Steelers (2007) (1 Viewer)

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Mort reporting that the Rooneys will meet with Cowher today and hope for a decision.

Updated: Jan. 2, 2007, 11:30 AM ET

Rooneys to meet with Cowher on Tuesday

ESPN.com news services

Will Bill Cowher coach the Steelers in 2007? The answer might come Tuesday.

A Pittsburgh Steelers source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that team chairman Dan Rooney and team president Art Rooney II will meet with Cowher and are expected to push Cowher to make a decision Tuesday on whether he will resign after 15 seasons as head coach.

Cowher had hoped to take up to a week from the end of the season before making a decision.

The team source told Mortensen that the Rooneys believe Cowher likely is going to walk away and want to start the process of finding a new coach, in part because their in-house potential replacements, offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and assistant head coach/offensive line Russ Grimm, are potential head coaching candidates for other NFL teams.

The 49-year-old Cowher, whose tenure with the same team is the longest of any current NFL coach, began weighing retirement shortly after the Steelers won the Super Bowl in February. He is signed through 2007 but, for the first time since being hired in January 1992, could not work out an extension.

Cowher has said several times recently he is not burned out, and there is no indication he would retire if he quits now -- the Steelers themselves anticipate he would be back on an NFL sideline as early as 2008.

Cowher's decision appears tied to family and money. He would like to spend more time at home since his youngest daughter, Lindsay, has only 2½ years of high school remaining. His two oldest daughters, Meagan and Laura, attend Princeton.

The problem: Cowher's wife, Kaye, and Lindsay are now living in a new home in Raleigh, N.C., where Cowher attended North Carolina State and the family has many friends. But the Steelers aren't interested in having Cowher significantly reduce his presence in Pittsburgh by constantly shuttling back and forth to North Carolina, where he also owns a summer home.

Another problem: Cowher, for the first time, seems focused on being one of the NFL's highest-paid coaches in his next contract.

Cowher made about $4 million this season, or about half of what Seattle coach Mike Holmgren is making. The Steelers are giving no indication they are willing to pay any coach $8 million a year.

However, there seems little doubt Cowher could make that kind of money should he retire, work next season as an NFL analyst for a TV network, then sign with another team in 2008 or 2009 after all of his daughters have left home.

NFL Insider Chris Mortensen appears on Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown and SportsCenter. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I think the Steelers make him an offer he cant refuse. If he quits with a year left on his K, what kind of compensation will the Steelers get if he tries to coack another team in 08 or 09?

 

[billyjoe]

I think the Steelers make him an offer he cant refuse. If he quits with a year left on his K, what kind of compensation will the Steelers get if he tries to coack another team in 08 or 09?

Did Gruden have a year left?Herm?Two 1sts, vs a 5th. Gotta think Gruden had at least 2 years left.I'm not sure Pitt would keep him hostage. He got them a SB, great coach, I can't seem them holding out for a 1st to keep him on ice, not after all he's done for the franchise.So I'm thinking a 4th would probably do it.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I think the Steelers make him an offer he cant refuse. If he quits with a year left on his K, what kind of compensation will the Steelers get if he tries to coack another team in 08 or 09?

Nada. They'll only get something if he signs on with another team for 2007.

 

[Bankerguy]

I think he takes a break.

He seemed to lack the fire I've seen before (In my limited viewing of Pitts).

Should be interesting.

 

[Godsbrother]

I have had the feeling that this is/was a negotiating ploy by Bill Cowher. He knows he is underpaid (with respect to other head coaches) and the only possibility he had to get big money from the Steelers was to break off negotiations and leave the decision up in the air. The longer he kept the Steelers in limbo, the more leverage he had.

The Rooney's know this and so they are pushing Cowher to make a decision. Their best offer is probably on the table and they want an answer now.

Cowher now needs to determine whether the money is good enough to stay with the Steelers, certainly one of the better HC jobs in the NFL or sit out a year and get the huge money and start fresh somewhere else.

It could go either way but I think BC is going to sit out and hold out for the big money.

The one thing I don't expect is for him to coach somewhere else in 2007. The Steelers likely wouldn't release from his contract without compensation and it would make Cowher look like it was all about money, a reputation he probably would rather not have.

Just my opinion, I could be dead wroing about the situation.

 

[kupcho1]

Prediction:

1. Cowher "retires"

2. Joins Football Night in America for 2007

3. Named head coach of the Cleveland Browns January 2nd, 2008

 

[Godsbrother]

Prediction:1. Cowher "retires"2. Joins Football Night in America for 20073. Named head coach of the Cleveland Browns January 2nd, 2008

4. Cowher becomes the most hated man in Pittsburgh

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Rooney's have to pay the man, I know they are historically cheap, but i do not see this team maintaining their excellence without Cowher.

 

[jetpack]

I have had the feeling that this is/was a negotiating ploy by Bill Cowher. He knows he is underpaid (with respect to other head coaches) and the only possibility he had to get big money from the Steelers was to break off negotiations and leave the decision up in the air. The longer he kept the Steelers in limbo, the more leverage he had.The Rooney's know this and so they are pushing Cowher to make a decision. Their best offer is probably on the table and they want an answer now.Cowher now needs to determine whether the money is good enough to stay with the Steelers, certainly one of the better HC jobs in the NFL or sit out a year and get the huge money and start fresh somewhere else.It could go either way but I think BC is going to sit out and hold out for the big money.The one thing I don't expect is for him to coach somewhere else in 2007. The Steelers likely wouldn't release from his contract without compensation and it would make Cowher look like it was all about money, a reputation he probably would rather not have.Just my opinion, I could be dead wroing about the situation.

Steelers management will approach this the way they approach all their other personnel decisions (especially players) - which is - the Steelers do NOT overpay for any one person. Holmgrem at 8 mil is over market value (and was also GM) and Cowher won't see that money from the Steelers, especially with a number of reasonable fresh blood candidates that can prove their worth to be just as good a coach as Cowher in the Steelers system. If Cowher doesn't take what is offered, the Steelers will let him walk, just like they do with nearly all of their third-contract players.

 

[Godsbrother]

Rooney's have to pay the man, I know they are historically cheap, but i do not see this team maintaining their excellence without Cowher.

All depends on who replaces Cowher. Whoever it is they will be inheriting a pretty good team.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Prediction:1. Cowher "retires"2. Joins Football Night in America for 20073. Named head coach of the Cleveland Browns January 2nd, 2008

4. Cowher becomes the most hated man in Pittsburgh

As much as it would kill me to see this happen, part of me would be glad because BGP would have to accept him as the Browns' coach after bashing him mercilessly for years.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Rooney's have to pay the man, I know they are historically cheap, but i do not see this team maintaining their excellence without Cowher.

All depends on who replaces Cowher. Whoever it is they will be inheriting a pretty good team.

If it's Grimm or Wisenhut I stand by my statement

 

[jetpack]

Rooney's have to pay the man, I know they are historically cheap, but i do not see this team maintaining their excellence without Cowher.

All depends on who replaces Cowher. Whoever it is they will be inheriting a pretty good team.

If it's Grimm or Wisenhut I stand by my statement

How can you possibly predict that?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Rooney's have to pay the man, I know they are historically cheap, but i do not see this team maintaining their excellence without Cowher.

All depends on who replaces Cowher. Whoever it is they will be inheriting a pretty good team.

It's gotta be Grimm or Whisenhunt. They're likely to lose one of these two to a head-coaching job anyway, if they hire someone else, both of these guys are going to fly the coop at the first sniff of an offer to be a HC elsewhere. Personally, my money's on Whisenhunt. The guy is a terrific coordinator, and I think there's a reason he didn't take the Oakland job last year (besides just being smart) - I think he's been told off the record that he is the guy when Cowher steps down.

 

[Godsbrother]

It's gotta be Grimm or Whisenhunt. They're likely to lose one of these two to a head-coaching job anyway, if they hire someone else, both of these guys are going to fly the coop at the first sniff of an offer to be a HC elsewhere. Personally, my money's on Whisenhunt. The guy is a terrific coordinator, and I think there's a reason he didn't take the Oakland job last year (besides just being smart) - I think he's been told off the record that he is the guy when Cowher steps down.

Agreed, EG. This has been my feeling all along.The Steelers wil bring in others for interviews (especially a minority) but I think the job is Whisenhunt's.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Rooney's have to pay the man, I know they are historically cheap, but i do not see this team maintaining their excellence without Cowher.

All depends on who replaces Cowher. Whoever it is they will be inheriting a pretty good team.

If it's Grimm or Wisenhut I stand by my statement

I would think in a franchise where coaching continuity has been a hallmark, and a big reason for their year-to-year success, that it would be easier to maintain a high level with a coach the players have known for years and understands how things work there. Bringing in a high-profile coach from elsewhere, or giving a talented newcomer who hasn't been there a shot would, I think, be more of a shock to the system and would cause more friction than a smooth transition from Cowher to Grimm or Whisenhunt.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

It's gotta be Grimm or Whisenhunt. They're likely to lose one of these two to a head-coaching job anyway, if they hire someone else, both of these guys are going to fly the coop at the first sniff of an offer to be a HC elsewhere. Personally, my money's on Whisenhunt. The guy is a terrific coordinator, and I think there's a reason he didn't take the Oakland job last year (besides just being smart) - I think he's been told off the record that he is the guy when Cowher steps down.

Agreed, EG. This has been my feeling all along.The Steelers wil bring in others for interviews (especially a minority) but I think the job is Whisenhunt's.

I haven't said it out loud because I don't want to believe it, but I agree with what you said earlier too. I think Whis is our coach in '07. Nothing against Whisnehunt, whom I think is great, I just really don't want Cowher to go. In my mind, he personifies everything that Steeler football represents to me, and I want him to prowl that sideline forever. He (almost) always gets the best out of the team, the players like him, coahcing continuity is so much more important than many people believe, etc.... I really don't want to see him coaching the Panthers.

 

[Franknbeans]

Prediction:3. Named head coach of the Cleveland Browns January 2nd, 2008

the Browns wish they had this good fortuneBy the way, from what I've read it seems the players favor their next coach to come from within

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Some other issues worth mentioning here...I think that the Rooneys had to be extremely disappointed with the way the 2006 played out on the field and off. Few would admit it but certainly Cowher's lame duck status had some effect on the season. Cowher used his leverage and it may have hurt the team in 2006. I wonder if to some extent the belief within the organization is that Cowher isn't showing the Rooneys the same loyalty after a SB win that they showed him after three consecutive non-playoff seasons.

In addition to the money there also seems to be some question over how much time Cowher would spend in Pittsburgh during the season and offseason.

Regarding Cowher, certainly the guy has a big ego, as do most NFL head coaches. I still think on some level it will kill him to walk away from a team with as much young talent as this team has. If another coach wins 1-2 Super Bowls with this team, for better or worse it certainly takes away from Cowher's legacy.

 

[-jb-]

RE: the possibility of Whisenhunt taking the job...how often has an internal promotion taken place in the nfl? can't think of one off-hand, but i'm still hung over.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

RE: the possibility of Whisenhunt taking the job...how often has an internal promotion taken place in the nfl? can't think of one off-hand, but i'm still hung over.

Bill Walsh- George SeifertDick Vermeil- Mike Martz

 

[-jb-]

RE: the possibility of Whisenhunt taking the job...how often has an internal promotion taken place in the nfl? can't think of one off-hand, but i'm still hung over.

Bill Walsh- George SeifertDick Vermeil- Mike Martz

there ya go. speaks volumes to evilgrin's comment about coaching continuity.

 

[Godsbrother]

Some other issues worth mentioning here...I think that the Rooneys had to be extremely disappointed with the way the 2006 played out on the field and off. Few would admit it but certainly Cowher's lame duck status had some effect on the season. Cowher used his leverage and it may have hurt the team in 2006. I wonder if to some extent the belief within the organization is that Cowher isn't showing the Rooneys the same loyalty after a SB win that they showed him after three consecutive non-playoff seasons. In addition to the money there also seems to be some question over how much time Cowher would spend in Pittsburgh during the season and offseason.Regarding Cowher, certainly the guy has a big ego, as do most NFL head coaches. I still think on some level it will kill him to walk away from a team with as much young talent as this team has. If another coach wins 1-2 Super Bowls with this team, for better or worse it certainly takes away from Cowher's legacy.

Frenchy you make some excellent points. Reports are that the Rooneys felt Cowher spent too much time away before the draft and they weren't happy when he returned home for a few days after the Thursday night games this season.I can not think of an instance where someone that played hard ball with the Steelers over a contract issue came better in the deal. The Rooneys are not going to play the waiting game and let Cowher dictate what they do. Bill Cowher has a very difficult decision to make and he doesn't have a whole lot of time to do it.

 

[jetpack]

Some other issues worth mentioning here...I think that the Rooneys had to be extremely disappointed with the way the 2006 played out on the field and off. Few would admit it but certainly Cowher's lame duck status had some effect on the season. Cowher used his leverage and it may have hurt the team in 2006. I wonder if to some extent the belief within the organization is that Cowher isn't showing the Rooneys the same loyalty after a SB win that they showed him after three consecutive non-playoff seasons. In addition to the money there also seems to be some question over how much time Cowher would spend in Pittsburgh during the season and offseason.Regarding Cowher, certainly the guy has a big ego, as do most NFL head coaches. I still think on some level it will kill him to walk away from a team with as much young talent as this team has. If another coach wins 1-2 Super Bowls with this team, for better or worse it certainly takes away from Cowher's legacy.

Frenchy you make some excellent points. Reports are that the Rooneys felt Cowher spent too much time away before the draft and they weren't happy when he returned home for a few days after the Thursday night games this season.I can not think of an instance where someone that played hard ball with the Steelers over a contract issue came better in the deal. The Rooneys are not going to play the waiting game and let Cowher dictate what they do. Bill Cowher has a very difficult decision to make and he doesn't have a whole lot of time to do it.

According to Dale Lolly, a Steelers beat reporter, Cowher has already left the offices and is heading to Raleigh.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

It's gotta be Grimm or Whisenhunt. They're likely to lose one of these two to a head-coaching job anyway, if they hire someone else, both of these guys are going to fly the coop at the first sniff of an offer to be a HC elsewhere. Personally, my money's on Whisenhunt. The guy is a terrific coordinator, and I think there's a reason he didn't take the Oakland job last year (besides just being smart) - I think he's been told off the record that he is the guy when Cowher steps down.

Agreed, EG. This has been my feeling all along.The Steelers wil bring in others for interviews (especially a minority) but I think the job is Whisenhunt's.

I haven't said it out loud because I don't want to believe it, but I agree with what you said earlier too. I think Whis is our coach in '07. Nothing against Whisnehunt, whom I think is great, I just really don't want Cowher to go. In my mind, he personifies everything that Steeler football represents to me, and I want him to prowl that sideline forever. He (almost) always gets the best out of the team, the players like him, coahcing continuity is so much more important than many people believe, etc.... I really don't want to see him coaching the Panthers.

this is why the rooney's have to pay the man, he's going somewhere else in 2008 and going to get paid anyway, and I know you feel that they might be ok with Whis or Grimm, but HOF coaches don't grow on trees. I dont think Bill was on Chuck's staff either, wasn't he in KC with Marty?

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

PG Steelers Insider Ed Bouchette has a live chat going on right now:

http://www.post-gazette.com/chat/Room/default.asp?id=1

 

[Godsbrother]

I dont think Bill was on Chuck's staff either, wasn't he in KC with Marty?

Correct. He was the DC of the Chiefs. The only coach that Cowher retained from Noll's staff was **** Hoak.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I think the Steelers make him an offer he cant refuse. If he quits with a year left on his K, what kind of compensation will the Steelers get if he tries to coack another team in 08 or 09?

Nada. They'll only get something if he signs on with another team for 2007.

I dont think that is right, unless the contract specifically states that the final year is the 2007 season rather than the original extension being for 5 years of service (or whatever the number of years was).He could take 10 years off but still have 1 year of service owed to the Steelers for that amount of $$.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Bouchette's chat

Ed Bouchette Chat Transcript 01/02/07Tuesday, January 02, 2007Pittsburgh Post-GazetteEd Bouchette: Sorry I'm late. Lots of news going on here and I'm trying to get it. Let's get going. If I'm pulled away, I hope you understand because things could be moving swiftly here. fire away ed Eric_R.: Do you think Willie Colon's play in the last two games made Max Starks expendible? Ed Bouchette: I don't know about expendable, but I thought he looked pretty good in the last game. Eric_R.: Do you think that Joey Porter and or Cedric Wilson will get cut before next season for monetary reasons? Ed Bouchette: No, I don't. The cap is increasing. Joey's not some slug and he plays at a position that has little depth. Wilson may not start but I think he can play the No. 3 or 4 role. Tom_M: ESPN has reported that the Rooneys want an answer from Bill Cowher today, do you expect this to happen? Ed Bouchette: I don't think that report is correct. Frenchy_Fuqua: Is extending Troy Polamalu the Steelers top off-season priority? Ed Bouchette: It's certainly one of them. They have a bunch of guys entering their final seasons. PhillyMarty: Ed: Great job as usual this year. The Steelers have been somewhat guarded in who does what within the overall aspect of player procurement. What impact do you see Cowher's departure having in this area? Ed Bouchette: Little. one_more_win: Am I the only one disappointed with McFadden's progress? I had higher hopes for him after last year and all the plays he made then. Ed Bouchette: He did make several big plays as a rookie. I think he had a solid year this year and I believe he will start next season. one_more_win: Who is number one RT, Colon or Starks, going onto training camp? Ed Bouchette: I think they will tell you that by how they approach Max as a restricted free agent and whether they gave him the top RFA tender. tmb: Do you think Anthony Smith, with the physical presence he brings, is going to be the starting fs next year? Ed Bouchette: I believe it will be open competition for the job, especially with a new coach. bcuster: Do you believe that Santonio Holmes played like a first round pick this year? Ed Bouchette: Very much so. He led all AFC rookies in catches. Remember, it's a position that normally does not get great performances from rookies. one_more_win: Ed, will Cedric Wilson be back? I have been quite disappointed in him over his two years here, except a couple of good playoff games. Ed Bouchette: Yes, he will be back. sinmusic: Any announcements planned in getting the Steelers some Field Turf? Or, are the Steelers just going to resod the field again? Ed Bouchette: That's not something I've asked lately. warren_williams: Any chance that Cowher postpones making his decision about his future to force the Rooneys to fire him? That would make him immediately available to other teams without compensation. Ed Bouchette: That's a good point. He could do that, tell them he wants to return to fulfill the final year of his contract but no more. It would force their hand. However, I do not think he wants to go out that way. Ike_Taylor: What was with the refs at the end of game Sunday? I still don't understand why Farrior got called for a late hit on Palmer? That call kept their drive alive. Ed Bouchette: It wasn't for a late hit, it was for driving the QB into the ground. The refs followed the letter of the law on it. That's how the NFL wants it called. warren_williams: And if this is all about money as it appears to be, it looks like the Rooneys are being penny wise and pound foolish. Ed Bouchette: That may be your opinion, but maybe they want to hire a coach who really wants o coach here all year round. Tazmanian_Devil: There aren't many FAs this year, but there are a few players that might flirt with retirement (Hartings, Faneca), get cut (Simmons, Gardocki), or simply not get brought back due to low tenders or contracts that aren't renewed (Davenport, Starks). Any early indications or inside info on some of those guys? Ed Bouchette: Not yet. I think jeff will retire. I don't think Gardocki will return. They will give Starks an offer as a RFA, perhaps even the high one. Faneca? He better be back. Davenport is free and they will make him an offer. Frenchy_Fuqua: Will Cowher's ego make it especially tough for him to walk away from all the young talent the Steelers currently have? Ed Bouchette: Apparently not. tmb: I know it's early, but with their third-place schedule and renewed hunger, do you expect the Steelers to bounce back next season? As long as there are no motorcycle accidents and emergency appendectomies, of course. Ed Bouchette: Look at my question of the day today. That so-called third-place schedule involves only two games and by finishing third the Steelers in those two games get Denver and Jacksonville, not exactly easy touches -- as they discovered this season. They have the talent to have a strong season in 2007. PhillyMarty: Ed: Given the talent that Cowher had, how would you evaluate his career post-season performance? Ed Bouchette: Poor. sinmusic: Ed, When will our next chat session be? And, will your services and insights be free to the fans again next season? Ed Bouchette: I'm sure we'll have some off-season chats. We'll see and post a schedule. My services are rarely free. m: Whis or Grimm? Ed Bouchette: Flip a coin. Tazmanian_Devil: Troy needs a new contract, and I expect him to get it taken care of quickly after the Rod Woodson debacle of the 1990s. But will they try to take care of that before or after the draft? When those things get delayed, they get messy. Ed Bouchette: I believe they'll start working on it in March. Frenchy_Fuqua: Do you see OLB and OT as the Steelers most likely options with the 15th pick in the 2007 draft? Both positions seem to be deep. Ed Bouchette: I don't think OLB is deep. I believe they need a pass rusher and they always are in the market for linemen. one_more_win: Ed, any updates on Cowher? ESPN reported that an answer will come today. Ed Bouchette: I would not expect an answer today. sinmusic: Coach Cowher has said it's not about the money and that he's not burned out. Then what's the reason for retirement? Is it simply missing time with his family? Ed Bouchette: He did not say it's not about the money. one_more_win: Ed, do you think the Steelers will keep all the LBs if given the chance? Personally, I think Foote is good and we can upgrade at the other three spots. Ed Bouchette: They have no plans to get rid of any linebackers. one_more_win: Ed, if Cowher leaves, do you think the Rooneys will look specifically for a 3-4 guy or do they not mind bringing in a guy who will potentially overhaul everything? Ed Bouchette: I think they'll look for the best head coach, then let him decide. gatorbait: do you see willie Reid possibly taking the no.4 role from Nate Washington Ed Bouchette: Nate is No. 3. There will be plenty of competition at wide receiver next season. Warren_Williams: Ed, I've been wondering since the Tank Johnson bodyguard incident, is it normal for NFL players to have bodyguards these days? Ed Bouchette: I don't know if they would call them bodyguards. Many of the big-name guys, though, always have "buddies" with them when they go out. Choo79: I know it's early, but next year's schedule looks to be a bit easier than this past year. Do you think the strength of schedule has much impact on the standings, or is this offset by the parity in the league? Ed Bouchette: I think schedule can have a lot to do with a team's record, but I don't believe in strength of schedule from this year determining how a team will do next year. This year's champs can be next year's bums (do I need to remind you?) and vice versa. It also depends on when you play a team. I don't know if the Steelers would have beaten KC 45-7 near the end of the season, and I don't know if they would have lost to Oakland near the end of the season. Choo79: While I think that **** Hoak has been a great coach, I could never understand why he didn't teach Willie Parker to switch the ball to his left hand when running to his left. As a result, he lost any leverage to cut back, was unable to use his great stiff-arm ability, and lost a number of fumbles by getting stripped of the ball. Ed Bouchette: He lost four fumbles, the last one had nothing to do with what hand he carried it in. He scored 16 touchdowns, a Steelers record, and he gained nearly 1500 yards, third in their history. I'd say, if anything, **** Hoak did a great job. Ed Bouchette: Sorry, I have to go. I'm being called away. Check here for next chat. ed

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Steelers coaches talk to other teams about top jobs

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers have granted permission to two NFL teams to talk to two of their assistants for head coaching jobs.

The Atlanta Falcons will talk to both offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm. The Arizona Cardinals will talk to Whisenhunt. Both teams fired their head coaches on Monday.

Whisenhunt and Grimm are considered candidates to replace Steelers coach Bill Cowher if he steps down as expected by early next week.

 

[Delusions Of Adequacy]

If you have to ask yourself whether you really have the fire inside anymore, then you don't. He'll be taking a break from coaching.

 

[BGP]

Prediction:1. Cowher "retires"2. Joins Football Night in America for 20073. Named head coach of the Cleveland Browns January 2nd, 2008

That seems to be what I'm hearing as well. I've heard that Browns owner Randy Lerner is obsessed with hiring Bill Cowher and would throw a mountain of cash at him. In this scenario, Crennel gets a "lame duck" third season and then is replaced by Cowher in 2008. Cowher gets what he wants (money) and Lerner gets his head coach. At just 50 years old, he might end up coaching the Browns for 15 years.

 

[BGP]

Prediction:1. Cowher "retires"2. Joins Football Night in America for 20073. Named head coach of the Cleveland Browns January 2nd, 2008

4. Cowher becomes the most hated man in Pittsburgh

As much as it would kill me to see this happen, part of me would be glad because BGP would have to accept him as the Browns' coach after bashing him mercilessly for years.

I know the curse reversed with how the Steelers organization accepted a super bowl title they did not win. But I never dreamed that it could be a sort of literal reversal where Cowher actually changes teams and coaches the Browns. Wow. Curses are powerful stuff.

 

[Godsbrother]

I know the curse reversed with how the Steelers organization accepted a super bowl title they did not win. But I never dreamed that it could be a sort of literal reversal where Cowher actually changes teams and coaches the Browns. Wow. Curses are powerful stuff.

2006 Browns 4-122006 Steelers 8-8Looks like the Browns are still cursed.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Prediction:1. Cowher "retires"2. Joins Football Night in America for 20073. Named head coach of the Cleveland Browns January 2nd, 2008

4. Cowher becomes the most hated man in Pittsburgh

As much as it would kill me to see this happen, part of me would be glad because BGP would have to accept him as the Browns' coach after bashing him mercilessly for years.

I know the curse reversed with how the Steelers organization accepted a super bowl title they did not win. But I never dreamed that it could be a sort of literal reversal where Cowher actually changes teams and coaches the Browns. Wow. Curses are powerful stuff.

Speaking of curses...Rooneys Steelers = 5 Super Bowls in 6 appearancesModell/Lerner Browns = 0 Super Bowls in 0 appearances

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Prediction:1. Cowher "retires"2. Joins Football Night in America for 20073. Named head coach of the Cleveland Browns January 2nd, 2008

4. Cowher becomes the most hated man in Pittsburgh

As much as it would kill me to see this happen, part of me would be glad because BGP would have to accept him as the Browns' coach after bashing him mercilessly for years.

I know the curse reversed with how the Steelers organization accepted a super bowl title they did not win. But I never dreamed that it could be a sort of literal reversal where Cowher actually changes teams and coaches the Browns. Wow. Curses are powerful stuff.

Speaking of curses...Rooneys = 5 Super Bowls in 6 appearancesModell/Lerner = 0 Super Bowls in 0 appearances

At this point, I have to believe bgp is

 

[BGP]

I know the curse reversed with how the Steelers organization accepted a super bowl title they did not win. But I never dreamed that it could be a sort of literal reversal where Cowher actually changes teams and coaches the Browns. Wow. Curses are powerful stuff.

2006 Browns 4-122006 Steelers 8-8Looks like the Browns are still cursed.

The overall fitness of the Browns organization has definitely improved. They seem to have better talent evaluation now. Wimbley had 11 sacks as a rookie. They are more talented now than they've ever been since 1999. They just need the right head coach. No-one said that when a curse ends, you win a super bowl immediately. When the curse started in after 1964, the Browns didn't immediately become the worst team in the NFL, either.

 

[BGP]

Prediction:1. Cowher "retires"2. Joins Football Night in America for 20073. Named head coach of the Cleveland Browns January 2nd, 2008

4. Cowher becomes the most hated man in Pittsburgh

As much as it would kill me to see this happen, part of me would be glad because BGP would have to accept him as the Browns' coach after bashing him mercilessly for years.

I know the curse reversed with how the Steelers organization accepted a super bowl title they did not win. But I never dreamed that it could be a sort of literal reversal where Cowher actually changes teams and coaches the Browns. Wow. Curses are powerful stuff.

Speaking of curses...Rooneys = 5 Super Bowls in 6 appearancesModell/Lerner = 0 Super Bowls in 0 appearances

At this point, I have to believe bgp is

Laf. You of all people should know me from werewolf. I'm very analytical. Fool around? Not so much.I know I have off-the-wall ideas. In werewolf, they often got me killed in the first few days until people started to see I was getting a lot right. The problem is, there is nowhere near the same level of "proof" on this forum. So some people just dismiss me as a troll. Its kinda funny, actually, lol.

 

[beavers]

Do you think we'll know Cowher's fate by the end of day???

 

[Godsbrother]

I know the curse reversed with how the Steelers organization accepted a super bowl title they did not win. But I never dreamed that it could be a sort of literal reversal where Cowher actually changes teams and coaches the Browns. Wow. Curses are powerful stuff.

2006 Browns 4-122006 Steelers 8-8Looks like the Browns are still cursed.

The overall fitness of the Browns organization has definitely improved. They seem to have better talent evaluation now. Wimbley had 11 sacks as a rookie. They are more talented now than they've ever been since 1999. They just need the right head coach. No-one said that when a curse ends, you win a super bowl immediately. When the curse started in after 1964, the Browns didn't immediately become the worst team in the NFL, either.

There is no way the 2006 team was better than the 2002 team. The 2006 Browns started off horribly, played mediocre in the middle of the season, and completely tanked at the end. If they are a talented team they are doing a good job hiding it.They have no QB and not much of a RB, their best WR is a head case, Bentley may miss the 2007 season, McGinnest is ancient, management wants the HC to fire his coaching staff and the fans are calling for the HC's head. Sounds like a great situation.

 

[Godsbrother]

Do you think we'll know Cowher's fate by the end of day???

Not likely.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Do you think we'll know Cowher's fate by the end of day???

one_more_win: Ed, any updates on Cowher? ESPN reported that an answer will come today. Ed Bouchette: I would not expect an answer today.

 

[beavers]

Do you think we'll know Cowher's fate by the end of day???

one_more_win: Ed, any updates on Cowher? ESPN reported that an answer will come today. Ed Bouchette: I would not expect an answer today.

THanks. This was more of a question to help us get back on topic...

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Before you get defensive, I'm honestly not trying to be a troll or be antagonistic (you've referred to me as both in the past). I'm honestly looking for what you're thinking here.

The overall fitness of the Browns organization has definitely improved.

You've been saying that for as long as we've both been on these boards, going back to at least 2003 and possibly before then. At what point does "we're improving" turn into something meaningful, like perhaps simply even a playoff win?

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

For some reason I recall hearing that Thursday there would need to be an answer. I doubt that this is official, but it makes as much sense as anything else.

I believe the future of the Steelers was decided today,but theyre not telling us anything.

It doesnt look good for Cowher as HC in Pittsburgh, but its possible he'll eat up a 6-7 mil/yr contract with incentives, which is my speculation of a "final" offer the Roonys would be willing to pay.

This is all speculation, of course. Perhaps even if Cowher agreed, they dont announce it to keep Grimm and or Wisenhunt on board still. Also it seems odd to me the Steelers allow them to pursue interviews with other teams, showing perhaps that maybe Cowher came to an agreement.

Just random thoughts.

Only time will tell.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Yeah, but BGP, why would you want a coach who "plays not to lose," "can't win the big game," and "is satisfied with mediocrity?" Didn't you say before that the reason for the Steelers' repeated failure to reach the top of the sport was due to their devotion to one coach and one program, while switching coaches repeatedly as the Browns do is the way to find a guy capable of winning it all? So, why would you want Cowher coaching the Browns for 15 years?

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Ed Bouchette Chat Transcript 01/02/07Tuesday, January 02, 2007Ed Bouchette: He [santonio Holmes] led all AFC rookies in catches.

I was not aware of that. 49/824 is certainly nothing to sneeze at for a rookie. I think he'll come in next year ready to play.

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

Ed Bouchette Chat Transcript 01/02/07Tuesday, January 02, 2007Ed Bouchette: He [santonio Holmes] led all AFC rookies in catches.

I was not aware of that. 49/824 is certainly nothing to sneeze at for a rookie. I think he'll come in next year ready to play.

As long as he doesnt return punts and/or kickoffs and lose games with his #### for nerves.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Ed Bouchette Chat Transcript 01/02/07Tuesday, January 02, 2007Ed Bouchette: He [santonio Holmes] led all AFC rookies in catches.

I was not aware of that. 49/824 is certainly nothing to sneeze at for a rookie. I think he'll come in next year ready to play.

He barely played the first 4 games too... once he became part of the offense and then a starter, things took off for him. Removing those first 4 games in which he played sparingly and projecting his #s for the last 12 over a full season gives you : 56-1001-3. Not bad at all, and bodes well for next year.