Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Hour 3 – Dianna Russini stops by The Herd
Date: October 30, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Dianna Russini (The Athletic, Senior NFL Insider)

Episode Overview

This episode of The Herd zeroes in on the NFL’s looming trade deadline, coaching rumors, the dynamics in NFL locker rooms, and the business behind league rumors and transactions. Colin Cowherd is joined by Dianna Russini, who shares fresh insider perspectives on coaches like Steve Sarkisian, player-team relationships (notably with A.J. Brown and the Eagles), and teams’ likely strategies as the trade window closes. Additionally, the episode features regular segments on league trends, leadership dynamics, and quarterback analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Steve Sarkisian and NFL Coaching Rumors

(03:22 – 06:32)

• Rumor Clarification: Dianna addresses her report that Steve Sarkisian (Texas) might return to the NFL as a head coach, clarifying:

  "I reported that his representatives told NFL decision makers ... that Steve Sarkisian would have interested interest in a head coaching job if there were one to open." (Dianna, 04:57)

• Why the Quick Denial? Both agree denials are standard PR with powerful agents like Jimmy Sexton managing narrative and opportunities for their clients.
• College vs. NFL Jobs:

  "Most guys that I talk to in football specifically will tell you they will take the worst job in football in the NFL over the best job in college." (Dianna, 06:02)

2. A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts, and the Eagles Locker Room

(06:32 – 09:19)

• Rocky Relationship: Brown’s recent frustrations are not hidden—he feels under-used and out of sync with Jalen Hurts and the offense.
• Dianna highlights team efforts to manage personalities:

  "I think what Nick Sirianni is so good at managing though are these personalities ... we've got a first time offensive coordinator here, call in place. We just need a little bit more time." (Dianna, 08:15)

• Trade Deadline Dynamics: Despite trade calls, Philly will only consider "a gigantic offer" for A.J. Brown.

3. Dallas Cowboys Trade Deadline Speculation

(09:19 – 10:56)

• Cowboys’ Caution: Despite Jerry Jones teasing "a move," Dianna is skeptical:

  "They're making calls, but I don't think there's a player out there that they think can fix it. I don't think it's just one player and they know it." (Dianna, 10:35)

• Defensive help is a priority, but blockbuster options are slim.

4. Trade Market Rundown: Colts, Lions, Eagles, Bills

(10:56 – 12:29)

• Indianapolis is desperate for a cornerback; Detroit is in robust shape but open to roster upgrades (particularly pass rushers).
• Philly’s Urgency:

  "They need an edge rusher. Badly, and everybody knows it. And they're making calls everywhere." (Dianna, 11:36)

• Bills & Other Contenders: Buffalo is browsing for WR and safety help; Miami could be a seller.

5. Blockbuster Defensive Names: Miles Garrett, Jeffrey Simmons, Maxx Crosby

(12:29 – 14:24)

• Colin’s Hypothetical: Would Cleveland trade Miles Garrett for two first-rounders?
• Dianna’s Insider Info:

  "Teams that I've spoken to ... have all been told the same thing. We're not moving them. We're not dealing him." (Dianna, 13:45)

• Same stance applies to Maxx Crosby (Raiders) and Jeffrey Simmons (Titans)—teams are unwilling to move foundational defensive stars.

6. Quarterback Analysis: Mahomes vs. Caleb Williams

(33:19 – 37:37)

• Greg Cosell and Colin compare Mahomes’ lightning-fast processing to Caleb Williams’ developmental pace.
• Mahomes:

  "His ability to see it and get the ball out accurately ... Mahomes, it's very Marino. See it, and it's not terribly open. Ball out." (Colin, 34:25–34:58)

• Caleb Williams: On the slowest release time among NFL QBs:

  "Caleb can see it, waits a beat, lets it go. He's got the slowest time, and I'm not sure if it's a second that separates them so much. ... Just think about the NFL. Patrick's the fastest at like 2.5 seconds, Caleb's the slowest at three." (Colin, 37:05)

• Experience, offensive lines, and supporting casts dramatically shape these developmental timelines.

7. Leadership & Locker Room Culture: The Lamar Jackson Example

(22:44 – 24:14)

• Baltimore’s recent locker room changes (like removing ping pong tables) reflect Lamar’s push for focus:

  "It wasn't the team. I was the one who made that request. Told him to take all the games and ping pong. Turn the TVs off. ... I didn't feel like it was the time for that, you know, we got a lot of work." (Lamar Jackson, 23:36)

• Colin’s take: authentic leadership sometimes requires unpopularity.

8. College Football: Transfer Portals and Roster Chemistry

(24:14 – 27:30)

• Colin discusses the pitfalls of over-reliance on the transfer portal, using North Carolina as a cautionary tale.

  "You can't have a roster ... of 60% transfers. It ruins chemistry. You're going to miss on too many guys. It's going to create animosity in the room." (Colin, 24:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dianna Russini on agents’ gamesmanship:

  "He has the most powerful agent in college sports for a reason. … This is what Jimmy Sexton is paid to do." (05:34)

• Dianna Russini on NFL job allure:

  "Most guys … will tell you they will take the worst job in football in the NFL over the best job in college." (06:02)

• Colin on the challenge for young QBs:

  "When a quarterback enters the NFL, we need you to be 43 years old. At 23, you've got to be a CEO, a psychologist." (06:50)

• Colin on leadership:

  "Leadership isn't a popularity contest. ... Leadership is doing unpopular things that are necessary." (24:13)

• Colin on Mahomes’ edge:

  "Mahomes ... see it, and it's not terribly open. Ball out. … Mahomes, let's go with the ball at 2.6 seconds, fastest in the league. Caleb, let's go at 3.1, slowest." (34:25–37:05)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Sarkisian’s NFL Interest/Agent PR Games: 03:20 – 06:32
• A.J. Brown & Jalen Hurts' Situation: 06:32 – 09:19
• Cowboys’ Trade Philosophy/Jerry Jones: 09:19 – 10:56
• Pass Rusher Market & Deadline Preview: 10:56 – 12:29
• Blockbuster Defensive Trades (Garrett, etc.): 12:29 – 14:24
• Lamar Jackson’s Locker Room Leadership: 22:44 – 24:14
• Transfer Portal Overhaul in CFB: 24:14 – 27:30
• Mahomes vs. Caleb Williams Analysis: 33:19 – 37:37

Overall Tone & Final Thoughts

• Colin maintains his classic, candid, sometimes playful tone, provoking debate while making NFL business and locker room psychology accessible for listeners.
• Dianna Russini provides level-headed, deeply sourced NFL insider knowledge, offering balanced takes on rumors and a sharp understanding of league mechanics.
• The episode also features practical football analysis, a look behind-the-scenes at NFL decision-making, and several “big-picture” discussions about leadership and culture in sports.