Steeler beat writer makes interesting statement (1 Viewer)

[CrossEyed]

Said tonight that the Rooneys already have a list of coaches ready to replace Bill Cowher. Sounds like he's pretty convinced it's a done deal.

 

[Black&Gold]

Said tonight that the Rooneys already have a list of coaches ready to replace Bill Cowher. Sounds like he's pretty convinced it's a done deal.

I still have my doubts. Both sides playing hardball. Just like the Penguins aren't going anywhere. Pittsburgh has the best fan base outside of Canada for hockey. Just a gut feeling, but Cowher wants to have a farewell tour. He has one year left on his contract and the Steelers missed the playoffs this year. Not how I'd want to go out. And really.....Where else would he want to coach?

 

[pacman_fl]

Radio commentators (who are also columnists and beat reporters) are saying the same thing about Saban in Miami. As one of them said, owners would be crazy not to put together a list toward the end of the season just in case. Just as teams are scouting future draft picks, owners and GM's should ALWAYS consider who might be available for either a coaching upgrade or as a replacement if one of these guys gets their "dream job", decides to retire or is just burned out. I am not a Steeler fan per se, but I have tremendous respect for Cowher and what he has done there (same with Jeff Fischer) and would hate to see him leave.

 

[Godsbrother]

There has been a lot of speculation that both sides are posturing for a contract extension. This is definite possibility but the thing that bothers me as a Steelers (and Cowher) fan is the repeated talk of an announcement coming soon after the season is over.

All reports are that there are no negotiations taking place so the only thing that makes sense is that he will announce his retirement. Afterall, if he was planning on returning for his final season then he could have said that weeks if not months ago and end all of this talk.

If Cowher doesn't sign an extension it is in the Steelers best interest if he retires quickly. The HC job of the Steelers is one of the best in pro football: you inherit a pretty good team loaded with young talent and you couldn't ask for a more supportive ownership. They should have the pick of the litter of potential head coaches but only if Cowher makes his decision quickly.

If I were a betting man that is where my money would be -- I think Cowher is going to retire.

 

[CrossEyed]

Said tonight that the Rooneys already have a list of coaches ready to replace Bill Cowher. Sounds like he's pretty convinced it's a done deal.

I still have my doubts. Both sides playing hardball. Just like the Penguins aren't going anywhere. Pittsburgh has the best fan base outside of Canada for hockey. Just a gut feeling, but Cowher wants to have a farewell tour. He has one year left on his contract and the Steelers missed the playoffs this year. Not how I'd want to go out. And really.....Where else would he want to coach?

I think he's ready to step away for a few years. I don't think it has anything to do with wanting to coach somewhere else. He'll coach again, and I'm sure he'd consider coming back to Pittsburgh, but I'm guessing he'll be able to get more money somewhere else.

 

[CrossEyed]

The interesting thing I just thought about is that if he retires with a year left on his contract he pretty much has to come back to Pittsburgh if he wants to coach again, no?

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I think Cowher wants a break, and will eventually step into the Cleveland coaching job, which is what he really wants imo.

 

[dagogrease]

I think Cowher wants a break, and will eventually step into the Cleveland coaching job, which is what he really wants imo.

I mean no offense when I say this but...what makes the Cleveland job appealing to Cowher?

 

[bryhamm]

I think Cowher wants a break, and will eventually step into the Cleveland coaching job, which is what he really wants imo.

I mean no offense when I say this but...what makes the Cleveland job appealing to Cowher?

Plus he had the chance to go over there a few years ago and said no. What would change his mind now?

 

[Banger]

I think Cowher wants a break, and will eventually step into the Cleveland coaching job, which is what he really wants imo.

I've read this on the board as well. It makes sense that he'd want to go from one of the best 3-4 franchises in the history of the NFL to one of the worst ones. I don't believe it for a second.

 

[Black&Gold]

I think Cowher wants a break, and will eventually step into the Cleveland coaching job, which is what he really wants imo.

"Hey guys, I'm coaching one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. I think I'll quit and go to the NFL coaching hell." I don't think so. He would then become the most hated man in Pittsburgh.

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

With the offseason rapidly approaching, and 2 possible candidates in the waiting (Wisenhunt, Grimm) The Roonys will be pressuring Cowher for an answer for his future. They will do this in order to secure a future for the franchise, with Wisenhunt and Grimm looking at head coaching options elsewhere if Cowher does stay. I see three or more possible out comes.

1. Cowher Retires, for however long that may be, and does not return in 07

a. Then Wisenhunt becomes head coach, Grimm stays/leaves.

b. Then Grimm becomes head coach, Wisenhunt leaves/stays.

2. Bill Cowher stays for 07. Then he....

a. Signs an extension.

b. does not sign an extension. (see #1 A and B)

3. Cowher is signed long term. Wisenhunt and Grimm may leave.

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

####, i just read a thread saying pretty much the same thing I am.....

 

[Tau837]

Cowher and his wife both attended and played sports at N.C. State in Raleigh, NC. They have said they plan to ultimately settle there. They bought a mansion in Raleigh earlier this year, and Cowher's youngest daughter enrolled for this school year at Ravenscroft, a private high school. If I'm not mistaken, she had been attending high school in Pittsburgh, as had his older daughters. IMO this is a signal that he will not be coaching in 2007.

 

[BGP]

I think Cowher wants a break, and will eventually step into the Cleveland coaching job, which is what he really wants imo.

I mean no offense when I say this but...what makes the Cleveland job appealing to Cowher?

Plus he had the chance to go over there a few years ago and said no. What would change his mind now?

The rumor I'm hearing is that Randy Lerner is absoutely obsessed with hiring Bill Cowher and would throw a mountain of money at him.

 

[Bojang0301]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought that THIS year was the final year on Cowhers contract?

 

[Tom Servo]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought that THIS year was the final year on Cowhers contract?

No, his contract ends after the 2007 season.What started all this is the fact that Cowher and the Steelers usually agree on a contract extension with two years left on whatever current deal there is. The fact that there has been no agreement (possibly because Cowher is trying to cash in on his delivering a Super Bowl title to the 'Burgh) has led many to believe that he's gone after this year.

Personally? I think he's a goner and spends 2007 doing nothing or a little TV work to keep him "busy" and visible for any vacancies next year. But I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I think Cowher wants a break, and will eventually step into the Cleveland coaching job, which is what he really wants imo.

I mean no offense when I say this but...what makes the Cleveland job appealing to Cowher?

Plus he had the chance to go over there a few years ago and said no. What would change his mind now?

I believe it's because that's where he started his coaching career. As to why now over before...they won a Super Bowl. After getting so close so many times, the job wouldn't have been finished in Pittsburgh without a ring. And as far as leaving such a great franchise to go to a perennial loser (since they returned), well, that's the challenge isn't it? Didn't Bill Parcells take over a pathetic Patriots team? And Jets team? And Cowboys team? I'll be surprised if Cowher doesn't end up coaching the Browns when they havean opening. But maybe I'll be the only one who's surprised.

 

[Black&Gold]

I think Cowher wants a break, and will eventually step into the Cleveland coaching job, which is what he really wants imo.

I mean no offense when I say this but...what makes the Cleveland job appealing to Cowher?

Plus he had the chance to go over there a few years ago and said no. What would change his mind now?

I believe it's because that's where he started his coaching career. As to why now over before...they won a Super Bowl. After getting so close so many times, the job wouldn't have been finished in Pittsburgh without a ring. And as far as leaving such a great franchise to go to a perennial loser (since they returned), well, that's the challenge isn't it? Didn't Bill Parcells take over a pathetic Patriots team? And Jets team? And Cowboys team? I'll be surprised if Cowher doesn't end up coaching the Browns when they havean opening. But maybe I'll be the only one who's surprised.

I see your point, but it's....well....Clevland. Who would want to actually go to Clevland? Plus, it's Pittsburgh's rival. He would be a hated man in the Burgh.

 

[SteelerMurf]

I welcome a change of head coach. Cowher is a great motivator and talent evaluator, but his in game adjustments are probably some of the worst in the league. I can pretty much tell you in the first 3 series of a game whether the Steelers are going to win. Cause if they struggle early, rarely do you see any adjustments.

I want fresh blood, but won't be disappointed with Wiz or Grimm and keeping pretty much all status quo...I attribute this year to a series of untimely injuries and just plain bad luck.

Shore up the offensive line and the STeelers will return to the playoffs next season.

 

[CrossEyed]

Another question for Steeler fans - With the way the offense struggled at times this year and the (IMO) questionable gameplans at times, do you want to see Whisenhunt as HC?

 

[SteelerMurf]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought that THIS year was the final year on Cowhers contract?

Nope, he is under contract thru the 2007 season (1 more year after tomorrows game)

 

[Capt Hook]

John Clayton said last night on ESPN that he expected an announcement by this coming Thursday and that he thought Cowher would be leaving and that Whisenhunt would be the new HC

 

[FairWarning]

Said tonight that the Rooneys already have a list of coaches ready to replace Bill Cowher. Sounds like he's pretty convinced it's a done deal.

I still have my doubts. Both sides playing hardball. Just like the Penguins aren't going anywhere. Pittsburgh has the best fan base outside of Canada for hockey. Just a gut feeling, but Cowher wants to have a farewell tour. He has one year left on his contract and the Steelers missed the playoffs this year. Not how I'd want to go out. And really.....Where else would he want to coach?

More concerned about the hockey quote. Detroit, Philly, NY, Boston, Dallas, St Louis, and Chicago all have better fans than Pittsburgh for hockey

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

Wisenhunt calls decent plays....he isnt exactly working with the best (aging/injured ward, rookie WRs, shaken Roethlesberger) But i believe the team started to "gel" late in the season. That being said, I agree the offense could be ALOT better. Wisenhunt looks like Cowher, but I dont know if Im really big on him being the man.

Cowher has been getting flat out, out coached, by Belick namely. He lacks the fire Ive seen in the past. I think he is done.

Grimm has an allstar resume and definately understands what smash mouth steeler football is all about. If he gets the job I would be thrilled.

 

[CrossEyed]

Said tonight that the Rooneys already have a list of coaches ready to replace Bill Cowher. Sounds like he's pretty convinced it's a done deal.

I still have my doubts. Both sides playing hardball. Just like the Penguins aren't going anywhere. Pittsburgh has the best fan base outside of Canada for hockey. Just a gut feeling, but Cowher wants to have a farewell tour. He has one year left on his contract and the Steelers missed the playoffs this year. Not how I'd want to go out. And really.....Where else would he want to coach?

More concerned about the hockey quote. Detroit, Philly, NY, Boston, Dallas, St Louis, and Chicago all have better fans than Pittsburgh for hockey

Well, since Pittsburgh is probably the smallest market of all the cities you listed and their attendance figures are higher this year than Boston, St. Louis and Chicago, it's pretty clear that you're wrong. Take away the uncertain future, build an arena that isn't a dump, and keep the core of this team together and you'll probably see top 10 attendance in the league for the Pens.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Another question for Steeler fans - With the way the offense struggled at times this year and the (IMO) questionable gameplans at times, do you want to see Whisenhunt as HC?

First off, I agree with the prevailing wisdom -- I believe Sunday's game with the Bengals will be the last game for Bill Cowher on the Steelers sideline.I think if Cowher had retired prior to the 2006 season, Whisenhunt would have been a shoo-in for the job. His offense had just finished shredding three of the top teams in the league during the playoffs (Bengals, Colts, and Broncos) and the team was coming off a Super Bowl win and was coming back largely intact. There would have been little reason or incentive to make a big change at that point.

I think now Whisenhunt's chances are greatly diminished because the perception is that a change is needed. The lackluster performance of the team (and particularly the offense) this season is a source of concern. Even worse is the manner in which the team undershot expectations given that 19 of the 22 starters returned from last season. And the coup de grace, IMO, is the fact that the team's troubles are primarily a result of sloppy play, which has to reflect negatively on the coaching staff.

Add in the fact that Whisenhunt is an offensive specialist and I think the team goes a different direction now. Further, I think Whisenhunt will leave as quickly as possible because of the snub, which is just the nature of the business. But that will allow the new HC to put his mark on the team more quickly by naming an OC that he is comfortable with, so that's a benefit to partially balance his loss. I think **** LeBeau will stay for as long as he wants to continue coaching. Russ Grimm is a question mark, but I think it would take an offer to become HC of another team for him to leave, and I'm not sure one will be forthcoming this offseason.

I think whoever we hire is going to have to come in, take this team by the throat, and instill some discipline right away. I think he has to have the reputation and standing to be a "my way or the highway" kind of guy. As a result, you'll likely see a number of veterans leave the team through retirement, free agency, or just being outright released.

I'm glad the team has publicly announced that they have a formal candidate list. I'm sure that many of the candidates are guys that the average NFL fan does not even know about. Given that the Steelers tend to hire younger guys, I would expect a few surprises. I'd just about guarantee that Ron Rivera is on the list, and Mike Singletary is drawing a lot of fan buzz. He certainly has the gravitas to walk in and bend the team to his will.

Both Cowher and Noll were outside hires, and both were hired at times when a shake-up was needed. I would be surprised if the next Steelers coach comes from within the organization.

 

[Godsbrother]

Cowher has been getting flat out, out coached, by Belick namely.

I don't buy this for a second. Belick and Cowher have been going at it for years. They are both good coaches. Cowher didn't suddenly become stupid and Billick didn't suddenly become a genius (I know , I know, Billick has always been a genuis ). Billick simply has the better team this season. It really is that simple.

 

[Godsbrother]

I welcome a change of head coach. Cowher is a great motivator and talent evaluator, but his in game adjustments are probably some of the worst in the league. I can pretty much tell you in the first 3 series of a game whether the Steelers are going to win. Cause if they struggle early, rarely do you see any adjustments.

And just last year he was being praised for making adjustments. A coach can only do so much -- at some point the players have to make a play. The main reason the Steelers struggled this season is turnovers. It tough to make an adjustment when your offense and/or special teams keeps turning the ball over, especially in the red zone.

 

[Godsbrother]

I think Cowher wants a break, and will eventually step into the Cleveland coaching job, which is what he really wants imo.

I mean no offense when I say this but...what makes the Cleveland job appealing to Cowher?

Plus he had the chance to go over there a few years ago and said no. What would change his mind now?

I believe it's because that's where he started his coaching career. As to why now over before...they won a Super Bowl. After getting so close so many times, the job wouldn't have been finished in Pittsburgh without a ring. And as far as leaving such a great franchise to go to a perennial loser (since they returned), well, that's the challenge isn't it? Didn't Bill Parcells take over a pathetic Patriots team? And Jets team? And Cowboys team? I'll be surprised if Cowher doesn't end up coaching the Browns when they havean opening. But maybe I'll be the only one who's surprised.

I could see Cowher going to Cleveland maybe a few years down the road for a boatload of cash but I really don't see him leaving the Steelers immediately to coach the Browns. This would be the ultimate slap in the face to the Rooneys and Cowher wouldn't do it. No way.

 

[Bri]

As one of them said, owners would be crazy not to put together a list toward the end of the season just in case.

(post snipped)Every team has had such a list since Parcells pulled his assistant head coach stunt. As long as it's a promotion, teams can consider such a move. I believe BPs last "move" was(at one point) Carthon was running game cooridinator and Payton was passing game cooridinator. The NFL was supposed to address these titles and make a rule about em' but I don't recall reading that they did.

 

[Black&Gold]

Said tonight that the Rooneys already have a list of coaches ready to replace Bill Cowher. Sounds like he's pretty convinced it's a done deal.

I still have my doubts. Both sides playing hardball. Just like the Penguins aren't going anywhere. Pittsburgh has the best fan base outside of Canada for hockey. Just a gut feeling, but Cowher wants to have a farewell tour. He has one year left on his contract and the Steelers missed the playoffs this year. Not how I'd want to go out. And really.....Where else would he want to coach?

More concerned about the hockey quote. Detroit, Philly, NY, Boston, Dallas, St Louis, and Chicago all have better fans than Pittsburgh for hockey

It was stated on ESPN (sorry, no link), that Pittsburgh has been the best ticket sold/revenue city in the NHL outside of Canada. Just what I heard, and like I said, I'm not that big of a Pens/hockey fan. Been to a few games in my life, but that's it.

 

[Browns Rule!]

Said tonight that the Rooneys already have a list of coaches ready to replace Bill Cowher. Sounds like he's pretty convinced it's a done deal.

I still have my doubts. Both sides playing hardball. Just like the Penguins aren't going anywhere. Pittsburgh has the best fan base outside of Canada for hockey. Just a gut feeling, but Cowher wants to have a farewell tour. He has one year left on his contract and the Steelers missed the playoffs this year. Not how I'd want to go out. And really.....Where else would he want to coach?

Cleveland coach = Cower year after next!

 

[Tom Servo]

Said tonight that the Rooneys already have a list of coaches ready to replace Bill Cowher. Sounds like he's pretty convinced it's a done deal.

I still have my doubts. Both sides playing hardball. Just like the Penguins aren't going anywhere. Pittsburgh has the best fan base outside of Canada for hockey. Just a gut feeling, but Cowher wants to have a farewell tour. He has one year left on his contract and the Steelers missed the playoffs this year. Not how I'd want to go out. And really.....Where else would he want to coach?

Cleveland coach = Cower year after next!

That would make the Clowns title contenders, now wouldn't it? Enjoy another 4-12 season in 2007.

 

[Godsbrother]

This is from this morning's Pittsburgh Post Gazette. This article makes it seem like Cowher's retirement is an almost certainty. As I said earlier, I think he is a goner too. If Cowher was returning next year he would have just come out and said so and ended this talk weeks if not months ago.

As an aside, this article is strange in that they keep referring to Cowher as Mr. Cowher instead of simply Cowher. Bouchette usually doesn't write like that...

Steelers expect Cowher to quit

Team management puts together a list of head-coaching candidates for when the 15-year veteran retires, as they think he'll do after today

Sunday, December 31, 2006

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Steelers management has compiled a list of head coaching candidates when, as they expect, Bill Cowher steps down after he concludes his 15th season on the job in Cincinnati today.

Although Mr. Cowher, 49, said last Tuesday that it would not be long before he makes an announcement clearing up his plans, no press conference is scheduled and none may occur this week in Pittsburgh, at least not with Mr. Cowher present.

Mr. Cowher plans to meet with his players at the team's UPMC complex on the South Side Tuesday and then leave for his new home in Raleigh, N.C., where his wife, Kaye, and youngest daughter, Lindsay, a high school sophomore, have lived most of the past year.

He has not informed his players or his coaching staff of his plans. Steelers chairman Dan Rooney and his son, team president Art Rooney II, have not commented on the situation.

The Rooneys would join Kevin Colbert, the director of football operations, in heading a coaching search, the team's first since 1992. At that time, the Steelers interviewed about a dozen candidates for the job, including current Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt, one of two finalists for the position that Mr. Cowher landed after longtime coach Chuck Noll retired.

Two members of Mr. Cowher's offensive staff are considered the prime candidates to take his place: Russ Grimm, the assistant head coach and line coach, and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. The Steelers also want to interview outside candidates, including University of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, an Upper St. Clair native. The NFL requires each team to interview a minority coach -- called the Rooney Rule because Dan Rooney proposed it -- and the Steelers will do that.

If and when Mr. Cowher quits, the team expects to move quickly to replace him.

Mr. Cowher has one year left on a contract that pays him an estimated $4 million to $5 million a year. Talks to extend his deal broke off in August. If he steps down, he could not coach elsewhere until 2008.

Sources on both sides have told the Post-Gazette that more than one issue has led Mr. Cowher to this crossroads in his career. Part of it is money. The Steelers offered Mr. Cowher between $6 million and $6.5 million annually near the end of a contract extension. That's an amount Mr. Cowher may consider below market for a coach with his record, especially since that salary would not kick in for another three or four years.

The coach he beat in the Super Bowl last February, Seattle's Mike Holmgren, earns an estimated $8 million to $10 million a year, and Washington's Joe Gibbs earns anywhere from a reported $5 million to $7 million annually.

There are personal issues, too. Mr. Cowher said at a recent press conference that he was not tired of coaching and he was not "burned out." However, he told at least one associate more than a year ago that he was tired of the coaching grind and might retire soon. It was then, in the fall of 2005, that he and his wife purchased their 7,400-square foot, $2.5 million home in Raleigh.

Both Mr. Cowher, a Crafton native, and his wife graduated from North Carolina State University and were star athletes there. Kaye Cowher is from North Carolina and the couple have many friends and family in the area.

Mr. Cowher admitted recently that he thought of retiring after the Steelers won the Super Bowl in February.

When Kaye and Lindsay Cowher moved to Raleigh, and Lindsay enrolled in a private school there speculation increased that this would be Mr. Cowher's final season here. The Cowhers' other two daughters, both now at Princeton University and stars on the school's basketball team, graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School.

Asked last summer why Mr. Cowher would send his wife and daughter to Raleigh while he coached the Steelers in Pittsburgh, a close associate of his said the question included a misused word: "send," the implication being it was not Mr. Cowher's decision to have his wife and daughter move to North Carolina.

Steelers believe time is short

Whatever the reason for the move, it seemed an untenable situation. Further evidence came when contract extension talks broke off in August. Mr. Cowher has never entered the final two years of a contract -- he's always been given an extension before it came to that point. That they were negotiating meant Mr. Cowher entertained thoughts last summer of extending his stay as Steelers coach, lending credence to the idea that the money just wasn't enough to convince him to do so.

Art Rooney II said in August that he hoped talks would resume when the 2006 season ended. But as the season approached its final weeks, Mr. Cowher mentioned he had a decision to make on his future and he would take time after the season to consider his options, saying it would not be a "knee-jerk" decision.

"It will be something I will need to get away from and give some serious thought to and I will do that -- at the right time," Mr. Cowher said.

The Steelers do not believe they have that kind of time to wait. Both Mr. Whisenhunt and Mr. Grimm could be prime candidates for head coaching jobs elsewhere this week, and with the Steelers not in the playoffs, they are permitted to talk to other teams. Coaches of teams in the playoffs can be interviewed once but not hired until after they are eliminated.

Octagon Financial Services president Phil de Picciotto, Mr. Cowher's agent, began calling the Steelers several weeks ago, and while the sides eventually talked, nothing was accomplished. Mr. De Picciotto was out of town, a secretary in his McLean, Va., office said, and unavailable this past week.

Besides money, the sides could not agree on the coach's obligations to be in Pittsburgh in the off-season. Mr. Cowher wanted to spend more time in Raleigh and that was not something Steelers management felt would work. Some were surprised, for example, when Mr. Cowher took time off this past year during preparations for the draft. He has spent time in Raleigh at least three times during the season -- once after the Thursday night season opener in early September, once during a bye week in late September and again after their second Thursday night game in early December.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

That is weird. Bouchette is formalizing his name while Smizik is still referring to him by last name only. Dulac didn't mention Cowher at all in today's web articles. It makes it look like Bouchette and Cowher have gotten in a twist over something.

Meanwhile the Trib website has nothing new about Cowher at all -- but Rod Marinelli's hip replacement as the second story under the fold in the Steelers section of their website.

 

[Peyton Marino]

I think Cowher wants a break, and will eventually step into the Cleveland coaching job, which is what he really wants imo.

did I miss something?

 

[redman]

He wants to step away from coaching IMHO. Whether he returns, much less when or where is certainly undecided I would think.

 

[Godsbrother]

I think Cowher wants a break, and will eventually step into the Cleveland coaching job, which is what he really wants imo.

I mean no offense when I say this but...what makes the Cleveland job appealing to Cowher?

It's his dream job. I think he waits a yr or 2.

This is nonsense. Please post one credible link that says that Cowher is interested in the Brown's head coaching job.

 

[Hamstring]

After watching his bang up coaching job this year, who needs the guy? I've heard no credible source on anything regarding the future of Cowher. Beat writers speculating doesn't count either. They just want something to talk about after the Stillers choked on 2006. The team mailed it in from the start.

 

[Godsbrother]

After watching his bang up coaching job this year, who needs the guy?

 

[Bojang0301]

LOL @ Browns fans who keep tossing Cowhers name out there... That would be the worst move ever on Cowhers part and would also make him hated in Pittsburgh a town where he could be a god.

 

[dickey moe]

I can pretty much tell you in the first 3 series of a game whether the Steelers are going to win.

 

[SofaKings]

Said tonight that the Rooneys already have a list of coaches ready to replace Bill Cowher. Sounds like he's pretty convinced it's a done deal.

I still have my doubts. Both sides playing hardball. Just like the Penguins aren't going anywhere. Pittsburgh has the best fan base outside of Canada for hockey. Just a gut feeling, but Cowher wants to have a farewell tour. He has one year left on his contract and the Steelers missed the playoffs this year. Not how I'd want to go out. And really.....Where else would he want to coach?

 

[CrossEyed]

As an aside, this article is strange in that they keep referring to Cowher as Mr. Cowher instead of simply Cowher. Bouchette usually doesn't write like that...

I think the "Mr." thing might be a new policy by the PG. I've noticed in some other articles lately that the use "Mr." a lot more than they ever used to.

 

[bentley]

As an aside, this article is strange in that they keep referring to Cowher as Mr. Cowher instead of simply Cowher. Bouchette usually doesn't write like that...

I think the "Mr." thing might be a new policy by the PG. I've noticed in some other articles lately that the use "Mr." a lot more than they ever used to.

Is in the regular news section? The Dallas Morning News always puts a "Mr." in front of sports figures names when they're in the main section, but not in the sports section.

 

[CrossEyed]

As an aside, this article is strange in that they keep referring to Cowher as Mr. Cowher instead of simply Cowher. Bouchette usually doesn't write like that...

I think the "Mr." thing might be a new policy by the PG. I've noticed in some other articles lately that the use "Mr." a lot more than they ever used to.

Is in the regular news section? The Dallas Morning News always puts a "Mr." in front of sports figures names when they're in the main section, but not in the sports section.

Even in the sports section. I recall reading an article about the Pens recently and they kept referring to Mario as Mr. Lemieux. Seemed a bit odd to me.ETA: Here's another example.Link

Friday, December 29, 2006

By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau

HARRISBURG -- Gov. Ed Rendell is coming to Pittsburgh next week to talk to Penguins' owner Mario Lemieux about financing for a new arena to anchor the team in Pittsburgh.

Mr. Rendell announced a goal of March 31 for completing a deal to finance a new $290 million arena with tax-exempt bonds. That target date is about a month later than the February deadline mentioned last week by Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato.

Mr. Rendell, joined by Mr. Onorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, sent a letter Wednesday to Mr. Lemieux, saying they are "solidly committed to keeping the Penguins at home in Pittsburgh." The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette obtained a copy of the letter yesterday.

"We believe the time has come for those [arena financing] discussions to begin and to proceed in an expeditious manner, as we would like to complete negotiations on a financial plan by no later than March 31, 2007," the three officials said.

Mr. Rendell proposed starting the arena talks in Pittsburgh on Thursday and, in a letter to the governor last night, Mr. Lemieux agreed. Also at the meeting will be team officials Ronald Burkle, Ken Sawyer, David Morehouse and Chuck Greenberg.

Mr. Lemieux said he wants to have a financing plan ready "well in advance" of March 31.

Mr. Lemieux, in his letter, said that when he and his partners bought the team seven years ago, "We made it clear that we needed a new arena to become economically viable and competitive in Pittsburgh."

State and local officials became nervous after Mr. Lemieux said last week he would begin talking to other cities about moving the team.

Kansas City, Mo., has a new but empty arena and would like to land a hockey team.

The Penguins' lease at Mellon Arena expires in June. The arena, which opened in 1961, is the oldest in the National Hockey League.

Mr. Onorato has called reaching a deal to build a new arena for the Penguins his No. 1 priority.

In his letter to Mr. Lemieux, Mr. Rendell said he'll be in Pittsburgh Thursday and would like to arrange "a mutually agreeable time" to begin talks on financing for a new arena. Mr. Lemieux said Thursday afternoon works for him.

The governor said he recognizes that Mr. Lemieux has had a contractual obligation with Isle of Capri casinos, a St. Louis-based gaming company that had offered to build a new $290 million arena for the Penguins if it received a state slots license.

But Isle of Capri didn't get the license. Instead, the state Gaming Control Board, on Dec. 20, awarded the sole slots license for Pittsburgh to Detroit casino entrepreneur Don Barden. He plans to build a Majestic Star casino in the Chateau neighborhood near the Carnegie Science Center.

Mr. Lemieux said that now that Isle of Capri's offer to build the arena "has been turned down" by the state, "We are in the process of exploring all of our options" for building an arena.

In the letter, the governor again outlined the details of his so-called Plan B, the backup plan for funding a new arena, under which a $290 million bond would be floated and paid off over 30 years with money from four sources.

Under the Rendell plan, the team would provide $8.5 million upfront and $2.9 million per year to pay off the bonds; Mr. Barden has agreed to provide $7.5 million a year; a new state economic development fund, fueled by casino revenue, would provide $7 million a year; and another $1.1 million annual contribution would come from selling the naming and advertising rights at the new multipurpose arena, whose major tenant would be the Penguins.

Mr. Lemieux told the governor he appreciated "the positive tone of your recent public comments." But he said he's hoping that a financing plan could be developed that "is significantly better than the original Plan B."

The governor, county executive and the mayor reminded Mr. Lemieux how they have "moved forward with planning for the new arena."

They said they have "acquired the necessary land within the footprint designated by the Penguins and have continued to work on the design and financing plans."

 

[BigRed]

I think he needs to "retire" like Vermeil did......ie come back and coach another team, like say the Colts