Bill Cowher: Setting the Odds for Which Head Coaching Vacancy He Will Fill

Bill Cowher may not have landed one of the jobs that is on his "wish list", but that still means he's out there, waiting to be had for an owner and apparently ready to get back into coaching. 

Truth be told the jobs on his reported list (Houston, Miami and the New York Giants) never opened. Tony Sparano was offered a two year extension with the Dolphins and both Giants and Texans ownership decided to retain their coaches for at least next season.

With that in mind and reportedly the Carolina job taken as well, here are the odds on Cowher with the remaining openings and a couple that could be open in 2012 as well.

Carolina Panthers

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 12: Head coach John Fox of the Carolina Panthers watches on during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers haven't officially filled the job yet (there are reports it will go to San Diego defensive coordinator Ron Rivera), but even so, it's not an attractive job for Cowher. There's a lot of holes, an awful defense, no quarterback and a possibly stingy owner. It all adds up to no go for Cowher, even if it is close to home.

Odds: Zero percent

Denver Broncos

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DENVER - JANUARY 02: The Denver Broncos take the field to face the San Diego Chargers at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 33-28. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Broncos don't have a favorite right now, although they're going to meet with former Panthers head coach John Fox this week. They haven't reached out to Cowher nor has Cowher seemed to reach out to them. Denver isn't in as bad shape as Carolina is, but it still wouldn't be a good fit. 

Odds: Zero percent

Cleveland Browns

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CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns fumbles the ball after being hit by defensive end Brett Keisel #99 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Mat

Cowher might've been a better fit here because the Browns seem to be looking at bigger name coaches than some other teams. But it's pretty clear that the impending labor talks will have a big impact on what owners will be able to spend, plus the idea of Mike Holmgren possibly waiting in the wings is too much for Cowher.

Odds: Zero percent

Oakland Raiders

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Running back Michael Bush #29 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after scoring a touchdown in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Gett

Bill Cowher and Al Davis. In a word, not even close to happening. Although it would be an interesting thought to see the two of them reacting.

Odds: Zero percent

Jacksonville Jaguars (2012)

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HOUSTON - JANUARY 02: Quarerback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans and quarterback Trent Edwards of theJacksonville Jaguars tal after the game at Reliant Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Jack Del Rio seems to have gotten one last chance in Jacksonville to try and turn things around. The Jaguars have some pieces and the owner wants to win. Plus a high profile hire like Cowher would bring some validity and legitimacy back to the organization. But unless the Jaguars add some nice pieces, it's probably not happening.

Odds: 10-15 percent

Houston Texans (2012)

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HOUSTON - JANUARY 02: Glover Quin #29 of the Houston Texans celebrates after recovering a fumble late in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Reliant Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Houston was one of the teams on Cowher's list and one of the teams that could very well land Cowher. The Texans have pieces and are not too far off from being a good team, it would just take some personnel changes and improvements on the defensive side. Although what could hold things back would be owner Bob McNair's reluctance to fire head coaches and we don't know how he would take to a high profile coach.

Odds: 35-45 percent

New York Giants (2012)

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LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 02: Linebacker Keith Bulluck #53 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass against the Washington Redskins during their game at FedEx Field on January 2, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The Giants won the game 17-14. (Photo by Win McNa

Out of all the teams listed, the Giants have the best chance to land Cowher. They have the best talent, the most organizational stability and the closest to becoming one of the better teams in their conference. Of course it will depend on what happens next season and whether or not Tom Coughlin is able to save his job again. But should the job become open, then I wouldn't be surprised to see this happen.

Odds: 55-65 percent