Bill Cowher: Where Is Best Fit And Is It Enough To Steal Him From TV?

Bill Cowher belongs back in the NFL.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach, now a CBS analyst, continues to be the first name that pops up for every potential NFL head coaching vacancy. ESPN is now reporting that he is set to return, and that Miami, Houston and the New York Giants are favorites.

Giants co-owner John Mara quickly shot the rumor down when asked about it by the New York Daily News. 

"That's ridiculous. That is ridiculous,'' he said. "Are we down to that? We were writing Bill Cowher stories two months ago and now we are going to write them again. That's ridiculous."

Or is it? Let's have some fun, and just throw some teams out there. Sure, some are far-fetched, so you ultra-serious NFL fans need to tap the brakes and exhale before firing off comments. It's just speculation. Others, however, could make total sense. Here are 15 spots where Cowher could land:

15. Cincinnati

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Coach Bill Cowher of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches his team against the Carolina Panthers on December 17, 2006 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Steelers defeated the Panthers 37-3. (Photo by Gra

This franchise is a complete train-wreck, and the team itself needs to be overhauled. Carson Palmer isn't what he used to be, Ochocinco's act is tired and Terrell Owens will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Cowher could get plenty of control, but can you really picture him coaching a rival team in the same division as Pittsburgh?

TV or coaching? In this case, Cowher would politely decline and keep wearing a suit every Sunday.

14. University of Michigan

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Television personalities Boomer Esiason, Shannon Sharpe and Bill Cowher watch warm ups prior to Super Bowl XLIV between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami G

If there was one college that would take a shot at Cowher, it would be Michigan.

There's the Big House, the tradition and the chance to play in The Big Ten.

Players would definitely respond to Cowher, and boosters would go bananas. But all this will be is a pipe-dream.

TV or coaching? Cowher won't blink. He'll stick with TV.

13. Oakland

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 07: Head coach Bill Cowher of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Cleveland Browns December 7, 2006 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Of course there's no talk about it happening, but couldn't you see Al Davis suddenly deciding to can Tom Cable right after he helped the Raiders become somewhat respectable this year?

Cowher would be nuts to work for Davis, but he would be a rockstar among Raiders fans.

TV or coaching? This would take a quick, simple text message from Cowher: "No thanks."

12. Cleveland

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 22: Head coach Bill Cowher of the Pittsburgh Steelers argues a call with referee Ron Winter during overtime on October 22, 2006 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Cowher would have a great setup with Colt McCoy, Peyton Hillis and a fairly high draft pick awaiting in next year's draft.

Chances are that Jon Gruden winds up here, though, before Cowher based on his relationship with Mike Holmgren.

TV or coaching? Not even tempting. Cowher sticks with TV on this decision.

11. Green Bay

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PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Head Coach Bill Cowher of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 24, 2006 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Bengals won the game 28-20. (Photo by Greg

If the Packers were, for some reason, to let Mike McCarthy go, this could be a magical fit with an iconic coaching joining an iconic franchise.

Cowher could also get the chance to work with Aaron Rodgers and coach a team that doesn't need tons of work done.

TV or coaching? It's something fun to think about, and nothing more. Cowher sticks with TV.

10. Arizona

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Steelers head coach Bill Cowher gives the thumbs up sign after the Steelers won Super Bowl XL between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on February 5, 2006. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

This team is in need of so much, so Cowher could have a chance to leave an imprint here.

But it would also be hard to see him come in and replace Ken Whisenhunt, one of his former assistants, if Arizona decided to fire him.

TV or coaching? TV. You have to think Cowher would be loyal to those who worked for him, and not capitalize off their misfortune.

9. Dallas

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Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher talks kick return strategy with wide receiver Santonio Holmes against the Miami Dolphins during the NFL's 2006 opening game on September 7, 2006 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 28 - 17.

This is still the NFL's marquee franchise, and Cowher would get to work for the league's most recognizable owner in Jerry Jones. But there's no way he relinquishes general manager duties.

There's the dealbreaker.

This would be the perfect fit, but the odds of a Dallas-Cowher partnership keep dwindling the more Jason Garrett wins as interim coach.

TV or coaching? A tough call. Cowher listens but decides to bypass the headache and stick with TV.

8. Tennessee

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PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 5: Pittsburgh Steelers' Coach Bill Cowher announces his retirement during a press conference at the Pittsburgh Steelers' headquarters on January 5, 2007 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

You get the feeling that owner Bud Adams has had enough of Jeff Fisher?

Cowher would get the chance to coach Chris Johnson, and help bring this franchise back to respectability.

A total overhaul isn't needed, and Cowher could coach in a good, but not ultra-tough division.

TV or coaching? Cowher would stick with TV.

7. San Francisco

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PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 25: Head Coach Bill Cowher of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks to his team before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles August 25, 2006 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Steelers 16 to 7

Cowher could get the control he needs and also the opportunity to restore one of the NFL's historic franchises. The 49ers are bound to get a lottery pick, and already have some talent in Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore and linebacker Patrick Willis.

This is the weakest division in the NFL, too, so the pressure shouldn't be quite like the AFC East.

TV or coaching? Lean more towards TV here, with an outside shot at coaching if the right conditions exist.

6. Denver

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LATROBE, PA - AUGUST 1: Head coach Bill Cowher of the Pittsburgh Steelers yells during training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania on August 1, 2006. (Photo By Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Pat Bowlen is one of the NFL's best owners, and the cupboard isn't bare here.

Cowher would have Kyle Orton and Knowshon Moreno to work with on offense, and he could probably convince Champ Bailey to stick around too.

The biggest problem for Cowher would be rebuilding the defense.

TV or coaching? TV, with a slight chance at coaching. This is a great franchise that's fallen on hard times and could bounce back under the right coach.

5. Carolina

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Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cower and Hines Ward after the Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in the NFL's Super Bowl XL in Detroit, Michigan February 5, 2006. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images)

John Fox is on his way out, and the team needs a ton of work. From a location standpoint, it could make sense too, since Cowher had a home in North Carolina.

TV or coaching? You have to think Carolina would take a shot at him, but Cowher will likely pass and elect to stay with TV in this case.

4. Houston

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DETROIT - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Cowher of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL at Ford Field on February 5, 2006 in Detroit, Michigan.The Steelers defeated the Seahawks 21-10. (Photo by Jonathan

There's absolutely no reason why this team shouldn't be contending for a playoff spot, yet it's going to miss out once again. The offense has the right parts, and Mario Williams is one of the NFL's most talented young defensive players.

The Texans have no real tradition to speak of, and Cowher could become an icon quickly here.

TV or coaching? Coaching. Watch and see what unfolds. According to reports, this is one of three teams he is considering.

3. San Diego

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DETROIT - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Cowher of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with his family on the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL at Ford Field on February 5, 2006 in Detroit, Michigan.The Steelers defeated the Seahaw

Will San Diego ever get over the hump, or will Norv Turner lead them just to another early round exit in the playoffs?

Cowher would have a great location, a competitive division to coach in and also get a trio on offense in Philip Rivers, Mike Tolbert and Antonio Gates.

TV or coaching? It would be a great fit, but this is just speculation too. Cowher sticks with TV.

2. Minnesota

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Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher offers words of advice during play against the Arizona Cardinals August 12, 2006. The Cardinals opened a new stadium in Glendale, Arizona and won 21 - 13. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

If Leslie Frazier doesn't stay as interim coach, Minnesota would be a great spot to land for Cowher.

He would get a talented offense to work with, but would need to draft a quarterback. The defense also needs improvement.

TV or coaching? Coaching. It wouldn't take long at all for Cowher to have the Vikings back on track.

1. New York Giants

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Steelers head coach Bill Cowher holds the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Steelers won Super Bowl XL between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on February 5, 2006. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Of course John Mara has to say reports of Cowher becoming the Giants head coach is "ridiculous." But that's also just a smokescreen in case New York falls flat in the playoffs.

Cowher would have the New York spotlight, a chance to coach a proud franchise and work with Eli Manning as well.

TV or coaching? Coaching, no questions asked.