As much as I used to think the Steelers needed Bill Cowher to be successful, I now think they will be OK when he retires sometime next week. That's not saying I want him to retire - I would be content if he stayed another 10 years because the Rooneys have figured out that continuity is every bit as important as talent - but it's no longer the end of the world scenario that some Cowher fans would like you to believe. I really think Russ Grimm or Ken Whisenhunt can step right in and keep this ball rolling for the next several years. If I had to pick the next coach, I'd lean towards Russ Grimm because he's local and as a former outstanding lineman - he's going to keep the tradition of pounding the ball. The only thing I think would keep Bill Cowher stalking the Pittsburgh sidelines is the fact that this season left a bad taste in his mouth. I think when the extension didn't get done in the off-season, it could have been because he saw this team repeating and then walking off into the sunset as a Saint of the city. If he leaves now, people (including myself) are going to wonder if his mind was made up in training camp and that's why we didn't see the amount of passion that we're used to seeing from the man this season when things went south. Joey Porter had no fear of being yanked this year as he had several costly personal foul penalties called against him at crucial points this season. I remember coach Cowher ripping into Josh Miller for only punting the ball 30 yards - now Santonio Holmes can fumble a game away and Cowher is left standing on the sidelines with a glossy look in his eyes. Yes, he brought us another championship - but in reality - I think we had the best team in the NFL 3 or 4 years during his reign. I'm really torn on this subject as I think if he returns to coach next season, he will be more aggressive with his team and not allow veterans to slide or get too comfortable. WIth or without him, they have a legitimate shot to win it all next year as the talent level is still very high. Without the turnovers, they are very hard to beat. Do I want him to go? I'm not sure. Do I think he's going to go? Yes, I do. Russ Grimm has the experience and temperament for the job. I don't think things would change much if Russ took over, and that's the way the Rooneys play the game.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Gut Telling Me The Chin Is Gone
As much as I used to think the Steelers needed Bill Cowher to be successful, I now think they will be OK when he retires sometime next week. That's not saying I want him to retire - I would be content if he stayed another 10 years because the Rooneys have figured out that continuity is every bit as important as talent - but it's no longer the end of the world scenario that some Cowher fans would like you to believe. I really think Russ Grimm or Ken Whisenhunt can step right in and keep this ball rolling for the next several years. If I had to pick the next coach, I'd lean towards Russ Grimm because he's local and as a former outstanding lineman - he's going to keep the tradition of pounding the ball. The only thing I think would keep Bill Cowher stalking the Pittsburgh sidelines is the fact that this season left a bad taste in his mouth. I think when the extension didn't get done in the off-season, it could have been because he saw this team repeating and then walking off into the sunset as a Saint of the city. If he leaves now, people (including myself) are going to wonder if his mind was made up in training camp and that's why we didn't see the amount of passion that we're used to seeing from the man this season when things went south. Joey Porter had no fear of being yanked this year as he had several costly personal foul penalties called against him at crucial points this season. I remember coach Cowher ripping into Josh Miller for only punting the ball 30 yards - now Santonio Holmes can fumble a game away and Cowher is left standing on the sidelines with a glossy look in his eyes. Yes, he brought us another championship - but in reality - I think we had the best team in the NFL 3 or 4 years during his reign. I'm really torn on this subject as I think if he returns to coach next season, he will be more aggressive with his team and not allow veterans to slide or get too comfortable. WIth or without him, they have a legitimate shot to win it all next year as the talent level is still very high. Without the turnovers, they are very hard to beat. Do I want him to go? I'm not sure. Do I think he's going to go? Yes, I do. Russ Grimm has the experience and temperament for the job. I don't think things would change much if Russ took over, and that's the way the Rooneys play the game.
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6 comments:
I think Kevin Gilbride, QB coach for the Giants would make an excellent replacement, He's been around but just hasn't found a home yet. Although I don't think Cower should leave after such a bad season. Give him one more chance!!!
Fan is right. We should have had 2 or 3 Super Bowl trophies during Cowher's regime. His stupidity cost us a chance to win more. Time for him to go.
That being said, Cowher also did a lot of things right that we took for granted. And if a new guy comes in everything will be completely unknown.
While I believe Grimm or Whiz or even Mark Whipple would make a good coach, I believe the Rooneys should and will go outside the organization for Cowher's replacement. Too much complacency on that team to keep one of the players "buddies."
Names that I've heard being mentioned beside members of the existing staff are: Mike Singletary, Kirk Ferentz, Rex Ryan, Ron Rivera. And to meet the "Rooney Rule" for considering a minority candidate the Steelers will interview Dave Wannstadt... cause he's retarded.
if they hire dave wannstadt, i'll be looking for a different team to root for. check that - i'll be free of caring about the nfl on sundays, just like over the last 15 years i've forgotten about college football, baseball, basketball and hockey. wannstadt made millions of dollars because he was on the dallas staff that was going to win whether he was there or not. it's like paying anybody that ever worked at microsoft 6 figures just because they worked there.
You can say what you want about college football but take a look at this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENwDDB0dlRk&NR
Now I'm not saying we should rush out and try to hire the Boise State coach to replace Cowher but...
He had some balls, something missing from the Pittsburgh sidelines for most of the last 15 years. No FGs for this guy.
4th and 2, he calls a direct snap to a WR who throws a TD pass.
4th and 18 he calls a hook and lateral that goes to the house!
2 point conversion to win the game he runs the Statue of Liberty!!
It's not the trick plays that are impressive. It's that this coach had his team totally prepared and gameplanned for every situation imaginable. And the execution and discipline with which these plays were executed was astonishing.
It's the preparation and discipline, above everything else, that the Steelers -and truthfully, most NFL teams- are missing. And not too much woofing and posing by his players either.
Until The Chin makes his announcement, I'll be hoping for somebody who can deliver the kind of coaching I saw in the Fiesta Bowl.
ALSO- Anybody see the "Sleeper" play West Virginia pulled off for a TD in the Gator Bowl? Rich Rodriguez is an innovative coach too, but I'm not sure that offense would work in the pros... unless you're the Tennesse Titans, put it in as a package, and got Vince Young to run it (which he does!).
And then the kid proposes to his girl friend, that was the best game of the year.
Re: proposal.
That could have been the worst call of the game!
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