The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hour 3

Date: December 2, 2025
Main Guest: Jim Harbaugh (Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach)
Theme: Grit & Resilience — Building Winners Despite Adversity

Episode Overview

In this lively and candid episode, Colin Cowherd sits down with Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, to discuss overcoming injuries, coaching philosophies, talent evaluation from college to NFL, and the unique challenges of leading a team through tough stretches of the NFL season. The hour spotlights Harbaugh's signature optimism and toughness, the dynamics behind the Chargers’ surprising success despite mounting obstacles, and insights about key players, including Justin Herbert's resilience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Running the Ball Without Star Linemen

• Colin opens by praising Harbaugh’s remarkable ability to “create toughness and resilience,” regardless of the team or circumstances. He’s especially impressed by the Chargers' ability to run the ball after losing two Pro Bowl offensive tackles.
• Harbaugh responds:
  • Credits the performance of replacement offensive linemen and running backs, naming Jabari Sawyer, Zion Johnson, Brad Boseman, Makai Becton, and Trey Pipkins as standouts.
  • Points out that all starting linemen graded over 90%, highlighting their commitment and performance.
  • Stresses the importance of “faith. And number 10—let’s never forget Justin Herbert. He’s a beast” (04:20).

2. Handling Trash Talk and Player Toughness

• Conversation turns to on-field altercations, specifically a moment between Max Crosby and Justin Herbert.
  • Harbaugh likens Herbert’s style:
    “I was probably a lot like Justin. I’m more of a counter puncher… like a Floyd Mayweather, like a Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard” (05:45).
  • Emphasizes mutual respect between players and appreciates their competitive fire.

3. Coaching Through Adversity

• Colin asks about Harbaugh’s psychological approach after major injuries:
  • Harbaugh stresses the ‘next man up’ mentality:
    “It’s emotional; it hurts. ...But then there’s, yeah, what’s next? Who’s the next man up?” (07:15)
  • Acknowledges the gut-wrenching feeling of seeing prepared players like Rashawn Slater go down, but transitions quickly to focusing on new opportunities for others.
  • Encourages players to “attack it,” regaining footing after the initial shock.

4. Fixing a Stall — Solving Offensive Struggles

• Colin draws parallels to other NFL teams’ mid-season slumps (e.g., Green Bay, Philadelphia):
  • Harbaugh’s formula for improvement:
    “You want to get better at something, you just work a little bit harder at it. ...Better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today. That theory that improvement will lead to success is how I see everybody attacking whatever issue…” (09:25)
  • Recognizes the Eagles’ struggles but respects their record and defending champion status. “It’s a big challenge for us.”

5. Talent Evaluation — The College-to-NFL Pipeline

• Colin notes Harbaugh’s advantage: Knowing recruits from college and being more familiar with young talent.
  • Harbaugh deflects credit:
    “It may look that way, but no, that’s not the case. That’s Joe Ortiz. That’s our personnel staff.” (10:56)
  • Praises the Chargers’ front office’s collaborative process and highlights Chad Alexander and Lou Clark, noting Alexander “will be a general manager, you know, soon.”

6. Protecting Justin Herbert — Toughness vs. Recklessness

• Colin asks if Harbaugh ever tells Herbert to play ‘less tough’ and slide more:
  • Harbaugh:
    “Justin is just—he’s at a level that I just let Justin be Justin.” (17:20)
    • He does advise all quarterbacks: “Clearly get out of bounds. You can’t play for that penalty anymore because that’s going to be reviewed.” (17:20)
  • Discusses the rule changes making sideline hits riskier for QBs trying to draw penalties.

7. Quarterback Injury Update

• Colin asks if Justin Herbert will play Monday post-hand surgery:
  • Harbaugh:
    “If there’s any possible way—yeah, Justin will do anything and everything in his power to play in the game.” (18:55)
  • Ultimately, “It all comes down to the doctors. ...I got a lot of things hanging on the wall here, but a medical degree is not one of them” (19:25).

8. Getting Key Playmakers Back

• Amari and Hampton’s return:
  • Harbaugh: “He’s been trending great… another guy that’s just done everything…,” but emphasizes it’s still up to the medical staff for final clearance (19:43).

9. Weather and Personal Anecdotes

• Colin asks for Midwest winter survival tips:
  • Harbaugh deadpans: “Just enjoy it, Colin. ...Just make sure you have the proper footwear” (20:26).
  • Harbaugh playfully teases Colin about losing his Midwest grit: “I’m not buying that. You’re tough as they come. Tough as a two dollar stick” (20:52).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Let’s never forget Justin Herbert. He is… a beast. He’s one of the best, in my opinion, playing in the game now and ever.” — Jim Harbaugh, 04:23
• “I was probably a lot like Justin. I’m more of a counter puncher… like a Floyd Mayweather, like a Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard.” — Jim Harbaugh, 05:45
• “It’s emotional; it hurts… But then there’s, yeah, what’s next? Who’s the next man up?” — Jim Harbaugh, 07:08
• “You want to get better at something, you just work a little bit harder at it. ...Better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today.” — Jim Harbaugh, 09:16
• “Justin is just—he’s at a level that I just let Justin be Justin… But I would tell all quarterbacks… clearly get out of bounds. ...You can’t play for that penalty anymore.” — Jim Harbaugh, 17:20
• “It all comes down to the doctors. ...I got a lot of things hanging on the wall here, but a medical degree is not one of them.” — Jim Harbaugh, 19:25
• “You’re tough as they come. Tough as a two dollar stick.” — Jim Harbaugh, 20:52

Important Segment Timestamps

• 03:03 — Colin welcomes Jim Harbaugh
• 04:23-05:24 — Running the ball after losing O-line stars; “faith in Justin Herbert”
• 05:40-06:34 — Trash talk, counters, and mutual respect between players
• 07:08-08:27 — Coaching mindset after injuries; ‘next man up’ philosophy
• 09:16-10:13 — Fixing offensive struggles for teams and players
• 10:56-12:28 — NFL Draft advantages, talent evaluation, credit to Chargers’ personnel team
• 17:20-18:29 — QB safety, sideline “cute” plays, new rules advice
• 18:55-19:35 — Herbert’s injury and playing prospects; “comes down to the doctors.”
• 19:43-20:14 — Getting Amari and Hampton back
• 20:26-20:52 — Midwest winter tips & playful banter
• 20:52-21:01 — Closing segment with well-wishes for Monday Night Football

Tone & Language

• Harbaugh: Unfailingly positive, candid, plainspoken, and wryly humorous. He mixes metaphors, sports references, and personal anecdotes, consistently emphasizing team, next-man-up mentality, and respect for players and staff.
• Colin Cowherd: Enthusiastic, sharply insightful, often teeing up Harbaugh for extended riffs and giving honest appraisals of players or coaches.

Summary Takeaway

This episode delivers a masterclass in sports leadership, focusing on resilience, adaptability, and collaboration in the face of adversity. Harbaugh’s wisdom is evident both in technical football discussion and in the broader philosophy of building winning cultures under pressure. Whether you’re a fan of the Chargers, football, or elite coaching, this conversation radiates insight and infectious optimism for thriving, not just surviving, amid adversity.