The Future of FOX Sports Radio: Could Colin Cowherd Leave Alongside Dan Patrick in 2028?

As the year 2028 approaches, it promises to be significant for various reasons, including the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the Women’s World Cup spanning multiple countries. Amid these major events, FOX Sports Radio faces its own pivotal moment that could reshape its landscape. Notably, Dan Patrick is set to retire in February 2028, coinciding with Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta, raising questions about Colin Cowherd’s future at the network.

In a recent interview, Cowherd, now 62 and with nearly 40 years in the industry, hinted at contemplating his own retirement. He disclosed that he has two years left on his contract with FOX Sports Radio and is considering shortening his daily show, The Herd w/Colin Cowherd, from three hours to two. While he doesn’t view this adjustment as a significant burden, he believes it could be a "reasonable" change.

Cowherd’s adaptability is evident in his career, having launched The Volume podcast network just two years after challenging attendees at a sports summit to identify successful podcasters. Today, The Volume stands as a leading name in sports podcasting. With potential interest in selling the company or parts of it, Cowherd is navigating a transformative phase in his career.

While he has not lost his touch—confirmed by FOX Sports Radio’s Scott Shapiro—Colin's evolving perspective raises questions about his commitment to the network, especially with Patrick's departure looming. Should Cowherd decide to leave in 2028 as well, it would leave FOX Sports Radio in a precarious position, given the longstanding star power of figures like Patrick, Cowherd, and Doug Gottlieb.

Replacing prominent personalities in syndicated sports radio is a challenging endeavor, as seen with competitors like ESPN Radio, which still hasn't filled recent gaps. As FOX Sports Radio plans for the future, it must reassure its extensive network of affiliates that it will continue to deliver high-quality content to retain listener engagement in local markets.

Ultimately, the next few years could see Cowherd choosing between scaling back his involvement or stepping away entirely. The decisions he and FOX Sports Radio make will undoubtedly impact the network's trajectory in the years to come.