Posted on 01/04/2007 1:26:42 PM PST by mainepatsfan
Sad day for Steeler Nation. I'm betting that Whisenhut will take over.
Can't say I blame him, 15 yrs is a long time to be doing the same job. Plus, the Rooneys have never been known to throw money at people, Cowher is making half the salary of the guy he beat in the Super Bowl. Still, I'd say they are the best owners in all of professional sports. 2 coaches in 37 years, thats loyalty, they stuck by him when it seemed like he just couldn't win the big game.
He'll take a year off and then come back in the NFL, his stock will continue to rise and he will have truckloads of cash thrown at him.
If he goes to Miami the three parties will need to come to an agreement, Cowher is still under contract for another year so before there can even be serious talks the Steelers would have to release him from that year (ala the Gruden or Edwards "trades"). Which is fine by this Steelers fan, never say no to more draft picks.
It's either going to be Whisenhunt or Grimm, they're both hot properties. Grimm actually has "assistant headcoach" in his title so it would be a smaller promotion for him, but which ever one they don't pick will almost definitely be a headcoach somewhere else next year. I'm hoping for Whisenhunt, I like the way the offense has been working under him (I'm talking about the calling not the execution which was terrible this year), which isn't a vote against Grimm. They're both in their mid-40s and in good shape for another "typical" Steelers reign.
Yeah, I wouldn't really want Cowher if it meant draft picks. I'm fine with Cam Cameron. Norm Chow would be alright too, as would Ron Rivera.
Classy guy leaving a classy organization in a classy way.
Since he took over as Steelers coach the Steelers have the most wins in the NFL and the #1 ranked defense over that period. The owners traditionally never resigned a big name to a big contract. What that meant for the coaching staff was that they had to constantly rebuild thru the draft or free agency. Other than 3 seasons during his tenure the Steelers had a winning record.
Even if you do not like him you should respect him.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.