"Crafton Boy Lived a Dream"

Here are some thoughts about, and favorite quotes from, Bill Cowher's resignation press conference.

1. I have no doubt that Mr. Cowher's expression of appreciation for the sacrifices his family has made for him is sincere. But at the same time he was quite careful to describe his departure as a resignation, and when asked late in the press conference whether or not he was retiring he made a point of saying that this was a resignation. Additionally, while he stated that he didn't see himself coaching next season, and also said that the "only sidelines I'm going to be sitting on is up in the stands at my kid's basketball games," he also talked about how muchn he relishes the opportunity to "compete on Sunday" and how he loves the challenge of putting "a football team together."
2. Mr. Cowher moved up his announcement so that the Rooneys could interview candidates this weekend, which is all the consideration anyone could really ask for.
3. When asked about his favorite memory, other than the Super Bowl win, he talked at length about the many home playoff games and the affect those had on the community -- i.e. the "Black & Gold" days at local schools, and the pride that Pittsburghers felt.
4. Mr. Cowher thanked many including his mentor, San Diego head coach Marty Schottenheimer, Dan Rooney, all the players and coaches with whom he has been associated, the support staff, Kevin Colbert -- who, it turns out, is a frequent partner in racquetball matches -- and the Steelers' fans who he described as "second to none."
5. "You can take the people out of Pittsburgh, but you can't take the Pittsburgh out of the people." Amen to that!

Breaking News -- Cowher to Resign Friday

In a story that is as fluid as the cnfluence of the Allegheny, Monogahela, and Ohio rivers, Gerry Dulac of thePittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that Bill Cowher is set to resign as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers at a 1:00PM (EST) news conference in Pittsburgh.

According to Mr. Dulac's report Mr. Cowher "said last week he still loves to coach and is not 'burned out' from being the longest-tenured head coach in the National Football League. However, he wants to take at least a one-year break from coaching and is not thinking about joining any other team in 2007, whether in the NFL or college football, sources said.

Those same sources have also said Cowher's decision to retire has nothing to do with money and that he is committed to spending the next year with his wife, Kaye, and youngest daughter, Lindsay, in Raleigh, N.C.."

For those who will be at a computer, but not near a television, on Friday WTAE-TV is indicating on its website that they will webcast the news conference.

Bill Cowher Press Conference - Coaching Future to Be Announced Next Week

Bill Cowher met with the assembled media on Tuesday, and thanks to the miracle o the internet Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic was there. Here is some of what Mr. Cowher discussed.

• Injuries: Ryan Clark, Max Starks are out for Sunday. Clark Haggans is doubtful, and among the other players Ben Roethlisberger -- who has a shoulder problem -- is probable.
  


• Baltimore Game: "Very disappointing outcome" considering all that was at stake. The offense never got into a rhythm, and was poor on third downs. The defense gave up some big plays, and the Baltimore conversion on third-and-thirteen in the third quarter hurt. The Willie Parker fumble took the wind out of the Steelers' sails. The Ravens were more dominating. The Steelers played better than the first meeting, but were fighting uphill all game long.
  


• Cincinnati Game: Pride is at stake, and the team wants to finish at 8-8. There is a real difference between 8-8 and 7-9. The team wants to end the season with a win.
  


• Next Season: He's not ready to reflect on the season, the team is getting ready for the Bengals. Coach Cowher will talk about his future next week, and it won't take long to make a decision. Finishing strong this season will help for the next season.
  


• Willie Parker: He is one of the better backs in the National Football League, and he is the first running back who has played for Coach Cowher who brings big play possibilities to the running game. Turnovers are a problem for the team, but Willie Parker is only a part of that.


• This Season: The team lost early games this season that, frankly, they should have won -- Oakland, Atlanta, and the first Cincinnati game are three that come to mind. The players were unable to make plays -- e.g. "jump ball" plays on which opponent receivers scored -- and the result is that the Steelers were unable to create an identity for themselves. A play here, a play there -- a different outcome on some individual plays might have made a difference.


• Being Super Bowl Champ: Teams definitely bring their "A" game to play the champs, and the scheduling is different, but winning and losing comes down to execution and the team did not execute very well this season.


• Willie Colon: Improved as the game went on.


• Steve McNair: He's a good player -- a good quarterback. He exploited some of the defenses that the Steelers showed. The Baltimore offense is good, and the Baltimore defense is special.
  

Bill Cowher Press Conference - Max Starks Out

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach met with the Media on Tuesday and thanks to the miracle of the internet Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic was there. Here is some of what Mr. Cowher discussed:

• Injuries: Chad Brown (grade three MCL on left knee -- no surgery), Chidi Iwuoma (left wrist dislocation -- had surgery Tuesday), and Max Starks (right knee -- to be scoped) are out. Ryan Clark is doubtful (groin). Troy Polamalu (knee) is questionable as is Mike Logan (hamstring). Four probables: Clint Kreiwaldt (neck strain), Tyrone Carter (concussion), Jeff Hartings (knee), and Bryant McFadden (shoulder). Roster moves will be made in the next couple of days to fill in spots. Mr. Iwuoma and Mr. Brown may be placed on injured reserve.
  
  
• Carolina Game: The most complete game this year, and the Steelers need to match that to be competitive against Baltimore. The Steelers have not been eliminated, and they have to keep winning to have any chance of moving on to the playoffs.
• The offensive line did a good job of giving Ben Roethlisberger time to throw, and the Steelers were very good on third down.
  


• Baltimore Game: In the first meeting this season the Steelers threw the ball more than 50 times which is not Pittsburgh football. Their defensive line is playing very well, and the linebackers and secondary are great. The Baltimore defense does a good job of moving around, disguising blitzes, and giving the offense different looks. The game plan is going to have to be better than the last game. Despite having clinched the division the Ravens still have a great deal to play for. The Ravens are playing with a great deal of confidence and the Steelers are beginning to do so. The Ravens have stayed healthy, and have good team chemistry.
• Playing at home improves the Steelers ability to communicate and that should help though execution is the key.
• The Steelers need to be able to run the football to succeed against Baltimore.
  
  
• Willie Colon: May fill in for Max Starks. Colon is strong but hasn't played much.


• Coaching Future: Coach Cowher hasn't made a final decision, and NOW isn't the time for making a decision on whether or not to coach next year. The same process that was employed at the conclusion of last season will be utilized at the conclusion of this season. He still loves the challenges of coaching the NFL, and isn't feeling burned out. He's seen his daughters play basketball this season and doesn't believe that will be a factor in his final decision. He called upon the reporters to not be "judgmental." He will not answer any more questions about his coaching future.


• The 2006 Season: He is very pleased with the veteran leadership on the team, and has seen young players (e.g. Santonio Holmes) have grown and gotten better. The team lost same games that they probably should have won but there is nothing that can be done about that now.


• Ryan Clark: Mr. Clark has played very well and very unselfishly. He has played very well on defense and on special teams. Anthony Wright has filled in very capably since Mr. Clark was injured.


• The NFL: Watching the Tennessee v. Jacksonville game reminded Mr. Cowher of the Steelers @ Oakland game ("Been there, done that").