Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Richard Sherman Podcast - Robert Saleh to Titans, 49ers DC Talk, Bills Fire McDermott & NFL’s 18-Game Push
Date: January 25, 2026
Host: Richard Sherman (with co-host/analyst Mitchell)
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Main Theme

This episode dives into several notable NFL storylines: Robert Saleh’s new head coaching job with the Tennessee Titans, speculation and analysis around the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator vacancy, reactions to the Buffalo Bills parting ways with Sean McDermott, and thoughtful commentary on the NFL’s ongoing push toward an 18-game regular season.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Robert Saleh Hired by the Tennessee Titans

(03:07 – 08:30)

• Sherman's Initial Reaction:
  Richard Sherman expresses mixed feelings about Robert Saleh taking the Titans job.

  • “Not because I don't love Saleh... I thought he would go to more established teams like Baltimore or Pittsburgh. It just felt right. He ended up with the Tennessee Titans, a job he really wanted, a job he felt like he could do great things with.” (03:36)
  • Sherman points out positives: $100M in salary cap space, a top-five draft pick, and Saleh’s affinity for QB Cam Ward.
  • However, he details the challenges: “For the most part, in terms of roster building, the cupboard’s pretty bare.” – noting the Titans lost stars like A.J. Brown and Derrick Henry, and there was unrest about how Mike Vrabel’s tenure ended.

• Titans’ Structural Challenges:
  Sherman underscores the strength of the division (Houston, Jacksonville, and Indianapolis improving), and that the Titans face “a real uphill battle.” Yet he emphasizes Saleh’s strengths in culture building and defensive leadership.

• Quote:

  “If anybody can do it, he can. He's an incredible man, an incredible leader of men, an incredible culture builder and coach. But this is tough… They're gonna have their work cut out for them.” (06:20, Sherman)

• Mitchell’s (Co-host) Perspective:
  Suggests Saleh may benefit from lower immediate expectations in Tennessee compared to the Jets.

  • “This fan base is fully aware this team needs some time to develop... Robert Salah is going to bring new energy. I think his focus has got to be on making sure that defense becomes a force.” (07:01)

• On Hiring an Experienced OC:
  Sherman acknowledges the importance of the offensive coordinator hire and is hopeful for Saleh’s success, emphasizing fans will see elite defense and competitive games. (07:59)

2. San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator Vacancy

(12:36 – 16:20)

• Co-host:

  • Jokingly asks Sherman if he’ll throw his hat in the ring for the 49ers DC job.
    • “You know, you're in and around these teams constantly, Richard, when are you going to put your hat in the ring of a coaching job?” (12:36)

• Sherman’s Response:
  Sherman lightheartedly declines but gives a detailed rundown of candidates and organizational challenges.

  • “I think they're going to go with an established coordinator. I think they tried to go with, you know, higher from within with Nick Sorensen last time... just didn't work out.” (13:25)
  • Names Jim Schwartz and Raheem Morris as ideal candidates and speculates about Brian Flores (but doubts his availability).
  • Discusses Gus Bradley as a potential internal option but questions whether his scheme is aggressive enough for Kyle Shanahan.
  • Mentions up-and-coming coaches K.J. Wright and Deshaun Shield as future coordinator candidates.

• Honest Context:

  “So many friends and, hey, I owe you a favor, and I owe you two favors... I don't get involved with all that. But it would be fantastic if they could get one of those guys.” (15:12, Sherman)

3. Buffalo Bills Fire Sean McDermott; GM Promoted

(16:20 – 19:22)

• Co-host:
  Questions Sherman about the Bills’ firing McDermott after yet another playoff disappointment.

• Sherman’s Analysis:
  Sherman finds it odd the GM is being promoted while McDermott is fired.

  • “If you fire the head coach, everybody got to go. It's a house cleaning… The guy who's drafted two Pro Bowlers in six drafts is the one that keeps his job and the head coach goes?” (16:42)

  • He argues roster shortcomings and lack of receiver/O-line talent made it impossible for McDermott to go further, calling him “a fantastic coach.”

  • “I honestly would have said if you fired the GM and kept the coach, people would have been like, yeah, I think that's the right call. You need somebody else in there to make better decisions, to give them more talent.” (18:00, Sherman)

• On Next Bills Coach:

  • Co-host wonders who could replace McDermott. Sherman says the Bills’ “football culture” means they need a coach who matches the team's gritty identity—not a system guy or “new school” personality.

  • “You gotta almost embody the team within the head coach... They need one of those grizzly, hard, hardened football looking guys, guys that look like they’re football guys with the beard and... just crazed look.” (19:22, Sherman)

4. NFL’s Push for 18-Game Regular Season and International Games

(20:15 – 24:19)

• Setting the Context:
  Co-host brings up Robert Kraft’s public comments about the NFL’s plans: expanding to 18 regular-season games, cutting preseason to two games, and making international games mandatory for all teams.

• Sherman’s Reaction:

  • Recalls being on the players’ side during previous negotiations: “I was in those conversations in that CBA and they fought their butts off to try to get 18 games. Our players did not accept it. Our players needed more than they were willing to give...” (20:36)

  • Highlights the increase in player injuries and the physical toll of more games.

  • Cites a past, discarded proposal: “There were talks of having a 16-game limit which would make it really interesting… but it was a conversation for a while.” (22:05)

  • Warns that a 22-game max (with playoff runs) is “an incredible difference” for athlete health and career longevity.

  • Memorable Quote:

    "This generation isn't built like that and they're not built to practice like that. So they're going to have to find better solutions. And more games isn't necessarily the solution to make this game less injury prone." (21:50, Sherman)

• On Two Bye Weeks:

  • Co-host floats the idea of two byes per team to offset the increased schedule.
  • Sherman: “It wouldn't change at all. That doesn't help... all the travel, all the miles that you're putting on your body… all those things have to be considered.” (23:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Titans Challenges:
  “You trade away the heart of the team. Derrick Henry. You let Derrick Henry walk. There's so many things that, that have happened.” (04:45, Sherman)

• On Saleh’s Fit:
  “If your young quarterback is who he's been labeled to be... you guys will be in great hands.” (08:00, Sherman)

• On Coaching Culture:
  "You gotta almost embody the team within the head coach... They need one of those grizzly, hard, hardened football looking guys..." (19:22, Sherman)

• On 18-Game Push:
  “Not to go, I’ve gone, I’M talking over, talking this conversation, but it’s something that they're going to keep pushing and, and the players are going to have to understand and think about what they're willing to give and what they're willing to accept to, to, to give the owners 18 games.” (23:15, Sherman)

• Closing Encouragement:
  “Keep fighting the good fight. This is the hardest time to keep those New Year's resolutions. This is around the time people start to fold. Don't be one of them.” (24:43, Sherman)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Saleh to Titans discussion: 03:07 – 08:30
• 49ers DC speculation: 12:36 – 16:20
• Bills fire McDermott & promote GM: 16:20 – 19:22
• NFL’s 18-game season & international expansion reaction: 20:15 – 24:19
• Closing motivational sign-off: 24:43

Tone and Style

Richard Sherman brings a candid, conversational, and thoughtful approach. He provides unvarnished opinions, often linking personal experience or direct NFL knowledge to the analysis. The co-host maintains a supportive, inquisitive tone that lets Sherman explore topics deeply.

Summary

This episode expertly weaves through the latest major NFL coaching and team developments, providing context and personal perspective from a player’s and analyst’s point of view. Richard Sherman delivers nuanced critiques and supportive insights, making this essential listening for fans trying to make sense of the league's offseason fireworks, while grappling with larger trends like player health and the globalization of the NFL. Sherman’s voice remains grounded in authenticity, football wisdom, and genuine affection for the game—as well as a hearty sense of humor.