Bills reach out to Cowher about becoming coach
 

By Jason La Canfora | NFL Network

The Buffalo Bills, who are expected to meet with Mike Shanahan this week about their head-coaching position, also have contacted former Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Cowher, according to league sources.

However, Cowher informed the Bills that he isn't interested in speaking to any teams about potential jobs until after the season, according to the sources, and he could have several options available to him should he opt to return to coaching in 2010. Cowher is taking this position with any potential suitors, the sources said, out of respect to his current employer, CBS, and to those coaches who are still employed by teams seeking to make a change.

The Bills are making it clear to top candidates that they are willing to spend big bucks to land an elite coach, despite their small-market status. One source close to Cowher believes the compensation could reach the $10 million-per-season range based on early indications.

Cowher, who resides in North Carolina, is largely expected to be wooed by the Carolina Panthers should they opt not to bring back John Fox for the final season on his deal. The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears would excite Cowher as well, according to a source, should they opt to make a move.

Two sources close to Cowher believe he is more ready now than at any time since retiring after the 2006 season to return to coaching, but he will remain very selective about his next move.

The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns spoke to Cowher last offseason about their openings -- the coach strongly considered New York until having a change of thought, according to a league source, but he wasn't interested in the Cleveland job.

Browns owner Randy Lerner very likely will reach out to Cowher again as he interviews candidates to be a "football czar" there. However, Cowher isn't interested in management positions at this time (he would have strong views about which personnel people come with him to any team, however), but he would prefer to return in a coaching capacity, according to a league source.

Cowher went 149-90-1 in 15 seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers' coach and won a Super Bowl championship in the 2005 season.

Briefly, in 2007, I thought that was going to be McCarthy. Now? If the Packers get rid of McCarthy, I want Thompson to go out and pick someone who I say "WTF?" at the time and get proven wrong.

"Wade" wrote:

I think the people calling for heads are going to be very disappointed at the end of the season. There is not a game on the remaining schedule that I think we can't win. In fact we should run the table, even though the game in Pittsburgh will be tough, but I'll be there for good luck so we should be OK.

Losing to TB should not have happen, nor the game to Cincinatti. We gave up a 3rd and forever that ended up being a 7 point drive. Rouse was cut immediately.

I don't know what it is about some GB fans, but I don't believe Ted Thompson and McCarthey are viewed as morons in other cities around the league. In fact I would venture to say that most people think we have built a solid corp of young players with a lot of better days ahead. I have a theory that we have become spoiled fans, but then I usually get myself in trouble for these views in this forum.

I have buddies that are Steeler fans and they don't think Cowher shits lightning bolts anymore. Lose the AFC championship game as many times as he has and you lose some fans and credibility.

"DakotaT" wrote:

Depending on which Steelers team shows up.. You guys can beat them, but if they show up (especially on defense), you guys won't have much chance.

Also, don't get caught up saying you guys should have beaten Cincy.. They are a FAR superior team than they've been in recent years (2005 not withstanding). The Packers might have overlooked them a bit, but I think if you guys play them 10 times, you win 5.

What I think you guys need more of is a few veteran FAs. At least, just enough to keep McCarthy and Thompson around for a few years. Maybe the Vikings will continue to get your guys 'old and washed up future Hall of Famers'.

=D

"Formo" wrote:

"Formo" wrote:

And our veteran washed up hall of famer sure is making your idiot coach look good, that and the referees swalling their flags every time he goes to pass the ball.

"DakotaT" wrote:

I wonder if saving the Vikings in Minnesota is worth risking the credibility of the whole league?

"DakotaT" wrote:

Enjoy your year Formo.

"DakotaT" wrote:

Your team has plenty of weaknesses.

"DakotaT" wrote:

How many sacks does the great Jared Allen have when he isn't lined up against a backup GB left tackle?

"DakotaT" wrote: