Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Hour 2 – Getting the Right Coach for Josh Allen, the Future of the Eagles, Dianna Russini
Date: January 21, 2026
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Dianna Russini (The Athletic Senior NFL Insider)

Overview

This episode dives deeply into the latest NFL coaching carousel, the unique needs of franchise quarterbacks like Josh Allen, the direction of prominent organizations (Bills, Eagles, Giants, Steelers, Raiders, Ravens), and the intertwining drama around star players including A.J. Brown. Featuring insider insights from Dianna Russini, the discussion blends analysis with Colin’s signature direct style while mixing in commentary about broader sports issues, including the NBA and MLB.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the NBA & Sports Branding

• [00:30 – 03:49] Colin opens by comparing the NBA’s player-driven marketing to the NFL’s team-based appeal, criticizing the NBA’s lack of transition to new stars.
  • Quote (Colin, 01:20): “The NBA is so player-driven that your ratings and the interest…you’re going to have major dips based on the popularity of your player.”
  • The longevity of Steph Curry’s jersey sales is used as evidence of the NBA’s struggle to shift fan interest to the next generation.
  • NFL & MLB Contrast: “People love the Dodgers, not just Ohtani. People love the Yankees, not just Aaron Judge.” (Colin, 02:55)

2. Buffalo Bills' Coaching Change & Josh Allen’s Influence

• [03:49 – 05:51] Dianna Russini provides inside context on Sean McDermott’s firing:

  • Ownership didn't become frustrated until late in the season; by week 17, change was looming if the team exited early from playoffs.
  • Quote (Dianna, 04:12): “They were sick of the eight years with Josh Allen and just not getting over the hump...”
  • The push for a “new breath of fresh air” parallels trends in other organizations.

• Josh Allen’s Influence on Next Coach

  • [05:04 – 05:51] Josh Allen will have significant input on the next hire.
  • “Josh Allen is the team. His influence here is going to be important.” (Dianna, 05:13)
  • Expectation: Offensive-minded coach likely; organization is impatient—wants Super Bowl contention immediately.

3. Coaching Carousel: Candidates and Market Realities

Bill Belichick Speculation in Buffalo

• [05:51 – 06:35]
  • Dianna clarifies Belichick is not in consideration: “Bill doesn’t have a market in the NFL.”
  • Belichick’s camp is planning for a non-coaching life; no serious suitors in current or previous cycle.

Notable Coaching Openings

• [07:11 – 13:35]
  • Giants: The John Harbaugh hire is seen as a coup; “an adult in the building” and instant accountability. “[He] brings vision, focus…an adult in the building.” (Dianna, 07:40)
  • Steelers: Unaccustomed to coaching searches; may go with familiar, comfortable choices. Anthony Weaver (Dolphins DC, Ravens ties) is a strong name.
    • “They're going to go with what they know…” (Dianna, 09:10)
  • Raiders: Cautious optimism around rookie QB Fernando Mendoza; job less attractive due to instability and Max Crosby’s uncertain future. Tom Brady heavily involved in decisions.
    • “It's been a place to die over the last few years…” (Dianna, 11:57)
  • Ravens: Jessie Minter and offensive coordinator hiring is crucial. Lamar Jackson and receivers support the idea of Cliff Kingsbury as OC.
    • “Who is going to coach Lamar Jackson? That's all that matters…” (Dianna, 13:35)

4. Future of A.J. Brown and Eagles Roster Dynamics

• [14:54 – 16:45]
  • Colin considers A.J. Brown a prime trade target, possibly for the Bills or Chiefs.
  • Dianna confirms Brown’s unhappiness dates back a season, but Jalen Hurts is foundational—“You're picking the quarterback. That's just how it works.” (Dianna, 15:25)
  • Prediction: Likely Brown is not an Eagle next year.

5. Roster Building Philosophy & Team Culture

• [38:51 – 42:29]
  • Success is less about individual draft picks and more about building a culture where the players fit the system.
  • “You have a culture. You're drafting employees who fit perfectly into their plan.” (Colin, 41:00)
  • Ramsey's undrafted and late-round success is cited as model franchise management.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• [04:12] Dianna Russini:
  “They were sick of the eight years with Josh Allen and just not getting over the hump. And I really, truly don’t think it was lack of respect or belief in Sean McDermott. It's just...if a coach has not won within the first 10 years...it’s tough.”

• [05:13] Dianna Russini:
  “Josh Allen is the team. And I do think his influence here is going to be important.”

• [05:59] Dianna Russini (On Belichick to Buffalo):
  “Nothing. Bill doesn’t have a market in the NFL.”

• [09:10] Dianna Russini (On Steelers' coaching search):
  “They're going to go with what they know. And look what they did with Mike Tomlin...they took a shot on him and it worked pretty darn well.”

• [13:35] Dianna Russini (On Ravens' OC search):
  “Who is going to coach Lamar Jackson? That’s all that matters in Baltimore right now...Lamar Jackson and those receivers would like Cliff Kingsbury to run their offense.”

• [15:25] Dianna Russini (On Eagles choosing between Hurts and Brown):
  "You're picking A.J. Brown or you're picking Jalen Hurts. Who you picking? You're picking the quarterback. That's just how it works."

Additional Segments

Rams-Seahawks Playoff Preview

• [22:56 – 26:29]
  Matt Stafford discusses the challenge of playing in Seattle, with Colin and J. Mac breaking down the matchup, highlighting Rams’ strong execution versus Seattle in past meetings.

Raiders-Lamar Jackson Trade Rumors

• [27:12 – 29:47]
  Speculation on Raiders' interest in trading the #1 draft pick for Lamar Jackson. Both hosts skeptical due to cap hit and the importance of value with rookie contracts.
  • “The way to win Super Bowls mostly is get a really, really super talented guy on a rookie deal…” (Colin, 28:41)

Golden State Warriors & NBA Player Market

• [30:41 – 33:45]
  Trade request drama around Jonathan Kuminga. Colin criticizes the inability to extract value from players like Kuminga, contrasting meaningful contribution versus empty stat lines.

Closing Thoughts

• The coaching carousel is spinning with high stakes for teams needing franchise-defining hires—Buffalo and Baltimore in particular.
• Star quarterbacks (Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson) and their buy-in or happiness are increasingly crucial to organizational decision-making.
• A.J. Brown's situation may reshape Philadelphia and shift league power.
• The best teams (Rams, Seahawks, Patriots) elevate mid/late-round picks by leveraging culture and system fit.
• Bold team-building and a focus on culture—rather than just individual star power—are essential for lasting success, a theme echoed throughout Cowherd's analysis.