Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: What's Wright - Best Of: What's next for Aaron Rodgers? John Harbaugh to Giants, Tomlin Leaves Steelers, NFL Divisional Predictions
Featuring: Nick Wright, Dan Orlovsky
Date: January 21, 2026

Overview

This episode features a deep dive into the NFL's biggest stories of the week with host Nick Wright and football analyst Dan Orlovsky. The discussion centers on Aaron Rodgers' future and legacy, coaching changes involving Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh, and in-depth NFL Divisional Round predictions. The conversation is candid, analytical, and packed with both statistical references and storytelling, offering a comprehensive look at critical transitions in the league.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Aaron Rodgers: The End of an Era?

Timestamp: 02:38 – 17:35

• Rodgers' Uncertain Future:

  • Dan Orlovsky reflects on the sense of finality surrounding Rodgers after the playoff loss. He notes the broadcast's special attention to Rodgers and senses retirement may be coming:

    “The way Buck and Aikman talked at the end of that game... felt to me like they got a heads up that he’s planning on retiring.” (03:13, Orlovsky)

  • Rodgers’ own comments about not making "any emotional decisions" leave the door open, but Orlovsky suspects we’re witnessing “the de facto end for Aaron Rodgers.” (07:01, Orlovsky)

• Legacy and Career Reflections:

  • Despite Rodgers' generational talent (4-time MVP, all-time leader in passer rating, lowest INT percentage), his playoff record (11-11) and leadership have left questions.
  • Memorable critique on Rodgers' leadership:

    “There was no less than half a dozen times last night where... Aaron made it very clear to everyone on the field, in the stadium and at home that that was someone else’s fault.” (04:04, Orlovsky)

  • Nick Wright and Orlovsky recall pivotal playoff losses, many of which involved defensive failings, but also several where Rodgers faltered in big moments.

• Biggest ‘What If’ in NFL History:

  • Rodgers’ “prickly leadership style” and inability to replicate early-career Super Bowl success are compared to Wilt Chamberlain’s similar arc in the NBA.

    “There is an element of Wilt Chamberlain to Rodgers in that – a uniquely talented player... but didn’t quite win at the level that talent would have demanded.” (17:23, Orlovsky)

2. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ Future

Timestamp: 17:35 – 22:51

• Playoff Woes & Job Security:

  • The hosts break down Tomlin’s playoff losing streak (now 7 straight), with early-game deficits being a common theme:

    “It’s not just that he’s now tied Marvin Lewis for most consecutive losses in the playoffs at seven. It’s not just that it'll now be 10 years since they won a playoff game at a minimum. It's that they have been wholly noncompetitive in these playoff games.” (18:41, Orlovsky)

  • Each loss is recounted, showing structural offensive issues and defensive collapses.

• Should Pittsburgh Move On?

  • Orlovsky says he wouldn’t recommend firing Tomlin, but understands the fatigue of fans.
  • Both agree that Tomlin is a coaching heavyweight, but the Steelers’ next moves should be about adjusting staff, particularly to address offensive and defensive shortcomings.

3. Houston Texans’ Playoff Run and Player Safety Issues

Timestamp: 23:04 – 25:01

• Analysis of Wild Card Win:
  • The Texans’ defense receives major props for a ferocious performance, even as the offense and rookie QB C.J. Stroud struggled.
• Nico Collins' Injury and NFL Protocols:
  • Strong criticism over how Collins' concussion was handled:

    “They put him back out there again... tried to walk back to the huddle and they had to cart him off. That’s brutal, man.” (25:03, Orlovsky)

• Implications for Next Round:
  • The hosts express doubt Collins will be cleared to play next week, potentially hurting Houston’s already-limited offense.

4. John Harbaugh to the Giants, NFL Coaching Carousel

Timestamp: 31:47 – 39:41

• Harbaugh Hired by Giants:

  • Nick Wright calls it “the best thing to happen to the Giants since they won the Super Bowl.” (32:02, Wright)
  • Emphasis on stability: Good ownership, finally a professional head coach, and potential to become a .500 team next season.

• Best and Worst Coaching Destinations:

  • Nick gives a ranked list of available jobs, noting Browns, Titans, and Dolphins as less attractive due to ownership and roster issues while Giants are a "great job" for Harbaugh. Steelers and Ravens (positions Harbaugh would not take) are seen as top-tier jobs for other candidates.

5. Mike Tomlin’s Next Move – TV or Waiting for the Right Job?

Timestamp: 39:41 – 45:02

• Could Tomlin Take a Break or Go on TV?

  • Wright suggests Tomlin may do as Bill Cowher did: “It’s on the board that Tomlin goes and does TV and never stops... making millions and millions of dollars for 2% of the work.” (39:51, Orlovsky)
  • Orlovsky predicts Tomlin will eventually coach the Philadelphia Eagles or another great franchise (Packers, Chiefs, Bills), but might stay out until an ideal position opens.

• Notable Exchange:

  “My bet would be the Philadelphia Eagles a year from now... That’s where I would put my money.” (41:08, Orlovsky)
  Nick Wright floats the possibility of Tomlin eventually taking over for Andy Reid in Kansas City—a scenario not ruled out by Orlovsky.

6. NFL Divisional Predictions – Nick’s Picks

Timestamp: 48:43 – 63:11

Game-by-Game Picks and Rationale:

• Buffalo (+1) at Denver

  • Orlovsky: Confident in Bills’ offense and defense; dismisses altitude as a factor since Allen played at Wyoming.

    “I really like the Bills in this spot... Bills win this game 27 to 13 and it’s not some close classic.” (49:13, Orlovsky)

• San Francisco (+7) at Seattle

  • Both take the Niners to cover, expecting a low-scoring, tightly contested game.

    “The Niners have shown... even in week 18... Seattle only scored 13 points in that game.” (53:20, Orlovsky)

• New England (-3) vs. Houston

  • Patriots at home, with far better QB in Drake May. Questions about Texans' ability to reach 20 points.

    “I think this is a good game, but I’ll say 24-20 or 24-17 for New England.” (55:52, Orlovsky)

• Rams (-4) at Chicago

  • Orlovsky picks the Rams, citing Stafford’s experience in cold and Chicago's missing LT.

    “Rams offense is too good for the Bears defense... 42 to 27 Rams.” (57:54, Orlovsky)

  • Nick Wright takes Chicago +4, saying they can keep it close or pull an upset.

• Bonus Pick – National Championship:

  • Miami (+8.5) vs. Indiana (at Hard Rock Stadium)

    “I’ll take Miami plus the points and I’ll take Miami on the money line plus 260... getting 8.5 points in Miami is far too many.” (60:03, Orlovsky)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Aaron Rodgers’ Leadership:

  “A lot of pointing, a lot of gesticulation, a lot of making it very clear to the whole world he screwed up, not me also... I’ve seen Aaron do this in big spots before.” (04:04, Orlovsky)

• On NFL Coaching Success:

  “If you have the right coach and the right quarterback, the rebuild is somewhat instant. And if... after two years, the team is not competing... you don’t have the right coach or you don’t have the right quarterback. That flatly doesn’t happen.” (34:18, Wright)

• On Mike Tomlin’s Future:

  “My bet would be the Philadelphia Eagles a year from now... But there’s a chance in three years he’s still doing TV and what pulls him away from that is Andy Reid retiring.” (41:08, Orlovsky)

• On Playoff Streaks and Franchises:

  “You can argue about the order for them. For me, John Elway and the I don’t know what you want to do with the old folks. Johnny Unitis, Bart Starr, Otto Graham, those guys. But they’ve got to be accounted for in some degree.” (14:39, Orlovsky)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment Topic | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------|---------------| | Aaron Rodgers’ Future & Legacy | 02:38–17:35 | | Steelers, Mike Tomlin Playoff Woes | 17:35–22:51 | | Texans’ Win & Nico Collins Injury | 23:04–25:01 | | John Harbaugh to Giants | 31:47–39:41 | | Mike Tomlin’s Next Move | 39:41–45:02 | | NFL Divisional Predictions | 48:43–63:11 |

Conclusion

This episode delivers a deeply informed, opinion-rich reckoning with the NFL’s changing landscape. Nick Wright and Dan Orlovsky deliver both granular game analysis and wider thematic reflections on legacy, leadership, and the pivotal importance of organizational competence. Whether you want a postmortem on Aaron Rodgers’ playoff shortcomings, speculation on the NFL’s top coaching vacancies, or hard picks for the divisional round, this podcast provides insight with clarity and personality.