Ever since he retired a year after winning a Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers, football fans have wondered when the coach-turned-analyst would make his triumphant return to the field.
Although Bill Cowher's final season with Pittsburgh was spent in a Super Bowl slump—with the team finishing 8-8—he still managed to walk away from the NFL on a high note, and with a sought-after reputation.
Winning his division eight times and building a reputation for an organization is the kind of stability every fan and NFL owner wants.
Cowher is a rare breed of coach. He doesn't only lead his team to winning seasons—he builds an identity for the entire organization.
And as the 2008 season approaches the end, plenty of teams are beginning to feel pangs of desperation for a true identity. Teams are hoping they can lure Cowher away from the comfort of the television studio.
But not every team with money to burn—and a coach to fire—can be considered a legitimate landing spot for Cowher.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Looks like Romeo Crennel is involved in another tragedy. Unfortunately, it's not of the noble Shakespearean variety this time around.
Crennel is likely on his way out of Cleveland, and many believe his replacement should be Bill Cowher.
With history as the backdrop, the move makes sense for Cowher. He spent time in Cleveland as a player, and it would be an opportunity to bring his career full circle after getting his feet wet for the first time as a coach with the Browns.
It's poetic.
Cleveland already has some of the tools in place to make life easier for Cowher. The Browns are already fitted with a potential franchise QB in Brady Quinn, a power runner in Jamal Lewis, and a talented 3-4 defense that needs molding and discipline.
Cowher could be the man to right the ship.
His familiarity with the organization, the fans, and the conference all feel like the perfect fit for Cowher.
He'd be returning to the game to coach a team so desperate for any glimmer of hope that he'd be given a real opportunity to bring his ways to the organization.
What would the expectations for Cowher be from a major market team with impatient fans and a high demand for immediate results?
It took Cowher 14 seasons to bring Super Bowl glory to the Pittsburgh Steelers after multiple years of consistency.
Could that kind of long-term plan pan out somewhere like New York?
But then again...
21 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
The Coop 6 months ago
I personally do not see Cowher coaching the Browns. For the reasons you pointed out, Browns fans are drooling over Cowher. But in fact, I would be surprised if he came back to coach in 2009 at all.
It would be my guess that if Cowher comes back to the NFL, he will want total control over coaching AND player personnel. I really don't think this is a formula that works too well in the long-run, although there are obviously exceptions to the rule.
If Cowher DID decide to return to the NFL, I think he might actually be best suited as a player personnel guy, instead of a coach. Not to say he's not a great coach, but I think he would be well-suited for this role, in the image of Bill Parcells with the Dolphins and other former coaches who end up in the front office. From there, let Cowher pick the next Browns HC and "fill out" the roster.
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Angel Navedo 6 months ago
I agree with you. That could be the best fit for him. When I was writing this, I was thinking of what his legacy is vs. expectations. No one can honestly expect 15 years from him again. It's not the climate of the league anymore.
Thanks for your thoughts, man. I really appreciate it.
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Ryan P 6 months ago
How could you say that
he played there, the coached there, and he is familiar with the team and obviously with the rest of the division
if he does decide to return to the NFL it will be wih cleveland
The tallent is there... the offense is FULL of weapons and with a few tweeks, the defense will get better.
Look he lives in the cleveland area, and his dream has always been to be the head cooach in cleveland. He wanted it in the ninties, but they gave it to belichek (who at the time was mentally ill - literally, such as getting rid of BERNIE KOSAR???!!!)
I've said it once and i'll say it again... if he decides to return to the NFL, the browns got themselves a hall of fame coach.
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Mike Muratore 6 months ago
I see Cowher holding out until a truly Marquis job opens up... like when Jerry Jones get's tired of watching Wade Phillips try to get all of his narcissist cry-baby's to play together. That team has all the talent in the world, and only needs a tough coach to kick them in the ass, and viola! A Lombardi Trophy comes to Texas and Cowher is remembered as one of the great coaches in history!
Let's be honest Angel, Cleveland and New York (well, the Jets any way) are remembered more for ruining coaches, or always picking the coach just before they are ready than for having great coaches. The Jets had Parcells, but that's about it. Plus, Mangini isn't going anywhere... not this year.
In Cleveland, Crennel is all but done. There is pretty much universal resignation that he'll be posting his resume on Monster.com in three weeks, the question is who goes with him.
If Cleveland ousts GM Phil Savage, Cleveland may be able to offer the type of player/personnel power that may interest Cowher.
With that said, if I'm Bill Cowher, I don't touch the Cleveland job with a ten foot cattle prod. Why chance your reputation on a franchise that top-to-bottom is a disaster. They go through coaches like most teams go through punters. The Browns need Bill Cowher, but he certianly doesn't need them.
Jacksonville would be a better fit... but my guess is that he holds out for a Dallas/Carolina job.
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Angel Navedo 6 months ago
All really great points, Mike. I think Jacksonville would be a good fit for him. Carolina won't have a vacancy for a while... not with the season they're having.
You seem to agree with me that he'd be wasting his time going anywhere that needs a complete facelift and overhaul. It's why he'd never be on the Raiders, lol.
But it's definitely not the kind of thing he should chance with what he's done in his career.
I really can't see him getting along with Jerry Jones, though. Wade Phillips is soft, but that's the kind of complacent coach that works in Dallas. Cowher has always been known for working with "blue-collar" guys... not the narcissist cry-babies.
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Chad Hensley 6 months ago
I can't see him going to the Browns but the Eagles call is a bit intriguing. Good call!
Washington wanted him before they hired Zorn. If Zorn doesn't win out they are going to be looking for a new head coach too. I wrote about it a couple days ago. I still think he would choose Dallas if given the opportunity.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/91607-jim-zorn-on-the-hot-seat-are-the-washington-redskins-eyeing-bill-cowher
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john kelly 6 months ago
Cower and Dallas won't happen. Jason Garret is the Cowboy's "Head Coach in Waiting". I was thinking Cower might work in San Diego - although he's good friends with Martin Schottenheimer and may be not too happy with the way the Chargers treated him in the end.
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John Fennelly 6 months ago
Very interesting, Angel....he does have ties with Cleveland and they will come after him in the off-season. For the Jets to get him, they would have to dump Mangini after missing the playoffs this year.
As for Philly signing him, this is the first I've heard of Reid potentially leaving there. The Eagles might win out their remaining schedule and do this season what the Giants did last season. I see Reid coaching in this league for awhile....
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Eddie Rossell 6 months ago
nice article Angel.
But i have to say that being such a huge Steelers fan, I would be highly upset if Cowher coached the Browns.
it would almost be treason
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David-S Serdinak 6 months ago
As a Browns' fan, I want Cowher. Cowher would be great in Cleveland, therefore, it won't happen. I will say, without reservation, that he could NEVER coach for Jerry Jones. Bill won't be working for a "hands-on" owner. He wants total control, and who could possibly get that working for Jones?
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Travis Evans 6 months ago
I think he comes to washington
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Dakota smith 6 months ago
If Zorn goes 3-0 and gets help from other teams, to get into the playoffs, I see Zorn here another year. Other than that, its all up in the air. I mean who is there to hire?!?! Jim Fassel?!?!, who was a favorite for several years. Im worried.
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Richard DeLancey 6 months ago
Philly is not an option, Reid isn't going anywhere. The ownership group loves Andy.
The worse case scenario for Andy would be a loss of his personnel duties.
As for Cowher, I think the Dallas job would be a better fit.
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C Douglas Baker 6 months ago
I don't see the Brown's has having quite as much in place as you do. Jamal Lewis is getting old for a RB, Quinn is unproven, Braylon Edwards has had a terrible season, and the defense is okay, but not dominant. I don't think they are in rebuilding mode but it's clear from this season that last season was just a tease.
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Mike Sullivan 6 months ago
Angel,
I like my earlier article I still would love to see Cowher with the Jets. I truly believe he is the difference maker, the field general they are lacking.
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Mike Muratore 6 months ago
The Jets are not going to fire Mangini. They are having a winning season. Probably going to the playoffs. At the start of training camp, coming off last year, if I'd have told you that with two to play, the Jets would be sitting 9-5, tied for first in the East and in control of thier own destiny you'd have been extatic!
They are a player or two away on defense from being REALLY good... and you want to fire your coach? Are you MENTAL? As a browns fan, I'll trade our problems for yours anyday.
New York fans are freaking insane!
STOP IT.
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Tony from NB 6 months ago
Like the article, and Cowher...but can we include the Raiders as an option.
Based on this we can, "he will he want to go somewhere with the talent but no direction?"
....and if we include " and a owner that is nuts "...he goes to Oakland.
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skip koehler 6 months ago
hey guys:
remember the kansas city job, it's now available!!
cowher has ties here also, but cleveland is the perfect
scenario for cowher's personality!! beat the steelers, not
in his lifetime!!!
skip k
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Mo Me 6 months ago
Ryan, your nuts !
"Look he lives in the cleveland area, and his dream has always been to be the head cooach in cleveland. He wanted it in the ninties, but they gave it to belichek (who at the time was mentally ill - literally, such as getting rid of BERNIE KOSAR???!!!)
None of this is true !
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GEORGE RINNE 6 months ago
If I were the jets management I would throw a boat load of money at bill to obtain his services. The jets are going no where with mangini poor play calling and playing not to lose. I can't belive leon washington only gets 1 to 3 touches a game . WE WANT BILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL.
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Gary Donnici 6 months ago
Kansas City, Kansas City here he comes...... Clark Hunt and Bill Have a good relationship. Cowher said a few years back that he would only come back to the game for Carolina or if the situation was right KANSAS CITY. I believe the situation will be right if he wants to come here. He built the best defense for kansas city back in the late 80's early 90's as the Chiefs Defensive Coordinator. He loved the city and the Hunt family. The only reason he left was to take advantage of the opportunity to coach for the stealers. I hope this turns out like this.
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