The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hour 2 Summary

Episode Date: January 12, 2026
Guests: Matt Hasselbeck, Doug Gottlieb
Theme: Post-playoff NFL analysis, deep dives into head coach and quarterback performance, and major NCAA football championship implications.

Episode Overview

Colin Cowherd breaks down the weekend's NFL playoff drama and college football championship outcomes in his trademark "Where Colin Was Right & Wrong" segment. He’s joined by Matt Hasselbeck for expert insights and by Doug Gottlieb during the roundtable segment. Discussions circle around coaching decision-making, quarterback play under pressure, and notable trends across the league, particularly focusing on the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, and emerging narratives in college football.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Where Colin Was Right & Wrong

(03:00–08:45)

• Right: Kyle Shanahan as Coach of the Year
  • Praised for overcoming player injuries (no Kittle, several key defenders) and still producing a top 10 offense.

    "He and Salah put on a clinic." (04:50)

• Wrong: Underestimating the Bills' Reliance on Josh Allen
  • Despite a "shaky" roster and injuries, Allen powered them to yet another playoff win.

    "90% of that was Josh Allen." (05:30)

• Right: Nick Sirianni’s Coaching Limitations
  • Echoed that Sirianni’s success is more about roster strength than coaching genius.

    "He feels completely offensive coordinator-reliant." (06:10)

• Wrong: Justin Herbert’s Postseason Play
  • Defending Herbert gets harder with each subpar playoff outing, though poor coaching/OL play partly to blame.
• Right: Kevin Stefanski’s Coaching Value
  • Reiterates that top coaches are in high demand, particularly if they leave a difficult job (like Cleveland).
• Wrong: John Harbaugh’s Surprise Firing
  • Did not expect Baltimore to move on, especially with Harbaugh’s playoff pedigree.

    "That one caught me off guard... I think it caught a lot of people off guard." (07:30)

• Right: NCAA Title Game Picks
  • Correctly saw Miami and Indiana progressing, predicting Miami’s physical edge over Ole Miss.
• Right: NIL Realities for the SEC
  • SEC is losing ground due to weaker boosters compared to Big Ten, Notre Dame, Miami.

2. Chicago Bears’ Comeback DNA

(08:45–10:45)

• Why Are the Bears Great From Behind?
  Matt Hasselbeck attributes it to “playground ball” ability of the quarterback and a resilient team culture set in training camp, referencing Ben Johnson’s leadership and a purposeful August team meeting using the Patriots–Falcons Super Bowl as a teaching moment.

  “They play like they’re unfazed. They don’t flinch. Ben Johnson...he’s not a roller coaster of emotions. He’s a steady hand.” (09:55)

3. Matt LaFleur, Green Bay, and Coaching Continuity

(10:45–12:29)

• Colin argues for LaFleur’s competence despite playoff shortcomings: 3rd year as youngest team, limited veteran free agents, and lack of owner handicaps bold moves. Hasselbeck believes they should keep DC Jeff Hafley and credits him, suggesting with health and continuity, the Packers can rebound quickly.

4. 49ers’ Adaptability with Injuries

(12:29–14:38)

• Praised for creativity and resilience after injuries to stars like Kittle.
• Hasselbeck: "If there’s one player who's the heartbeat of that team...it’s Kittle. He plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played. Kind of Gronk-esk." (13:39)
• Kyle Shanahan pivoted to a run-heavy, trick-play-filled offense, using every asset.

  “Shanahan, it’s not so much what we can’t do, but what we can do.” (14:32)

5. Philadelphia’s Identity Crisis

(14:38–16:34)

• Inability to Adjust:
  Colin: “I don’t know what Philadelphia’s offense is. Do you?”
• Hasselbeck: It’s not about running the same plays, it's a lack of identity. Warns against forcing Jalen Hurts into someone else’s mold ("You don’t need to be like Dan Marino. Just be you.”), and urges offense to go through Saquon Barkley.

6. Josh Allen’s “Superman” Role and Playoff Destiny

(16:34–18:41)

• Buffalo’s Season Hinges Entirely on Allen:
  Matt: “If the MVP was really just the MVP...Josh Allen’s the MVP.”
  • Josh’s adjustment period in games, with the team giving him more freedom in crucial moments.

7. NFC Playoff Game Previews & Quarterback Play

(18:41–22:46)

• 49ers-Seahawks: Colin worries about Seattle being “cautious” after a bye, while Hasselbeck says Seahawks will be ready for Shanahan’s possible trick plays.
• Rams-Bears: Both view Chicago as dangerous, though losing LT Ozzie Tropillo is a big blow. Rams' front seven’s physicality could be critical, while both QBs (Caleb Williams, Matthew Stafford) are capable of late-game heroics.
• Bills-Broncos: Colin thinks travel and recent play favor Buffalo; Hasselbeck credits Denver’s defense and Vance Joseph’s disguise-heavy schemes as a huge challenge for Allen.

8. Rest of the NFL & College Storylines

(22:46–44:38)

• Steelers–Texans:
  Hasselbeck: If Steelers avoid old habits (empty formations), they can win. Highlights Houston’s physical, pass-rushing defense.
• Candid talk on locker room celebrations & media coverage
  Colin: “Don’t judge what players and coaches are doing in their space...the emotional state these guys are in after W’s.” (36:00)
• Playoff Weather Effects:
  Discussion about Chicago’s frigid conditions possibly favoring the Bears in their matchup, especially after toughing out a comeback win.
• Bears-Packer Rivalry:
  Doug: “That Caleb Williams touchdown pass is up there [for] all time great plays in Bears history.” (37:30)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Team First vs. Superstar Marketing
  “When you sell teams and product over individual franchises and markets and star NBA players, it’s amazing that you don’t have these massive dips in popularity and ratings. Just a remarkable weekend.” — Colin Cowherd (02:12)
• On Coaching vs. Talent
  “It’s not about who has the best players, it’s the best team. Right. And there’s also a saying…It’s got to be complimentary football.” — Colin (14:43)
• On Buffalo’s Playoff Run
  “He [Josh Allen] literally is Superman.” — Hasselbeck (17:31)
• On Trick Plays & Adaptability
  “What are you saving them for? This is the week to do it. Will Seattle be ready?” — Hasselbeck (20:41)
• On Locker Room Videos
  “Don’t judge what players and coaches are doing in their space…We’re visitors, okay? We’re observers. We’re not in this battle.” — Colin (36:00)
• Tom Brady’s Windy Condition QB Science Lesson
  “If the point of the ball is up, any wind friction is going to push that ball up over the top.” — Tom Brady (33:50, played by Colin/Doug)
• On Bears' Long-Awaited Franchise Moment
  “The Bears have been losing…forever.” — Colin (37:28)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Where Colin Was Right & Wrong: 03:00 – 08:45
• Bears’ Ability to Come Back: 08:45 – 10:45
• LaFleur & Packers Coaching: 10:45 – 12:29
• 49ers Overcoming Injuries / Shanahan: 12:29 – 14:38
• Philadelphia Identity Crisis: 14:38 – 16:34
• Josh Allen/Bills’ Playoff Picture: 16:34 – 18:41
• NFC Playoff Previews: 18:41 – 22:46
• Steelers–Texans, media commentary, Bears locker room video: 22:46 – 37:28
• Bears-Packer Rivalry, game weather, playoff preview wrap-up: 37:28 – 44:38

Flow & Tone

Colin drives debate with signature confidence, mixing sharp critique (“He feels completely offensive coordinator-reliant” on Sirianni) with humility about his wrong calls. Hasselbeck delivers measured, experienced-based analysis, especially when diving into QB psychology and locker room dynamics. Doug Gottlieb injects enthusiasm and quick stats, especially celebrating Bears highlights.

Conclusion

This episode captures the ongoing thrill ride of NFL playoff season and the shifting landscapes of college football. Colin and his guests intertwine technical analysis, leadership critiques, and emotional moments from the field and locker room. Listeners walk away with nuanced football insights, strategic predictions, and a deeper understanding of how coaching, player mentality, and context shape outcomes on the biggest stages.