Nearly four years after leaving the Steelers and joining the CBS studio team, Bill Cowher has made it clear that hes ready to return. Maybe.

But he isnt making his interest known by, for example, pretending to be interested in a college job. Cowher is instead doing it the old-fashioned way.

Hes saying so.

Im open to listen to opportunities, Cowher said in an online chat at USAToday.com, via Michael Hiestand of USA Today. Im very comfortable at CBS. Ill keep all my options open. And Ill only answer those questions at the end of the season. Im not going to comment on any hypothetical situations until the entire season is over.

The best fit for Cowher, in our view, remains the Giants. After a slow start, however, the Giants have propelled themselves into playoff contention. If they make it, the job likely wont be open. If they dont make it, coach Tom Coughlin could be out especially since hes 64 and entering the final year of his contract.

Panthers fans remain very interested in Cowher making the move from Raleigh to Charlotte. But owner Jerry Richardson likely is unwilling to give Cowher the kind of money and power hed want.

Also working against Cowher in 2011 is the potential for a lockout that would wipe out much of the offseason practice schedule. Any team that brings in a new coach could end up with less time to make a proper transition.

Then again, if anyone can make it happen with limited time, its Cowher.