In short
Philip Rivers’ return to the NFL for a brief comeback, plus college football scheduling/leadership debate and a “What’s More Likely” NFL betting-style segment.
Guest backgrounds
Philip Rivers is a former NFL quarterback (17-year career) who returned to play again after retirement; Rich Eisen hosts. The episode also features Dan Lanning’s comments (Georgia/Oregon context not fully detailed here) and a “What’s More Likely” panelist (Christopher “Chris” the floor is yours).
Key claims
Rivers says his Seattle return felt like a dream, that he quickly adjusted after the first week of practice, and that defenses now disguise coverages more effectively and are more connected. He emphasizes being “okay with the results” and says he wouldn’t take another call unless the season was done. Lanning argues college football should play every weekend through the playoffs (ending around Jan 1) and keep Saturdays “sacred.”
Notable examples
Rivers describes his first hit “locking him into the game,” his family watching Colts/Chargers games, and mentions Kurt Warner praising his throwmaking and Kurt Signetti as his NC State position coach. “What’s More Likely” picks include Mike Evans over Panthers, 49ers over Seahawks, Stafford over Drake May, Derrick Henry over Aaron Rodgers, and Lions over Colts.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VORich Eisen Welcomes Philip Rivers
1:27 to 2:14
Rich Eisen welcomes Philip Rivers back to the show after a long absence.
“The Ole Miss Rebels have knocked out the Georgia Bulldogs.”
Philip Rivers on His Recent Experience
2:14 to 3:20
Philip discusses his whirlwind emotions and gratefulness for his recent games.
“I haven't spoken to him in forever and a day.”
Watching NFL Games with Family
3:20 to 4:28
Philip shares how he watches NFL games with his family and their traditions.
“Now, I have so many questions for you, Phillip.”
The Impact of Daniel Jones' Injury
4:28 to 5:32
Philip Rivers reflects on the injury to Daniel Jones and its implications.
“and look forward to seeing him back out there next fall.”
Returning to the Game After Retirement
5:32 to 7:08
Philip describes the surreal experience of returning to play after retirement.
“Felt pretty good, and it's kind of like, man, I remember this place.”
Dealing with the Challenges of the Game
7:08 to 8:20
Philip discusses the challenges he faced upon his return to the NFL.
“But it was really about 2 ,100 days since I was in a full house, you know, because that was that COVID season.”
Gratitude for the Opportunity
8:20 to 9:30
Philip expresses gratitude for the chance to play and for his support system.
“Yeah, and I know that obviously is the point.”
Reflections on Playing Style Changes
9:30 to 10:28
Philip shares insights on how the game has changed and his own playing style.
“It was, you know, just – I wish I had a better word, but I can't come up with one.”
Defense Evolution in the NFL
10:28 to 11:28
Philip analyzes how NFL defenses have improved over the years.
“I mean, there's some limitations there that I go, ah, that, you know, field deep comeback, I'm good.”
The Future and Family Life
11:28 to 12:54
Philip discusses his future plans and his commitment to family and coaching.
“So if they can delay or cause you to have a little, you know, confusion or whatever, just a little bit, you know, I mean, just a little bit more than normal, then it can affect you.”
Show all 21 chapters
Philip Rivers Reflects on His Football Journey
14:00 to 21:20
Philip Rivers shares insights about his recent experiences and the lessons learned from returning to football after a long absence.
“Tuesday I'll be eighth period PE with the boys weightlifting at the school and settling back in.”
Inspiring Coaching Lessons from Rivers
21:20 to 22:00
Rivers talks about the powerful messages he can now share with his kids as a coach.
“Hey, you know, you don't think you can do it?”
Philip Rivers and the Football Community
22:00 to 22:20
Rivers discusses his connections within the football world and the impact of his colleagues.
Dan Lanning's Vision for College Football
24:28 to 28:00
Discussion on Dan Lanning's proposals to improve college football scheduling and playoff structure.
“Back here on the Rich Eisen Show on ESPN Radio and Sirius XM Channel 80, along with our Disney Plus stream and our ESPN stream.”
Rethinking College Football Season Structure
28:00 to 30:10
Discussing potential changes to improve the college football season timeline.
“Then coaches that have to move on to their next opportunities, get the opportunity to move to their next opportunities.”
The Impact of Coaching Changes During Playoffs
30:10 to 33:10
Exploring the consequences of coaching turnover during the playoffs and roster retention.
“Just when everybody's figuring out roster retention and portal and all that sort of business.”
Highlighting Hyundai Hope on Wheels
36:04 to 36:40
Discussing Hyundai's initiative to support pediatric cancer research.
“As you know, I care deeply about pediatric cancer research and awareness.”
What's More Likely: NFL Predictions
36:40 to 42:00
Engaging in predictions for upcoming NFL matchups and player performances.
“what's more likely go ahead and hit it hit it please what what's more likely never say never but never all right christopher the floor is yours sir hey everybody happy friday happy new year hey Happy New Year, Chris.”
Playoff Prospects: Bucs vs. Steelers
42:00 to 43:55
Discussion on the playoff chances of the Buccaneers and Steelers, including coaching considerations.
“Should probably move on from their head coach.”
Potential Spoilers: Colts vs. Lions
43:56 to 45:03
Analysis of which team, the Colts or Lions, is more likely to spoil playoff hopes for opponents.
“More likely 8-8 road team to spoil their division opponent's playoff seating party?”
Head Coach Openings and Player Performances
45:04 to 46:58
Discussion on potential head coach openings and player performances impacting the league.
“Head coach openings on Monday or touchdowns scored in Cowboys Giants.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:01The world moves fast. Your work day? Even faster. Pitching products, drafting reports, analyzing data. Microsoft 365 Copilot is your AI assistant for work. Built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft 365 apps you use. Helping you quickly write, analyze, create, and summarize. So you can cut through clutter and clear a path to your best work. Learn more at Microsoft.com slash m365copilot. Nothing brings people together quite like Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games. From NBCUniversal's iconic storytelling to the innovative technology across Xfinity and Peacock, Comcast brings the Olympic Games home to America, sharing every moment with millions.
0:47When Team USA steps onto the world stage, people aren't just watching, they're cheering together. This winter, everyone is all on the same team. Comcast, proud partner of Team USA. This is The Rich Eisen Show. Hey, everybody. Can't get enough of The Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck. You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to 3 Eastern. Miss the show? We've got a podcast so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part. Our YouTube channel. Subscribe at youtube.com slash Rich Eisen Show and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show. It's zero! The Ole Miss Rebels have knocked out the Georgia Bulldogs.
1:34Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. Who, who, who, who, who? This is the Rich Eisen Show. No complacency. Earlier on the show, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero. Still to come, Colts quarterback Phillip Rivers. Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin. And now, here we come. It's Rich Eisen.
2:00Rich Eisen:Well, you know how you like to spend the new year with friends and with people you love and you're surrounded by people that you really appreciate? Well, hosting my first show of the new year is the same way. Michael Irvin in hour number three. And let's get right to our second hour guest. I haven't spoken to him in forever and a day. One of my favorite people I got to meet and chat with over my years with NFL Network. He is joining us right now here live at the top of hour number two here on this first edition in 2026 of the Rich Eisen Show. Philip Rivers is here. How are you, Philip Rivers? What's happening, Rich?
2:34Rich Eisen:It's good to talk to you. It has been a while. It's been too long. It's been since 2017 since you've been on this show, but I've spoken to you in between. How are you doing? I very rarely start a conversation that way, but how are you doing, Philip? Good, good. It's been a whirlwind of emotions, as you can imagine the last three weeks or so. Most of it all positive. Again, I've said it numerous times, but just thankful. Had a blast. Obviously, wish the outcomes were a little different. We could have found a way to win a couple games and have this Houston game mean win or get in, win and get in.
3:12But it's been a blast just to be back in the mix. And then now as it's winding down, you know, you're getting ready to head back home here in a few days. But nothing but gratitude, really. It's been a blast.
3:22Rich Eisen:Now, I have so many questions for you, Phillip. Were you watching the Colts live when Daniel Jones went down? Yeah, I was. You were? I was, yeah. Watching it live? Yeah. Oh, yeah. We still watch. We still watch. I mean, we go to Mass at either 9 or 11, and those games kick off Central Time, as you know, at noon. Right. And we watch ball pretty much most of the afternoon. My two-year-old takes a long nap on me, and we try to keep him asleep as long as possible. We flip channels and watch games, and we watch the bulk of Colts and Chargers games usually when those games are on. Those are the main game on, but we flip all around, and by 3 o 'clock Central, we find the games that are coming down to the wire, and about 6 o 'clock, you find those other games that are coming down to the wire, and then we usually eat dinner together and then watch the Sunday night game.
4:13So, yeah, I was watching it live, just unfortunate. gotten to be around Daniel now these last three weeks, and what a great year he was having. And then, you know, to battle the broken leg, and then the Achilles, brutal, brutal for him. But he seems to have a great spirit about the whole deal and look forward to seeing him back out there next fall.
4:32Rich Eisen:Well, how soon did your phone ring after the end of that game, Phillip? Yeah, it was later. I don't remember exactly, but it was later. It was later on. Same day? Was it same day? Yeah. Yeah, it was same day. Wow. Man. And then Monday. When you're hearing the words, when you're hearing that words, though, in your ear on the phone, where they start, you know, heat checking you, what was going through your mind when you when you when you heard that? Yeah, I think first it was just I guess my first thought was like, dang, let's go. You know, a little bit. And then and then you have and then you start going all over the place.
5:11Right. Your mind kind of goes all over the place. and it was a wild, you know, 40, 36 hours, I guess, just of going back and forth, back and forth, you know. Yeah, let's go for it. And then it was like, have I lost my mind? I could go on and on, but it was wild. Then getting back here, getting here Monday afternoon, Monday evening, throwing in the indoor. Right. Felt pretty good, and it's kind of like, man, I remember this place. You know, obviously it was the last place I was in 2020, that 2020 season. And so then it kind of felt kind of good. And then having some familiar faces, obviously, with Shane, but also the 14, I think, 14 teammates that were here in 2020.
5:51And so that kind of added to the familiarity. And then the training room staff's the same, the equipment guys, you know, the PR guys. There was a lot of familiarity. And then it became felt pretty normal there once we got going in that in that game week.
6:04Rich Eisen:Well, not to get too deep here, Phillip, but, you know, in the times that I've been, you know, around guys of your stature, gamers of your stature after they've retired, I'll ask them that they sometimes dream of being back in a game. You know, go to sleep. You're in your REM state and you're back under center and you're in a huddle. And I'm wondering, do you have those dreams? And was the game in Seattle sort of just like that for you? It really was. I've had a blast. I was at peace when I finished and coaching there at St. Michael and getting to coach my son at quarterback. It's been awesome.
6:48It did feel like a dream because this wasn't something I was hanging on to or hoping happened one day. It was over. Then all of a sudden, it was like, here you go. You got one more shot if you want it. And so, yeah, I did. And standing in Seattle, you know, it was 1 ,800 days or so since my last game I played in Buffalo. But it was really about 2 ,100 days since I was in a full house, you know, because that was that COVID season. So my last game in San Diego, or last game with the L.A. Chargers at Kansas City in Arrowhead in, you know, 2019 was the last time I was in a packed house. So I was standing out there in Seattle, and obviously we know what that atmosphere is like.
7:29and I was like, man, what is going on? This is crazy I get to do this again. I remember that first hit I took. It may have been the second drive, I think, and I missed Tyler Warren, I think, on something. But that first hit I took, it was one of those that was like, oh, yeah, I'm going to be fine. It officially locked me into the game, and I felt like I was right back where I'd been for 17 years. I remember finding my brother and son, and they were sitting about 10 rows up. and they looked at me kind of like, well, and I was like, we're going to be fine. You know, we're going to be just fine. So it certainly got me locked in that one.
8:09And really the next two weeks felt normal. They really did. They felt good. And like I said, I hate it. We couldn't find a way to climb back in this thing. But the experience has been awesome.
8:21Rich Eisen:Yeah, and I know that obviously is the point. You want to win. You want to win. You want to take the team to the playoffs. that you were called up to hopefully do that on behalf of the organization and the coach. But the endeavor in itself, Phillip, I just got to tell you, watching you was just awesome. You know, I'm 56, and I'm looking at you, and I'm seeing what you're doing, and you inspired me. You know, I was talking to Kurt Warner just the other day, and I'm like, when you're watching Phillip on film, was there a moment where you're like, I think I can make that throw too? You know what I mean?
8:57Rich Eisen:And he said he did feel that way. And I'm wondering, who have you heard from to say similar things than what I've just told you? Too many to even name. I mean, just Kurt being one of them, but just so so many people that I either played with, talked to at some point. I mean, I just too many. I mean, it was I was that the emotions I felt really after that first week from the numerous people. I was reading them off, you know, to my wife, and she was like, gosh, that sounds like everybody you've ever known. You know, and it was – it was. It was, you know, just – I wish I had a better word, but I can't come up with one.
9:39It's just thankful. I really am. It's just been – it's been – to get to just go back out there and play and be a kid again one more time at the highest level, be a teammate. You know, be a teammate again, because I think you hear – you've heard a lot. I bet you've heard so many former players. That's what we always talk about is just what they miss the most is being a teammate, getting in the hot tub in the morning, sitting in the sauna, the bus ride, all those in the huddle, in the meeting room, just on and on. And that had all passed. I was thankful for those 17 years, and that had all passed.
10:11And all of a sudden you get three bonus weeks just right in your lap and fell right in your lap, and you're just overwhelmed with gratitude. But going back to what you said, Kurt said, I mean, I bet he could make all those throws. I mean, you know, that's what's crazy. It's like, and my arm is not, I was never a big arm guy, and it's not, but it's not what it was six years ago. I mean, there's some limitations there that I go, ah, that, you know, field deep comeback, I'm good. I don't think I would try to make that one. But at the same time, it's like, yeah, I mean, that's not just going to go away, you know, and then obviously, especially in my position, I never ran away from anybody anyway.
10:48So it was going to be from the neck up and being accurate and on time and all those things. And I missed some throws that I probably would have made had I been in a normal groove. But I made some, too, that felt the same as they felt, you know, 10 years ago.
11:04Rich Eisen:You know, I mean, Phillip, this game seems to adapt and change game to game, year to year. Any difference that you've sensed in the five years? Not a ton. I do think that defenses are continuing to get better and better at disguising. and at least just if they can, you know, the decisions are made in, you know, whatever, two seconds. You know, these things are happening fast. So if they can delay or cause you to have a little, you know, confusion or whatever, just a little bit, you know, I mean, just a little bit more than normal, then it can affect you. So I feel like the defense has gotten better.
11:40You know, I just remember way back, you know, defense is trying to disguise things, and it's one guy. You know, you go, well, he's a good disguiser. And it's like, yeah, but all these other guys on the defense aren't even showing what he's showing. So just don't even – you can ignore him. I know what you are in. And now these teams seem a little bit more connected, the back end to the linebackers, and they're a little more connected and wired. And so that seems to be where it has become more challenging. But, no, there were so many things that just felt like, man, has it been five years? It didn't feel like that in some of these games.
12:18And again, shoot, I still threw it to the other team in each game and made plenty of mistakes. But for the most part, I was like, dang, all right. Yeah, it's not – because I was nervous about the whole thing. Like, man, it's been a long time since people have been moving real fast around me. Am I going to be able to function? And as soon as I got through that first week of practice, that Friday practice before Seattle, a ball didn't hit the ground. And I don't say that like whoop-de-doo. I know, but that's what it used to be. I was like, all right, shoot, heck yeah, that felt like a Friday practice was supposed to feel.
12:47So there's a, there's a lot of, I know when the dust will settle, I'll have even more emotions and more memories from these three weeks. It's all, it's all happening so fast.
12:55Rich Eisen:Yeah. So let's get to the, what next for you in the few minutes I have left with you. First things first, is anybody reached out to you for movie rights yet? Anybody? No, nothing. Cali, it's not, not a great ending. You know, if we could have got hot and got on the run. Philip, Rocky, Rocky didn't win Rocky I, man. You know what I mean? You know what I mean? We didn't need the full magic carpet. That would have been great, obviously. Well, the thought I had at one point was, because I was always, I'm thinking back to 2008, we were 4-8, and me and Charlie Whitehurst were sitting in there in the quarterback room writing up the percentages we had to get in if every game was 50-50, and it was like 2.5%.
13:40Then it went to 10. Then it went to 25. And we found a way to get in that 2008 year. And so, of course, I was at the same optimism here. And I was like, we're going to find a way to get in, and we're going to play at the L.A. Chargers. And what in the world – what is that going to be like? And, of course, none of those things happen. But, no, it's – you know, I say this truthfully. Tuesday I'll be eighth period PE with the boys weightlifting at the school and settling back in. That slow pace and fair hope that I had the last four and a half years.
14:16Rich Eisen:But what if another team called you in the summer? Are you answering the phone? Nah. I mean, I'll answer the phone and probably, you know, if that happened, be flattered that they even would consider it. But no, because even these last four years had the situation come up, I was out unless our football season was done. I just wasn't going to leave the guys. our team mid-season or leave before the year started. My son will be a senior quarterback. My other son will be a freshman on the team. We dress all those guys 9 through 12. So it's going to be a special fall next fall and offseason. No, just thankful it happened.
14:58It was obviously a cool experience for our whole family. Certainly the high school team back home has been a blast seeing some of the clips of all them. A lot of them were at the game last weekend. So it all happened fast, and as quick as it's happened, it's over. But other than us not getting it done, I have zero regrets. I think I would have really regretted it had I gotten back on that plane and gone back to Fairhope and not given it a shot. So it's been awesome.
15:25Rich Eisen:What a message to deliver to your kids now too, right? I mean, seriously, you can't have a more powerful message as a coach than belief, hope, desire, trying. Give it your best. Doesn't matter what you think could go wrong. Just as you said, dadgummit, just go for it. And what a message you can deliver to your kids now, Philip. Not that you couldn't have done it before, but now you can just say, look here. You know what I mean? No, yeah, and I'm even more thankful for that because I didn't think of that at the time, right? You're just so zeroed in on what am I going to do. But looking back on it, you know, because I because the fear and the doubt I had was what was what was what was really pulling me away to say, don't do it.
16:12You know what? That's not like you to have this doubt of can you do it? But it was justified doubt because I hadn't played in five years. Like, of course, you have some doubt. And but it was like, well, the only way to find out if you can do it is to go for it, you know. And and the other part of that, Rich, to me, too, is is being OK with the results. and I'm okay with it. Obviously, I wish we were still playing and I hated I couldn't have completed one more ball and didn't throw that pick six and didn't throw the interception when it was 17-0 against Jacksonville and find a way to get one more first down against Seattle so Blake's kicking the game winner and it's a walk-off and they don't have 42 seconds left.
16:47So all those things are still real that you wish as a competitor that you got done, but being okay with the results is the other thing that pushed me over the edge. Just like, well, what if you pop your calf in the first quarter to Seattle? Well, that'll be embarrassing. and it'll be like, man, I've only been here for four days and I'm going home. And that didn't work out. But I got to the point where I was like, well, I'm okay with whatever the results are. And you'll face them when you get there, good or bad. I think sometimes that can be crippling for all of us in whatever we do is you get so caught up in, well, what if it doesn't go good?
17:18Well, what if it doesn't? We'll deal with it then. But you can't let that make you not go after something. and in this case a game that I loved and had an opportunity to go out there and play one more time. It was just I'm glad that discernment process that I had to go through. It was probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make because it was truly just make it. And was there a right or wrong one? I don't know. But I'm thankful that I got the opportunity and had these last three weeks.
17:46Rich Eisen:And we're thankful for it too, just as people who watch and root and love football and love people who love football. and you're certainly one of them. I would be remiss if I let you go without talking about me the other day being zero days old, learning that Kurt Signetti was your position coach at NC State. Phillip, really? He was. Yeah, no, Coach Sig was there all four years. I was at NC State. He was the tight end coach and I think recruiting coordinator my first three years, and then he was the quarterback coach. We were in the meeting room together every day my senior year. And as you've seen, obviously, what an unbelievable job he's done at Indiana, but also all the other stops he's made along the way.
18:25Super smart, really good teacher, really good throughout the week. As I recall, it was 20-something years ago, but just in the meeting rooms, getting you prepared, understanding defenses, all those things. Had a very steady way about him, as you've seen. He's got plenty of fire, but he's very steady, very steady. And that was felt, certainly I felt that being my position coach that senior year. So, yeah, what he's done there at Indiana has been awesome. It's amazing how long – when you're in this sport for a long, long time, how many people you either know or have played against or cross-pass.
19:03And it seems like when we start talking about games and this and that, you know, you go, oh, I knew him. Oh, yeah, we played against him. You know, so many cool things. Such a small football world when it comes down to it if you've been in it long enough.
19:17Rich Eisen:Yeah, he's built a bully in Indiana. They could easily win it all, and he could easily be a guy building a dynasty in college football right now. For real. It is. It's crazy. And it's also crazy. I'm sure you saw that they're talking about these four head coaches that were all part of saving staff at one point at Alabama, which is unbelievable, really, with those guys and how many guys have either been with him or at some point gone on and done great things at other places. It's pretty cool. No doubt. Hey, Philip Rivers, don't be a stranger. I'm going to keep reaching out to you. I just want to keep checking in on you, heat checking you.
19:56Rich Eisen:And I honestly, I'm not just blowing smoke. What you did, your decision, the way you've carried yourself, the way you've gone about your business. It is so inspiring. There's so many people. And I know I was talking about how you have a coaching point now with your kids. every coach now has a coaching point with their kids based on what you've just done over the last three weeks for real and you should feel great about that man you really should i i uh i appreciate that i always enjoyed our visits over the years thank you uh congrats to you too shoot you've had a heck of a career and rolling look at you the rich eyes in the studio man i've got my own mug you look at me i've got my own mug philip are you are you i'm i'm i'm afraid to ask this question Are you a coffee drinker?
20:39Rich Eisen:Do you drink coffee? Yeah, I do. I'm a seasonal coffee drinker, you know. Okay. When it's hot and muggy in the summer down there in the south, this coffee doesn't sound appealing to me. Never been an iced coffee guy. But a cold morning here in Indy, a cup of coffee is perfect. I don't know if you're aware, but anybody who goes 1 ,800 days in between NFL headstarts and comes back at age 44, you get a free Rich Eisen Show mug. So I'll miss them when you're winning. Congratulations. I'll send you a pic of me having a good cup of coffee here. Fantastic. You had no idea that was a perk of your comeback until this very moment.
21:11Rich Eisen:So happy to you. Even more glad we made this work now. Yeah, happy New Year's, Rich. Thanks. Same to you. Same to you and your family. Enjoy being in PE on Tuesday, Phillip. Oh, yeah. All right, see you guys. Phillip Rivers, everybody. Right here on the Rich High Show. The best of the best. I'm not kidding. What a coaching point. Hey, you know, you don't think you can do it? You don't think? Yeah, watch this. You're concerned about your set of circumstances? you know he's not a me type guy right like so he's not gonna be look at me but other coaches can 100 say look what philip rivers did yeah and he gave us the name of the movie during the interview which is what was it three bonus weeks okay three bonus weeks dadgummit it's not bad i like that three bonus weeks what if i told you three bonus weeks love it loved it god i love that guy philip rivers everybody right here on the rich eisen show 844-204-rich number to dial uh it's a what's more likely friday everybody don't you dare move lots of likeliness or unlikeliness to hit
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22:54Rich Eisen:And for me, many of those have involved a home we found on Airbnb. We had such great experiences that whenever we travel somewhere new, we always check Airbnb first to find a place that fits our needs. The homes we've stayed in, comfortable, safe, private. You feel like you're part of the community. After a long day of exploring or sitting on a beach, it really is nice to come back to a place you can call your own. Airbnb is also a great way, if you want, to earn some extra money while you're traveling or out of your house for an extended period of time. You can make your home work for you while you're away.
23:29Rich Eisen:Not as a full-time thing, not as some big production, just something that fits into trips you're already taking. You can use the money for that dream vacation or put that money towards that outdoor kitchen you always wanted. Hosting on Airbnb just feels smart. Your home may be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.com slash host. Rich Eisen here. You know that feeling of handing off your taxes and then hearing nothing? Total radio silence. Well, not anymore. Now your taxes are done for you by a TurboTax full-service expert who checks for every deduction and keeps you in the loop with real-time updates on your phone.
24:07Rich Eisen:Just match with your dedicated expert, upload your docs, and go live your life, confident you're getting every dollar you deserve. This is how taxes should be. Visit TurboTax.com today to learn more. Real-time updates only in iOS mobile app. Only available with TurboTax full-service experts. The Rich Eisen Show podcast. Back here on the Rich Eisen Show on ESPN Radio and Sirius XM Channel 80, along with our Disney Plus stream and our ESPN stream. Before we get to what's more likely, a couple of more college football stories to hit here. First things first, lost amongst the Indiana beatdown of Alabama and last night's de facto SEC championship game was Oregon shutting out Texas Tech and scoring with hardly any time left and Dan Lanning getting some criticism for scoring there.
25:08Rich Eisen:My only opinion on that is two things. First of all, you don't want to be scored on stop, the opponent, number one. And then number two, Texas Tech kept firing off one time out after another, after another, after another. and it was fourth down. What do you want the guy to do at that point in time? You've basically forced him to take a fourth down snap. What's he going to do? Run around and then take a knee and then give you the ball back? No, you're going to hand it off, and if he scores, he scores. And if you turn it over on downs, then that's the end of that. Am I wrong? Did I miss anything right there?
25:43Accusing him of being, you know, unsportsmanlike and running up the score? Did you guys catch that? I didn't feel that way watching it. I guess talking about it now. I mean, you could have taken a knee or just kind of stood there, stood there, stood there, and then taken a knee, I guess. I don't know. I didn't feel that it was unsportsmanlike in the moment.
26:01Rich Eisen:They're the ones who kept firing off the timeouts. You want to get out 16-0, then just let the game end. Right. But I guess you're just trying to coach until the last second. And if that's the case, then stop them, you know. But before the game, Dan Lanning fixed college football. You know how I'm kind of looking for that? well it's been a topic i'm looking for leadership with ideas looking for an adult but we also need it to come from the coaches too to basically say this is the way we'll be comfortable with it and let's find the right powers that be to make it happen dan lanning thinks that today we should be talking about the national championship game happening yesterday he thinks that college football should just keep playing all the way through december to heck with these bye week games.
26:49Rich Eisen:I'm assuming get rid of the conference championship games as well. Oh, that would be great. And just keep playing one week after another cadence that we see in the National Football League until there's a bye week prior to the Super Bowl to give everybody the best chance to be healthy for the biggest game possible. And these bye week teams going one in seven now over the first two years of the college football playoffs not great and and what's the point of giving you a bye week if the other teams have two weeks off before they play their one game potentially they are getting the jump on you by getting into a cadence and they're just maybe as healthy as everyone else because they get a couple weeks off and then Lanning points out why are they ceding the ground to the NFL on some of these Saturdays while we're waiting for college football playoff games to hit.
27:45Rich Eisen:This is what he had to say. Ultimately, in my mind, the vision for this should be every playoff game should be played every single weekend until you finish the season. Ideally, the season, even if it means we start week zero or you eliminate a bye, the season ends January 1st. This should be the last game. It should be the championship game. And then the portal opens. Then coaches that have to move on to their next opportunities, get the opportunity to move to their next opportunities. Certainly there's some conversation about when, you know, high school signing day should be. I think that could go either way because most of us now try to get guys in as mid-year players and you want them to be able to join your program at semester, which is a challenge.
28:20But I think the first really clear indicator of a place that we can make this better is to wrap the season up. You know, our national championship game this year is January 19th, right, and that's really hard to envision as a coach that's going out and trying to join a new program and start a staff. It's hard for players to understand what continuity looks like and where they're going to be at and to manage that with visits, the portal, everything else that exists. I think the clear indicator and the clear way to do that is to bump the season up and make sure these playoff games happen a lot faster.
28:50I've got a ton of respect for the NFL, but we're a prep league for the NFL. We do a lot of favors for the NFL. We're the minor league in a lot of ways, but there's no money paid from the NFL to take care of college football. In that sense, we've given up some of our days to the NFL. We said, oh, you guys get to have this day, you get to have this day, you get to have this day. Saturday should be sacred for college football, right? And every Saturday through the month of December should belong to college football in my opinion.
29:20Rich Eisen:I like it. No notes. Yeah, I like it. No notes. So wait a minute. So the season ends yesterday, then maybe you give a week to figure out your roster retention then. Then the portal opens up at the same time you could start moving around as coaches. Huh. Isn't that interesting? Novel idea. Is that entirely possible? Can we actually do such a thing?
29:47Rich Eisen:Love it. Who can make it happen? Who can make it happen? And let's figure out a central office that then handles scheduling and get some rules for NIL and get some rules for that that are uniform for everybody. Let's go. Okay. I kind of dig it. Well done, Dan Lanning. Leadership. And, you know, again, for the fact that you just heard Dan Lanning say, let's end it on January 1, and then coaches can stay with their teams through the end of the season and then find a new job, if that's the case, in January. Just when everybody's figuring out roster retention and portal and all that sort of business.
30:30Rich Eisen:because again you're sitting here thinking hey uh that was messy with lane kiffin very and you know right now all miss is still going strong with some of lane kiffin's assistants who lane i guess showed his largesse to his the school that he left you take these assistants that you are asking for or need to continue winning. He looks like he's beneficent to the school that he spurned, although he's making money with each one. He made$500 ,000 last night. Of course, he's rooting for Ole Miss, right? And apparently, because that game took place in New Orleans, Apparently, all the Ole Miss coaches that are LSU coaches are in the LSU building right away today, dealing with roster retention and portals and all that sort of stuff.
31:29And the largesse that Lane showed to Ole Miss by having the assistants stay put,
31:37Rich Eisen:like Charlie Weiss Jr. calling the plays. Apparently, nobody thought, what's going to happen if Ole Miss wins the quarterfinal game? Because right now, all I'm seeing online is that the curtain's coming down because the portal's opening up and LSU needs to start roster building for next year. And apparently that merits the coaches that are currently still with Ole Miss to return to their new place of business. And he's going to bring the curtain down on Ole Miss in the middle of the college football playoffs. Is that really possible? So the next game, the semifinals aren't until next Thursday.
32:18And so there's a chance that, you know, all those coaches who are with LSU, went back to Ole Miss or with LSU, they're going to be with LSU and they're not going to be available for Ole Miss. This could be a... Why? What's the point? A competitive advantage. If LSU is trying to pluck players from Ole Miss, the portal's now open. Right.
32:40Rich Eisen:So Ole Miss doesn't want them around? Is that what you're saying? because they might lose some of these players. Yeah, hey, I got to go back. While they're preparing for the semifinal. And now we're going back to LSU. Why don't you come with us and just leave? I think that's, yeah, I think that's probably a worry. But that's what's been happening all the way through up to now. For them to pull out the roots of what's going down on game day and prep for the college football semifinal would be wild. Wild. Just when you think that this thing's done and buttoned up and you thought, okay, you can stay with Ole Miss as long as they're active.
33:20Rich Eisen:What, did they not think that they would make the semifinal? Because I know Lane's already prepared for that possibility by having LSU include in its contract for Lane. Roster bonus. A bonus. If Ole Miss beats Miami to make the national championship game, then Lane would be guaranteed at a minimum$750 ,000. He makes three quarters of a million if Ole Miss finishes as the runner up and one million bucks if they win it all. So, of course, I would say take the assistance. It feathers my nest. it makes me look like I'm turning the other cheek, but now to take it away or Ole Miss is now saying, we don't want you around because the portal's open.
34:08Rich Eisen:Yeah. You could be at a disadvantage in building your roster for next year. If these guys at this point in time, I'm Ole Miss. I'm like, we've got to keep it the same way. We've got to. You'd think so. To heck with the, you're two wins. You're eight quarters away from winning the natty in Ole Miss. With a guy. in Chambliss who looks like he can be that championship quarterback. Insane. It just gets crazier and crazier and crazier. We'll take a break. What's more likely when we come back? Michael Irvin, top of our number three. Speaking of crazy, he's coming up. And then my top five, getting you ready for a big NFL weekend.
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36:04Rich Eisen:As you know, I care deeply about pediatric cancer research and awareness. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is an awesome program you should know about if you already don't know. For over 27 years, it's been going on. Every Hyundai Sold has helped fund life-saving pediatric cancer research. Together, with over 850 dealers nationwide, nationwide they've raised more than 277 million dollars supporting over 25 000 kids in their fight against cancer please visit hyundaiusa.com and search up hyundai hope on wheels to learn more at hyundai hope isn't optional it comes standard it's a friday that means it's time for what's more likely go ahead and hit it hit it please what what's more likely never say never but never all right christopher the floor is yours sir hey everybody happy friday happy new year hey Happy New Year, Chris.
36:52Great to see all of you. All right. A lot of interesting matchups this week. Let's get right to it. More likely, very tall wide receiver to have more yards and touchdowns this weekend. T-Mac or Mike Evans. Big game. Panthers-Bucks.
37:07Rich Eisen:It is. A goat versus the kid, right? Tet McMillan. Teteroa, pardon me. McMillan wants to be offensive rookie of the year. O-R-O-Y. You vote for that, too? He is not. He votes for all of it. I vote for the whole damn shebang. I have these numbers right here. McMillan has had fewer than 45 receiving yards in four of the last five games. And I think the Bucs are going to win this thing. But I don't think they're going to make the playoffs. Oh, you think the Falcons win? I believe the Falcons are going to beat the Saints at home. So there's that. If analysis said he wants to get T-Mac the ball more.
37:52Rich Eisen:I will get, I'll go Mike Evans here. Okay. I'll say Mike Evans at home in this game against the Panthers, and then they hold their breath to see if I'm right or wrong about the Falcons and the Saints. Mike Evans said he's not going to think about next year yet until later on. Correct. This could be his last game, so he's going to go all out. I'll take Mike Evans in this one. All right. The other huge game on Saturday night, Seahawks 49ers. Who's more likely to win the NFC? Seahawks or 49ers Oh man Oh man oh man I have to choose between one of these two One of these two to go to the Super Bowl And I'm taking the Eagles Out of it the Bears out of it the Rams Out of it well these two teams are playing each other I understand that they're playing each other Who's more likely of these two teams Well I believe The 49ers win on Saturday night And take the one seed so I'll take the 49ers where I 49er fans fans love me right now because I put them in my power rankings first overall.
38:54Rich Eisen:And Seahawks fans right now are not happy with me. I just feel that the Niners are playing better offensive football right now. And they're going to be more of a handle for the Seahawks defense to deal with. And and thus they'll be the one seat in their own house and just need two wins to get to the Super Bowl. So I will take the 49ers, sir. Brock Purdy on a pretty big heater right now. He is indeed. You know, two straight games of at least five scores. That's a what if, man, if he had been healthy all season. Still might be the one. It could be undefeated. Which is why Kyle Shanahan's got a great case for coach of the year.
39:40I think if they win Saturday, he might lock that up. What else? More likely MVP-worthy quarterback to have more yards and touchdowns on Sunday. Matthew Stafford or Drake May?
39:52Rich Eisen:I'll go Stafford. Stafford's taking on Arizona at home. So what do you think, Chris? Yeah, you might be right there because Drake May may only play the first half. Similar situation to last week. I don't know, man. Beat up on a bad team. I think it's a reversal of last week, although the Rams were on the road against a really good Falcons team over the last month. And the Patriots were on the road against the Jets team that is positively dreadful and embarrassing and made short work of them. And Stafford had a rough go of it. This time around, they're both home. But I think the Patriots are facing the more stout opponent.
40:38Rich Eisen:We'll see what happens. I think Stafford has a day against Arizona, and they'd like to do him a solid by having him go into the postseason on a bit of a heater. Stafford kind of needs to have a good game to get some momentum going. I got it. What else? More likely to be the higher yardage total. Derrick Henry rushing or Aaron Rodgers passing? Derrick Henry rushing. Another 200 game? I didn't stutter. I don't know about another 200 game. I mean, the Steelers' defense is pretty prideful and pretty damn good. But I don't know, man. Unless Rodgers and the Steelers and Arthur Smith can figure this thing out with a receiver that, first of all, hey, every receiver on the Steelers, just look for the back shoulder throw because it's going to be coming your way.
41:31Rich Eisen:This guy's the greatest at it. You could make the case there's been no better back shoulder thrower than Aaron Rodgers. And last week, that's all it appeared that the Steelers could do until the very last drive when Friermuth opened up over the middle. So, I don't know. I have a feeling for the Steelers to get through, it's got to be a Warren Gainwell type game. Yeah, Rodgers only had 168 yards. I'm kind of getting that sense. Now, obviously, he could just flip this one off to Warren and he rips one off for 45 yards or something like that. I don't know. I'm just going to go Derek Henry. Lamar's back, too.
42:05Rich Eisen:that's not a problem that's that's that's not good news first time in months full week of practice for lamar what else you got over there home team that should probably move on from their head coach tj to make the playoffs bucks or stealers well you're not saying to move on from the head coach in order to make the playoffs no i'm saying in general they should probably move on from this individual but which one of them make the playoffs
42:31exactly i i mean you don't think either of these teams are making the playoffs
42:35Rich Eisen:Oh, I don't think either of these teams are going to move on from their head coach. That's not the question. I know. You're forcing me to fire somebody. I'm not. Yes, you are. I'm not. Should probably move on from their head coach. No, but that's not the question. Which team makes the playoffs, Bucs or Steelers? Oh, I think neither of them do. Never say never, but never. I'm saying they should probably move on from their head coach. I know what you're trying to say. I don't agree with that. I'm asking the question. Well, just read the question. Which home team that should probably move on from their head coach to make the playoffs?
43:07Oh, okay.
43:08Rich Eisen:So you're saying they should move on from their head coach? I'm saying both teams probably should. I'm saying which one ends up making the playoffs. I will say the Steelers because they don't need help. You're thinking so negative of my intentions. I 100 % know what you try to do. Understandable, though. Thank you, TJ. I appreciate the support here. Who makes it? Bucs or Steelers, guys? You could have just said it like that? What's the fun in the world? Both are at home. both have a chance to win. Even if the Bucs win, they suddenly need a Falcons team that has caught fire to trip up against the Saints at home.
43:41Rich Eisen:No Chris Olave. The Saints have been playing well. Correct. No Chris Olave because of some horrible development involving his lungs. He's had a great year. But yeah, I'll then go the Steelers right there. Okay. We made that win. I don't think either of them should move on from there. Well, you're wrong there. Okay. More likely 8-8 road team to spoil their division opponent's playoff seating party? Colts or Lions?
44:10Rich Eisen:I'll go Lions. You know, they got the crazy in charge. And the Colts are starting a third-string quarterback. So, on the road against Houston. That's not fair. Again, I saw it in my own two eyes. That's not so fair. Coop came up with a top five list for me for next week. Top five teams that could spoil the Super Bowl party for the most. And I'm wondering if Houston would be number one on that list. Is that another way of saying, like, team we don't want to see in the Super Bowl? No, team that you just didn't expect to make the playoffs or at some point in the season to spoil somebody's terrific season.
44:52Rich Eisen:Like yours, for instance, in New England. We're spoiling everyone else's party? No, no. The Houston Texans will spoil parties. Anyway, long story short, I'm taking the Lions here. What else you got? Got it. More likely to be the greater number. Head coach openings on Monday or touchdowns scored in Cowboys Giants. Hmm. We have two openings right now. I'll go head coach openings on Monday. Although Dak's playing, huh? Dak is playing. Highest total of the week. I thought he wasn't going to play. Highest total of the week. I don't know. I haven't been paying attention to Cowboys football, except apparently Trayvon Diggs saying, I want to stay at home.
45:29Rich Eisen:Can I stay at home? No, you cannot stay at home. Now you're fired. Yeah, that was wild. That seemed to be a little extreme. Now, again, I might be oversimplifying the headline. Very much so, but in essence, it is what happened. I'll take head coach openings. All right, a couple more. More likely a higher number. Miles Garrett sacks, still going for the record. Or Jamar Chase touchdowns? I will go Miles Garrett sacks. As you know, the Browns love taking on Joe Burrow. That's true. Miles Garrett needs to get a sack record. Last I checked, the narrative involving the Bengals offensive line and Joe Burrow behind it makes it seem likely that Miles Garrett will get the sack record.
46:15Rich Eisen:And if Joe Burrow is sacked, that will be one less chance for him to find Jamar Chase for a touchdown against a Browns team that's been stingy in that department, more likely than not. Way to parse that one. I will go Miles Garrett-Sacks here. Last one, more likely potential AFC number one seed on upset alert this week. Broncos, Jaguars, Patriots.
46:41Rich Eisen:I'll go Patriots. Yeah, I'll go Patriots. Jaguars have Tennessee the Broncos have Trey Lance correct Pats have struggled against Miami Miami's just been such a massive question mark with Quinn Ewers and playing for Mike McDaniel or not looks like they have he says McDaniel says he's now a robot when it comes to his emotions about what's best for the team so I'll go Patriots I'll go Patriots for what's more likely everybody. The Rich Eisen Show Podcast. Monster Energy. Everybody knows White Monster, Zero Ultra. That's the OG. It kicked off this whole Zero Sugar Energy drink thing. But Ultra is a whole line up now.
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From the publisher
Colts QB Philip Rivers tells Rich why he chose to return to the NFL after his 5-year retirement, if we could see him playing in the league next season, and discusses being coached by current Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti during his NC State playing days.
Rich explains why he agrees with Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning who believes the College Football Playoff should be wrapped up by New Year’s Day, and lays out how the controversial Transfer Portal window opening will impact new LSU HC Lane Kiffin (who just earned $500,000 when Ole Miss made the CFP semifinals).
In ‘What’s More Likely’ Rich weighs in on Buccaneers vs Panthers, Seahawks vs 49ers, Matthew Stafford vs Drake Maye for NFL MVP honors, Mike Tomlin’s future as the Steelers’ head coach, Myles Garrett’s pursuit of the NFL single-season sack record, and more.
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