FOX Sports Radio host and The Volume founder Colin Cowherd shared insights into his process on retirement and the future of The Volume. In an exclusive interview with OutKick, Cowherd shared concepts of scaling back his three-hour daily radio show as a possible move for a new deal with FOX Sports Radio.
What We Know: Colin Cowherd is openly discussing his professional future. At 62 years old, his current FOX Sports Radio deal has approximately two years remaining. He has floated the idea of trimming The Herd from three hours to two in a potential next contract with the outlet. Additionally, he confirmed to OutKick that multiple parties have already approached him about acquiring his podcast network, The Volume.
What They Said: (All quotes via OutKick)
Colin Cowherd confirms he’s discussed changes to ‘The Herd’ for a potential next contract: “I have thought about, and I’ve talked to Fox about this. About, hey, should I cut it to two [hour show] next contract… Doing a three hour show and some podcasts for The Volume is not that big of a lift. I do think at some point if it worked for the Fox schedule. Hey, maybe I do two hours, not three. That’s reasonable.”
Colin Cowherd on retirement: “I don’t think it’s in the near term. But I would say when I see that seven getting close as the first number [age], we’re probably around the corner.”
Colin Cowherd on potentially selling The Volume: “We have had people [inquire about selling The Volume]. It would have to be the right fit. It wouldn’t necessarily have to be a broadcaster. I think I have enough knowledge in broadcasting, I can handle that side. I don’t need guidance necessarily. It would have to be something that works for our employees.”
Colin Cowherd on what he’s looking for with any potential buyer for The Volume: “I don’t lose sleep at night if I have a bad show. I lose sleep at night because I have 60 employees now with The Volume, and they have families. So, any decision I make, the partner will have to understand that. It will have to be a partner that respects my executive team and respects our broadcasting ability. So, I’m not in a hurry to do it.”
What Remains Unclear: Cowherd didn’t share any timelines in regards to his approach for potentially selling The Volume. He also stated that he’s discussed selling “parts” or The Volume instead of the entire brand with trusted advisors. As for retirement, if he holds to the “seven number” as stated, that means Cowherd likely will remain for roughly another seven years at a minimum.
What It Means: Cowherd is a forward thinker. Always has been, always will be. Surely, he is clearly thinking beyond the next two years. However, his priority remains protecting The Volume’s employees before entertaining any deal. Judging from his comments, he’s in no rush to move on anything. However, by 2028 FOX Sports Radio could look completely different with no Dan Patrick Show and a possible shorter The Herd w/Colin Cowherd. The Volume continues to grow in independent media. Whether or not Cowherd decides to sell could be more of a long term play than his radio program.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
