The Herd with Colin Cowherd - THE HERD - Hour 2 - Why would anyone schedule Notre Dame? The Coaching Carousel Christmas Tree

Episode Date: December 30, 2025

Colin unveils his Herd Hierarchy for the week, with a power vacuum as the Rams fall on Monday night. Joel Klatt joins Colin to discuss the college football playoffs – what does Miami have to do to beat Ohio State? Plus, the fallout continues from USC and Notre Dame’s breakup. Colin discusses who he thinks are the best head coach candidates for this hiring cycle, including a surprise from the college ranks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to three Eastern, 9 a.m. to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the herd at Fox SportsRedio.com or stream us live every day in the IHeart Radio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Here we go. It's hour two. Rams, come back and make it close. Stafford plays well they win.

Stafford struggles they lose. 11 and 5 on the season. McVeigh did say he's going to play the starters. in week 18. Good to have you in today. So the college football playoff tomorrow, Miami, I liked them to get into the playoff over and over at aim.

I liked them over Texas A&M. I think they keep it close here. Can they move the ball consistently, at least win some field position battles against Ohio State? I think Ohio State will struggle to move the ball. Really good pass rush. Miami is old school physical but I think the Buckeyes have so many

interesting perimeter weapons Brian Hartline's recruiting, they'll kind of outlast them over the course of time they'll just make a couple of big plays down the sideline so here we do it. The herd hierarchy as we head into week 18 here we go Heard hierarchy Time is now, let's go! The top 10

NFL teams according to college number 10. Yeah, I'll put Buffalo once again at 10. They've trailed in each of their last nine games. Three of their five losses have come to Philadelphia, the Texans and the Patriots. I don't think they're going to be able to beat top-end teams consistently. They can't defend the run. They fall into holes.

I don't trust them situationally in big spots. They'd won five straight division titles, and my guess going forward, Drake May and Mike Vrable are going to own the division. I have the bills at 10. Number nine. Yet I do think the Texans could play for the AFC championship. eight-game winning streak, best fourth quarter differential in the league. They wear you out physically and can pull away in the final quarter.

Now, they've scored 20 or fewer points this year, but that's because if Woody Marks doesn't play, I don't know if I trust their offense. I've always liked C.J. Stroud, but I like this team. I would not want to face this team in the playoffs. Would not at all Texans 9. Number eight. The Bears. They lead the NFL in big plays on offense, but they've allowed the third most on defense.

So they don't turn it over. Caleb does not turn the ball over. They don't take sacks nearly as much as last year. I think Caleb's had a very good season. I think Ben Johnson in an argument for coach of the year. The last two games, Caleb Williams has almost 650 yards, a bunch of touchdowns, no sacks, no turnovers, and a passer rating at 100. I like what I see, the Bears at eight.

Number seven. Denver Broncos clinched their first AFC West title since 2015. They are seven and one at home and have been a great home team since Sean Payton arrived. They're 12 and 1 the last two years at home. Many of them close come from behind wins in the fourth quarter. They are four teams that play them are four and 11 the following week. That matters to me. What it says is Denver beats you up physically.

You better strap the helmet on and be ready to play. I have Denver at seven. Number six. Philadelphia, hard team to figure out. They are number one in the red zone, and they've been the number one scoring defense since they traded for linebacker Jalen Phillips from Miami. He's a good player, obviously.

Here's an interesting one with Jalen Hurts. Do you know he is 7 and 0 against Mahomes, Alan Burrow, Lamar Jackson over the last three years. He just, he in Philadelphia may be uneven. They have a way of beating good teams, Homer away. Number five. The Rams, don't trust their special teams, lost three of five, have not been a good one score game.

All five losses this year in one score games. And their defense, maybe it's beat up, I don't know, but their defense is regressing. You saw it last night. Could not stop Bijon Robinson. very dependent on how Matt Stafford plays. When he throws picks, they don't, which is discouraging because Seattle wins when Darnold throws picks. I've watched San Francisco win when Brock Purdy throws picks or Mac Jones plays.

If Stafford struggles, the Rams lose. Number four. The Jags, seven-game winning streak during that streak outscoring people by 17 a game. And Trevor Lawrence's last five games, 109.7.7. passer rating. They're for real. I mean, listen, if you don't watch them, here's all you need to know. They've hammered

good teams. They go on the road and win. I know it's a odd franchise. I got the Jags at 4. Number 3. I worry about the O-line and the run game a little, but I'm going to put the Patriots there. Only team in the league, top

five offense, top 5 defense. I mean, Drake May is going to win the MVP and should. He just, I mean, he had a bad game, I think, on the road against Pittsburgh about three months ago. But they got a lockdown corner in Christian Gonzalez. They don't run the ball consistently, but they run it good enough. I have them at three. Number two.

Niners. I know. Six game winning streak. Do they have a whole, yeah, opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of 101. Caleb Williams had his best game as a pro. So Robert Salas done a great job. They got a blitz to create pressure. They've got a massive hole.

But offensively, right now they are on fire. And George Kittle didn't even play against Chicago. I got him at two. Number one. Seattle. Four and two against winning teams. Donald's the winningest quarterback in the NFL, the last two years. Seattle may not be great at anything.

They're not bad at anything. They don't have to have Darnold play great to win. They don't have to have a bunch of sacks to win. They win on the road. They win at home. Again, in the playoffs, you can't be bad at stuff because the coaching's so good they'll expose it. They remind me a little bit of New England.

What's New England bad at? I wish the Patriots ran the ball more consistently. But New England's not bad at anything. The only other team I can say that about is Seahawks. I have them at number one. JMAQ thoughts. Three teams in the NFC West make your top five. That is insane. Colin, if I had said the Jags would be number four in the herd hierarchy heading into week 18, you probably would have kicked me off the show. Jacksonville, that is an unbelievable story. I was just doing some research here. Did you know they lead the NFL

and drop passes this year? What? Yeah. They, um, Crazy season. Jacksonville is one of those teams. If, you know, you can't, it just goes to show. I mean, Chicago hires a new offensive coach. Jacksonville hires a new offensive coach. San Francisco Rams, offensive coach. We do like the Texans because their defense is by far and away the best in the league.

And again, Brables, Drake May is going to work. Josh McDaniels, a little bit of the secret sauce here with Brady and McGa. It's a lot of offensive guys engineering it. Sean Payton in Denver. I mean, say what you want about Philadelphia, but, I mean, that offense, Jalen Hertz, doesn't turn it over, doesn't take a lot of sacks. I'll tell you away,

if Philadelphia played the Rams, you mentioned this earlier, the game plan is going to be real obvious. You throw to A.J. Brown 15 times because I don't think the Rams match up at all. I think Philadelphia is a tough matchup for the Rams. By the way, Colin, on your list here, I'm counting four quarterbacks on their rookie deal, Rick May, Bo Nix, C.J. Stroud and Caleb Williams. Interesting. No Mahomes, no Burrow, no Lamar. The tide has turned to the NFL pretty quickly, huh? Oh, my gosh.

Let's bring in Joel Clatt, voice of college football, become the holiday bowl Friday in San Diego. Okay, so it's Miami and Ohio State. I think it's low scoring. I think it's close. What would Miami have to do to beat the Buckeyes? Well, they've got to get after the passer. You know, that from four-weeks. which is a great front four. You know, I'll give them that. Ruben Bain in particular. These guys are active.

They can create pressure on the quarterback. They're going to need to do so. That was really what Indiana was able to do against Ohio State and Julian Sand, and it gave them a lot of trouble. And Indiana's defensive front creates a lot of pressure. And they, opposing coaches call them slippery when I talk to them. And so Miami is going to need to be slippery against Ohio State. I think that's first and foremost.

And then on the opposite side, they're going to have to create some field position. I just don't see this Miami team being able to drive the length of the field against this Ohio State defense to score points. So creating some field position, whether it's via special teams, maybe a blocked kick, a turnover, here or there. Remember, in the last two games, Julian San has thrown really bad interceptions early in the game against Indiana, gave them a short field against Michigan, gave them a short field. so they're going to have to try, I think, to get one of those short fields in particular early

and try to get a lead. Ryan Day is going to be calling plays, which he hasn't done. I don't love it, but there are coaches that do it. Wait, wait, why don't you, wait, why don't you, he's like one of the best play callers in the country. No, no, I know. I like my head coach to kind of be on the line of scrimmage,

macro, stay off the noise on the headset. he is uniquely qualified to be good at it, but I would prefer my head coach, kind of like being an NFL head coach, kind of walk around, kind of feel the vibe of the team. I think he's one of those guys that can, like Lane Kiffin. He's a good play caller, but I don't, he didn't do it all year.

Now he's doing it. Is it bother you? No, only because I know that he was involved with Brian Hartline, pretty extensively, you know, whether it was third downs or red zone, It doesn't bother me. And by the way, this is a lot better than a situation where if a head coach was just a CEO, had really no idea about the offensive system and let an offensive coach kind of do what he needed to do.

And then all of a sudden that offensive coach had another job, right? Like, for instance, isn't Ohio State in a better position with their coordinator getting another job than like, let's say, Oregon? I think that they are because they have Ryan. So in this situation, I would say that this is a huge benefit for Ohio State. In the situation where you're going to lose your play caller, or he's going to get another job, rather than trying to have him serve two masters and have two jobs and continue to call plays,

they can lean on what I think is the best play caller in college football, him, Lane Kiff and Lincoln Riley. Those are the three best play callers in the sport. Okay, so you've called more Ohio State games than any sportscaster in America. In fact, the Columbus Dispatch should start paying you and just do reporting. If last year's Buckeye team faced this Buckeye team, what's it looked like? What's it looked like? You know, last year's Buckeye team was just so uniquely talented from an NFL perspective.

Look at all the draft picks, right? What was it? What are the running backs? The running backs I was just going to get to. That's the biggest difference to me is the two running backs. Trayvion Henderson has been incredible for New England. He's been outstanding. I know Quintan got hurt and that's unfortunate.

Quintzion Jutkins was a tremendous player. And also the one thing that last year's group maybe had over this year's group is a quarterback that could be rugged and short yardage. Really the only problem that has crept up for Ohio State. The entire season is short yardage run game and the inability to capitalize. And we saw it creep up against Michigan inside the five. We saw it creep up against Indiana. It's really the reason that they live.

lost to Indiana. And you think back, and Will Howard was that guy last year in the playoffs. He's a big, sturdy quarterback, and he would get those third and shorts, fourth in shorts. And they don't have that, but Julian's saying. Now, they're more explosive throwing the football, but they don't have that short yardage. And so that's the biggest difference. I'm not saying last year's team was better. I think this year's defense is better. I think it's better schematically under Matt Patricia. And I do think that we underestimate how good their linebackers and their safety Caleb Downs are. Like these

all three of these guys, Sunny Stiles, Arvel Reese, Caleb Downs, they're all going to be top 15, 20 picks in the NFL draft. That's pretty astounding. And then they also have a first round defensive tackle on Caden McDonald. You know, the last time a defense in college football call and had four first round draft picks right

down the middle tackle, linebacker and safety was those great Miami teams in the early 2000s. So like they're historically good, this Ohio State defense. You know You know what? One of the signs of a great coach, or a really good coach, your team gets better. Mario Cristobal's taking heat for years. He didn't win a lot of big games.

This team got better. They beat Notre Dame. They went on the road and won when the offense struggled. We got to be honest about Miami. I think the country's sleeping on them. I think they're the most physical team. I think they have a shot to win this. It's their offense good enough.

I think that there's two ways to look at Miami. exactly how you're viewing them right now, that they've gotten better and better and better. And that in particular, on the offensive line, that they've been able to form an identity and a physical identity with Mark Fletcher running the football, which he did so well against Texas A&M, the ability to not make mistakes in management games,

manage games on the road, which they really had an inability to do in previous years, but this year, one on the road in November in Pitt, one on the road in the playoff against Texas A&M. So there's that way to view Miami. there's the other view of Miami, which is they took advantage of a team that was playing really poor football in Texas A&M. You know, A&M, if you actually look at their last four games, in particular against FBS opponents, it was really bad. They were down 30 to South Carolina.

They got beat by Texas. Now they obviously got beat by Miami. And that was a game that was pretty sloppy. And do we really believe that Miami is all of a sudden at Ohio State's level, in particular with their offense and their ability to potentially score points. So two different versions of Miami. Where do I sit? Well, I tend to sit a little bit on that last description. I think that Miami had the benefit of playing against a team that was overmatched, had an incredibly easy SEC schedule in Texas A&M,

and a quarterback that really played poorly. And they won barely in a game in which they had to have a pick right at the end in order to seal the victory. So while that was impressive, and I don't want to take anything away from Miami, this Ohio State team is different. They've got absolute dudes on the outside, on the offensive side. They're going to have a whole month to prepare.

We saw what they did in the playoffs a year ago. They've got a quarterback that throws it accurately in a defense that's the best defense since the 2011 Alabama team. You know, the 2011 Alabama team gave up 8.2 points per game. That's exactly what Ohio State's giving. That's the best in the last 25 years. like is is carson back all of a sudden going to turn into a world beater against this ohio state defense i don't know maybe it's low scoring and they can win the game i have my doubts okay so thursday you got

oregon at texas tech i think it's low scoring and close Alabama Indiana i like indiana old miss georgia uh they played a close game the first time i watched that george is going to win i think by about a touchdown i think there is some influence with kiff and leaving the building Let's talk Oregon for a second. This is a really good physical defensive front. It's a step up in class for Texas Tech. They haven't played a team like this. Here's what I'm rooting for.

Is that Dante Moore wins, but he struggles. And it becomes a better. You want to see him come back? Well, I think he has to. He's 20 years old with 18 stars. He should abs. Now, Mendoza is a different ball game. Two years at Cal getting beat up.

goes to Indiana. And he played really good in spots this year. Dante Moore is a kid. He's a kid. He should not be in the NFL. If he got drafted by like somebody to the Jets, he'd be like 20, 21 years old in New York. It's like, oh, man, overboard.

That's a disaster. So Dante Moore, I think,'s really good. What do you think happens transpires in that game? Because this is a big boy pass rush. Texas Tech has got Sunday dudes up front. Yeah, they do. The defensive line is tremendous. Ramello height.

I look at this defensive front seven for Texas Tech, and I think it's one of the best in the country. Jacob Rodriguez is the linebacker, and they're going up against an offense in Oregon that's the number two rush yards per rush offense in the country. They've been running the football in particular in the back half the year as well as anybody. And so that's a good on good matchup.

And I can't wait to see. how it plays out. To me, I think that Oregon has the ability to be more explosive on offense, which is going to be the difference in this game, is that they can score, they can score in a hurry, not that Texas Tech can't, but you set it there in your setup, and I think that this is going to become kind of the biggest issue in this game, and in particular early, when Texas Tech lines up in this game, they're going to look across the field, and they will have not seen anybody like Oregon, not all year. Not all year.

All due respect to Utah and BYU, the best quarterback that Texas Tech faced, they lost to. That was Sam Levitt from Arizona State. Meanwhile, Oregon's going to line up and they're going to be like, yeah, we've seen this. We've done this. We just faced Ohio State and the Rose Bowl last year. We faced Indiana this year.

They're the number one team in the country. He played in the whiteout. We played USC late in the season. We've seen these type of players, and I don't think they're going to be overwhelmed. and I think Dan Laining also has this team thinking about this game as a start to the season. Remember, it was 12 months ago. They got run out of the building at the Rose Bowl.

And to them, they've been waiting to get back to this point. This is the start of Oregon season. And I don't know if you can say that about Texas Tech, but man, I do think this is going to be a good game. A really good game. Tech is an excellent team. Okay, I think Indiana is going to beat Alabama because I watched Indiana play six times and I got the exact same team every time. Yep.

I didn't watch. Exact same team. Exact same team. I watched Alabama. I love Kailen DeBoer. I didn't see a game where I got four consistent quarters. You get good team or bad team. I think Indiana's kind of being disrespected.

The odds makers have said Indiana by a touchdown. It's hard to find anybody in the media that likes Indiana to win. I think they can win. I think they can win going away. Possibly. Possibly. I had it a close game. I've got an Indiana win this.

I think it was 24, 21. And the reason is because I think Ty Simpson's elite. Colin, he is an elite quarterback. You should see him on film because they don't protect him very well. His footwork is incredible. He throws the ball really well down the field, hyper-accurate, big boy throws. These are not just bubble screens on the outside that you see some of these quarterbacks throw. Huge throws down the field.

And that's the only concern for Indiana. is the fact that Ty Simpson in that passing game is elite. Now, in every other area of this game, Indiana has the advantage. They've got great players that are going to play in the NFL. I don't think they're going to be overmatched from a personnel standpoint. You know, and there's one other thing that I think normally when we get to this type time of year, people start talking about, and in the past, this was absolutely accurate, and I'm sure you did the same. They were saying, like, well, they haven't seen that SEC speed.

right well look at what's going on in the bowl season in the last two and three years is that the the SEC has gone out in bowl season and gotten drilled around the economy Virginia beat the SEC you know like everybody's beating the SEC also I think they're two and four in bowl season and last year you know they haven't played for a national championship in the last couple of years I think what's what's fascinating for the media types maybe us included is that we still look at the brand. That's right. And we don't look at the players.

The fact of the matter is, is that Indiana is a better football team and probably by a substantial margin. I all say it right now. I think Indiana blows Alabama out. I think it's 33, 23, and I don't think, I think it's a late Bama touchdown to make it close. I think Indiana blows. If Indiana was called Ohio State, you'd have Ohio State winning by three touchdowns.

Yeah, of course you would. Of course you would. And by the way, Indiana is more balanced. And if they get to the quarterback, like they got to Dantay Moore and Julian saying it's over. Remember, like Ohio State and Oregon have given up no sacks, almost no pressure calling all year, until they faced Indiana. No one wants to talk about the fact that Indiana is the second best defense in the entire sport. So watch out for that defensive front seven getting after the quarterback because if Ty Simpson is under duress,

we've already seen that. Florida State did that. You know, a lot of teams have done that to Alabama. So I think Indiana wins the game. Yeah, I'm going to say Indiana. Indiana in a route. Okay. I don't know if you caught the courageous Lincoln Riley. I don't use courage out very often.

But willingness to say, because I've defended, if you and I went into business and I had a side deal that could literally, at the end, the conclusion of our business partnership, I could take away your profits. Well, I had a side deal. You'd be like, Colin? I'm not going into business with you. Yeah, I wouldn't like it. Yeah, the fact that USC is like, we could be 10th, you could be 12, you knock us out. We'll play you, but it's going to be on our terms.

You got side deals. We're fully committed. You're not to your conference. I don't even understand the argument. Every USC fan and donor is screaming. I don't understand it. You would never go into business with anybody with a side deal that could say. steal profits. What am I missing?

I don't think that that is inaccurate. I mean, honestly, and listen, it does not behoove anybody. I can't believe I'm saying this, but like to schedule Notre Dame.

Because they have such an advantage over these teams that are playing in the Big Ten in the SEC's cases, much more difficult schedules. And now, there's this bar, like a minimum bar where all Notre Dame has to do is being the top 12 with their schedule?

That's crazy. Meanwhile, we have seen, we have seen that in the selection-based model and the invitational that we have in college football, it really comes down to just number of wins and losses. We saw that last year. We saw it last year. When those nine and three teams in the SEC were left out and similar. this year.

And so if you're USC, you're like, hold on a second. So we're going to have to play nine big 10 games, which, by the way, the last two national championship champions came from the big 10. Yeah, they've got three, it could be a third. You got three teams that have a potential to be in the college football semi-finals. And we're just going to add Notre Dame because, and they have this sweetheart deal. So I don't disagree with that. Now, there's a huge sigh to me that just says, like, no, I just want to say.

see the game. I want to maintain this game. I'm sure there's a piece of you that feels like like that and everybody. Of course. Of course. Of course. But it doesn't make any sense. It doesn't make any sense for USC. And because that, they've got to look out for themselves.

And until, I think Notre Dame should join a conference. And I get a lot of heat for always saying that. But it's time. It's time. I think that them joining a conference would be better for college football. all right it's good seeing you i think we both like kyle winningham i wish it was 56 not 66 but i still think about it now you've got it you were up against it timing wise they had to retain their

play identity and yet reset the culture in the building that's very difficult to do all in one swoop and you get a guy that's a college football hall of famer and has won i mean that's about as good as they could do at the back end of the carousel. And I mean, like, I thought that was a tremendous hire. Yeah. Ethical, tough. I always said Utah was the most

Big Ten-like Pac-12 team for the last 20 years. And now he doesn't have to fight uphill. You know, like he can go to a place where he can win. Not that Utah can win, but I'm talking about like national championship win, playoff win. He's never had a player offensively as good as Underwood,

just in terms of talent. Or Marsh. you could make an argument well i mean he did have hold on now he did have tight ends tight ends well the quarterback Alex Smith was the number one overall pick pretty good pretty good

it's good it's good all right buddy Steve Smith was pretty good so oh you're you got me on that one Steve's good I'll give you that all right my man I'll hear from Steve Steve I got your back I got your back

don't worry good Steve was good uh all right Joel clap great to see brother Good to see you. I'm glad it's crazy to me. I don't understand all this sentimentality. Notre Dame gets to play five conference games in a weaker conference. They can, you know, I mean, they can basically control like half their schedule. USC gets the control like three out of conference games. Notre Dame could put a buy in front of every USC game in October. USC can't do that. They play them when they play them. I don't even understand.

I really don't. It's the herd. Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the IHeart Radio app. Hey, this is Jason McIntyre. Join me every weekday morning on my podcast, Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre. This isn't your typical sports pod pushing the same tired narratives down your throat every day. Straight Fire gives you honest opinions on all the biggest sports headlines, accurate stats to help you win big at the sports book, and all the best guests. Do yourself a favor and listen to Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

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We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts. A pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts. trend. But this one's extra special. So how did we actually come up with a name Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it.

We were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers was... This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast where people could call in and say, hey Jonas.

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We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to SportsSlic on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slicelife-Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok.

The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis. And I know firsthand because I competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs. And on the Renee Stubbs Tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris. Every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on clay. Jen should win. I mean, she went down in three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me.

And she likes Clay. Listen, Lena Rubakina is arguably the best player in the world right now. And I actually can win on any surface. Because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games.

And in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing. And we're still chasing it. And we don't know when we've done enough. Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross,

because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth? Are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different levels of trust. I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing,

growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, learn the hard way. Open your free, our heart radio app. Search learn the hard way and listen now. There are those speculating that with seven job openings or eight, there aren't enough good candidates. I would argue we'll have our coaching tree, our Christmas coaching tree. I think there's six or seven really good candidates. And we'll talk about that coming up.

J. Mack with the news. No, no, no, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the herd line news. I can't wait to see that list, Colin. Let's get started with Raven Steelers Sunday night football. Usually this history between these two teams is phenomenal, but this one not great, especially because Lamar Jackson is TBD, according to John Harbaugh,

on whether or not he'll play following the back contusion. Here is Harbaugh on his two-time MVP. Well, it's to be determined. You know, I mean, Stowe's coming off. He's coming off a very serious injury, and he's working at it. saw him here today working at it. So I think we'll know a lot more on Wednesday. I know you're Mr. Tinfoil hat conspiracy theory guy.

You want one? Okay, sure. So remember before Christmas that story came out in Baltimore about Lamar and practice habits and video games and all that nonsense? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Wasn't really addressed by Lamar. Harbaugh, I think, tried to shoot it down. He gets hurt the next day, right?

Christmas Day. haven't heard much from Lamar since. If he's 50-50, he's like, you know what, screw these guys, they're planting stories about me in the media. I don't need this. Is there a quiet quitting going on with Lamar Jackson thinking, I'm done in Baltimore? I don't need this place anymore.

Would you read that somewhere? No, I just came up. I hatched it talking to Zach here over what we're going to talk about. And I'm like, did you get that with like Tucker Carlson? He's on his Reddit board or something? I think it was J.D. Vance's finest work. I don't. I don't know. I'm just kidding.

But in all seriousness, like, we know that there is some kind of issue with Lamar. He wanted that full money guarantee. Now he takes a need of the back, and he's not back in? This guy's a warrior, isn't he? I don't know. I have to let that bake. I think he's hurt, and Lamar's not somebody who seeks microphones. I mean, he's never been that kid.

If you ask him a question, he gives you a thoughtful answer. I don't know. I think that makes Lamar look like he's deceptive and devious. I think he likes being a Raven. I think I would want to be a Raven if I was an NFL quarterback. I think it's great ownership. I mean, I think it's a first-class operation. I can't believe he wants to get out of there and go play for the Jets.

Well, no, listen, by the way, stop peddling Lamar to my Jets. Okay, two years ago when I wanted it. Makes sense for them. Not for the Jets. What do we do? Take it on the most expensive guy in the league. I don't need that. Colin, I just don't, this offseason is going to be fun.

Maybe it's the media trying to gin up this game with this Tomlin stuff, but between Tomlin, Lamar, Kelsey leaving, the Chief's demise. Two games this weekend, I can't wait to watch. That's one of them. Yeah. Unfortunately, I think I like the Steelers here. And you know my guy, Aaron Rodgers. I like the three and a half.

I like Baltimore to win, but I'm taking the hook every time in this game. It's going to be close and low scoring. This is too hot of a take. But if you're the Steelers, do you want to face Snoop Huntley or Lamar? I would rather face Snoop Huntley, but I like Snoop Huntley. I think he's one of the better. I think the two, there's three backups in this league that are good. Mack Jones is a good backup.

Malik Willis is a good backup. And Snoop Huntley is a good backup. Those are pros. You can win games with those guys. I like those guys. There's more. I mean, Davis Mills has been solid. He's been solid.

I'm saying, but I go. Cuck Cousins, solid. Kirk Cousins, maybe the starter going forward. Expensive, but, yeah, no, there's a couple of, Marcus Mariotta was okay at times. Anyways, all right, let's move on to the Houston Texans, Colin. One of the hottest teams in the league, eight straight dubs for D'Amico Ryan's and company. Nice win over the Chargers, kind of held on for victory. Remember, they started O'N3, and they're headed to the playoffs.

They could win the division. D'Amico Ryan's pinpointed the moment the season turned around. Here we go. From my viewpoint, the turning point for our entire season, I go back to our Jacksonville game. For us to be down as far as we were in that game, and for, to have our backup quarterback Davis Mills, to have such a clutch performance to get us into a position to win that game. I feel like that's the game that flipped our season and just showed us,

like no matter what we're up against, no matter who's on the field, and we stay together, stay connected. We can overcome anything. He's young. How old is D'Bico Ryan's? He's younger than both of us. That's really all the matters. But how about this?

For a young guy, first three years in the league, Him and Stroud are going to the playoffs. That's pretty good. Not just that. This was a bottom three laughing stock in the league. He's 41 years old. That dude's got his wits about him at 41. Like, D'Miko is buttoned up at 41.

That's a guy I'd want to play for. I mean, that's one of the few defensive coaches. He's basically, is LeBron 41 and D'Amico Ryan. LeBron's birthday today. We'll talk about that in like, you know, three minutes. Colin, just as of now, based on the standings, the Texans would go to Pittsburgh in the first round. Pittsburgh couldn't score. 100%.

I like them. Now, if somehow Jacksonville slips against Tennessee and Houston gets the three, they would host the Chargers. That's still a great matchup for the Texans. Colin, this is a dangerous team. I mean... I think Houston matches up with everybody. So if we did a draft of teams that you think would go to the Super Bowl out of the AFC, I mean, I'll give you first pick.

I mean, my take, I think Jacksonville, take Denver. They got the buy. No, I mean, New England, Houston, and Jacksonville are a handful. Denver is fascinating because they win a lot of close games and they're great at home. Sammy, we keep, we're glossing over this. Denver gets to play at home, the whole AFC playoffs. They've won 12 to 13 at home. They're great at home.

Okay. So Denver would be your pick. Is that what you're saying? Whatever. You're leaving Josh. Allen on the board? The Houston Texans defense. Houston beats Buffalo three out of four times. Jacksonville just went to Denver and smoked them by two tuddies. Yeah, wait, wait until you go back to Denver and it's snowing and you bring your board shorts from Jacksonville and it's seven degrees blowing sideways.

Didn't Jackson Dart go up and down the field against, I'm just telling us, Denver defense is overrated, big guy. Just be careful. I know you're excited, Sean Payton, blah, blah, blah. I don't know about the Denver Broncos. Finally, Connell, let's wrap up with, as you alluded to the birthday, 41 for the big guy, LeBron James, greatest player in NBA history. J.J. Reddick called it remarkable what LeBron's doing at 41. Colin, this is insane. LeBron, this is season 23. He's averaging 20 points, six assists, four rebounds on 50% shooting.

I mean, what a way? This is insane. A lot of guys have struck around way too long. It's not too long for LeBron. Well, I do think this should be his last year. Wait, wait, hold on. Should be his last year? Or you think it will be?

Because there's her two. He's not declining to the point that he's like a negative on the court. Well, let's be honest than the next year. He's not getting an extension. Bronny James, it's been a great story. If LeBron left, Bronny's not necessary on the roster. The former ownership has played in the LeBron.

This ownership is about J.J. Reddick. and Luca and maybe Austin Reeves. So I think it's been a nice, soft landing in L.A., business, brawny. I think it's going to end. I think it's going to end. I largely agree. Let me posit a scenario. The Lakers go to LeBron and say,

LeBron, we can't build a championship winning team with you at $40, $50 million. How low are you willing to go to stick around here? What if LeBron says, I'll play for the mid-level exception, or I'll play for like four million a year? He's not doing that one. And secondly, they have defensive issues. One of them is LeBron. They get to switch this roster up and go get athletes and three and D guys.

They don't have enough three guys and they got no three and D guys. So at this point, he gets in the way defensively. I mean, just does. He hurts. They have plenty of offense. Austin Reeves, Luca and D'Andre Aiton, if you kept him, I'm not sure he loves basketball, but whatever.

offense is not the issue. The issue is defensively, they have holes, and I think LeBron's one of them. They just got to get young, Colin. Watching the Spurs and Thunder, it's like all young dudes running around. It's like me trying to play with the young guys. Tiger Woods.

Tiger Woods 50 today. Who? Tiger Woods. I'm just kidding. Congrats. Jay Mack with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by.

The Herd Lye News. I think the coaching tree is better than people think. Next, The Hurt. Be sure to catch live editions of The HARD Weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the IHeard Radio app. Hey, it's us, the Jonas Brothers, and guess what?

We have some big news. What's the news, new? Huge news. We created our own podcast called, Hey, Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to a podcast.

We're the first people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts throughout there. But this one's extra special. So how do we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. Oh, we were thinking I'm originally calling it

one of the early names of our band. Before Jonas Brothers. This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, where people could call in and say, hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad,

Hey Jonas and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel,

help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind.

Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise. breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real.

From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to SportsSlic on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slicelife-Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis. And I know firsthand because I competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs.

And on the Renee Stubbs Tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris. Every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on clay. Gentian win. I mean, she went down as, three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lena Rubakina is arguably the best player in the world right now.

And I actually can win on any surface. Because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs Tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. grew up in an isolated polygamous sect. We were God's chosen kingdom on earth.

He felt destined for greatness. So when a swaggering Armenian businessman catapults Jacob into an extraordinary world, he doesn't look back. Ferraris and Lamborghinis, private jets, meeting the president of Turkey. I'm Michelle McPhee, and this is one of the most shocking criminal conspiracies I've ever come across. When Jacob met Levant this plant, too, a big man. billion dollar fraud. But with two kings from entirely different worlds, just how long can their

empire survive? The largest tax investigation in American history. You need to tell me what you know. Is somebody coming after me? Jacob told Levan, you're ruining my life. Listen to Kingdom of Fraud on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. People say there's going to be seven, eight job openings. are there any good coaches out there? And so I thought, you know what? Many of you still have the Christmas tree up. In fact, I asked,

and when are we taking the Christmas tree down? And I think Friday's the day. So here's our coaching Christmas tree. I think there's a lot of interesting presents in this one. Let's start with what I view is the top candidate. That would be Brian Flores. Now, he's got a lawsuit currently against the Giants, Broncos, and Dolphins. So he's not getting the Giants Dolphins job. But I think he was 19 and 14 over two

seasons with the Dolphins. He has been as capable as any coordinator. I think Brian Flores, he's the star at the top of the tree. I say Robert Sala, number 13 scoring defense, this year having lost Fred Warner and Abosa, has got to be on that coaching tree. Mike McCarthy, 12 winning seasons and 12 playoff appearances has to be on that coaching tree. Jesse Mentor, the defense was the worst in the league. It's been number three in the two years since he arrived after winning a natty with Harbaugh at Michigan. Jeff Halfley, he's been a head coach before Boston College, so he gets that. Not a guy that wants to spotlight.

Halfley's really bright. You know, he lost Micah Parsons and Kenny Clark in a trade. That's not easy. a top 10 scoring defense, and the Green Bay historically doesn't do defense like the new offense. And Brian Daibald, who worked under Saban and Belichick, also won coach of the year in New York won a playoff game with Daniel Jones. I would keep your eye on an interesting present that has not been unwrapped yet. Ryan Day, Eagles and 49ers assistant, is probably a year away from being open. But what if he wins back-to-back natties?

He's conquered college football, wants to take the next big career leap. Flores, Sala, McCarthy, Minter, Halfley, Dayball, Ryan Day, I'd have no trouble hiring any of these guys this year or next with a Miami. Now, I also think that Kevin Stefansky should keep his job in Cleveland. I think it's ridiculous. Hopefully that win over Pittsburgh maintains the leadership between the GM, Andrew Barry, and Kevin Stefansky, but I actually think there's some really interesting coaches. Jeff Halfley was a head coach at Boston College and said, I want to go to the next level and has crushed it.

It's interesting that you'd give up Boston College money for coordinator money, but the NFL coordinators now probably make as much as a Boston college coach. I wonder if we see that going for it. Chip Kelly said, I don't want to be the coach of UCLA. I'm going to be a coordinator at Ohio State, and he won a national championship. So that's interesting. Are you going to see some of these college coaches at lower tier programs like BC say, you know, we can't compete in the NIL world.

I'm going to go be a coordinator at college for two or three years with a stable operation. Green Bay certainly that. And then I become a head coach. Jeff Halfley may be what a lot of coaches are seeing out there. Like, why playing the NIL world at Purdue go be a coordinator with Damiko, Ryan's in Houston, or a, you know, like a high-level guy, like a Vrabri. in New England and then do it for two or three years and become a head coach. Colin, I'll just ask, Halfley has been good with Micah Parsons.

I mean, the Ravens ran up, what, 300 yards on the ground? Right. As soon as Micah goes out last week with a backup quarterback. I'm sorry, you know, it's just an uninspiring list of candidates this year. There's just not anybody great. I mean, Brian Flores at the top, what's up with his lawsuit against the NFL? How's that working out? Like, remember, the Giants were so serious about him that,

You know, they interviewed also Brian Dable and ended up picking Dable. Remember the whole Belichick texting thing? Like, I don't think anybody's touching Flores yet. Sounds like O'Connell thinks he's coming back. It's just not a great year to fire your coach. Mike McCarthy. He's not doing a rebuild, though, is he? He's not taking the Jets.

They got no quarterback. Not college. Rebuilds called free agent money. Keep your eye on Ryan Day. Hey, guys, it's us. The Jonas Brothers. I'm Joe. I'm Kevin.

I'm Nick, and guess what? We created our own podcast called Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts. We get to ask other people questions because we're sick and tired of being asked questions. Well, sick and tired is a strong way to put it, but, you know, tired and sick.

Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor Me with Robert Smygel and Friends, me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, S&L's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes.

Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where SportsSlice comes in. I'm Timbo, and every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the biggest moments in sports and giving you the real story behind the headline. And we're going straight to the source, the athletes themselves, their locker room stories,

their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slicalife Life 12. and the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Winning on Clay is an art. The rallies are relentless. And at the French Open, only the toughest survive. I'd know.

I competed there for decades. Join me, Renee Stubbs, on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast for no-nonsense breakdowns of the biggest matches, the toughest players, and the moments that define Roland Garris. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lennar Rabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now, and I actually can win on any surface.

Listen to the Renee Stubbush. It's tennis podcasts on the Iheart Radio app. Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. I'm Michelle McPhee, and I've been unraveling the strangest criminal alliance I've ever reported on. A Mormon polygamist and an Armenian businessman. Multi-million dollar house, Ferraris and Lamborghinis, private jets, a billion dollar fraud. But how long can this alliance last?

Tell me what you know. is somebody coming after me. Listen to Kingdom of Fraud on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.