Transcript

Colin Cowherd & Nick Wright DEBATE: Bills wasting Allen? Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Patriots | HERD

From The Herd with Colin Cowherd · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 1 h 6 min · 11,887 words · 152 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Colin Cowherd & Nick Wright DEBATE: Bills wasting Allen? Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Patriots | HERD", an episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd published January 20, 2026 (1 h 6 min, about 11,887 words). It mentions 36 people, works and ideas, including Colin Cowherd, Pat Mahomes, Josh Allen, Curtis Wayne Wright, NFL.

What this episode is about

Colin Cowherd and Nick Wright engage in a debate regarding the effectiveness of NFL teams, focusing on whether the Buffalo Bills are wasting quarterback Josh Allen's potential. They discuss the performance of various coaches and teams, highlighting the current challenges within the league, including questionable coaching decisions and ownership issues.

Key takeaways

  • Only 14 of 32 NFL coaches are recognized as true game-changers; the rest are merely filling space.
  • With 10 coaching changes, the NFL is either evolving or we collectively don't know how to judge talent.
  • The Giants might become a double-your-win-total team; get ready for New York’s surprise comeback story.
  • If 5-year Super Bowl records are crucial, why are we repeating coaching mistakes with fresh faces?
  • Buffalo's mess reveals an awkward truth: firing a coach often feels like a panic button instead of strategy.

Who speaks in this episode?

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 10:00: Pat Mahomes, Jim Harbaugh, Josh Allen, Colin Cowherd
  2. – 20:00: Super Bowl, Pat Mahomes, Josh Allen, Buffalo
  3. – 30:00: Seattle, Drake May, Denver, Josh Allen
  4. – 40:00: Buffalo, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Denver
  5. – 50:00: Curt Signetti
  6. – 1:00:00: Mike McDaniel, Curtis Wayne Wright, Fernando Mendoza, Bill Belichick
  7. – 1:05:46: Andy Reid, Pat Mahomes, Drake May, Bo Nicks

Notable quotes from "Colin Cowherd & Nick Wright DEBATE: Bills wasting Allen? Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Patriots | HERD"

  • Welcome to the Herds official YouTube channel. Make sure to like and subscribe. Don't forget to check out the Colin Coward podcast, all of our NFL instant reactions, and more football content.
    about Colin Cowherd · at
  • Could use one of each. But I think they're going to be really good really quickly. And with that, Nick Wright is joining us live, host of First Things First.
    about Curtis Wayne Wright · at
  • Little conflicted on this I have said I said to you before the year started Colin the most important stat of the NFL season was every single coach and quarterback combo ever…
    about NFL · at
  • Yeah., And, listen, Yeah., And, Josh, Josh, has just had the number one defense in football multiple years and had the rushing champ this year and had more turnovers in that game than Patrick.
    about Josh Allen · at
  • Everyone's, logic, seems, to, be the, Bills, had, to, do, it, this, year, because the boogeyman Patrick Mahomes wasn't in the playoffs. And oh yeah, by the way even though they…
    about Pat Mahomes · at
  • I, I, I, think, Seattle's, going to, be, in some trouble. Let's go to the AFC. And Colin,, I, I, don't know., I, I, heard, a, rumor you might be skiing during the AFC…
    about ACC Championship · at
  • The, herd, lie, news., I, usually, I, usually wait till the off season. New York Giants are my double the win total team and my Detroit Lions are back into the playoffs team.
    about New York Giants · at
  • Luck? Sure. Who by the way has said publicly, I don't feel like the game starts until I get popped. Mendoza similarly this year he doesn't have like a mean streak in him but he…
    about Fernando Mendoza · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Colin Cowherd — Person · Host / main speaker · 3 mentions · first at
    Leads the episode’s NFL coaching-carousel analysis and debates QB value; interviews Nick Wright and Joel Klatt.
  • Pat Mahomes — Person · Referenced athlete (NFL quarterback) / comparison anchor · 12 mentions · first at
    Used as the benchmark for postseason QB performance and as the 'boogeyman' in Bills/Allen discourse.
  • Josh Allen — Person · Referenced athlete (NFL quarterback) / debate subject · 11 mentions · first at
    Central to the Bills coaching-firing debate and the Mahomes-vs-Allen performance/value argument.
  • Curtis Wayne Wright — Person · Main guest (sports media analyst) · 4 mentions · first at
    Debates Cowherd on Bills firing, Allen vs Mahomes, and QB evaluation; provides counterpoints and framing.
  • Fernando Mendoza — Person · Referenced athlete (college quarterback) / storyline driver · 5 mentions · first at
    Discussed as Indiana’s title-winning QB; highlighted for toughness and a key TD run in the championship narrative.
  • Drake May — Person · Referenced athlete (NFL quarterback) / roster-building example · 8 mentions · first at
    Used as the prototype of a rookie-deal QB enabling roster strength; compared favorably to Bo Nix.
    This weekend and he deserves credit. And that injury is such a gut punch. With that said, I believe Drake May is clearly and obviously in a caliber above Bo Nicks as a…
  • Mike McDaniel — Person · Referenced coach (NFL) / coordinator-candidate storyline · 6 mentions · first at
    Mentioned as former Dolphins coach and as a sought-after OC candidate (Titans/Eagles) in offseason moves.
    Will he hire Mike McDaniel, the former Dolphins coach, to be his clever OC?
  • Curt Signetti — Person · Referenced coach (college football) / praised exemplar · 3 mentions · first at
    Held up as the architect of Indiana’s championship and cited as an all-time great coaching job.
    I, think, it, might, I, think, Kurt, Signetti what he's done is the single greatest coaching job I've ever seen in any sport.
  • Bill Belichick — Person · Referenced coach (NFL) / proposed hire & critique · 3 mentions · first at
    Proposed by Nick Wright as a Bills solution; Cowherd debates fit due to draft/personnel concerns.
    Bellich was actually bad at it his last seven years. So I mean my take in Buffalo is they've got to do a better job in the draft. That's not Bellich strength clearly. Look at the last seven.
  • Caleb Williams — Person · Referenced athlete (NFL quarterback) / evaluation topic · 3 mentions · first at
    Discussed as a top-10 QB with unique traits; used to illustrate development and judging QBs differently.
    And, so, I've, come, around, J-Max, said, this yesterday is we have to just own this.
  • Robert Salah — Person · Referenced coach (NFL) / hiring news driver · 3 mentions · first at
    Discussed as taking the Titans job and potentially hiring an OC; used in roster/cap-space team-building argument.
    Market. Atlanta got Kevin Stfansky. Ivy League sharp offensive guy. Love that hire. the Titans got Robert Salah.
  • Shawn McVey — Person · Referenced coach (NFL) / elite-tier benchmark · 2 mentions · first at
    Repeatedly cited as a top culture/game-changing coach and as a key edge in Rams vs Seahawks analysis.
    Nine. McVey. look at them. Jim Harbaugh, Ben Johnson, Mike McDonald Shawn McVey, Shawn Peyton, Andy Reid the Mo Ryan, Shanahan, and Vrabel. You don't have to always a trophy. They just.
  • Jim Harbaugh — Person · Referenced coach (NFL/college) in coaching-tier discussion · 9 mentions · first at
    Listed among 'culture and game changers' as part of Cowherd’s coaching hierarchy argument.
    Here's John Harbaugh, the best coach on the market. I don't think anybody disputes that. here's his opening press conference. pretty impressive for the New York Giants.
  • Bo Nicks — Person · Referenced athlete (NFL quarterback) / rookie-deal example · 6 mentions · first at
    Cited as a rookie-deal QB enabling roster flexibility; discussed as improving and validating efficiency.
    I, I, will, say, this., I, I, do, believe Mahomes will win another Super Bowl. and I think Bo Nicks has validated his efficiency and talent, but I want to concentrate on this…
  • Andy Reid — Person · Referenced coach (NFL) / supporting-cast argument · 4 mentions · first at
    Used to explain Mahomes’ advantages (coach/structure) and appears in the elite coach list.
    Nine. McVey. look at them. Jim Harbaugh, Ben Johnson, Mike McDonald Shawn McVey, Shawn Peyton, Andy Reid the Mo Ryan, Shanahan, and Vrabel. You don't have to always a trophy.…
  • Dan Campbell — Person · Referenced coach (NFL) / culture example · 4 mentions · first at
    Cited as a strong coach and culture builder; discussed in relation to Lions’ offensive coordinator transition.
    Guys that I think win a lot of games and could very soon be in that. Maybe they should be. Dan Campbell, Liam Cohen John Harbaugh, Matt Laflure, and Kevin O'Connell. Those are really, really good coaches. That's 14 of 32. That's all it is.
  • Aaron Glenn — Person · Referenced coach (NFL) / criticized example · 2 mentions · first at
    Used as an example of a coach who (in Cowherd’s view) should have been fired; criticized for defensive results.
    But Aaron Glenn kept his job. And how do you not as a defensive coach over the course of a season not produce an interception? And that is I don't even know how to explain that. A tip pass would fall into your.
  • Drew Pzing — Person · Referenced coach (NFL assistant/OC hire) / news item · 1 mention · first at
    Discussed as the Lions’ offensive hire with a mixed track record in Arizona; debated as a fit given Detroit’s talent.
    Fit with the Lions. I guess they weren't interested. There are conflicting reports on that, but the Lions have hired a gentleman by the name of Drew Pzing, who was with Arizona…
  • Kevin O'Connell — Person · Referenced coach (NFL) in coaching-tier list · 1 mention · first at
    Included in Cowherd’s second tier of strong coaches as part of the broader coaching-quality argument.
    Could very soon be in that. Maybe they should be. Dan Campbell, Liam Cohen John Harbaugh, Matt Laflure, and Kevin O'Connell. Those are really, really good coaches. That's 14 of 32. That's all it is.
  • Liam Cohen — Person · Referenced coach (NFL/college OC) in coaching-tier list · 1 mention · first at
    Named among the 'really, really good coaches' just below the elite tier in Cowherd’s ranking.
    Guys that I think win a lot of games and could very soon be in that. Maybe they should be. Dan Campbell, Liam Cohen John Harbaugh, Matt Laflure, and Kevin O'Connell. Those are really, really good coaches. That's 14 of 32. That's all it is.

Companies & orgs

  • New York Giants — Company · Business focus · 5 mentions · first at
    Discussed as a team with potential for improvement under new coaching.
  • Los Angeles Rams — Company · Business focus · 2 mentions · first at
    Discussed as a strong team in the NFC with a high ceiling.
    Laflur, Dan Campbell's been great. There is some really good coaching happening out west and I do believe Seattle and the Ram listen it's the number one offense Rams against…
  • Indiana Hoosiers — Company · Business focus · 2 mentions · first at
    Celebrated as national champions in the discussion.
    All, right., Yeah., I, mean,, listen, Indiana, this I'll say it again. Credit to Miami. Indiana needed a block punt for a touchdown and multiple great heroic fourth down…
  • Detroit Lions — Company · Business focus · 4 mentions · first at
    Discussed in the context of team potential and coaching hires.
    Detroit is back to being a formidable capable NFC championship contender. I'll I'll stand on the Giants are my double the win total team. And Detroit is back in the playoff game.
  • Miami Dolphins — Company · Business focus · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned in passing in the discussion of NFL teams.
    Will he hire Mike McDaniel, the former Dolphins coach, to be his clever OC?

Concepts & topics

  • NFL — Concept · Core topic · 4 mentions
    Central theme of the episode, discussing teams, coaches, and strategies.
  • Heisman — Concept · Referenced expert · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned in the context of college football achievements.
    And, Mendoza, rose, to, the, occasion, when his best was needed. He was at his best. That's that's why he won the Heisman and that's why he's a national champ.

Places & events

  • Super Bowl — Event · Key argument · 11 mentions · first at
    Discussed as the ultimate goal for NFL teams and players.
    Little conflicted on this I have said I said to you before the year started Colin the most important stat of the NFL season was every single coach and quarterback combo ever…
  • ACC Championship — Event · Key argument · 3 mentions · first at
    Discussed as a significant event in the NFL season.
  • NFC Championship — Event · Key argument · 3 mentions · first at
    Discussed as a significant event in the NFL season.
    Pretty damn good. Seattle hosting the Rams Sunday on Fox. See Seattle, two and a half point favorite. this is their first trip to the NFC title game since 2014. Yeah. Against…
  • Seattle — Place · Setting · 13 mentions · first at
    Mentioned as a strong team in the NFC with a deep roster.
    Lucky. I picked New England as my double your win total team. They're in Wow., I, picked, Seattle, as, my, surprise playoff team. They're doing very well. I loved Bo Knicks…
  • Buffalo — Place · Setting · 11 mentions · first at
    Discussed in the context of team performance and coaching changes.
    Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes in his second year as a starter went to and won a Super Bowl. And Josh Allen is turning 30 and is yet to be in a Super Bowl. And you have not only…
  • Denver — Place · Setting · 8 mentions · first at
    Mentioned as a team with potential under new coaching.
    Clearly and obviously in a caliber above Bo Nicks as a quarterback. I also think while Shawn Payeyton, another guy that is kind, I has rubbed me the wrong way. While everyone…
  • Tennessee — Place · Setting · 3 mentions · first at
    Discussed in the context of team potential and coaching hires.
    Defense, Jacksonville's offense, the overall personnel of Tennessee is not good. But if they get Salah and a top offensive coach with Cam Ward, they're going to have massive…
  • Miami — Place · Setting · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned in the context of college football and potential for future success.
    For a touchdown and multiple great heroic fourth down conversions to beat Miami. Miami is about as good a team that hasn't won the national championship by the end of the year.
  • Cleveland — Place · Setting · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned in the context of coaching decisions.
    Yeah, I think that's a mistake. When you win two-time coach of the year in Cleveland, I'd keep him. And he interviewed for all the top jobs immediately. I'd say that's a mistake.

Full transcript with timestamps

Welcome to the Herds official YouTube channel. Make sure to like and subscribe. Don't forget to check out the Colin Coward podcast, all of our NFL instant reactions, and more football content. Here we go. Hour two. It's Tuesday. Congrats to the Indiana Hooers, our 2026. Fernando Mendoza, Kurt Signetti National Champs. Also, congrats to Miami. Really really played a great second half. Mario Crystal Ball Kane's going nowhere. So, a lot of people are pushing back. You know, I saw some quote yesterday where somebody in the league said, "We've never had this many bad owners of the 32 current owners because of all the coaching changes." And I'm like, "Okay 10 guys got fired." Aaron Glenn inexplicably kept his job. Appears to be over his head. So, here's my take. There are nine coaches in this league. I mean how many great coaches are there?

Okay, there are nine coaches to me take that graphic out. There are nine coaches right now that I consider like inarguably culture and game changers. Nine. McVey. I mean, look at them. Jim Harbaugh, Ben Johnson, Mike McDonald Shawn McVey, Shawn Peyton, Andy Reid the Mo Ryan, Shanahan, and Vrabel. You don't have to always a trophy. They just change their side of the ball or both sides of the ball. There's another five guys that I think win a lot of games and could very soon be in that. Maybe they should be. Dan Campbell, Liam Cohen John Harbaugh, Matt Laflure, and Kevin O'Connell. Those are really, really good coaches. That's 14 of 32. That's all it is.

I mean, name the franchise that got rid of their coach and you're absolutely sure it was a huge mistake. Shocker. Cleveland, Kevin Stfansky. Yeah, I think that's a mistake. When you win two-time coach of the year in Cleveland, I'd keep him. And he interviewed for all the top jobs immediately. I'd say that's a mistake. But Aaron Glenn kept his job. And I mean, how do you not as a defensive coach over the course of a season not produce an interception? And that that is I don't even know how to explain that. A tip pass would fall into your lap. So, one coach shouldn't have been fired. Another one maybe should have. I don't know. I'm not bothered by it.

Here's John Harbaugh, the best coach on the market. I don't think anybody disputes that. Uh here's his opening press conference. pretty impressive for the New York Giants.

It's, it's, a, profound, honor, to, be entrusted with the responsibility of coaching the New York football Giants to be on the biggest stage in the biggest sport. I know the challenges. I understand the expectations. I know the fans are hungry for a winner. We're here with one mission to become to earn the right to be called the world champions in New York. And that's what we plan to do. Yeah, I'm not getting Ben Mcadoo vibes there. I'm sorry that that sounds looks his sports coat fits. Uh he was the best coach on the market. Maybe he's one of the top nine or 10 coaches. Certainly an argument. Winning playoff record. Um I' I' I've said this before. Four years in a row, I've picked a double your win total team. Mine's the New York Giants.

They got to get a right tackle, upgraded tight end. Everybody in the league can more use more linebackers that run well and corners that can cover. Probably could use one of each. But I I think they're going to be really good really quickly. And with that, Nick Wright is joining us live, host of First Things First. All right,, let's, start, with, Shawn McDermad. I said earlier it's always easy to do the Pittsburgh thing. Hey status quo. We're good. It's hard to do what Buffalo did. Eight playoff wins. Hey, we couldn't beat Mahomes. Well welcome to the party, right? Like, I'm okay with a firing. Uh, it was clunky.

They can't spell admirable. And they probably shouldn't have used that word. They use

Yeah,, it, Let's, just, It, was, not They, used, admiral., Yeah., a, typo, in, the word six of the press release for a coach that you know got you back to the playoffs before Josh Allen got there to Mcdermad's credit they broke that playoff drought with Tyrod Taylor uh you would have liked a little more care you know to his dismissal letter I so I am a little conflicted on this I have said I said to you before the year started Colin the most important stat of the NFL season was every single coach and quarterback combo ever that has won a Super Bowl together won their first Super Bowl within 5 years of being together.

That's, right. Which, meant, Harbaugh, and, Lamar, year, 8 nervous. Josh and McDerm at year 8 nervous. And now we find ourselves both of those coaches have been dismissed albeit for somewhat different reasons. But similar to what you're saying, at some point you might need a fresh start. I also felt that the level of devastation in that Bill's locker room on Josh's face and Dion Dawkins face and the coach calling the Buffalo News whining about an obvious interception probably meant yeah, in order to recover from another devastating postseason defeat that they need to make a change.

So, I understood all of that. Where I'm conflicted is this. I do think Shawn McDermott was better at his job than Brandon Bean had been at his.

Yes. And, I, don't, So,, I, was, surprised, that, not only did Bean stay, Bean got promoted

right?, But, I, also, this, is, a, big, risk, and it's a big roll of the dice because if it if you're win now Super Bowl window this moment and I'm gonna go first time head coach Davis Webb, first time head coach Joe Brady, Brian Dable who I you know I was not overly impressed with his tenure with the Giants. It all feels risky. I would I personally, Colin would hope that Western New York is too cold for his girlfriend to live full-time and I would ask Bill Bich to take the job.

That's, what, I, would, do., I, would, say, "Bill, three years, break the Winds record. You see the Patriots are climbing back to prominence without you. You can't feel great about that. What if you come in, reclaim dominance over the AFC East?" So that's that's what I would do if I were the Bills, but it's a risky move. But before you move off the Bills can I ask you a question, please?

Sure. Yeah. Okay., So,, what, do, we, where, do, we, do, the blame pie for a guy who is just roundly called It's not enough to call him the best player in the league. That's That's He's He's graduated way past that. The most talented player in the history of the league.

Yeah., who, had, a, four, turnover, playoff game, missed the game-winning touchdown twice, and one of the turnovers was the single worst fumble in the NFL since Nathan Peterman was starting. I'm just curious what we do with that, my friend, Mr. Cow Herd.

Well,, listen,, sometimes, the, very talented artist doesn't win the Grammys. Uh, the slightly less talented artist does. I I look at it this way is that and then and you know I think Mahomes is great but there are there are some value additives to inheriting maybe the best GM in the league not named Howie Roseman and Edney Reid and I think whereas Momes came into pro football as kind of raw immediately he was efficient he didn't throw a lot of picks and whereas the best coach arguably Josh Allen's ever had left. And it's been kind of a Kandor Dorsy, it's Brady, it's Dable, a defensive coach who doesn't have a feel for the tush push last year. I've said before, I think if you traded Mahomes and Allen staffs Mahomes is better and would have trophies, but Josh would have won, too.

So I I think Josh I always feel like Josh has to carry a part of the team where I've never felt I mean Momes did has always mostly had outside of left tackle a really good supporting group.

Yeah., And, listen, Yeah., And, Josh, Josh, has just had the number one defense in football multiple years and had the rushing champ this year and had more turnovers in that game than Patrick Mahomes has had in every single AFC Championship divisional game wildcard game he's played combined. And by the way, in those games he is 14 and three with 42 touchdowns and three interceptions. Josh Allen in those rounds in the divisional round in the uh conference championship round I believe is now two and six and or no it would be two two and six two and seven who can keep track. I know he had four turnovers in about 45 game minutes on Saturday and then everyone's like he needed more receivers. I'm simp I think he's a great player.

But, you, know, what? I, am, a, little, Let, me, just, real, quick, I apolog I'm a little conflicted with this.

Okay, everyone's, logic, seems, to, be the, Bills, had, to, do, it, this, year, because the boogeyman Patrick Mahomes wasn't in the playoffs. And oh yeah, by the way even though they didn't do it, he's better than the boogeyman. That's where I'm like, wait, WAS THIS WHY WAS IT SO IMPORTANT the Chiefs not be there if the Bills are better and Josh is better? That's my question.

Okay,, so, this, is, the, reality, for Mahomes. When, Brady, was, dominating, the, league, everybody's like, Aaron's the new best player. What? What? And then when Brady is playing Mahomes and stacking them people are like, Mahomes is better. And then Momes becomes the best quarterback Tom retires. And everybody, myself included, is like, "No, no, no. Josh Allen is actually better. Is the reality of being the king is that a king gets old. We fatigue on it. LeBron's not the best six years ago. I'm telling you it's this new guy, Giannis. This is the reality of our very fluid, very instantaneous gratification society is when you are the goat and Mahomes is, we can't wait to push you to the curb.

That's, all, true., That's, fair, with, the little addendum of Rogers in his third year as a starter went to and won a Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes in his second year as a starter went to and won a Super Bowl. And Josh Allen is turning 30 and is yet to be in a Super Bowl. And you have not only elevated in Bass Mahomes, he's the most TALENTED PLAYER EVER. THE MOST Forget it. Jim Brown, eat it. Aaron Rodgers, forget you. I it just feels a bit much, but maybe I'm being unfair. Now we can move on.

Okay., Uh, fun, debate., Okay., So,, Caleb Williams, um you know, the fingernails he's moody, he's erratic. I did an essay last week where I said we've just got to judge him differently. He's not everybody else. And I said it took me a while to get there. For the record, he has gotten a lot better. He is better now than he was nine weeks ago. He's just He stays in the pocket now cuz he's better in the pocket now. That's why he stays there.

And, so, I've, come, around, J-Max, said, this yesterday is we have to just own this. He is a top 10 quarterback in the league

because, this, defense, isn't, very, good, and the coach is brand new and it's hard to win, here, in, a division, with, Green, Bay, at Detroit and I think we all just have to own it. He's another number one pick that looks damn good.

Yeah., I, mean, I, am, think, about, how, much growth he had just in the last 12 months. He left last off season or last last season and it's like this guy takes the worst sacks of any quarterback we've seen. Yeah.

In, a, decade. Sure. And, he, cut, that, out, of, his, game entirely. And then we were in the first week of the regular season and we're like, "Oh my god, the Bears pre- snap. They can't get plays in. They have these formational things." He by the midway point of the season had fixed that entirely. Now he and he said it his accuracy is what he needs to attack next along with his footwork. He oddly that pre-season or training camp video of Caleb missing the throws to the little the the net with the holes in it and then getting all upset. That was actually a little telling. He did struggle somewhat on the easy stuff.

Sure., But, I, would, argue,, Colin,, the, four quarterback traits that are super important and are the hardest to teach or impossible to teach are raw athleticism, arm talent, creativity, and coolness under pressure.

Right? And, he's, a, 10, out, of, 10, on, all, four, of those. Right. So,, if, the, stuff, that's, hardest, to teach, he's great at, he already has made two plays this postseason on fourth down with the game on the line that are two of the greatest plays I've ever seen. I just believe he'll get better at the other stuff just like he got better at take not taking sacks. But think about how far he came at on September 20th. There were, pardon me, there were talk shows in your adopted hometown of Chicago being like, "What would this team look like with Tyson Beant?" And on January 20th, we're saying, "Is that the single greatest throw we've ever seen in NFL history to tie a playoff game?" So um, you know, I at this point I feel lucky. I picked New England as my double your win total team. They're in

Wow., I, picked, Seattle, as, my, surprise playoff team. They're doing very well. I loved Bo Knicks from day one, although he had a bad month this year. So, I I'm and I and I've said this before. I think Stafford's going to go down as better than Aaron Rogers if he wins a second Super Bowl. I think the resumes you'll stack them up and you'll go, "Okay, he was better early, he's better late. He had to go through dysfunction." But I will say this with Seattle, the the the Sam Darnold thing is delicious. Is that um I know what's going to happen if they win. People will say it's the defense it's the coach, it's the run game. Um where are you on Seattle being the favorite? Do you think they should be?

And where are you on Darnold if he by chance wins a Super Bowl? All, right,, so, here's, the weird part about my answer to your first question. Seattle obviously should be the favorite. Okay

they, have, been, the, best, team, all, year. Yeah, I, know, they, just, lost, Charbanet,, but they're healthy. They're at home. They can beat you in every different way.

I'm, also, picking, the, Rams. So,, I, like Seattle deserves to be the favorite, but I also think the Rams have shown they play them very well and play them tight. Yeah.

And, I, just, I, don't, think, the, Rams, have played even close to their best game yet this postseason. But if it's tight late I will abs like I trust Stafford and I do think Stafford I I don't know the I hadn't thought about the Rogers comp but he is assuming he wins MVP this year, which he's going to, that alone makes him a Hall of Famer now. And if he does that and wins the Super Bowl, then it's a whole another tier of quarterback. And by the way, the only quarterbacks in a quarter century to win league MVP and the Super Bowl same year Curt Warner 99, Mahomes in 22, and it could be Stafford or I guess theoretically Drake May if he wins it this year as well. Now to the second part of your question, what will we say about Darnold if he wins it? It's very interesting because I think he is even if they don't win it, he is one solid game in the NFC Championship away from removing the biggest yeah but about him

which is and big spots. Do you trust him? He was fine in week 18 when they were playing for the one seed. Last week was weird because they won so instantly but he didn't make any big mistakes. He was fine. Yeah

he, just, needs, to, avoid, disaster, this weekend to shed that. And then from there, if they win the Super Bowl Colin, then you're just like, hey, he won as soon as he got to a stable place and became the starter. He got 14 wins in with the Vikings and threw for 4,000 yards and they were playing for the one seed late in the year. Then he got 14 wins and threw for 4,000 yards with the Seahawks and they were playing for the one seed and got it. I mean, that's a lot of words to say. You will be vindicated. Your decadel long belief in this player, you will finally be fully and totally vindicated.

Um,, I, I, will, say, this., I, I, do, believe Mahomes will win another Super Bowl. Um and I think Bo Nicks has validated his efficiency and talent, but I want to concentrate on this because if you told me there is one team that is suddenly going to be for the next six years of Mahomes prime a problem, it would not be Buffalo. It would not be Baltimore. It would not be Herbert.

It, would, be, New, England. Oh,, New, England., Interesting., Okay., They are potentially Brady Bellich with a more athletic quarterback and a very current player friendly coach. They have pivoted in the two areas you have to in football. Quarterbacks now have to move right. Secondly, coaches have to be player friendly. McVey is tough. Mike McDonald Demo Ryans are tough. They hold players accountable, but players love them. They're good guys. They're player friendly. They have modernized in New England brilliantly. Same owner, same coordinator, a prototype for Bellich and Drake May, nobody can dispute this, is darn good, really fast.

I, think, this I, think, this, of, all, the, AFC, teams, is, the problem potentially. I'm not saying they won't win another, but this would worry me as a Chief fan. Not Buffalo Baltimore, Joe Burrow. So I I want to see who Buffalo hires as their head coach. Okay?

Because, despite, all,, you, know,, my, fair cogent analysis about a four turnover playoff game, I still have massive respect for Josh Allen

right? And, so, I, I, I, need, to, see, what, Buffalo does there. But almost everything else you just remove the Chiefs from it. Do I look at the Patriots as next team up in the AFC? Undoubtedly. And now listen, I have I have doubted the Broncos all year. I have been wrong all year. I have doubted Bo Knicks all year. I thought he played the best game of any quarterback this weekend and he deserves credit. And that injury is such a gut punch. With that said, I believe Drake May is clearly and obviously in a caliber above Bo Nicks as a quarterback. I also think while Shawn Payeyton, another guy that is kind, you know, I has rubbed me the wrong way. While everyone else loves him, he's been brilliant all season for that team and his play calls were great on Saturday. You give so you give him massive credit. Just the fact that Vrabel is so much younger than Payton, I feel like Yeah. and allows him to grow

with Drake May is so optimistic for them. So, I I agree with your kind of general thesis, which is this Patriots team is very for real. Now, with with all that said, as much as I love Drake May, he got to stop fumbling the ball. You got they are ve they see, the only reason they won that Texans game is cuz the Texans couldn't pick up Drake May's fumbles. But in between the fumbles he's so sharp and he's so tough and he's got such a good arm. Listen, we we've talked about it all year, Colin. If you have the quarterback and you nail the coach, there is no rebuild. Caleb and Ben Johnson won the division and were in round two in year one together. Drake May and Mike Greybel won the division and are in round three in year one together. They have the right coach and quarterback, and, they're, going to, be together a long time.

Nick,, right,, good, stuff., I, I'll reconsider my Josh Allen comments. That would only be reasonable. I mean, I've been a little

Well,, here's, what, I, here's, all, I, would just as a favor to you. We always have to leave ourselves room for when the guy actually accomplishes something. So, if he's the best player in the league and the most talented player ever before he ever gets to a Super Bowl, then what are we going to call him when he wins it? Yeah. Give him the Nobel Peace Prize. Can't do that. starts international conflict. There's nowhere to move with it. Like, you gotta So, just give yourself a little room to upgrade. That's all I would say.

Good, stuff,, buddy., Nick,, right?, First things first. Yeah. Um,, you, were, so, lucky,, man., We, What, a great football season. I mean, college was unbelievable. I I I agree with my boss who told Urban Meyer chaos. I I've never enjoyed college football this much. I' I've never had this much fun watching college football. feels like 35 40% NFL. Well, the NFL's better. They got more mature older players. Oh college football's now gotten older. They've got a real playoff system. Oh college football's got that. They pay their players like they should. Players are getting older because they're staying in college. I don't know. I I love what I'm watching. The hurt

All right, welcome back. A lot of stuff going on. Congrats to the Indiana Hoosiers. Robert Solz got a new gig. Will he hire Mike McDaniel, the former Dolphins coach, to be his clever OC? They got Cam Ward, they're not paying him for another four years. I think Tennessee, keep your eye on that division, which we've always thought's a little weak and wonky, but Houston's defense, Jacksonville's offense, uh, the overall personnel of Tennessee is not good. But if they get Salah and a top offensive coach with Cam Ward, they're going to have massive cap space. Raiders in Tennessee going to have massive cap space. Here's Jmack with the news.

NO., NO. TURN, ON, THE, NEWS. This, is, the, Herdline, news., Yeah,, I'm, I'm I like this Titans team. I'm digging into stuff all season. So fun. But we still got an NFC Championship game this weekend, Colin. That is going to be pretty damn good. Seattle hosting the Rams Sunday on Fox. See Seattle, two and a half point favorite. Uh this is their first trip to the NFC title game since 2014. Yeah. Against the Niners. That was the memorable Richard Sherman game. Um obviously the two meetings between the two this season have been nothing short of phenomenal. Uh, you had the breakdown I think on Monday about how I think the one point was the difference in both games combined. I will you you did not note that Sam Darnold has six interceptions in eight quarters against the Rams this season. Seems like it's noteworthy. Uh Mike McDonald said he wouldn't want it any other way. I think a lot of people are calling this the

actual Super Bowl. Yeah. Given the poo poo platter in the AFC. Yeah., I, think, there, was, about, a, four, or five year run. I mean, between the Patriots and Brady and the Chiefs and Momes, it did feel like at the top, it was like the SEC for 20 years in college football. It felt like the championships were going to go through the AFC. I don't think there's any question now that the best rosters and co I mean look at the coaching right now in the NFC. McVey, Shanahan, Mdonald, like at the top. There's some I mean, Matt Laflur, Dan Campbell's been great. There is some really good coaching happening out west and I do believe Seattle and the Ram listen it's the number one offense Rams against the number one defense Seattle it is best of best I think New England would be an underdog to both Denver on with Jared Stenham would absolutely be a touchdown plus underdog to both like I think New England is the last hope

for the AFC to hoist a trophy because Denver's not doing it Bo Nicks gave him a shot Denver's not winning the Super Yeah, this NFC situation is interesting because Seattle has emerged as the best team late in the season. But let's be real, Colin, if we're being 100% authentic, the NFC suffered from brutal injuries this year. Jaden Daniels was in this game last year. He was injured and Washington was terrible. Okay, we saw the Lions get hammered by injuries. Leaporta, offensive line, everywhere. We saw the ners riddled with injuries.

Micah Parsons goes down. The Packers could be here. I think Seattle should be thrilled they're here. I think the Rams deserve it. And the more we talk, the more I think the Rams are probably the side. I'm just hoping that the public bets it up to three so I can get the full field goal. Um, you like Seattle in this game, I sense.

No,, I, think, I, think, the, line's, right., I think Seattle I I talked about this Sunday after it happened. I think Seattle should be a field goal favorite. special teams if they become a factor and Matt Hasselbeck said this on the show yesterday. You may just be better to just kick the ball through the end zone and not risk kicking the ball or punting the ball to Seattle. Special teams in games like this matter a lot. I mean, when you have two great coaches two very productive quarterback, by the way, Stafford can be reckless as well as Darnold. Stafford's got before Sunday had seven picks in seven games. Stafford can be reckless. But the difference between Seattle and the Rams is this.

The Rams are a cleaner team. They don't turn the ball over as much. They don't get penalized. I mean, this past week in Chicago, no drop passes. So, you're getting it's really best of the best. And so, to me, a three-point favorite for Seattle feels about right. My take is LA is the bet. Seattle's the deeper roster. LA is probably the bet. If I get Stafford McVey in that offense and a field goal, I don't care where the game's at. They just won in in, you know, feels like minus 11. They can win in Seattle.

How, much, does, experience, matter, to, you? McVey, huge edge. This is McDaniel's second game. And by the way, he uh sorry, not McDaniel, Mc McDonald, this is his second playoff game, and he didn't even have to coach the fourth quarter against the Niners. Okay? So he's never been in one of these 10 spots. And and same deal for Darnold. Like, he coached it. I think he had what, 17 pass attempts or something ridiculous. Like

I, I, I, think, Seattle's, going to, be, in some trouble. Let's go to the AFC. And Colin,, I, I, don't know., I, I, heard, a, rumor you might be skiing during the uh AFC Championship game cuz there's not a lot of excitement around STDM versus May. Sorry. Uh Broncos fans. Obviously, Vel and company are very excited to be here. Here he is talking about the tall task after the Texans game.

Be, the, best, defense, that, we've, played, to date because it's the next one. And that's just how this goes. They're playing with a lot of confidence. Um they're good on the perimeter really good up front. The athleticism they've size, they put a lot of pressure on you. So, you know, it's just how this thing goes. Each and every week they they get tougher.

Like, even, Brady, struggled, going, to Denver. It's mild high. It's tough. I I think listen, Zack Allen, like he the first thing he said, they're very good on the edge. Also, Courtland Sutton and Mims, is, going to, put, pressure, on, New England's corners. New England, for the record, New England secondary, dude they are they are really well coached and really athletic in that secondary. Jared Stdum, watch out because those that is a that New England secondary when Christian Gonzalez is out there they got playmakers. They you could if if you had to do a crazy prop, a pick six is not crazy against New England because Zack Allen and that rush they're going to get in Jared Stam's face.

That's, actually, a, I, like, that., That might be your best prop bet of the season. Just casually dropping it on a Tuesday. Pick six. Interesting.

Yeah. I, mean,, let's, be, real., This, Broncos defense is a little overrated. Little, bit., Denver's defense could not stop Josh Allen. I remember the Trevor Lawrence game. They hung 34 on on the Denver defense in mile high. We saw Jordan Love just go up and down the field until the injuries killed him. Um I'm looking at some other games like they struggled to stop Jackson Dart earlier this season. I I don't know if this is any they're nowhere near the class of the uh of the Houston Texans. We would agree with that, right? Like I

I, think, the, best, roster, going, forward right now feels like Seattle. The best defense feels like Seattle. best offense feels like the Rams and a team the Rams have holes corner and special teams.

Seattle, and, New, England,, those, rosters don't have holes. Yeah. I, mean,, Seattle, is, spectacular, on special teams. New England's good enough on special teams. So, I think the Rams have a really high ceiling

but, they, can, have, a, floor., Carolina almost beat him twice. We and and both games it was the same thing. They were struggling to make stops on the sideline.

All, right,, final, story,, Colin., Let's, go to the Detroit Lions. You and I were hot on Oh, Mike McDaniel would be a great fit with the Lions. I guess they weren't interested. There are conflicting reports on that, but the Lions have hired a gentleman by the name of Drew Pzing, who was with Arizona for three seasons and then he was uh quietly dismissed. I started to do some homework on him and um mixed bag of results uh in his time in uh Arizona. I I Detroit Lions fans are not exactly geeked right now given the potential of this offense. I mean, you got Gibbs Leaporta's coming back, Aman Ra. This is an offense that's on par with the Rams when you talk about talent. I would say this, you and I didn't spend a lot of time watching or discussing Arizona, but if I had a takeaway from Arizona this year is with a defensive coach, their defense went into the toilet.

Offensively, Arizona I looked up a lot during the season and they were scoring 27 28 points.

Jacobe, Brassette,, too,, was, a quarterback. Right., Right., So,, and, I, and, I, think they've got some nice offensive pieces but I thought Arizona's offense. Everybody's banging on this guy. Um, I'm going to tell you right now, the O line at Detroit is the gold standard compared to what he dealt with in Arizona. The ownership's better in Detroit. The front office is better in Detroit. Uh, so I I mean I my takeaway is everybody's criticizing this move. I watched enough Arizona to think multiple times this year, their offense is kind of interesting considering it's Jacobe Brassette. I I was kind of impressed with it.

I, mean,, they, did, lose, their, running, back uh spacing on his name. Uh he went down midway through the season and Marvin Harrison missed a million games and they still were putting up points. Michael Wilson emerged. So, I guess I'm not going to render a judgment yet because there's too much talent on this Lions team to just totally go in the top 10 in passing offense and third down offense. I I don't know that I I think this guy is going to work in Detroit. I feel like today is he Ben Johnson there may not. You get a Ben Johnson like there's always one or two coordinators that are top of class. That was Ben Johnson. I think Detroit solved their biggest dilemma which is Dan Campbell had to take over play. Colin coaches don't want to do that. I think this guy's going to work. That's my opinion.

The, other, problem,, Colin,, the, NFC, is like nine or 10 teams deep honestly. Yeah. Jaden Daniels is Let's not forget him. Let's not forget Tampa, which cratered. Okay, this is a really tough conference. I Lions probably get back to the playoffs, but I'll tell you this Minnesota Vikings, they're going to be frisky next year with the healthy JJ McCarthy.

How, many, games, did, Detroit, win, this year? Like, nine? Nine., I, think, they, were, nine, and, eight.

Okay., Their, overunder, is, only, going, to be about 10. One of the best bets on the board is take Detroit's over

over because, Yeah,, because, this, guy's, not going to instill great Vegas confidence or media confidence. Detroit's really good. They have a they they went and drafted last year interior lineman. It wasn't a sexy draft. Detroit knows what the hell they're doing upstairs. Dan Campbell builds a culture. They had an OC issue last year

and, they, just, solved, it, in, my, opinion. Detroit is back to being a formidable capable NFC championship contender. I'll I'll stand on the Giants are my double the win total team. And Detroit is back in the playoff game.

Okay., So,, I, cannot, This, is, going, to, be, a fun offseason cuz you got now uh Detroit and the Giants in.

I'm, curious, who, you're, pulling, out, of the playoffs cuz I think by uh my my notes right here say you got nine teams currently in the playoffs, Colin, in the NFC. So, we got to winnow that down here in the coming months.

Okay. Brock Pury could uh Oh,, no., Not, my, guy., Come, on. Jac, with, the, news.

Well,, that's, the, news and, thanks, for, stopping, by. The, herd, lie, news., I, usually, I, usually wait till the off season. New York Giants are my double the win total team and my Detroit Lions are back into the playoffs team. One by one, teams are hiring their next head coach. The New York Giants got John Harbaugh. He is the best coach on the market. Atlanta got Kevin Stfansky. Ivy League sharp offensive guy. Love that hire. Uh the Titans got Robert Salah. was the best defensive coordinator in football this year doing it with a banged up Niners team. Uh Miami got Jeff Hafley been a college head coach. You know, kind of the opposite of McDaniel no flash at all, could be very good. The two best openings, and this is kind of instructive here, the two best openings we think Baltimore and Buffalo because of Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Those are the two best openings. Are they? What did

this season show us? What did these playoffs show us? If you have a superstar quarterback and pay him a lot, your roster is not going to be great. Kansas City pays Mahomes a lot. Bad O line. Buffalo pays Josh Allen a lot. No Pro Bowlers on defense. Zero. Listen to this. Zero of the top 15 paid quarterbacks in the NFL today are left in the playoffs. Let me give you three really good rosters that don't appear to have any holes. New England, Seattle, and Denver. New England and Denver quarterbacks on their rookie deals. And Seattle has a GM that doesn't miss in the draft. And Sam Darnold is on a very teamfriendly deal.

So, I look at this and I say to myself "Well, Buffalo is the best job. You're not going to have a lot of cap space. Well, Baltimore is outstanding." Well what what happens when Lamar Jackson renegotiates his deal? I mean, again, Baltimore drafts well but there are limitations. It it in if Tom Brady was never the highest paid quarterback in the league. Tom got it. Tom gets a lot of things. He got it. Do you want to win trophies? You can't worry about ego. You can't be the highest paid quarterback. So, Robert Solah to the Titans and whoever coaches the Raiders were Fernando Mendoza. I get high-end quarterback talent and and number one and two in the league in cap space. That's Denver. That's what Chicago did. Chicago went and bought Joe Tuni, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dolman. an entirely new interior line. Just went and bought it. And what did they do this year in Chicago? Much better. Avoid

sacks. Well, their offensive line was great. So, here's John Harbaugh, who was the best coach on the market. He's not going to pay Jackson Dart anything for four years. I mean, this is the recipe. This is Bonix in Denver. This is Drake May. If Jackson Dark can stay out of the blue tent, they need a right tackle, a tight end, and probably a corner. But here's John Harbaugh.

Our, focus, is, simple. It starts with building a team that is physical and tough, that's capable of overwhelming their opponent from beginning to end and especially at the end, that understands how to finish that is smart and disciplined, that plays the game the way it should be played. Nothing will be taken for granted. It will always always be all about the team. The team. The team. The team. Thanks Dad, for that. It'll always be about that. Now, it's time to go to work.

Yeah., The, um again, our perception, my perception I'm thinking about this this morning, is Buffalo's the job. Baltimore, that's the one you want. New York Giants, Tennessee Titans Fernando Mendoza in Las Vegas. They got massive cap space. Look at what New England did to reinvent their roster in one year. I mean, New England had the worst receiving core in the league, the slowest. Not anymore. They they they drafted very well. I I I look at the Giant and the other thing with the Giants is when you get the quarterback and the coach right, it creates such clarity. They obviously need a right tackle. That'll be their first pick. Everybody in the league needs faster linebackers and a great corner. I think they need to go out and get another tight end. It's always, you know, there's always tight ends out there. Third, fourth, fifth round. But um, this feels pretty good.

No, it really does. There's there at least one of the New York teams has their act together. Big Blue is coming back. I'll say it right now. 10 and seven at worst, 12 and five in play.

Hey,, by, the, way,, uh, you, know,, the, New York media, a bunch of sharks, they're just they just cannot wait to tear this apart. They are grilling Joe Shane on. So, the coach doesn't report to you who has final say over the roster. They're stirring the pot already. Uh it's going to get ugly in New York. I I'm going to go ahead and disagree with 10 wins. Colin, we go seven and a half, eight. How many steak dinners you owe me? I've lost count.

Please,, please. Have, a, cattle, farm. Lies, but, that, Joel, Clatt,, the, voice, of college football for Fox is joining us live. So, um, I'll ask you the first question I asked Urban Rapabon. What is your big takeaway on that game last night?

Yeah,, it's, it's, very, much, in, line, with what you were just talking about. Uh, I mean, we can talk about the game specifically obviously and and what happened, and, some, of the, mistakes, that were made from Miami side, namely the blocked punt that really cost him the game, Beck maybe forcing it in double coverage at the end. But then there's the overarching storyline, Colin, which which is this is incredible for college football. You know, in the late teens uh, we were watching Alabama dominate college football. Listen, I love to see people dominate and and watching Nick Sabin coach was phenomenal, but boy there was an era of inevitability even before the season in early September that we knew it was Clemson and Alabama and maybe Georgia that was going to play for the national title. And now that statement that you just made in in that leadup to this interview

why, not, us? To, me,, this, is, the, best, thing, that's happened to college football in a long time. I I think that this could be the most consequential national champion in my lifetime watching this sport uh and and loving this sport because of this idea that listen, we can do this. We are a coach away. We are one transfer portal away. And everybody wants to lament what's happening through NIL and the freedom of movement that these players have in the transfer portal. And listen I understand that there needs to be some parameters. I totally understand that.

However, what it has led to is a golden era now of college football. The product has never been better and there's never been more parody. And now Indiana is winning a national championship after coming into the season as the program with the most losses in the history of the sport. To me, it's remarkable. It's profound. And only history will look back on this with the with the size and momentum and scope that it deserves because I think right now we're probably too close to it.

Yeah., I, said,, um,, it, felt, 30, to, 40%, NFL. And that's not a bad thing. I always said I love college football, but special teams were a circus even on good teams. Um, that it was flawed and it was 19, year olds, and, 19year-olds, make mistakes. But now kids are like, um, I really like playing at Indiana. I like playing I like playing at Ohio State. I'm going to stay here for one more year. I think the offenses have gotten more sophisticated. I think the coaching's better. I mean, Miami's O and D lines look like Sunday lines.

Yeah. Is, that, Joe,, I, think, the, game, needed, a little bit of an NFL vibe. We needed a playoff. We needed to play the players.

The, old, the, rosters, now, by, design, are, a little older. I think the quality last night of the play calling man, half the defense, zone the other. Like I watched that game and I'm like, well, this is really high-end football. That was my takeaway.

You, bring, up, a, really, good, point, and, in particular with the with the older and more experienced players and and obviously a quarterback, but more so on defense. And here's what it's done to college football is that it's taken away the really simple offenses that just allow an athletic quarterback to go run around and and and make plays, which is what college football was for a while let's face it, right? because it was just talented young kids that were out there and the most talented kid would win. And and now there's more schematics involved and strategy involved and situational football involved. So the I think the necessity of having a veteran quarterback is is ramped up and we're starting to see that now year after year and these defenses become more intricate and they can stop more things. So you have to have answers as an offense.

That's what we saw. So think about this. Miami is killing Indiana with their pass rush. And they were Bane and Meador were fantastic. Those are Sunday players first round players in particular in Bane's case. And yet Indiana had answers. They ran the football, what was it, 39 times for over 139. So they they lean into the run game. They get Mendoza out of the pocket. They start throwing it short. And then in crunch time, what do they do? They go to matchups. That's what's NFL. They say, "Hey, Charlie Becker has got the matchup that we like and we're going to go to him on the back shoulder on fourth down, on third down and then Mendoza runs the quarterback draw." That's what felt NFL to me is the matchup oriented situational calls that we got from offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan in Indiana going to Charlie Becker in those big moments. You know that's what we see in the NFL playoffs.

It's about players and and not plays. And that's what ultimately won the game for Indiana. You know, people can talk about Big 10 against the SEC and they've won three straight natties. If I was an SEC fan, here's what here's what worries me. Miami and Notre Dame. Cuz you look at the ACC and you're like, "Well, those got Oh, no. No. Maybe the two best recruiting head coaches now out there big checkbooks in Miami's case. Hyper aggressive with the portal in the NIL. Crystal ball also has I mean in Oregon he built good teams. He didn't have Den Broward County in the state of Oregon. I look at Miami Joel I mean that they are absolutely the second best team in the country after Indiana. I would argue in the second half they were almost the better team if not for a block punt. I think Miami and Notre Dame and maybe Miami specifically.

Why? Why it I'm sorry, but Crystal Ball recruiting that county, that NIL checkbook, I I think Miami is back with a vengeance. I wouldn't be shocked if they bought Duke's quarterback and we're back here next year.

Yeah,, we'll, see., I, mean,, that's, the rumors that Ma Duke's quarterback is going to go down to Miami. Now, listen they do have to replace a lot. There's they're probably going to have to replace four offensive linemen and and that was a trenches led team. They're likely going to have to replace a bunch of their defense, including down the middle with their linebackers and some of those guys up front. But they're still going to have Malachi Tony. They can still get a a I would say a veteran quality quarterback. So they will be good because of the way that they've built their roster year over year.

There's no doubt. And Mario Crystal, I think, proved a lot of people wrong including myself. I didn't know if Mario could win big games in November, much less the playoff. And they proved that they could do that. And so that's a huge feather in their cap. You're absolutely right about Notre Dame. And they're reloading with a great young quarterback that will now be a veteran in CJ Carr. and they've got two wide receivers back. They went out and got Quincy Porter out of the portal from Ohio State who was a five-star wide receiver. Notre Dame should be very good. And here's what what I I'm about to record and will coming out uh will be coming out later this week on the Joel Clash show my way too early top 10 for next year. And it's very difficult to get even three SEC teams in that top 10.

I, was, just, doing, that, this, Listen, to this Joel. I'll give it to you here. So I said next year on because Miami is going to reload. They're they're going to go buy an offensive line. They're that's what they're going to do. I look at Miami, Notre Dame's two, Ohio State Oregon, Indiana three, two cupcakes automatic. Texas Tech's going to buy teams. Sorry, I'm at eight. I'm not counting USC Michigan, which could get in. Clemson will be feisty.

I, mean,, we, everybody, says,, "Oh,, well, Texas, I'll give you $40 million roster." Joel, I look at eight teams. I would be shocked if they didn't get in before I get to the SEC.

Well,, yeah., I, mean,, listen., So,, so, you basically have one spot left. If let's like let's say we we would include Texas, and I will include Texas. Absolutely. Then, then you get down to this conversation about kind of the last spot and a and a potential top 10 going into the next year. And you've got teams like LSU, USC&M BYU, who is bringing back a lot

Michigan,, Oklahoma,, like, and, and, here's the best part about it is that any one of those teams might turn out to be the best team. You know, I don't think we're going to have a runaway number one team although Oregon looks like a team that could potentially wind up number one in the preseason. Uh, in particular with Dante Moore back again, we go back to the veteran presence at quarterback. we bring him and all of his starts back and some of that talent. College football is in such a good spot, man. And I'm telling you, like I said, I'm going to go back to this again. I think I think last night was the most consequential national champion in my I'm 43 years old. I cannot remember a time in college football where we needed this more than what we have right now because every fan base in America can wake up this morning and say, "Well, heck, why can't we do that?" You know, we're seeing it with

tech and Oregon invests, LSU is investing, Miss is investing, Notre Dame is investing, Clemson's, everybody is investing, and they can all play at the top end. And that's how you get a championship game that that is that high a level between two teams that ultimately at the beginning of the year we didn't expect to be there.

All, right,, Glatt,, you, got, a, lot, of, stuff to do. You're very, very busy guy. Your pod smoking and all that stuff. And uh you know what? It's not, you know, I know you don't like this.

Let, me, ask, you, real, quick., I, and, I, know you probably need to go just really quickly.

All right. Best, coaching, job, you've, ever, seen. I, think, it, might, I, think, Kurt, Signetti what he's done is is the single greatest coaching job I've ever seen in any sport.

I, thought, I, thought, Brad, Stevens, at Butler had he won the title. I was like how is Butler playing for a title?

That's, a, good, one., That's, a, really, good one. I, And, by, the, way,, brilliant, guy, now coach and now GM. I would say Brad Stevens at Butler's like this doesn't make any sense. But that was also um kind of a time when college basketball was one and done. So the rosters weren't stacked. You didn't get old rosters.

And, also, in, basketball,, you, need, one great player. You know, it's not like you're building

you, know,, in, football,, they, were, Indiana was great across the board. There wasn't a weakness on that team. It ultimately won them a national championship. I'm not disagreeing. I think that's a Stevens is a great call there. You know you think of I thought of like Herb Brooks, but that's one tournament with the Miracle on Ice. You know, I I can't think of certainly in college football. There's probably, you know, Nick Sabin's the greatest coach of all time, but as far as a a single performance and couple of years, this is I there's no rival to what Signetti is doing and has done.

You, know,, I, I, I've, said, this, for, years. I grew up with college football, so I've always loved it. We both love it. Um the but there was always two or three flaws to college football. the ending and it I always felt like our bosses and other big broadcast executives are always like if we could just get the ending to be a playoff.

Okay,, we'll, put, a, couple, of,, you, know,, a couple of cupcakes in so we don't get sued, but let's have a playoff. So they've solved the playoff thing.

And, the, other, thing, was, it, always, felt, a little regional to me. Last, it doesn't it's not regional. I got flashy Miami.

I, got, basketball, school, Indiana., I, got, a billionaire at Texas Tech. I got an academic power in Notre Dame. I've got two great conferences. Like to me, it's like, okay, this is like the NFL. I can get a small market Green Bay. I can get LA. You know, it's like this is the way football should be. You just don't, you said it earlier.

It, used, to, be, in, the, pre-season, you could look at the Street and Smith depth charts and you were like, well, BAM is in for sure and so is LSU.

You, can't, do, that, anymore., No,, you really can't. And that that's why this is I think we're entering what what is going to be a real a real golden age of the sport. I think we're ending entering what will likely be considered and history will look back on as as the best period of college football ever. Hey, I want to show you I want you to I want to ask you, can we roll the Fernando Mendoza run for a touchdown?

Oh,, how, good, was, that?, No,, remember Colin, I grew up in Denver, so this reminded me of Super Bowl 32 as John Elway is running and then helicoptering around inside the 10 yard line against Green Bay.

Like, that's, what, it, reminded, me, of., This this effort was incredible. And did it also not remind you a little of Andrew Luck? Sure. Who by the way has said publicly, I don't feel like the game starts until I get popped. Mendoza similarly this year he doesn't have like a mean streak in him but he does get a little you know like like when the lip is bleeding against Ohio State against Miami um I when I now he's not Andrew Luck as a as a prospect I'm not saying he's Elway or Andrew Luck but there are qualities the humility the toughness you know obviously great parenting amazing story there are some things about Mendoza where I'm like man I there's a little luck in Elway. He's not He's not that. By the way, we have a we have a shot of his bruised arm last night. I haven't seen this. Um

so, good. If, you, haven't, seen, uh, Oh, my, lord. So, good. You, know,, there, there, are, two, types, of quarterbacks that scream and there are there are quarterbacks that rise to the occasion when their best is needed. And there are guys that

and, Mendoza, rose, to, the, occasion, when his best was was needed. He was at his best. That's that's why he won the Heisman and that's why he's a national champ.

Joel, Clack,, good, seeing, you,, buddy. You, as, well., Have, a, good, day,, bud.

All, right., Yeah., I, mean,, listen, Indiana, this I'll say it again. Credit to Miami. Indiana needed a block punt for a touchdown and multiple great heroic fourth down conversions to beat Miami. Miami is about as good a team that hasn't won the national championship by the end of the year. like Miami was. I mean, it was a block punt, which by the way was not eight guys coming through. It was one guy got a hand on it and multiple fourth down conversions. Like, how many times are you going to do that sideline route that's going to work? Uh, it it man, that was that was really good stuff. That was really good stuff.

Urban Meyer stopped by. Nick Wright joined us in the second hour. All sorts of stuff. So, we uh Solid takes the Titans job. Depends on his OC but I thought he earned that job. I thought he was the best defensive coordinator with the least uh roster assistance due to injuries to Fred Warner and Bosa. So Halfley in Miami feels a little bit like the opposite of Mike McDaniel. He's been a head coach defensive side, zero flash. Uh Stfansky I think that's just what Atlanta needs with all their offensive skill. They got a pro bowler on the O line, a star at running back, uh talent at tight end and wide receiver. Love Stfansky. Harbaugh is the best guy in the market. Again, I think Solo works. Um you know, Brian Flores, I think, deserves a job. Uh the Minnesota defensive coordinator, I think he's sensational.

Um you know, Brian Dable at Buffalo he's got history there. I think that's a smart choice. Uh Jesse Mentor, does he go back to Baltimore? That's an interesting choice. I think we have some really good candidates. Um you know, the Bellich to Buffalo suggestion that Nick Wright had earlier is certainly interesting, but my issue is Brandon Bean has not aced the draft. Bellich was actually bad at it his last seven years. So I mean my my my take in Buffalo is they've got to do a better job in the draft. That's not Bellich strength clearly. Look at the last seven New England drafts. And Brandon Bean has drafted 56 guys since Josh Allen. Two Pro Bowlers. So he's been the opposite of the Rams and the Seahawks. He misses a lot. So the Bichc, it's a fascinating suggestion. Uh, you know, I think Bill Bich could go to Philadelphia where Howie Roseman's great in the draft. You know, that that's where

Bellich makes sense to me. I I don't want Bill touching personnel. He hasn't shown at the college or pro level. That is his strength. Knows the game. Can build the culture. Smart guy, but he I'm going to look at your resume. Patriots last seven years and draft very well. Jay Mack with the news.

NO., NO. TURN, ON, THE, NEWS., THIS, is, the, Herdline news. Interesting, situation, developing, in Philadelphia right now, Colin. Uh, the Eagles are hot for Mike McDaniel. They would love him to be their OC. Here's the problem. They can't convince him to come up for an interview right now. That is not great news. McDaniel, of course has interviewed for some head coaching jobs. Um, there is a report he would really prefer Tampa, but Colin, this is not great. And the problem is their other big target in Philly was Brian Dable. That was of course before the Bills job opened up. So Eagles had high hopes and uh if they don't get their top two guys and we know that uh Jaylen Herz has dealt with I believe five OC's in six seasons, I I don't know that this is going to go well for Philadelphia. I I'll be honest with you, this sounds crazy, but going to Tennessee with Cam Ward on a rookie deal and Robert Salah

and getting like a four-year contract as OC is very attractive. Philadelphia has got a great roster. There's drama around Jaylen Herz. There's drama around AJ Brown. If you have a bad Sunday, you get eaten alive on WIP radio. It is a pressure cooker. And the Eagles have a history of we don't like that performance. you're out of here. So like Philadelphia, the downside to Philadelphia, and there's not many, it is a pressure cooker job to be a coordinator, forget the head coach. Remember that piece of NFL films with Bill Parcels is talking to a young Andy Reid and he's like, you know, you did take the toughest place to coach in the NFL, even worse than New York. It's a pressure cooker. So I mean, it it's I mean, the Boston media, they're Boy Scouts compared to Philadelphia. So, I I think that I if I can get a four-year job, warm weather down with Sala and and you know, that's a college football

market as much as a pro market, that's very attractive to me. Interesting., So,, I, wonder,, do, you, think it's it's within um reason that Mike McDaniel would say, well, what what's the game plan with AJ Brown? What are you guys doing there? Because he is a game breaker for them. You need a stud wide receiver in this league.

Devonte, Smith's, great., He's, good,, but, I don't You don't put him in the same class as AJ Brown, do you?

Listen, AJ comes with It's like DK Metaf. Yeah he's great. It, comes, with, stuff.

Well,, I, AJ, Brown's, been, to, two, Super Bowls, okay? He's really top receiver but what happens if you take the job you're excited, oh, I can do this, that and the other, and then they trade AJ Brown in a month.

Well,, you're, you, if, you're, going, to Philadelphia, you can't worry about who's going to be there because Howie Roseman makes more deals than anybody. He makes deals in season, out of season trade deadline.

Uncertainty, not, a, sexy, appealing, aspect of the job. That's for sure. And like you said, you mentioned Brown Herz. What about Sirriani? I mean, this for all we know, Serriani's fired by Halloween if things go sideways. You love the Giants. Washington's coming back. Dallas sounds like they're going to keep pickings in that offense and they they were pluckucky this year. I don't I I just there's a lot of uncertainty and Colin we've both bounced around for jobs around the country like I don't know. you you want to go into something like this. I don't know that this is a great job, which sounds insane.

It, is, the, biggest, pressure, cooker, in, the league, not just for head coach, but for coordinators.

Yeah., All right,, speaking, of, OC's,, let's go to Kansas City where uh quietly Matt Nai no longer the OC in KC. They just kind of moved off of him. Uh what's that all about? And you know who they're talking about bringing back? Eric Benemy. Yes, they Eric Benemy seems to be the leading candidate. Now, some people, not going to name any names will say, "Hey, Benemy was with Mahomes. They were amazing early. Uh, it's been well documented Benemy was not calling plays in Kansas City." That was Andy Reid. Okay. So, we don't know how much Benemy did. Then he left left the hen or the rooster or the cage or whatever you want to call it. And how do he do outside? Terrible. Now he's coming back.

I don't love this for Kansas City Colin, but uh your thoughts on Benemy potentially returning to Kansas City? Well, I I defended Matt Naggie. Matt Naggie made the playoffs in Chicago with Mitch Trabiscy and Aaron Rogers and Matt Stafford and Kirk Cousins were all in the division in their primes

and, he, made, it, twice., I, think, Matt Naggie is more than capable. I'm sorry. I I mean, so whoever gets Matt Naggie you got a good coordinator.

But, that's, the, weird, part., That's, one, of Andy Reid's guys, right? Well,, Matt, Naggie, just, let, him, go.

Well,, Matt, Naggie, may, have, been, Andy. Thank you. I got fired. Thanks for being a life preserver, but I actually want some real responsibility. I want to call the plays. I mean, if I, by the way, if I

Eagles, hire, him,, I'm, done., Eagles, hire him, I'm done with the Eagles. And they're like fifth on my teams to root for list. I I I I don't want

any, Matt, Naggie, in, one, second, as, a coordinator. What to, be, my, coordinator, in, one, second.

Oh, my, gosh., A, quarterback's, coach,, maybe offensive analyst or something. I

He, got, to, the, playoffs, with, Mitch Trabisky. Hey buddy, that was like six years ago. What have you done for me lately?

Oh,, please. I, years, ago., Yeah., What?, What? Maybe, it, was, five, years, ago., Whatever, it was. Um, anyways, let's move on. Final story. This stinks in the NBA. Boy, the injuries are mounting. And Jimmy Butler last night went down, Colin, with an ACL injury. His season is over. He landed awkwardly after catching a pass instantly grabbed his knee, could not walk off on his own. Look at that. He's in agony. Jimmy Buckets, one of my favorite players in the league. love this guy. This is just terrible. And Colin, I don't know what you say about the Warriors, man. I have a couple hot takes on how to fix him.

It's, over. It's, definitely, over. Over, three, years, ago. I, I, agree., After, you, won, the, title,, like I I know people are wedded to this Curry Draymond stuff, but like come on, it's over.

One, of, the, mantras, of, my, career,, fall, in love with your kids, not your not your small forwards. Don't fall in love with athletes. Fall in love with your family. That this whole thing about Steph and Draymond and we can't move and we got you're falling in love with players. You you you, I, mean, you, obviously, you, can't move for the next five years or Cooper flag.

No,, you, don't, want, to, move, those, guys. But, I, I, think, this, is, the, danger, of,, you know, building around a star, falling in love with a player. Now you're trapped. And now with Butler hurt, you're not a playoff team. So

I, don't, think, they're, a, playin, team,, do you? No., God,, no. They're, going to, get, passed, by, somebody. So, we have a a chart here. This is next season's Warriors, Colin. Look at the the ages of this core. It is. Oh my. If I'm a Warriors fan, it it it's over. You guys had a great decade run. Look at this. Curry 37, Butler 36. And, you know, an ACL for a guy 35 36 years old. He's not going to be back next year till at least what, January. Uh Draymond Green is old and he's not good anymore. Kuminga and Kerr are beefing. I mean Kerr's got to basically reach out the olive branch. Hey, I know I know you want to get traded. Wine you wine ages well. NBA rosters do not. It's a young fast 3 and D spacing league. Warriors are small, not athletic, old and now missing their second best player.

So, this, is, where, it, gets, interesting., So you remember the Lakers with Kobe Bryant decided we don't want to trade Kobe. We want him to be a Laker forever. We'll deal with the 30 wins, the 25 wins. They kept they held on to Kobe. Didn't do anything in the playoffs. And they were in they were in the wilderness for like five years, Colin, until LeBron saved them. They were drafting high, remember? And none of it worked out. Brandon Ingram, D'Angelo Russell. The Golden State Warriors are headed to that unless they say, "Hey, Steph, you know, we're not going anywhere. Do you want to go play somewhere else? We'll trade you there." Do you think there's any world where Curry's like, "Yeah, I want to go play for a contender." Do you think that's on the table at all?

I, I, I, don't. Jeez. I, I, don't., No. Should, it, be? Yeah., I, mean,, I, I Do, you, want, to, win, 30, games, every, year if you're Steph Curry for the final three years of your game?

No,, I, wouldn't. Okay., So,, why, don't, you, say,, "Sure, guys. Trade me to the East. I'll go to Charlotte. Rebuild around the

Melo.", Charlotte's, not, my, choice. Well,, it, might, be, Steph, Curry's, choice. His dad played there. They're retiring his number. played college there

somewhere, with, good, golf, courses., Maybe it maybe it doesn't. Charlotte's, got, good, golf., They, got, a good nucleus. I'm just saying I think Curry should consider being like, "Guys just trade me and you can rebuild." I I don't want to be around for that. Do you?

I, I, would, ask, for, it., I, mean,, I, I, again I since the title, he's been a good soldier. He's been loyal. I just this it's over. Like it's done.

Jay, Mack, with, the, news. Well,, that's, the, news and, thanks, for, stopping, by.

The, herd, lie, news., It, interesting that none of the 15 highest paid quarterbacks are left. I I think that's we looked it up. Stafford's just outside of that. So Bo Nicks is in. Drake May is in. Team friendly Sam Darnold is in. It's third.

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "Colin Cowherd & Nick Wright DEBATE: Bills wasting Allen? Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Patriots | HERD"?

Colin Cowherd (Host), Nick Wright (Guest).

What is "Colin Cowherd & Nick Wright DEBATE: Bills wasting Allen? Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Patriots | HERD" about?

Colin Cowherd and Nick Wright engage in a debate regarding the effectiveness of NFL teams, focusing on whether the Buffalo Bills are wasting quarterback Josh Allen's potential. They discuss the performance of various coaches and teams, highlighting the current challenges within the league, including questionable coaching decisions and ownership issues.

What is mentioned in this The Herd with Colin Cowherd episode?

36 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Colin Cowherd, Pat Mahomes, Josh Allen, Curtis Wayne Wright, NFL, Super Bowl. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Colin Cowherd & Nick Wright DEBATE: Bills wasting Allen? Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Patriots | HERD"?

The episode runs 1 h 6 min; the transcript is about 11,887 words in 152 timestamped sections.

More from The Herd with Colin Cowherd

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated January 26, 2026.