The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hour 1, December 31, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode kicks off with a critical breakdown of the Los Angeles Lakers' ongoing struggles, highlighting flaws in their roster construction rather than just coaching or officiating. Colin then pivots to wider sports headlines, including speculation about Lamar Jackson’s future with the Ravens, NFL playoff coaching philosophies, college football’s playoff structure, and the challenges facing USC under Lincoln Riley. The tone is trademark Cowherd: sharp, candid, and always drawing sweeping connections between sports, management, and life.

Lakers' Structural Problems — Not Just Coaching

Main Points

• The Lakers suffered a blowout loss to Detroit, marking one of the worst defensive performances of any NBA team this year.
• Colin criticizes the narrative that blames coaches (specifically new coach J.J. Redick) or officiating for the Lakers' problems, pointing instead to roster flaws.
• He lists what's lacking: not enough three-point shooters, poor rim protection, lack of athleticism on the wing, and an aging, tired roster.

Key Insights and Analysis

• Rinse-and-repeat in LA: Colin argues this is a repeated cycle for Lakers coaches post-Phil Jackson; no coach since has lasted more than three years ([01:56]).
• “J.J. Redick is now 31 games in, trapped with a completely, utterly flawed roster built by Rob Pelinka. You don't have a multitude of three point shooters, no rim protection. You're not athletic on the wing. The last seven NBA champs, there are things you have to have.” — Colin Cowherd ([02:57])
• The Lakers are 10-0 in clutch games, but often can’t get into those games because they’re out of contention early due to poor defense.
• "Players guarded by Luka and LeBron shot 68%. But JJ Redick is discovering what dads know. You can't keep ripping the kids and you can't keep ripping the team or they'll tune you out." — Colin Cowherd ([01:36])

Notable Quotes

• "I've seen other Laker coaches do this. They blame the roster. They blame... They never go, you know, could somebody just say this out loud? This roster is not a viable championship roster." — Colin Cowherd ([04:52])
• JJ Redick after the game (on officiating): "There's probably a level of frustration when you're turning the ball over and you're feeling like you're getting fouled. There's, there's frustration there for sure… they're going to foul every possession. It's just, you got to play through it." ([06:30])

Timestamps

• [01:36] - Start of Lakers segment, breakdown of loss to Detroit
• [02:57] - Roster construction problems outlined
• [04:52] - Colin's assessment of recurring Lakers issues
• [06:30] - JJ Redick’s post-game comments

The College Football Playoff: Genuine Quality Over Hype

Main Points

• Colin praises the new playoff format, arguing that—for once—the best eight teams are left standing.
• Contrasts this positively with college basketball’s March Madness, criticizing the tournament for too many blowouts and unwatchable early games.
• He celebrates that all flavors of college football are represented: blue bloods, West Coast powers, newcomers, and top quarterback prospects.

Key Insights

• Emphasizes that viewers care more about quality matchups than the journey or upsets.
• "I don't care how you got there. When my feet hit the water in Turks and Caicos, I’m good. Show me the baby. I don't care about the labor." — Colin Cowherd ([08:27])
• Suggestion that college football playoffs now feel more consistent and compelling, akin to NFL playoffs (“nobody complains about NFL playoffs”).
• Quotes Joel Klatt’s preview of the Ohio State vs Miami matchup: Ohio State’s “dudes on the outside,” elite defense and “a quarterback that throws it accurately” ([11:06]).

Memorable Moments

• Joel Klatt: “What I’m really fascinated about… We had Michigan win a Natty. We had Ohio State win a Natty. I’ve got a feeling we’re going to end up with Ohio State and Indiana playing again for the Natty… Big Ten. Big Ten. Big Ten versus Big Ten.” ([12:10])

Timestamps

• [08:27] - Colin’s metaphor: "Show me the baby" (don’t sweat how we got to eight good teams)
• [11:06] - Joel Klatt’s analysis

Lamar Jackson’s Future: Why Every Divorce Doesn’t Have to Be Ugly

Main Points

• Discusses rumors and speculation about Lamar Jackson’s next team — with the Vikings and Dolphins floated as examples by league insiders.
• Argues that, given Baltimore and Lamar’s run (eight years, top winning percentage, two MVPs), it’s possible for their eventual breakup to be mutually respectful.

Key Insights

• "Not every divorce has to be Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie… Baltimore and Lamar have been exciting and dynamic. Second, third best winning percentage, more blowout wins than anybody else. If I could get out from under Lamar's $74 million potential cap hit next year, I would strongly consider it. Why would it have to be ugly?" — Colin Cowherd ([19:00])
• Many great athletes/teams eventually part ways without acrimony—this could be another.
• Cites persistent rumors that “weird doesn’t age well,” referencing the perhaps uneasy dynamic between Lamar and Coach Harbaugh in recent years ([21:00]).

Notable Quotes

• "Weird doesn't age well. And when you have a relationship that's quirky and kind of odd… maybe it's time." — Colin Cowherd ([21:00])
• Matt Hasselbeck (clip): "For whatever reason, Lamar Jackson just doesn’t look like Lamar Jackson this year … it’s not the same … They lean more on Derrick Henry." ([22:26])

Timestamps

• [18:44] - Colin introduces the Lamar Jackson-to-Vikings speculation
• [19:00] - “Not every divorce has to be ugly”
• [21:00] - “Weird doesn’t age well”

Eagles Playoff Approach & NFC Matchups

Main Points

• Discussion: Should the Eagles rest starters in Week 18 or play for a higher seed? Both Colin and Jason agree resting injured/veteran players is more important.
• Matchup focus: Colin thinks Philly matches well versus most playoff teams, except potentially Seattle due to their pass rush.

Key Quotes

• "The one team … that could be trouble is Seattle. Seattle generates a pass rush. They don't have to blitz. They've got old, they've got new. Seattle, Philadelphia." — Colin Cowherd ([25:28])
• "When you get into the playoffs, a lot of it is matchups. Lamar beats everybody. He can't beat Mahomes and Steve Spagnuolo." — Colin Cowherd ([26:27])

Timestamps

• [24:24] - Philadelphia’s approach to resting players
• [25:28] - Playoff matchup breakdown

NFL Contract Drama: Cowboys, George Pickens, and the Agent Factor

Main Points

• Jason and Colin discuss the challenges facing the Cowboys in extending George Pickens, especially due to his representation by tough agent David Mulaguetta.
• Colin suggests that sometimes owners should deal directly with players, but Jason pushes back, emphasizing the agent’s value.

Notable Quotes

• Jason: "Hey, Jerry, didn't you learn your lesson with Micah? Don't go to the player, go to the agent." ([28:59])
• Colin: "I don't think you always have to include an agent…. I have no problem with Jerry reached out to the player and saying, you want to be a cowboy or not?" ([29:58])

Timestamps

• [28:08] - Segment begins: Cowboys and George Pickens’ contract
• [29:58] - Jerry Jones and the player-vs-agent negotiation debate

USC Football & The Lincoln Riley Dilemma

Main Points

• After another bowl loss and recurring defensive failures (highlighted by missed tackles and “soft” play), Colin and Jason dig into deeper issues around Lincoln Riley’s tenure.
• Praise for Riley’s offensive prowess but doubt over his ability to build a tough, complete program or winning culture.

Key Insights

• Colin: “There’s a difference between being a great offensive coach and being a great head coach. ... There are still legitimate questions about around culture building and toughness and defense with Lincoln Riley.” ([32:23])
• The defensive issues aren’t new: “Since Lincoln Riley got to USC number one passing offense in college football, 103rd defense.” ([35:45])

Notable Quotes

• Jason (on tackling woes): “Lindale White tweeted, do y’all ever practice tackling or is it always just about offense?” ([31:25])
• Colin: “You can't be 103rd in the country in defense during your run as a coach. If you're the number one program in Southern California, that's not good enough.” ([35:45])

Timestamps

• [31:25] - USC’s bowl performance and tackling issues
• [32:23] - Culture/leadership questions about Lincoln Riley
• [35:45] - Stat: USC’s #1 offense but #103 defense since Riley arrived

The LeBron James Legacy & Lakers’ Future

Main Points

• LeBron is entering the “career achievement” phase; statistically, the Lakers are better when he’s off the floor, and his All-Star ranking is dropping.
• Colin speculates that new ownership (the Dodgers group) would handle LeBron’s declining utility differently than the Buss family, who felt indebted to him.
• Argues it’s good for the league that LeBron is not top-two in All-Star votes anymore as the NBA transitions to its next generation.

Notable Quotes

• "LeBron has moved into the career achievement stage like Al Pacino … People want to see Timothy Chalamet, but Al Pacino has the better resume. And so I think that's where we are with LeBron." — Colin Cowherd ([39:29])

Timestamps

• [39:29] - Colin on LeBron’s transition and the Lakers’ next steps

Coaching in the NFL: The Spectacular Six

Main Points

• To succeed, teams need an elite coach, quarterback, or both. The playoffs showcase this principle.
• “Spectacular Six” coaches called out by Colin: Vrabel, McVay, Shanahan, Peyton, Jim Harbaugh, and D'Amico Ryans/Ben Johnson for their ability to elevate rosters.
• Coaches can “squeeze a half grade” more out of their players.

Notable Quotes

• "There are six coaches and … the toughest matchups in the playoffs are when you say to me, Sean Payton takes on Vrabel. I really don't know who's going to win that game. It's much easier for me if you give me a Ben Johnson against a mediocre defensive coach. That's why picking the playoffs is hard … these six are different." — Colin Cowherd ([44:22])

Timestamps

• [44:22] - The “Spectacular Six” coaching philosophy

Closing Banter: Quarterbacks & System vs. Talent

Main Points

• Jason challenges Colin to re-evaluate Brock Purdy vs. Bo Nix based on success and durability.
• Colin resists giving Purdy "elite" status, pointing out context like injuries and supporting cast.

Notable Quotes

• Jason: "Are you ready to give the diagnosis that Brock Purdy is an elite quarterback and better than Bo Nix? Are you ready to go there with three seasons worth of data?" ([49:46])
• Colin: "Do you contextualize like injuries and durability and athletic ability? Bo Nix never gets hurt." ([49:54])

Timestamps

• [49:46] - Purdy vs. Nix QB debate

Summary Takeaways

• The Lakers’ troubles go deeper than coaching or officiating—structural flaws and aging roster are at the heart.
• College football's new playoff structure wins praise for delivering consistently good teams and high-stakes matchups.
• Colin lays out a nuanced, mature view on NFL career endings, specifically regarding Lamar Jackson.
• Philadelphia’s playoff choices are more about health than seeding, while NFC matchup dynamics are dissected.
• The NFL’s best teams are consistently tied to elite coaching, a focus revisited throughout the episode.
• USC’s Lincoln Riley faces a “soft” culture narrative driven by persistent defensive failures, despite an elite offense.
• LeBron’s legacy has reached its long twilight—and that’s healthy for the league.

Notable Quotes, by Timestamp

• [02:57] — “J.J. Redick is now 31 games in, trapped with a completely, utterly flawed roster built by Rob Pelinka.”
• [04:52] — "Could somebody just say this out loud? This roster is not a viable championship roster."
• [08:27] — "I don't care how you got there. When my feet hit the water in Turks and Caicos, I’m good. Show me the baby. I don't care about the labor."
• [19:00] — "Not every divorce has to be Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie…"
• [21:00] — "Weird doesn't age well."
• [25:28] — "The one team … that could be trouble is Seattle."
• [28:59] — (Jason): "Hey, Jerry, didn't you learn your lesson with Micah? Don't go to the player, go to the agent."
• [32:23] — "There’s a difference between being a great offensive coach and being a great head coach."
• [35:45] — "You can't be 103rd in the country in defense..."
• [39:29] — "LeBron has moved into the career achievement stage like Al Pacino…"
• [44:22] — "There are six coaches and … the toughest matchups in the playoffs are when you say to me, Sean Payton takes on Vrabel..."
• [49:46] — (Jason): "Are you ready to give the diagnosis that Brock Purdy is an elite quarterback and better than Bo Nix?"
• [49:54] — (Colin): "Do you contextualize like injuries and durability and athletic ability? Bo Nix never gets hurt."

Episode Flow by Segment

• Lakers’ crisis (roster flaws, not just coaching) — [01:36 - 07:30]
• College football playoff, quality vs. hype, Joel Klatt analysis — [08:27 - 13:28]
• NFL: Lamar Jackson’s legacy and his potential future, Matt Hasselbeck input — [18:44 - 22:32]
• Eagles’ playoff approach, NFC contenders — [24:24 - 26:57]
• Cowboys and contract negotiation drama — [28:08 - 30:38]
• USC/Lincoln Riley and culture/toughness debate — [31:25 - 35:45]
• LeBron's status and the Lakers’ direction — [39:29 - 41:45]
• NFL playoff coaching “spectacular six” — [44:22 - 49:46]
• Purdy vs. Nix quarterback value — [49:46 - 50:18]

For listeners who missed the episode:
Cowherd's signature analytical lens is sharp as ever in this New Year's Eve hour, making strong points about the Lakers, college football’s improved postseason, NFL coaching as a differentiator, and the perils of soft culture in big-time college programs—all while weaving in humor, metaphor, and real-life analogies.