Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Why would anyone schedule Notre Dame? The Coaching Carousel Christmas Tree (Hour 2)
Date: December 30, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Jason McIntyre, Joel Klatt

Episode Overview

This episode dives into several major sports topics, including the College Football Playoff matchups, the current NFL hierarchy, deep debates about college football scheduling (especially Notre Dame’s unique position), and the emerging coaching carousel in both college and professional football. The discussion is driven by Colin’s opinions and analyses, with guest insights from college football analyst Joel Klatt and regular contributor Jason McIntyre.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. The Herd Hierarchy: NFL Top 10 Rankings

(03:11 - 10:00)

• Colin presents his weekly “Herd Hierarchy,” ranking the top 10 NFL teams:

  • 10. Buffalo Bills: Doubtful they can beat top teams; defense struggles against the run.
    • “They can’t defend the run. They fall into holes. I don’t trust them situationally in big spots.” — Colin (04:08)
  • 9. Houston Texans: Physically imposing, strong fourth-quarter team, don’t want to face them in the playoffs.
  • 8. Chicago Bears: Offensive big plays, improved protection for rookie QB Caleb Williams.
  • 7. Denver Broncos: Strong at home, physically wear teams down.
  • 6. Philadelphia Eagles: Hard to figure, but Jalen Hurts is undefeated against top QBs (Mahomes, Allen, Burrow, Lamar Jackson).
  • 5. Los Angeles Rams: Inconsistent, reliant on Stafford’s performance, defense is regressing.
  • 4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Impressive winning streak, Trevor Lawrence in excellent form.
  • 3. New England Patriots: Top 5 on both offense and defense, Drake Maye an MVP candidate.
  • 2. San Francisco 49ers: Offensive firepower, defensive concerns persist but “on fire.”
  • 1. Seattle Seahawks: Not elite at anything, but no weaknesses; Sam Darnold is NFL’s winningest QB the last two years.
    • “What’s New England bad at? … The only other team I can say that about is the Seahawks.” — Colin (09:46)

• Jason’s reaction:

  • Notes three NFC West teams in the top five, surprises at Jags’ climb to #4.
  • Observes four rookie-contract QBs in top teams, no Mahomes/Burrow/Lamar.

2. College Football Playoff Analysis: Miami vs. Ohio State

(11:35 - 17:13)

• Colin predicts a low-scoring, close game: Miami’s physicality vs. Ohio State's perimeter talent.
• Joel Klatt’s take:
  • Miami must generate QB pressure, create turnovers or short fields.
    • “Miami is going to need to be slippery against Ohio State. … They’re going to have to try, I think, to get one of those short fields in particular early and try to get a lead.” — Klatt (11:52–13:00)
  • Discusses Ryan Day resuming play-calling duties; Colin prefers head coaches to be “macro” managers, but Klatt defends Day’s expertise.
    • “This is a huge benefit for Ohio State … what I think is the best play caller in college football.” — Klatt (13:43)
  • Ohio State this year vs. last year:
    • Last year's team had “rugged” short-yardage QB play, this year’s team is more explosive passing.
    • Current defense is arguably historic:
      “…the last time a defense in college football had four first round draft picks right down the middle … was those great Miami teams in the early 2000s.” — Klatt (15:02)
• Colin on Miami:
  • Cristobal’s team has improved, most physical in the country, but questions whether offense is good enough.

3. Broader Bowl Game Previews & Trends

(19:20 - 25:25)

• Oregon vs. Texas Tech:
  • Dante Moore (Oregon QB) discussed as highly talented but potentially needing more experience before NFL.
  • Joel Klatt explains the matchup: Texas Tech’s elite D-line vs. Oregon’s explosive, experienced offense.
    • “…when Texas Tech lines up in this game, they’re going to look across the field and they will have not seen anybody like Oregon. Not all year.” — Klatt (20:34)
• Indiana vs. Alabama:
  • Both Colin and Joel like Indiana to win ("possibly in a route").
  • Indiana’s defense, especially front seven, is considered elite and the key to the upset.
    • “No one wants to talk about the fact that Indiana is the second best defense in the entire sport.” — Klatt (24:52)
  • Discussion about SEC's declining bowl dominance; brand loyalty vs. actual team quality.

4. Notre Dame Scheduling Controversy

(25:25 - 29:08)

• Topic: Why would major programs (like USC) keep scheduling Notre Dame when Notre Dame benefits from playoff selection rules without conference demands?
• Colin’s Point: Other schools have to play far more competitive league slates. Notre Dame gets a “side deal.”
  • “You would never go into business with anybody with a side deal that could steal profits. What am I missing?” — Colin (25:25)
• Joel Klatt: Supports Colin’s argument, believes it makes no sense for USC or others to keep playing Notre Dame unless ND joins a conference.
  • “I think Notre Dame should join a conference... I think that them joining a conference would be better for college football.” — Klatt (28:06)
• Both express sentimental wish to keep classic matchups, but see structural disadvantage.

5. Coaching Carousel & Christmas Tree Metaphor

(47:12 - 52:34)

• Colin presents his list of top head coaching candidates ("Coaching Carousel Christmas Tree"):
  • Brian Flores: Despite legal action vs. NFL teams, considered elite and “star at the top of the tree.”
  • Robert Saleh: Keeps strong defense despite talent losses.
  • Mike McCarthy: Proven winner.
  • Jesse Minter: Elite defensive turnaround as coordinator.
  • Jeff Hafley: Head coach experience, defensive success.
  • Brian Daboll: Offensive innovator, Coach of the Year.
  • Ryan Day (future): Could leap to NFL if he wins another national title.
• Trend: College coaches may prefer coordinator jobs at stable, well-funded NFL programs over struggling with NIL world at lower-tier college programs.
• Jason McIntyre’s Take: Overall underwhelming candidate pool this year; Flores’ legal status complicates hiring.

6. NFL News & Highlights

(35:27 - 46:08)

• Lamar Jackson’s Status (Ravens):
  • Jason speculates about possible dissatisfaction in Baltimore, Colin dismisses “quiet quitting” theory.
    • “I think he likes being a Raven. …I can’t believe he wants to get out of there. Go play for the Jets?” — Colin (37:14)
• Texans Hot Streak:
  • D’Amico Ryans cited the comeback vs. Jacksonville as season’s turning point.
• AFC Playoff Scenarios:
  • Houston seen as dangerous, Denver viewed by Colin as the AFC’s biggest threat given home-field advantage.
  • “Denver gets to play at home the whole AFC playoffs. They’ve won 12 or 13 at home. They’re great at home.” — Colin (41:00)
• LeBron James’ Longevity & Legacy:
  • On LeBron tuning 41 and still elite:
    • “This is insane… I do think this should be his last year.” — Colin (42:24)
    • Jason posits a scenario where LeBron takes a deep pay cut to stay; Colin rejects this idea.

Notable Quotes

• On Notre Dame’s scheduling advantage:
  “You would never go into business with anybody with a side deal that could steal profits. What am I missing?” — Colin Cowherd (25:25)

• On Miami’s chances vs. Ohio State:
  “They’ve gotten better and better… but I tend to sit a little bit on… Miami had the benefit of playing against a team that was overmatched.” — Joel Klatt (17:13)

• On Indiana vs. Alabama:
  “Indiana is a better football team and probably by a substantial margin.” — Joel Klatt (24:29)

• On the state of the coaching carousel:
  “I think there's a lot of interesting presents in this one. Let’s start with what I view as the top candidate. That would be Brian Flores.” — Colin Cowherd (47:12)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Herd Hierarchy: 03:11 – 10:00
• CFB Playoff (Miami-Ohio State): 11:35 – 17:13
• Bowl/Playoff Previews (Oregon, Indiana): 19:20 – 25:25
• Notre Dame Scheduling Debate: 25:25 – 29:08
• Coaching Carousel/Christmas Tree: 47:12 – 52:34
• NFL News Rundown: 35:27 – 46:08

Episode Tone & Style

Colin leads with his trademark “opinionated but data-backed” delivery, unafraid of contrarian takes (especially against college football’s powers). Joel Klatt provides depth on CFB strategy and personnel, while Jason’s banter keeps the energy lively and introduces provocative angles. The episode is equal parts analytical, wryly humorous, and conversational.

This summary encapsulates the full breadth of topics, insight, and style from the episode, highlighting key moments for sports fans wanting an authoritative but engaging recap.