The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode Summary

Episode: "What's Wright - Harbaugh to Giants, Tomlin & Steelers SPLIT, Caleb Williams STEALING Stafford’s crown? | Nick Wright NFL"
Date: January 16, 2026
Host & Guests: Likely Dan Orlovsky (filling in), co-host Damanze

Overview

This episode, set on the eve of the NFL Divisional Playoff weekend, dives into blockbuster NFL coaching news (Harbaugh to Giants, Tomlin’s future) and features in-depth playoff analysis, quarterback debates (Caleb Williams vs. Stafford), and listener Q&A. The conversation spans job openings, playoff matchups, and even Olympic ticket excitement, all delivered in a signature, fast-paced, opinion-driven style.

Main Segments & Discussion Highlights

1. NFL Divisional Weekend Anticipation

• Divisional playoff games previewed as the most exciting weekend in sports
• Host celebrates that all eight best teams made it, minus the Jaguars ([03:09])

2. NBA & Tennis Tidbits

• Anthony Davis' injury update; Giannis Antetokounmpo's tough moment with Milwaukee fans ([04:27])
• Jonathan Kuminga trade demand
• Unique tennis event: an amateur wins a 64-person, one-point-per-match tournament for $1M ([04:29])

3. John Harbaugh to the Giants

[07:25]

Why This Is Huge for the Giants

• "This is the best thing to happen to the Giants since they won the Super Bowl. Sincerely." – Host ([07:25])

• Three Pillars for NFL Success:

  1. Good ownership (Giants have it)
  2. Legit professional head coach (enter Harbaugh, first legit since Coughlin)
  3. Quarterback (still a question; maybe Jackson Dart, but uncertain)

• On Rebuilding:

  • "If you have the right coach and the right quarterback, the rebuild is somewhat instant... There are no instances of awesome coach, awesome quarterback, but it took us four years to get it together. That flatly doesn't happen." – Host ([08:31])
  • Giants job ranking among current openings: #4 (good resources and D-line, maybe a QB, not the toughest division)

• Broader Jobs Ranking:

  • Browns are worst (bad ownership, cap hell, no QB)
  • Raiders: attractive for new coaches but high volatility
  • Steelers and Ravens top two—but not realistically available to Harbaugh

• Instant Impact Prediction:

  • "I don't expect snap contention, but the Giants could be a .500ish team next year. Legit possibility. This is a great day for Giants fans." ([14:01])

4. Mike Tomlin & Steelers Split

[15:04]

Tomlin’s Next Move – Speculation & Parallels

• Steelers coach Mike Tomlin steps down; Andy Reid now longest-tenured active coach.
• "It's on the board that Tomlin does not coach again. I think that's possible." ([16:31])
• Most likely next coaching job: Philadelphia Eagles "a year from now" ([17:11])
• "He can be very choosy... he could stay in TV indefinitely, unless something like the Chiefs job opens after Andy retires." ([18:31])
• On KC: "Not a ludicrous idea but not my bet -- depends if Andy retires."

Coaching Carousel Notes

• Best jobs that could realistically open: Packers, Eagles, Bills.
• Owners and front office issues loom large.

Rodgers & Steelers?

• "It certainly eliminates any chance of him coming back to the Steelers... I don't think Rodgers is going to be a Week One starter anywhere." ([20:31])

5. Divisional Playoff Matchups: Analysis & Predictions

Rams vs. Bears

[26:38]

• Emotional hangover for Bears after recent comeback win; key injuries mentioned (defense, left tackle out).

• High praise for Matthew Stafford, but expects Rams’ offense to dominate:

  • "They are going to need to score 40 to win this game." – Host ([27:01])
  • "Puka [Nacua] is simply unguardable."
  • Bears' CB Kyler Gordon likely target.

• Bears’ only chance: "Caleb [Williams] plays the best game he's played as a pro." ([32:40])

• On Williams: "I am as bullish as one can be... If he wins, he might be best QB in NFC even if Stafford isn’t retiring." ([33:25])

49ers vs. Seahawks

[35:46]

• "I think it's the Niners injuries because I don't think Darnold is going to need a huge game."
• Seahawks are much healthier and have earned top status: "Seattle has earned the right to be considered the best team in football. But if they play the Rams, I'll pick the Rams." ([38:52])
• On Purdy: "Games, especially playoff games, weigh very heavily in how I feel about QBs. If he keeps playing well, have to reevaluate." ([39:46])

AFC: Bills vs. Broncos

[41:29]

• Broncos must prove themselves; "If they lose, their season will rightfully go under the microscope."
• "Sean Payton's been writing checks all year... You win this game, you back a lot of it up." ([46:41])
• Next year’s Broncos schedule is brutal.

Patriots vs. Texans

[51:32]

• "Houston defense has a chance to carry them all the way to the Super Bowl… but their offense is inconsistent."
• Defense-led teams compared to '00 Ravens, '02 Bucs, '13 Seahawks:
  • "The 2000 Ravens [are] the most dominant defense in 40 years…[they] allowed 23 points total in four playoff games." ([55:04])
• On Stroud: "Stroud and Josh Allen are only QBs to win a playoff game each of last three years, but CJ was bad last game." ([57:27])
• Drake May: If he lights up Houston, “that’ll be the performance of the postseason so far.” ([57:59])

6. Fun Segment: LA Olympics Ticket Draft

[58:39]

• LA residents got early access to 2028 ticket lottery.
• Co-host reveals picks: basketball, flag football, diving, tennis.
• Host’s dream picks would be track and field ("number one with a bullet"), water polo, gymnastics, swimming.
• "The two hottest tickets are going to be track and field and gymnastics every time." – Host ([62:07])

7. Listener Questions (Rapid-Fire Q&A)

[63:49 and beyond]

• Bills’ playoff chances and methodical offense: "Against those defenses, Josh [Allen] is going to have to run more." ([64:01])
• Jalen Hurts’ reputation if Eagles win Super Bowl: "He was a fine opinion to hold as top-five QB after last year, but not just because of one win." ([64:29])
• Houston’s scare factor after CJ Stroud’s poor play: "Don’t think they're scarier unless CJ starts playing well." ([65:31])
• Caleb Williams vs. Jaden Daniels’ playoff magic: "Jaden last year was more impressive so far, but Caleb feels sturdier." ([66:02])
• Teams most likely to miss playoffs next year: Denver. Most likely to improve: Bears.
• Malik Willis next destination: Jets “probably favorites,” also mentions Pittsburgh, Arizona, Miami ([67:24])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Giants Hiring Harbaugh:
  "Flatly this is probably the happiest you’ve been [as a Giants fan] since the boat party playoff game against the Packers with Odell and Eli at the end of Eli and it’s the best day for your franchise since you won a Super Bowl." ([13:57])

• On Caleb Williams’ Rise:
  "The only guy in the [NFC] conference I'd rather have as my quarterback is Stafford. ... If [Caleb] wins this game, he might be best in the NFC already." ([33:25])

• On Defensive Teams Carrying to Super Bowl:
  "The 2000 Ravens ... allowed 23 points total in four playoff games. ... The 2013 Seahawks ... even with a dominant defense, games come down to a pass or two at the end." ([55:04])

• On Mike Tomlin’s Options:
  "He can be very choosy ... he could stay in TV indefinitely, unless something like the Chiefs job opens." ([18:31])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [07:25] – Harbaugh to Giants: Analysis & Impact
• [15:04] – Tomlin’s Resignation & Next Steps
• [26:38] – Rams vs. Bears Matchup Breakdown
• [33:25] – Caleb Williams vs. Stafford/NFC QB Rankings
• [35:46] – 49ers vs. Seahawks: Injury Impact & Predictions
• [41:29] – Bills vs. Broncos: Why This Game Matters So Much
• [51:32] – Patriots vs. Texans: Defense, Drake May, and Stroud
• [58:39] – LA Olympics Ticket Segment
• [63:49] – Listener Q&A

Tone & Delivery

The tone is lively, fast-paced, highly opinionated, and often leans on sports insider knowledge, with playful banter, strong stances on coaching, and in-depth analysis. The chemistry between host and co-host is evident, often trading predictions, pushing each other on facts, and riffing on side topics like tennis and Olympic tickets.

Final Takeaway

This episode serves as a must-listen for fans eager to understand the seismic shifts in the NFL coaching carousel, the true leverage of a head coach, the rise of new quarterbacks, and get dialed in before NFL Divisional Weekend. Its candid assessments, layered with predictions and passionate debate, offer both informed context and bold entertainment.

[Summary covers content segments from the main show and not advertisements or opening/closing credits.]