't deserve to be treated, treat you like an afterthought. Then come over here to the San Francisco 49ers. I know Kyle Shanahan is going to make that call. He has a tremendous amount of respect. And after losing Robert Saleh to a head coaching job and, and, and showing a pipeline for his D coordinators to be elevated to head coaching job. You talk about Demiko Ryan, you talk about Robert Salah twice. And even, even my guy Jeff Halfley, who was on the staff in 18.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Like, is now a head coach right.

[Richard Sherman]

Now for the Miami Dolphins. So there's so much there. If, if Jim Schwartz ever wants to.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Coach it and be a head coach again, now, sure, he has to come in and understand and figure it out.

[Richard Sherman]

You know, what works for his family.

[Co-host/Analyst]

What works for, for, for his, you.

[Richard Sherman]

Know, do they, do their personalities work? But, and, and, and all that to say, does Cleveland even let him out? It's an ugly situation. Like, do you keep a coach who doesn't want to be there?

[Co-host/Analyst]

Like, are you going to force him? Because he said, hey, if they don't.

[Richard Sherman]

Give me the head coaching job, I'm out. And once you say that, and some.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Guys are stubborn to that point, like he feels disrespected.

[Richard Sherman]

And do you want a guy in.

[Co-host/Analyst]

There that's sitting there feeling that way.

[Richard Sherman]

In that building, like, feeling like he's.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Been undercut, like he's been undersold, like he's been underappreciated.

[Richard Sherman]

I don't think you do. And to hire somebody within a division.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Is probably another slap in the face for him. You know, that's a guy, that's an.

[Richard Sherman]

Offensive coordinator he's been game planning against for years. Like, that's almost a rival. And you hire a rival above me, over me, like, I'm not working with that guy. And that's what it seems like he's saying. And so I, I don't like this.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I, I really don't like this for him. I don't like.

[Richard Sherman]

And I, and I don't know if they're going to let him out and that's going to create another issue for the off season.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Like.

[Richard Sherman]

Well, I'm sure we're going to talk about Shador. We got to talk about their whole quarterback situation now. Shador's name to the Pro Bowl. So now you got a Pro bowl quarterback, Pro bowl rookie quarterback returning for Todd Monk. And, and you, you can't say it's going to be a quarterback competition, can you? With, with Dylan Gabriel and the Pro Bowler Shador Sanders. Is that going to be a quarterback competition? I doubt it. What is Deshaun Watson going to do that. That's what Todd Monkins walking into. Like, Deshaun Watson's making a lot of money and he's, he's going to be healthy. It's going to be a healthy, probably.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Healthy scratch every week.

[Richard Sherman]

Or do you think he can play? What happens if DeSean Watson goes into practice and he's healthy and he starts to play like the old Desean Watson and you got him for $50 million guaranteed. You can't get rid of. Then what, then what do you do? You know, those are the conversations that are going to be had. But it just seems like this decision.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Injects dysfunction into the Browns.

[Richard Sherman]

It injects dysfunction that, that wasn't necessarily there. They've been so, so focused on outside candidates. They did not appreciate Jim Swartz.

[Co-host/Analyst]

And I'm, it seems like he feels hurt by that.

[Richard Sherman]

And we'll see if they can repair that relationship. I don't think they can.

[Mitchell]

He deserves to feel hurt. Richard, this was a guy, like you said, there was numerous candidates that just flat out removed their hat from the ring. They didn't want any part of being in Cleveland. This was the guy who was already there. Who was successful while I was there. He was the only bright spot of this team, that defense was, and he led that. And he. He's a fiery guy. He's a Midwestern guy. Richard, he coached in Detroit. He was a bright spot in Detroit. He helped at least make the Detroit Lions competitive. I could see him doing the same thing with Cleveland. You know, a feisty, fiery defense. He'll figure out the offense. Like you said, Richard, whatever the Cleveland Browns front office is doing, whatever analytics, whatever, whatever they're doing to come up with these decisions from both a personnel standpoint, from a coaching standpoint, they just need to pick it up and huck it out the window because it's not working, man. I mean, you. This is the same franchise that let go of Maker Baker Mayfield. They picked them number one overall just to let him. Let him walk. And then they go out and basically mortgage their entire future for Deshaun Watson. And we don't even need to talk about what he was doing off the field. Reality is, is that Baker Mayfield was more, more capable and another guy that absolutely wanted to be in Cleveland. And they just said, yep, see you later. We're going to go with the Sean Watson. When you're an organization that has struggled as much as the Cleveland Drowns, as has over the last several decades, I feel like you should probably go with the guy that really, truly wants to be there and wants to change that culture. That's just my opinion.

[Richard Sherman]

Yeah, he's a guy like some coaches just look the part and Swartz looks the part. Like rugged outdoor in the cold. He knows the environment, knows the city, knows what. What's going on, knows these players, knows a heartbeat of the team, know how's a feel. Maybe he's a little abrasive. I don't know. I'm not in that building. I don't know how those.

[Mitchell]

Richard try to fight. If tried to fight Jim Harbaugh when he was with the Detroit Lions.

[Richard Sherman]

He's definitely. That's why I'm with that. He's a br. I'm with that. I'm with that.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I mean, you.

[Richard Sherman]

You look at Robert Salah, he was ready to fight Liam Cohen after that game. I mean, it gets hot. People take this game serious. This is real life. But he's been there. He's shown you success. And you talking about analytics Mitchell, in 2024, they won three games. This year, they won five. I don't know if analytics is the answer out there. Sometimes you need to go old school ball coach. Sure. The year before they won 11 games somehow. But, like, you have to figure this thing out. And I don't know if this decision does anything but piss off your players.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I'm sure your fan base is indifferent.

[Richard Sherman]

But you lose your D coordinator, you're, you're behind eight ball. It looks like you're gonna lose your special teams coordinator to the Rams. Like.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I'm not sure if this decision elevates the Cleveland Browns, and this has.

[Richard Sherman]

Nothing to do with Todd Monkin and his abilities, but has more to do with the guy you may be losing.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Because of the decision you made.

[Richard Sherman]

It's almost a subtraction by addition.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I know you hear it the other.

[Richard Sherman]

Way, but this is, this is what I'm saying.

[Co-host/Analyst]

So we'll see.

[Mitchell]

Well, Jim Schwartz in San Francisco sounds really, really good. And I tell you what, San Fran would be blessed to have him as their dc. Let's stick with the Cleveland Browns a little bit more here. Shador Sanders, you talked about it, got named to the Pro Bowl. I think he was like the seventh or eighth alternate. Bigger discussion here. I know you're a huge fan of, of Deion Sanders. You have a lot of respect for Shador, and, and you've spoken so highly over, about him over the last couple years. I mean, realistically, I don't even know if we need to go into it. Shador doesn't deserve to be a Pro Bowler. I think that's a statement of fact. The bigger question here, Richard, is we talked about the credibility of the, the hall of Fame. I mean, what does this do for the credibility of the Pro Bowl?

[Co-host/Analyst]

Well, I mean, Pro bowl has no credibility as is, you know, but, you know, I'm happy for Shador.

[Richard Sherman]

You know, I think this will be good for the Pro bowl because of.

[Co-host/Analyst]

The attention and, and, and eyeballs that Shador brings. People will watch because he's playing.

[Richard Sherman]

A lot more people would watch because.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Shador is playing than they would watch if he didn't play. And that's just the fact of the matter. You know, he has star power, he has allure, he has aura, all those things.

[Richard Sherman]

So it's good in that respect. But I think, in my opinion, something.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Needs to change in terms of being credited with a Pro bowl season when you're not voted on the initial ballot. I think if that changed, I think that's fair. Like, instead of everybody, hey, no matter.

[Richard Sherman]

If you're the seventh alternate or 10th.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Alternate, it just says Pro Bowl. Like, I think it would lower a.

[Richard Sherman]

Lot of guys Pro bowl numbers because.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Alternates don't count against the actual like accolade hall of Fame. Now, I can't say Shador doesn't need to deserve to play because he that he was voted by both the players and however shook out he go into the game.

[Richard Sherman]

So I could say a lot of.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Things didn't deserve to happen. I don't know if he deserved to go in the fifth round.

[Richard Sherman]

I don't know if a lot of.

[Co-host/Analyst]

These guys deserve to be picked over him, you know, but it is what it is. It's how the, how it shook out.

[Richard Sherman]

And he's in the Pro bowl game and it's going to make it a.

[Co-host/Analyst]

More fun game and a more entertaining game to watch because he's in it. More people are going to watch, more people are going to going to tune into that game because he's playing because.

[Richard Sherman]

He'S a polarizing figure in the National Football League. Just like his dad, the great late, the great Deion Sanders prime time. He's a polarizing. Either you love him with all your heart or you don't care for him.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I mean, I'm. I feel like I'm that way. You know, you either love me or you leave me alone.

[Richard Sherman]

But, but I, it is what it is. I think if they, if they stopped giving credit for alternates, like let him play.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Hey, that's how it shook out.

[Richard Sherman]

It, it went down the list. He's the one that wanted to play.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I think that would, would help the Pro bowl and it's in its validity and its integrity and the way people see it.

[Richard Sherman]

Because the guys that got voted on.

[Co-host/Analyst]

The initial ballot are considered Pro Bowlers for the year now, whether they play or don't play.

[Richard Sherman]

Now, if they don't play and everybody else plays, then cool. Those guys get, get a chance, get the honor, get the money that comes with playing in the game, get to go out there and have fun. But it does not count as a.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Pro bowl because you did not get it.

[Richard Sherman]

You did not get it on the.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Initial ballot, which is the only way you're named a Pro Bowler in it.

[Richard Sherman]

In the old ways, you know, it's.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Not, hey, who played in the Pro bowl, it's who was named to the Pro Bowl.

[Richard Sherman]

And so I think that's the change.

[Co-host/Analyst]

That, that that would help the credibility of the Pro bowl. Allow whoever to play. If guys back out, you need guys to play in the game. But if you're giving them the same accolade that you're giving the guy that was voted on in the in the first place, I think then it loses the law. It loses its, its, its power. It loses its substance.

[Richard Sherman]

And because then you got 100 Pro.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Bowlers in a year. You know what I mean? You got, you got, you got 60, 70 Pro Bowlers and you're like, it wasn't that many Pro bowl players in the National Football League. It's, it's, it's, it becomes participation exactly into that point.

[Mitchell]

I mean, I feel like your line of thinking is the way it should be. It's so obvious. You name a Pro bowl team, you give those accolades to the players, much like they do with all Pro team. And if they don't show up, so be it. That's their decision. That being said, do you ever think just for the sake of keeping the Pro bowl accolade at a high, high regard, you ever think they're just going to scrap the Pro Bowl? Do you ever think they would just go to that line of thinking, these are our Pro Bowlers and that's it?

[Co-host/Analyst]

No, because, because it'd be the only major sport without an All Star Game. And I think that matters to people. You know, I think, I think the, the, the optic of, of seeing, you know, the best players in the National Football League on the field together, competing against each other is a, is an optic. The NFL wants to keep going.

[Guest Speaker]

Now.

[Richard Sherman]

It's not necessarily football, but with, with.

[Co-host/Analyst]

The, the increased value of flag football because of the Olympics and all that, then it's still something people will, will tune into and be entertained to see their favorite players to play one more football game and see them in a different element, having fun and doing things.

[Richard Sherman]

And so I don't think they'll ever.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Do that because it takes away a fan experience in a, in a way for fans to continue to interact with players in a, in a environment that's different than what you would expect. And I think the league values that and players value that and, and they, and players value being, being treated like a Pro Bowler. You know, there's certain activities during the week, there's certain things you get to do when you're, you get to take your family and your kids. And so I don't think they'll do away with it because then it's just an emptiness. You know, it, it, it, it almost gives the league a bit of a black eye when talking about these, these games because imagine an NBA without the All Star Game. You'd be like, wait, what, where, where's the All Star Game? Like, sure, these guys don't play and you're changing it up and doing all these cool things. But if they just took the game away, you'd be like, I don't know if that's the right call.

[Mitchell]

Fair enough. We'll see how it all pans out. I mean, they are trying to keep it fun. They are trying to keep it cool. I think. One idea, Richard, Throw an average Joe out there for flag football. It's, you know, all these guys that think they can play in the NFL. Let's see how they can really fare in flag football. That's an idea for you if you want to bring some pros v. Joes. Let's talk about some more coaching hires. This was an active week. We saw Joe Brady go to the Bills, you know, get promoted. Steelers signing Mike McCarthy, a bit of a head scratcher surprise. Jesse Minter goes to the Ravens. And then finally the big splash, John Harbaugh goes to the Giants. Which one of these hires stood out the most to you?

[Co-host/Analyst]

I think Mike McCarthy. I mean, it's great for him. He grew up as, as a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I think this was the greatest chance that they bring back Aaron Rodgers. As if they hired Mike McCarthy. And not that Aaron Rodgers is going to be playing for much longer. I don't think he, but I think he plays for another year because of Mike McCarthy and a familiarity there. Obviously Pittsburgh is going to have to draft the quarterback this year because I don't know how much gas he has left in the tank, but I think the, the relationship there helps. He's an established coach that has won a Super Bowl. He, he has over 60% winning percentage in the National Football League. So it's, it's not, it's not a terrible hire. It's just different than what you would expect it for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I thought they would go a defensive guy. You know, I thought Flores or, or, or, or Anthony Weaver seem like guys that they would go with even mentor. I thought he would, he would be a guy Chris Shula with, with the, with the, the Rams. I thought he would be an option for him. So. But Mike McCarthy is a fine hire. I think it's safe. I think it's similar to what the Atlanta Falcons and Matt Ryan did. You know, they went with a safe, established coach that you're not going to.

[Richard Sherman]

Get a lot of flack for it.

[Co-host/Analyst]

It's just not going to cause a lot of excitement to the fan base. But it's also, you're not going to sit there and be like, he struck out. You know, hiring a coach that has won a lot of Games in the National Football League just like Atlanta Falcons. Hey, a two time coach of the year, you're not going to feel like you totally struck out hiring a two time coach of the year. Clearly he can do it at a high level. If, if his team is talented enough and you, you give him a good enough roster and, and some structure, he can get the job done. So Giants hiring John Harbaugh, I think they felt he was the best coach in the hiring cycle. A lot of teams would have felt that way. They went all in on, on him really early and, and, and went full court press and they got their guy. Joe Brady Seems, seems odd because I'm, I'm pretty sure we saw some Buffalo Bills fans and I'm not saying it was a large continent, but it was a loud contingent calling for his job throughout the season at times. So, so to go from calling for his job to, to him being the head coach, you know, if things don't go well early, you could see that, you know, kind of unraveling pretty quickly. But he's had success just about everywhere he's gone. Great relationship and rapport with, with Josh Allen, which helps the continuity there, but.

[Richard Sherman]

Again, you feel like it's a safe.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Pick and that's what they wanted to go with. That whole process was kind of strange to me and we spoke about it earlier, but I mean a few episodes ago, but Brandon Bean, you know, that, that, that conversation and the, the, the, the, the way they talked about the conversation between Brandon Bean and McDermott and, and Pagula and the ownership group and how he basically said, you guys didn't give me enough to win a Super bowl to be a Super bowl roster. And instead of saying, okay, that's true, we were a little banged up and, and the GM Bean could have done a little better of a job, they said, no, we're firing you because he's done a tremendous job and you have it. And I just don't know if that's the right answer. Like, I feel like it's, it's about even. There's some things McDermott did well with a limited roster. There's some things, some players that Brandon Bean drafted and brought in that, that helped elevate this team to where they are. But I, I don't feel like you, you should have. There's a world where you fire McDermott and you don't fire Bean, but they did. And, and then you hire from within. So it's almost like a, a double, you're, you're, you're double punishing McDermott. You're, it's, it's an indictment against McDermott because you're saying, hey, we got everything else we needed.

[Richard Sherman]

It was you.

[Co-host/Analyst]

You're the issue. You, you're not a good leader. That's why our team struggled. And I'm not sure that's, that's entirely the truth. I'm not sure that's. A lot of people would agree with that statement, and we'll see.

[Mitchell]

I agree with you. I mean, you look at the Buffalo Bills roster and there are so many voids in that lineup. And we talked about it all year long. They're receiving core. I mean, you got one of the best, one of the top three quarterbacks in the NFL, and you surround him with minimal weapons. That falls on Bean. And then to double down at it from Pegula's standpoint. I know we talked about it last episode, but I just can't get enough of. He goes and publicly, you know, criticizes Keon Coleman and then basically says that Bean was pressured into drafting him by the coaching staff. You know, like, what is this? I, I, it makes no sense to me. I'm with you. Back to Mike McCarthy. I think the Steelers are strategic in this hire, and we've talked about bridge quarterbacks. I think Mike McCarthy's the perfect bridge coach. I imagine they're going to bring somebody that they feel will be there, apparent to Mike McCarthy that he can kind of groom and bring along at OC or dc, but, and like you said, his familiar familiarity with Aaron Rodgers makes a lot of sense. And then Jesse Minter with the Ravens, an up and coming rising, you know, young defensive mind. I mean, much like Mike McDonald, you can kind of make sense as to why they made that decision. Now, there are two big jobs that are left open right now, one being in Arizona, the other in Vegas. They have not been filled. I know they're going through the interviewing process, but why do you think those positions haven't been filled? Is it a lack of desire to go there as a coach, or do you think they're just still mulling through their options at this point? Beyond, did you go there? I would go to Vegas. I go to Arizona. Hell, yeah, man. I mean, just vacationing.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. See?

[Richard Sherman]

Yeah, no, Mitchell, I, I don't think.

[Co-host/Analyst]

That'S not an attractive jobs.

[Richard Sherman]

1.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Arizona Cardinals. I think they have talent. I think you have quarterback uncertainty. That's scary for any young coach that's trying to break into this industry. Maybe you'll get a coach that's desperate to get a job, you know, looking for a big payday because you're going to have to pay them and then, cool, you, you'll take that job. But going into the NFC west, that's a gauntlet and it's not going anywhere. You know, you got to go against Kyle, Shanahan, McVeigh and McDonald over and over and over. And that's just for a chance at the playoffs. I don't think that's the job I'm signing up for. And then if you look at the, the, the Las Vegas Raiders. So the Chiefs aren't going to be down forever. They're not going to be down forever. They're not. And then you would expect them to come back. You got to go against Mahomes, then you got Herbert, who you got to deal with.

[Richard Sherman]

And then the Denver Broncos were just.

[Co-host/Analyst]

In the AFC Championship.

[Richard Sherman]

And if they didn't, if their quarterback.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Doesn'T get hurt, they're likely to go into the Super Bowl. So you really want to sign up for that. Again, quarterback uncertainty. You got the number one pick in the draft, but is Mendoza. The answer is he's.

[Richard Sherman]

Is he a guy guy or is.

[Co-host/Analyst]

He a guy that you need to surround with a really good team? Now, if you talked about the Minnesota Vikings drafting Mendoza, I'd say, oh, that's going to be a pretty, that's going to work out pretty well for that kid. He's got a, you know, talented defense, you got two talented pass catchers, you got a coach who can scheme it.

[Richard Sherman]

Up and you can get the ball where it's supposed to get.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Now you put him on a team without that, without a lot of offensive weapons. You got a tight end, you may have a running back, you got a highly drafted running back. How's the offensive line? I don't know. The defense cupboards bear.

[Richard Sherman]

And so when you talk about from.

[Co-host/Analyst]

That perspective, what coach can go in there, young coach, where you're getting your first opportunity and again they fired each of the last couple head coaches in their first year. Like it's just been fire, fire, fire sale. And again, that's a scary predicament. Do you really want to put your family in that position where, hey, things aren't going to go well and this isn't a great setup to begin with, and if you don't do well in your first year, you're going to be fired again? This is. These are the things that come when you continue to fire head coaches and don't give them a chance to make up for their mistakes. People will wonder why Aaron Glenn got another opportunity because it just looks so.

[Richard Sherman]

Dysfunctional to keep firing coaches after the first year.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Like, it looks bad. It means you made an awful decision the first time and you're trying to get out of it.

[Richard Sherman]

But when you keep making awful decisions, then they stop thinking it's the coaches and start thinking it's you. So that's, that's a job somebody will.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Take because you have to. But it's not anybody's first choice.

[Mitchell]

I want to talk a little bit about the Detroit Lions, higher at oc. They hired Drew Petzing, Arizona Cardinals former offensive coordinator. And it was met with a lot of question marks by the fan base. A lot of criticism going Dan Campbell's way. And, um, fans, you know, wanted Mike McDaniel, and rightfully so. I mean, it's got that cool factor. Hey, Mike McDaniels is his offensive genius and mastermind, but I'm on Ross St. Brown, you know, stood up for his coach, Dan Campbell, and. But he also offended some fans in doing so. On his podcast, he said, fans need to relax and let this thing play out. Most of you guys, referring to the fans, don't know really much about anything about football. Richard, first and foremost, your thoughts on this whole hire Drew Petzing. I know you're not entirely familiar with him individually, but just looking at the Arizona Cardinals offense, there were some bright spots over the last couple years and also Aman Ra's comments.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Well, I mean, I, I can understand where both sides are coming from. You know, you, you, you. When you were paying attention to the National Football League and you're hearing about all these big names, quote unquote, big name offensive coordinators coming out, you're really excited.

[Richard Sherman]

You're like, man, get us one of those. Get us, get us.

[Co-host/Analyst]

It's like a name brand shoe.

[Richard Sherman]

It's like a. Man, get us the Nike, you know, new Nike, whatever it is. And it's like, I don't, I don't.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Want the off brand, whatever shoe that looks like the Nike and probably is just as good. But I don't, I didn't, I haven't heard of that. It's not been advertised in the big magazines, but it's probably just as good.

[Richard Sherman]

And probably made by the same people.

[Co-host/Analyst]

It just doesn't have the Nike logo on it.

[Richard Sherman]

And, and I think if you go back four years, maybe five years, I guess six years, maybe. Did you know who Mike McDaniel was?

[Co-host/Analyst]

Did you really know? Like, did, did.

[Richard Sherman]

Did you know he was the run Game coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers.

[Co-host/Analyst]

How often did you hear his name?

[Richard Sherman]

Like, you know who he is now, but when he got hired by the.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Miami Dolphins, were you like, who?

[Richard Sherman]

Not like, like don't, don't use now, don't use now and, and try to try to re litigate it. But go back, just try to you do that exercise with me and go back in your brain and think when he got hired, did you really know who he was? And how often does that happen? There are some incredibly talented offensive and defensive minds in this game and not all of them get a ton of press. Not all of them are on the biggest teams or on the biggest stage or even at the forefront to, for.

[Co-host/Analyst]

You to hear about them until they get hired.

[Richard Sherman]

But.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I think I, I, I don't think these teams are making knee jerk decisions. I think these guys are, are doing their due diligence. In a team like the Detroit Lions that have, has been incredibly proficient offensively and has a quarterback that can get the job done at a high level. I don't think they're making a knee jerk reaction. I don't think I, I think when they brought McDaniel in, they had conversations with him. They, they learned what they needed to learn and they said, hey, I love.

[Richard Sherman]

It, but maybe it doesn't work for.

[Co-host/Analyst]

What we're trying to do. Like some schemes don't work with of certain personnel. Not that the running backs, but maybe.

[Richard Sherman]

It doesn't work with the offensive line.

[Co-host/Analyst]

You have maybe running, running, you know.

[Richard Sherman]

The scheme that they have that he.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Has that he would be successful with.

[Richard Sherman]

Now mind you, Jared Golf I think.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Can play in that scheme. He can play in that offense because he has.

[Richard Sherman]

But maybe it doesn't work. Maybe the personalities don't work and they have to work with each other.

[Co-host/Analyst]

All they have to depend on each other.

[Richard Sherman]

And so you have to understand that what I think Amon Ra is speaking.

[Co-host/Analyst]

To is that like you don't know every coordinator and every scheme and every guy. And just because it's not the big guy, big name guy that you want doesn't mean he's not going to be able to do the job. Like if we're looking in the super.

[Richard Sherman]

Bowl right now, you got, you got Clint Kubiak who was, was anybody really high on him before he got to Seattle this year?

[Co-host/Analyst]

Like you know the Kubiak name, you.

[Richard Sherman]

Know, because of his father and what he did.

[Co-host/Analyst]

But were there many people clamoring to.

[Richard Sherman]

Get him as their offensive coordinator? I'm not sure.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I I, I, I, he got hot.

[Richard Sherman]

Now he's hot now because his team.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Is successful, his scheme is successful, he's.

[Richard Sherman]

Doing a fantastic job in Seattle. But again.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I think people get so enamored with, with the press and the headline names that you see that you forget like there are guys out there grinding. And a lot of these guys came from grind. The Matt LaFleurs, the Mike LaFleur, the Kyle Shanahan's, the, the McVeighs.

[Richard Sherman]

They were quality control, worked themselves up.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Work their way to get to where they are.

[Richard Sherman]

And you didn't, you, you didn't know.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Them until you knew them. And so just, I caution you to.

[Richard Sherman]

Before going out and being like, man, this guy sucks. Who, who is this guy? Because sometimes those are the guys that.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Blossom and then you're sitting there like.

[Richard Sherman]

Man, did you know who Dave Canales was? Please tell me you knew who Dave.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Canales was because Dave Canales is the.

[Richard Sherman]

Head coach for the Carolina Panthers and.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I knew him when he was the.

[Richard Sherman]

Receivers coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Before he was the quarterback's coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

[Richard Sherman]

But you didn't. Now he's a head coach and now he's doing a pretty good job. So just again, I caution because not every guy whose name you didn't know.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Is a bad choice.

[Mitchell]

Dave Canales, love it. How about Brian Dayball Rich going to the Tennessee Titans? You know, this was, they must have loved Cam Ward or he must have loved it. The Giants offered the number three pick, 2026 first rounder and, and multiple day two picks last year to the Titans for the number one pick in order to select Cam Ward. Obviously the Titans declined that offer. Day Ball is going to the Titans and helping out your boy Robert Salah. What do you think about this? Hire Robert Salah surrounding himself with another guy who's got a ton of experience, obviously former head coach of the Giants. Your thoughts about Salah's move here?

[Co-host/Analyst]

I love it. I love it. Established offensive coordinator who can do it at a high level with a quarterback. He wants to do it with a quarterback that he studied well and he had clearly had a lot of respect and regard for and went outside of his way to try to acquire him before they obviously acquired Jackson Dart and he went that direction. But I like it. I like it. If he's that high on it, then who am I to be upset? I think Robert Salah is going to give him the reins of the offense and allow him to run it the way he wants to run it. He's going to Run the defense. I'm not sure if Salah is going to call plays or not, but it's as good of a move as he could have made. I mean, I think if you get McDaniel, you feel comfortable with it, but you get day ball, you feel great.

[Mitchell]

And how about Mike McDaniel ultimately ending up with the LA Chargers? It seems like a good fit on paper. He can still wear his jorts out there as joggers in la. It, it makes sense, you know, just aesthetically. But your thoughts as in execution here.

[Co-host/Analyst]

We'll see. I think Jim Harbaugh has evolved a lot since the guy that, that coached me in college and, and it seems he's done a better job of, of being flexible and, and, and, and, and going with the flow in terms of, of reading the room and, and, and reading the personalities of his, his personnel and coaches. Because if he was a guy that I knew in college, I'd say it'd be a, it'd be a bit of a, a clash of personalities be. Because both guys are really smart, both guys. But, but Jim has a way of, of doing things and, and this is an alternative way. And I think McDaniels is going to show him an alternative approach to coaching that he may be unfamiliar with, but he's dealt with guys who are, who.

[Mitchell]

Are more.

[Co-host/Analyst]

You know, these, these offensive geniuses who are a little more quirky is the word I'll use than what he's, what he's accustomed to. You know, he's an old school football coach, old school grit and grinding, grind it out kind of guy. And, and I think Mike is more of the new school analytics creative scheme, a creative way to approach the game. An offensive genius, a, a run game savant. And, and, and I think Jim obviously had a lot of respect for his presentation and how he, he showed that he can manipulate a scheme and how he understands the game and how he sees football because he has a brilliant way and a brilliant mind for seeing this game and being able to, to manipulate the defensive personnel to have success. So I think it's a, it's a hand and go fit. He'll be great for not only.

[Richard Sherman]

You.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Know, Jim and, and what they want to do, but he'll be great for, for Herbert and his development and making the game easier for, for him and his development. You know, he said something in his initial press conference like 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, hey, sure, you can do that, but I'm going to give you a lot of layups too. A lot of down the field layups where the guy is just wide open. And every now and then I'm going to ask you to be special, but I'm not going to depend on you being special for our offense to be what it needs to be.

[Mitchell]

He's got a lot of weapons in la and with a healthy O line, look out for the Chargers next year. It could be really exciting in LA for them. We can't go a full podcast without diving a little bit into the San Francisco 49ers. Let's talk offseason. San Francisco 49, there's going to be a lot of questions. How do you revamp this team? Obviously you got to get healthy, but one of the questions is you, if you are John lynch, do you resign Juwan Jennings or do you, you know, maybe use that money elsewhere, maybe reinforce your line with a guy like Tyler Linden Linderbaum from the Baltimore Ravens. You know what, what direction do you think the 49ers should go this off season?

[Co-host/Analyst]

I think you start building an offensive line that, that can move people. And sure, Juwan Jennings embodies everything you want for the San Francisco 49ers. That offense, what Kyle Shanahan preaches, he's a guy that works hard, he does things the right way, but can you find another is the question, what is he? What does he get on the open market? And I think you allow him to explore that. I think you keep, keep the phone lines open, I think you keep communication, but I don't think you're the first, I don't think you, I think you let him walk out of the building and let him, let him see what he can get. Now I think you try to, try to match it if it's, if it's fair, if you think, hey man, that's a low enough number that we could stay in the fight and, and hope that you didn't burn the bridge by letting him walk. But I think getting a guy like Tyler Lindenbaum, it would be. Linderbaum is, is a great pickup. But I also have concerns about why Baltimore let him walk. You know, I, I, I, we gotta, you gotta do your due diligence and figure out why would they let a 25 year old, 3 time pro bowler inform a first round pick get out the building? Because rarely are those guys available. And for that reason they're, they're, they're dependable, they're durable, they're they're what they what you, what you expect them to be and you're going to be paying a high price tag. With the injury history of the San Francisco 49ers. You got to make sure you, you make sure you open every door and peek under every, every mat and peek into every corner to make sure this guy is, is going to make it through the football season every single year. If you're going to pay him that much money because of just the history that you've had. But I think that is a move you make. I think offensive and defensive line is worth championships are won. I think you can find receivers and maybe they, they use Mac Jones to help them find their, their number one receiver in some way. Maybe there's a lot of quarterback needy teams and we, we already mentioned the Minnesota Vikings, but the New York jets like hey, is is Wilson available? Like can we get a Mac Jones and, and, and a pick for Wilson? Like is that, is that, is Garrett Wilson available? That's the conversation you're going to have to ask. And they've been, they've been sellers before. I mean they, they got rid of Quinn and Williams, they get rid of Sauce Gardner. So that's conversation that you're going to have to have. And an offensive coordinator going to the jets is going to want, want some security. Hey, I need an established quarterback. I think Kevin OConnell was going to be the first call that hey, is he available? Because I know he could come in here and do the job. All we, he could be our quarterback that gets us through to make sure we, we know we have stability and we know are all pro receivers happy. What, what are you willing to give for him? You know, I don't think you give Justin Jefferson, but can you give Addison? Addison has some off the field issues. The San Francisco 49ers, I don't know the answers to those questions, but I think those are the things that you're going to have to explore. But I think solidifying the offensive line, finding a pass rusher, finding two you can never have enough of them is is priority over wide receiver. I know they need to get faster, they need to get more talented, they need more speed and all that good stuff. But if you can't block for the, the fifty million dollar quarterback, then none of it really matters.

[Mitchell]

Richard, it's finally Super Bowl. I guess lead up to super bowl week. You're no stranger to playing in the super bowl, having played in three of them. Walk our, walk our followers, our listeners through what what this week really means like, what are you, what are you doing as a player this week? I know next week, everyone's in the super bowl host city, practicing, grinding it out. Are you guys resting, relaxing, film study, getting your mind right, getting your body rested up? Or you got. What are you guys doing? Are you guys practicing? Walk us through really what goes on this week in leading up to the.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Super Bowl, Mitchell, you party, you. You go out.

[Mitchell]

Makes sense.

[Co-host/Analyst]

You don't lock in at all. You just, just have a good time. You're happy to be in. Oh, no, no. I mean, do you lock. You lock in first. The, the first initial shock you get through the first day, you're dealing with millions of texts from all these people, hey, it's tickets, tickets, tickets, man. Congratulations. Congratulations, Super Bowl. Living the life's dream from every person that you've ever known. Then it's like, hey, could you help me with this flight?

[Richard Sherman]

Could you help me with this flight?

[Co-host/Analyst]

Could you. You figure out the people like this is by Thursday. You need to figure out who's coming, what they're doing, where they're staying, their flight situation, are they riding on the team plane, are they staying at the team hotel.

[Richard Sherman]

Figure all that. Where's your massages?

[Co-host/Analyst]

Who you know? You, you, you deal with the, the guys that are in charge of player personnel and player development and make sure that you have your systems in place for next week so that you can have a week like you would have at home. Hey, things are, are in place that you get your massages the same day you get your acupuncture. If you do game ready. If you, if you freaking have a, a, a therapist you see every, every Wednesday, make sure that they are there. And then in terms of media, I think Mike McDonald would be doing it the right way. He, he'd probably shut down media this week. For the most part. You don't want a guy, a young guy who's never been in this situation to say anything crazy heading into the most chaotic week of their lives. Like, because in a second, everybody's gonna have to answer questions, not just the big time guys who have a stage that, that the 68th guy on the roster, practice squad guy who just got here a few weeks ago, is going to be sitting there in, at media day and somebody's going to put a mic in his face and he's going to have to answer questions. They're looking for somebody to give bulletin board headline material and they do not care who gives it. So I think Mike McDonald is going to keep things under wrap Keep his team working, keep him consistent, make sure everybody's healed up, everybody gets the treatment they deserve. Everybody's fast and flowing. We focused on endurance, especially the first super bowl, because we were facing Peyton Manning and those guys and they ran this really fast up tempo offense. So we were running gassers. We were making sure that our conditioning was where it needed to be so that we had no reason to tap out of this game and we refused to lose that way. We're gonna, we're gonna be able to stand toe to toe with these guys and I think we took so much pride in that because there was a couple really long drives where there were 13, 14 play drives and their receivers are tapping out of the game and we're talking crap to him the whole time. They're going to the sideline like, hey.

[Richard Sherman]

This is the Super Bowl. Y' all supposed to be this big time offense running all these, these fast.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Plays and y' all are tapping out in the super bowl like you're bringing backups in in the Super Bowl. Understand? We don't respect you. We don't respect that because y' all.

[Richard Sherman]

Not man up, hey, stand up, stand up and, and come out here, be in shape, be in shape because you can't be tired in the super bowl.

[Co-host/Analyst]

We don't get the sub.

[Richard Sherman]

That's, that's what you got to appreciate about defensive backs.

[Co-host/Analyst]

There's no, there's no sub for a corner.

[Richard Sherman]

If the, if the drive's 18 plays.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I'm out here for 18 now they.

[Richard Sherman]

Might go goal line where they got.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Bring the big guys in and then.

[Richard Sherman]

We got to go to the sideline.

[Co-host/Analyst]

But outside of that, we're in the game. So we, we conditioned, over, conditioned for that game. The other super bowl, we were banged up. The other super bowl, we were banged up. I had A, getting MRIs and X rays and, and treatment just to make sure we make it to the super bowl game in, in, in Arizona. But both teams are relatively healthy. They're excited. I think both coaches are, are similar in the mindset that they want no distractions, no nonsense, hey, let's get to this game and let's win. And I think that's what Mike McDonald is focusing on. Obviously there's, there's mandatory appearances during the super bowl week, mandatory things.

[Richard Sherman]

And it's a lot for guys who.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Don'T usually deal with media. And I think for this Seattle team, there aren't a lot of big time personalities where, where you're going to be like, hey, this guy's going to be on the podium. This guy. Like, like we had. We had a ton of characters on our team.

[Mitchell]

You mean they don't have a Richard Sherman and a Marshawn lynch on the roster, Rich.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Right, Right. That's pretty much what I'm saying.

[Richard Sherman]

But.

[Co-host/Analyst]

But you're going to get to meet some of these guys. You're going to get to hear them. You know, the world's going to get to meet them, meet some of these guys for the first time. So it's going to be. It's going to be really cool. That's one of the really cool things about the Super Bowl. But this week, it's, it's. It's making sure people get their tickets, making sure people get situated where they're supposed to be. You try to go on to next week not dealing with any of that. Like, at.

[Richard Sherman]

When you get to.

[Co-host/Analyst]

To Santa Clara, to San Jose, that is done. That is done.

[Richard Sherman]

When they get on the plane Friday.

[Co-host/Analyst]

I mean, Sunday, it should be all done. The tickets, the flights, everything booked.

[Richard Sherman]

No distractions.

[Co-host/Analyst]

Don't call these kids and. And be trying to like, oh, man.

[Richard Sherman]

I. I messed up. Can such and such come.

[Co-host/Analyst]

No, it's too late. Like, it's too late. Stop distracted. This is about to be the biggest game in their lives.

[Richard Sherman]

You don't want to go out.

[Co-host/Analyst]

You don't want to miss practice. You don't want to be late to anything. And I don't think Mike McDonald's going to have those issues.

[Mitchell]

Well, Richard, it's always a pleasure. In breaking news with the Richard Sherman Podcast, we will be in San Francisco and we will be doing more content for you guys. More podcasts along the way leading up to the Super Bowl. Richard, it's always a pleasure, my man. I know you're fired up for your Seahawks to be in the Super Bowl. We'll have a lot more for you guys in the next two weeks. I will let you sign us off, my friend.

[Richard Sherman]

As always, you could be anywhere in the world, but you're here with us and we surely do appreciate it. Please hit that sub button. If you're new, you know this content's going to keep coming all season long, all until the. Till the last game, after the last game, and even this offseason, we're going to keep giving it to you. Make sure you get that notification button hit so that you don't miss anything. We love you. We.

[Co-host/Analyst]

We'll see you next time. We'll see you in Santa Clara. Actually.

[Narrator]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.