The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Richard Sherman Podcast – Black Monday Reaction (Jan 7, 2026)

Episode Overview

This episode of The Herd presents Richard Sherman and co-host Mitchell reacting to the NFL’s “Black Monday,” where multiple head coaches and general managers are fired at the end of the regular season. The discussion zeroes in on surprising firings like Pete Carroll by the Raiders and Kevin Stefanski by the Browns, evaluates each open coaching position, and provides insider perspective on franchise dysfunction, job desirability, and the broader impact of impatience in professional and college football.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Black Monday Firings: Quick Rundown [03:17]

• Raiders fire Pete Carroll after only one year.
• Browns fire Kevin Stefanski, a two-time Coach of the Year.
• Additional dismissals: Jonathon Gannon (Cardinals), Raheem Morris (Falcons), Brian Callahan (Titans), Brian Daboll (Giants, in-season).

“These Raiders, they can't get enough of a bad thing. They love paying people that don't play for them, don't coach for them.” – Richard Sherman [01:52]

Most Attractive Head Coach Openings [03:58]

• Atlanta Falcons – Sherman says it's a "fantastically underrated draft class," offensive weapons (Bijan Robinson), and defensive potential.
• New York Giants – Sherman is less convinced here due to management concerns and limited coach autonomy.

“If I was a coach, I'd probably want to land either with the Falcons or the Giants. ...I think the Falcons have a lot of weapons offensively.” – Richard Sherman [03:58]

Least Attractive Openings [06:41]

• Raiders, Browns, Titans – All mired in front office dysfunction and lack of clarity at key positions.
• Sherman singles out Raiders for unsustainable culture and impatience.

2. Pete Carroll’s Firing & Raiders Dysfunction [07:30]

• Mitchell: Pete Carroll leaves with a lucrative payout (“cool $16 million to set out into retirement” [03:17]).
• Sherman is stunned by the lack of patience: Raiders now paying multiple ex-coaches not to work.
• Critique of Chip Kelly’s failed system and the mounting culture crisis in Vegas.
• Broader commentary on impatience in the NFL.

“After a while it seems like it's you, Mitchell. It seems like it's you. When it keeps happening and you keep firing guys, then it might be a Raiders problem and less of a coach's problem.” – Richard Sherman [09:43]

3. NFL Impatience and Parallels to College Football Transfer Portal [11:26]

• Mitchell transitions to college football’s transfer portal chaos (4,000+ players transferring, lucrative deals for unproven prospects).
• Sherman is critical of the new “easy way out” mentality, praises commitment and growth through adversity.
• Applauds Denver Broncos for prioritizing players who stick with their college teams.
• Suggests rule changes to slow transfer frequency.

“I like them getting paid. I don't like them chasing the money. I don't like people being able to transfer after one year because you're uncomfortable, because you didn't get the starting job that you didn't deserve.” – Richard Sherman [12:16]

“Kids, don't be so quick to go nowhere. Cause you might end up nowhere.” – Richard Sherman [14:19]

4. Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski Out [17:42]

• Sherman sees the split as mutual; Browns were patient, had some success, but it became clear a change was needed.
• Highlights Cleveland as a tough environment for consistent winning, praises defensive talent, points to offensive uncertainty.

“This is one of those mutual partings... Both sides can walk away saying, hey, it didn't go exactly like we planned, but we had some good times. Remember our good times? We'll hug and we'll walk away.” – Richard Sherman [18:24]

5. Atlanta Falcons & Head-Scratching Moves [20:00]

• Discussion of the failed Kirk Cousins/Michael Penix Jr. quarterback experiment, leading to front office changes.
• Sherman maintains Atlanta is a prime opportunity given their roster and division standing – “tied for first” in the NFC South.

6. Arizona Cardinals: Another Tough Sell [21:27]

• Sherman notes contract issues and roster mismanagement: Kyler Murray’s uncertain future, misalignment between talent acquisition and coaching strategy.
• Cautions that forcing Marvin Harrison Jr. the ball despite him not being the current “best receiver” is symptomatic of broader problems.
• Wouldn’t take the job himself, given the “murderers' row” of coaching competition in the NFC West.

“Arizona Cardinals job is not a job I would want either... You're stepping in the murderers’ row.” – Richard Sherman [21:27]

7. Max Crosby’s Frustration and Raiders Loyalty [17:00]

• Discussion about Max Crosby being prevented from playing and his possible future in Las Vegas.
• Sherman is adamant Crosby embodies the Raider spirit and will stay, despite understandable frustration.

“I don't think Max Crosby is going to go. He's the quintessential Raider from the heart... He's not going anywhere.” – Richard Sherman [17:00]

8. Coaching Carousel: Who’s Next? [24:25]

• List of coordinators and assistant coaches likely to get head coaching looks:
  • Jeff Hafley
  • Mike LaFleur (not Matt LaFleur)
  • Weaver (Miami)
  • Chris Shula (LA)
  • Matt Nagy
  • Brian Daboll
  • Clint Kubiak (Seattle)
  • Brian Flores (getting “a lot of love”)
  • Robert Saleh (“very selective”)
• Everyone is looking for “the next offensive genius.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Raiders’ habit of paying former staff:
  “I don't know many people that pay as much as [Mark Davis] does for people not working for him anymore.” – Richard Sherman [01:52]

• On NFL coaching impatience:
  “If you're not giving Pete care, like after a while, it seems like it's you. ...It might be a Raiders problem and less of a coach's problem.” – Richard Sherman [09:43]

• On the transfer portal in college football:
  “If you gave up every time something didn't work out immediately, we wouldn't have anything in this world.” – Richard Sherman [10:58]
  “You think the grass is greener and then you end up without grass. You're on the streets, concrete asphalt under your feet, nowhere to go.” – Richard Sherman [14:16]

• On Browns & Kevin Stefanski:
  “Cleveland's a tough place to win. You can tell by the record, in the history of the franchise.” – Richard Sherman [18:24]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro, Black Monday general reaction: [01:52]
• Most/least desirable jobs: [03:58]
• Pete Carroll/Raiders deep dive: [07:30]
• NFL impatience and transfer portal rant: [11:26]
• Max Crosby/Raiders loyalty: [17:00]
• Browns and Stefanski exit: [17:42]
• Falcons opportunity: [20:00]
• Cardinals chaos: [21:27]
• Coaching carousel names: [24:25]

Flow & Tone

Richard Sherman remains passionate, direct, and opinionated throughout, blending humor and candor in both his analysis and critiques of front office decisions. Mitchell provides context, prompts deeper dives, and keeps the conversation engaging and fast-paced.

Summary For Listeners

This “Black Monday Reaction” episode is a must-listen (or read) for NFL fans wanting to understand not just the headline firings but the underlying issues of franchise mismanagement, the dangers of impatience in sports culture both in the NFL and collegiate level, and the realities behind the league’s most alluring and daunting job openings. Sherman’s insights as a former player and engaged commentator cut through the noise, delivering both analysis and advice for the next generation of coaches and players.