Romance Is In The Air...

No it's not, I just wanted to use that as a title for this post.

Caption time. Give this one your best shot. I doubt it'll be too difficult for you. Looks like these two are either about to make out or Cowher's going to bite off Anthony Smith's ear (the "Mike Tyson" technique). Either way, we'd win.

Anyways, do yo' thing, friends...

PS - Still taking interested individuals for this week's Meeting People Is Easy panel...you know you want to, just give in to your primal urges...Why is it all about making out today? Jesus. Time to get my head checked. Or for me to get something else...

Obligatory Footer - If you haven't already, become a fan of OFTOT on Facebook, join the blog network and follow me on Twitter. Or don't. Your choice, really.

And What Of William Cowher?

Service Announcement: Inspiration for the following post is brought to you by BodogLife.com. Sure, I wrote it. But it was their email giving me the betting odds on if Bill Cowher will coach in 2009 or not that pushed me to it. So if you hate it, blame them. Well, I guess they don't deserve ALL the blame. Beer and lack of sleep had a hand in that as well. Anyways, if you're a betting man/woman, go check out BodogLife.com. They seem to have a severe amount of things to bet on, including the subject matter of this post. And there went the product plug. Now that we've got that out of the way...

Bill Cowher. Crafton native. 15 years of terror in Pittsburgh, producing one Super Bowl ring and 10 Playoff runs. One of the most coveted potential Head Coaches for the past two seasons (this one and last), even if it was never said publicly. Many think he left the game because he was tired. Many think he left because he wanted more than the Steelers were willing to pay. Some even think that he left because he knew about the current Rooney tunes saga. I don't know about all that. But I do know that I can speculate on where he would go if this was 2009 and his phone came a ringin'.

As you'll see, below I've done just that. And I don't know anything about betting odds. So I've pretty much made up all of these numbers and have only a marginal idea of what they mean. In other words, I think I'm saying, this is solely for entertainment purposes. If Bill Cowher ever did return to Coaching, well, I hope Bill doesn't return to Coaching. Because I'd only want him in Pittsburgh, and in my mind that job is still strongly occupied by Mr T., Mike Tomlin. Anyways, Bodog's "odds" were (-130) for Yes and (Even) for No, answering the question - "Will Bill Cowher be Coaching in 2009?" So with that, I give you my guesses and the corresponding odds...

Deep breath.

Ready?

Ok.

1 - Houston or Arizona | Odds = 5 to 1

Yes, I'm combining them, because listen, when are the Houston and Arizona jobs NOT available? If Ken Whisenhunt thinks he has 10 years to build that team he's sorely mistaken. When your team hasn't seen action in January for a decade, the natives can get restless. I give him two more 5-11 seasons, tops, before enough's enough. Anyway, so that's why Houston and Arizona. I think the odds are probably the same for each, but talk to me in 2009 and maybe that'll change. Not if the Cardinals don't figure out the Anquan Boldin situation it won't, though. NEXT!

2 - Detroit | Odds = 20 to 1 (10 to 1 if Jon Kitna's the QB)

Detroit. Yeah, sure. Why not? They haven't exactly been a perrenial contender of late. And while it seems like Rod Marinelli is making nice nice with Matt "Daniel Snyder School of Drafting Graduate" Millen, I have a hard time believing he has any longer a leash than The Whiz out in AZ. Now, I highly doubt Millen would see a personality match in Cowher. But if he did, Detroit is a blue collar town. Lots of guns. But a hard working people comprising that fanbase. And hey, maybe, just maybe, Cowher might be able to teach them how to run the football. Novel idea.

3 - Carolina | Odds = 35 to 1

This has been the consensus pick as to Cowher's potential destination since he retired. He went to College there, he's got a home there, they've got lots of hot southern belle chickadees running around (well, maybe that wouldn't factor into his decision but it's true). What's not to like if you're Cowher? Well, call me crazy, but I just don't think this is going to happen. John Fox is the Panthers' longest tenured Coach (with a whopping six years of service), despite a couple of 7-9 seasons and a couple of 8-8 seasons. I guess it's a definite possibility and seems like a good fit. But I'm downplaying it because I just don't want it to happen. Sort it out for yourselves.

4 - Cincinnati | Odds = 112 to 1

I don't see much of a way this could ever work out as long as Chris Henry's on the roster. But nevertheless, I don't see the Bengals looking competitive at ALL this season and in fact, I'd project a 4-12, possibly 3-13 season for them. Which would mean Marvin Lewis may have finally wore down that patience machine of an ownership. So being an old AFC North rival, the Cincinnati brass might look in ol' Cowher's direction. But frankly, I don't think there are enough greenbacks in the world to make this happen. Plus, Cincy doesn't really worry about mediocrity, as evidenced by their sub .500 record seven out of the last 12 years.

5 - Cleveland | Odds = NOPE!

No. This cannot happen. I refuse to even indulge the thought. /plugs ears and closes eyes and hums...

And there you have it. Five potential options if the unfathomable should happen and Billy Cowher makes his triumphant return to Coaching.

Feel friend to let me know your thoughts in the comments...

PS - apologies for the subpar photoshops...I only have so much time now that law school is back in full swing and work is still kicking my ass.

Sophomore Slump?

In Chuck Knoll's first year as head coach, the Steelers posted an impressively anemic 1-13 record. But in his second season, the team improved drastically slightly to 5-9.

In Bill Cowher's first year as head coach, the Steelers returned to the playoffs with an 11-5 record. But in his second season, the team's record dipped slightly to 9-7.

Current head coach Mike Tomlin's first season ended in the first round of the playoffs, after a 10-6 regular season. In Tomlin's second year as head coach, he faces the most difficult schedule (on paper) for ANY team in recent NFL history.

Will Tomlin suffer a case of the sophomore slump? What type of season/record would constitute labeling the Steelers 2008 season a slump? Is the concept of a sophomore slump ridiculous? What predictions do you have for the upcoming season?

I apologize for breaking the blogging rules of these internets with all of those links yesterday...so here are some more...

• Steelers' depth ranked #3 in the NFL
• San Antonio - poised for stardom?
• Get Your Drinks from Jason Capizzi Thursday at the Harp & Fiddle
• Silverback - Only #13?
• Former UD Blue Hen, Joe Flacco, signs 5 year deal with Ravens
• Denver Broncos cheerleader photo shoot. 'Nuff said.
• Megan Fox dares you to put her in a nude movie
• Can I define this as a weightlifing FAIL?

Word on the street is Cotter is returning tomorrow. So thanks for putting up with my b.s. for the past few days.

Domski43 out!

Something's Afoot in Steeler Nation...

Strange things are happening today...I might not be ok. Allow me to explain...

Does anyone else find it a little disconcerting that Cowher predicted the Steelers would finish 3rd in the AFC North behind Cincy and Baltimore??? I know he's crossed over to "the dark side" now, as an analyst for CBS, but you'd think he would at least even jokingly give us better than 3rd!! Though I didn't get the whole story, and I did notice this moderately-optimistic quote:

"I think Pittsburgh, they've got a chance with their schedule to get off to a good start," Cowher said Tuesday in an interview on the NFL Network. "They've got a chance to be a team to be contended with."

Contended with, but not nearly good enough to win a division? Bill, come on, my heart be still man...I believe this knife belongs to you. First the Bus' book (which I didn't really care about anyway, but who's counting), now this! Oh the drama...[yes I'm joking...]

Ah, but I digress.

In other news, and equally as disappointing (though I'm trying to be optimistic) - Carey Davis replaces Dan Kreider...didn't actually think this would ever happen, but as reported previously, Kreider might not even dress for most games!

Also, check out these Interesting Point/Counter-Points --

• The Ever-Riveting Tribune-Review's, "What Will the Steelers Record be in '07?"...
• Mondesi's House, "Why the Bucs Will Be Better Than The Steelers in '07"...what a scorcher. "Louis Lipps is my homeboy" delivers a super entertaining dialogue, with Steve DeBerg as the Point maker and the immortal Mr. Lipps himself delivering the counter-points...check it out...highly recommended.
• And Finally, Steelers Fever's "Steelers Will Be Better Than 8-8 in 2007"...still not sure if this is a statement or a question but it's a pretty solid journalistic endeavor either way...good read.

Here's to [hopefully] victory on Sunday! Cheers and Happy Friday bitches!

- C

File Under Things I Never Thought I Would Say...

I really lost a lot of respect for Bill Cowher after his retirement from the Steelers. Setting the 2006 season aside, which was itself enough to lose respect for a man who coached with such fire for so long, just the fact that he clearly retired because of financial differences with the Steelers, then whored himself out to a half-assed reality show, and now it's rumored he is talking to the Browns about a possible return to coaching(!) really makes me respect him a lot less!

Bill, you're a Hall of Fame coach associated with one of, if not, the proudest organizations in the NFL or any league for that matter. I know this isn't 1975 anymore, but have some respect for the Steelers.

A return with the lowly Browns would be a kick in the balls not only to the Steelers front office, but every Steeler fan who loved Bill Cowher from 1992 to 2007.

I beg you Bill...just do "Dancing With The Stars" instead. At least you'll have a shot at winning!

But chances are he wouldn't return with the Browns anyway. It was reported that Cowher met privately with Redskins owner Daniel Synder and also has had conversations with his new home team, the Carolina Panthers [Though Redskins deny all allegations]. While I don't think any of these head coaching jobs are likely to be vacant come 2008 (except maybe Cleveland), anything is possible. And as sad as it will make me, there is a realistic chance that Bill Cowher will return to coach another team and bring Steelers Director of Operations Kevin Colbert with him (salt on the wound).

Here's to hoping that this is all just ugly rumors...

Just so you know...

I'm not dead...just had to take a few days off from writing. I was on vacation down in Gator country last week and since I've been back, actual work has amassed that I have to tackle before I can wax philosophical about all the latest Steeler news (which ironically there has been a decent amount of).

But the good news is, I will be at the draft on Saturday and plan on trying to keep things up to date as the news unfolds. Of course, you could probably just watch it on TV, but what would be the fun in that?

Here's some links in case you crave light reading -

• Big Ben and Cowher's Star Crossed Relationship...
• Post-Gazette Guru Ed Bouchette's Steeler Draft Assessment ie- how we can win more than 8 games next year and who will help us win them...
• Tomlin Will Reach Out to (and hopefully touch) Alan Faneca regarding his absence from team activities...
• John Clayton's Take on Alan "Just Call me Diva" Faneca's "Message"...
• Coincidentally, Matt Williamson's Column from the 17th, discussing how the Cardinals need O-line help...like the subtle hint there? Thought you would...
Post-Gazette Columnist Bob Smizik's Best Grinch Impression...
• Ravens Re-Sign Rex Ryan for two more years...in other news, he's still no Dick LeBeau!

That's all for now...hopefully my head will surface once or twice more this week and I can spend some quality time with my thoughts on these stories and all the latest Steeler news.

Cheers and enjoy the links (for now)!

PS - no more chili for Max Starks...maybe we should use Campbell's Chunky as a motivator...?

Are the Steelers Making the Right Decisions this Offseason??

I think it's a fair question. After reading about personnel moves, major and minor alike in Cleveland and Baltimore, I really got to thinking this morning.

The fact is, we have a brand new, 32-year old coach in Mike Tomlin who has never been a head coach in the NFL. Not only that, but we seem to be trusting him with too much too quickly. This may be the result of Cowher's success when placed in a similar situation in 1992. However, maybe it's possible that with the departure of the great Bill Cowher, the Steelers organization and Steeler fans alike want Mike Tomlin to be something great right out of the gate. Believe me, I'm not saying he won't be. But here's what worries me:

Tomlin prefers a 4-3 (Tampa Cover 2) defensive scheme. Contrastingly, the Steelers have quite successfully run a 3-4 for a while now. The good news is, Tomlin kept 3-4 proponent and guru Dick LeBeau as Defensive Coorinator. The potential bad news is there is talk now, with Joey Porter gone, of drafting a Defensive End such as Jarvis Moss and moving into a 4-3. And look, I'm not saying the 4-3 wouldn't be a success in Pittsburgh, but coming off a Super Bowl win just a two years ago, I hardly want to see the Steelers changing too quickly at the risk of sacricing their competitive edge.

Perhaps this is just one isolated issue, and there isn't as much change as I think there is, but I guess my question is - are the Steelers trusting Mike Tomlin with too much too quickly or is all this appropriate?