The Herd with Colin Cowherd
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PodcastThe Herd with Colin Cowherd
Publisher/creatoriHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Published
Shortcast updated
About this episode
Former NFL scout John Middlekauff opens the show talking about the Vikings surprisingly firing their GM, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and why if this was going to happen, waiting until February was a very interesting decision. Next, John discusses the Raiders hiring Klint Kubiak and why he feels that this is the right move for Vegas. Finally, John dives into the Cardinals hiring Mike LaFleur in what looks like a very "meh" hire for Arizona. All that and more. Finally, John answers your questions in this episode's mailbag segment. Follow John on Twitter , Instagram and YouTube for the latest. All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet Use promo code “3ANDOUT20” on https://nicokick.com/zone for 20% off at checkout! Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow - for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode summary
Big week ahead, it’s Super Bowl time, and I scrapped the original plan because news started flying, so we’re doing a regular pod today with more shows rolling out all week.
Why did the Vikings dump their GM this late? It looks like a coach-driven push that the owners greenlit, and the timing screams friction more than surprise.
Was there justification? The draft hit rate was poor compared to the rest of the division and the acquisition track record made the decision easy to defend.
What about the Sam Darnold mess? He was rough, and the play-calling didn’t help, but the bigger problem was an inability to stock the roster with enough contributors.
Did paternity leave get him fired? No, but disappearing for weeks in critical windows isn’t how the NFL operates, and that corporate approach undercut trust even if no one faults being there for the birth.
Does hiring outside the box work? Sometimes, but jumping from Wall Street to running a football operation is a different animal, and this experiment fell flat.
What about the Raiders hire? I love Clint Kubiak for them, because his background and system fit a mobile, accurate quarterback in a run-first, under-center offense.
What’s the build plan? Pair a young coach with a young GM, raise the ceiling on the tight end and back, and at least explore a Max Crosby deal to reset assets and timelines.
How did the 49ers handle DC? Snagging Raheem Morris over a safer internal option was smart because he connects with stars and can keep that defense humming.
Cardinals outlook after their hire? It’s a tough job with ownership baggage and no clear quarterback path, so expect growing pains even if the scheme is fine.
What’s happening in Seattle? A sale looks close, and this is a rare chance to buy a turnkey contender with a star GM and coach, but the league will only bless buyers already inside the circle.
Who’s the next commissioner? These leagues keep it in-house, and Brian Rolapp looks like the obvious successor when that chair opens.
Super Bowl week continues, more conversations are coming, and we’ll keep tracking the moves—adios.
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