Clayton: Cowher in Denver? It fits

[The MVPlaya]

Denver makes sense for Cowher

Denver owner Pat Bowlen has a major dilemma in trying to replace Mike Shananan. In firing Shanahan on Tuesday, Bowlen must now revamp the entire football operation.

In the Mile High City, Shanahan stood head and shoulders above everything for pro football. He was not only the coach, he was the general manager. He had more power than just about any coach in football, and it's going to be hard to replace that.

The easy solution will be the costliest and that might be a problem for Bowlen, who reportedly owes Shanahan $20 million over the next three years. Bill Cowher would be seriously interested in the job should Bowlen call. Though Cowher has told the Cleveland Browns he's not coaching there and the Jets are willing to do anything to get him as their coach, the former Steelers coach could see the Broncos as a fit.

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Jason Bridge/US Presswire
After a highly successful career in Pittsburgh, Bill Cowher has sat out the past two seasons.
To coach in 2009, Cowher must have everything in line. First, he wants big money, possibly $8 million to $9 million a year. Second, he wants the ability to bring in some of his people into the front office. Third, he wants to have an established quarterback similar to what he left in Pittsburgh with Ben Roethlisberger.
The Broncos have all three of his needs available if the organization can afford him. Jay Cutler is one of the best young quarterbacks in the game. He threw for 4,526 yards this season and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

It is pretty obvious Bowlen didn't fire Shanahan the coach. He fired Shanahan the general manager. The Broncos have been among the franchises that have had the fewest number of starters out of their draft. Shanahan has either had to change defensive coordinators or change starters on defense to make things better. Instead, things got worse, forcing Bowlen to spend big money on free agents who often didn't work out.

In a season in which the league called around 1.7 holding penalties a game, Shanahan had a light defensive line that was pushed around by running teams. Those problems might force Bowlen to offer big money to lure defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, a free agent after this season. The Titan might cost $10 million a year or more.

An investment in Cowher could save in the long run. Cowher doesn't want to be like Shanahan and be the ultimate voice in personnel decisions. He simply wants to have people like he had in Pittsburgh to work with. Cowher knows the best system is one in which the coach and the personnel people can get on the same page.

If Bowlen doesn't go for Cowher, he will have to decide if he wants to go the general manager route in hiring Scott Pioli, who may be wooed by the Cleveland Browns. For a head coach, Bowlen also may look at assistants such as Jason Garrett of the Cowboys, Josh McDaniels of the Patriots or Steve Spagnuolo of the Giants.

One-stop shopping would involve Cowher. We'll see if he will make the call.

John Clayton, a recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's McCann Award for distinguished reporting, is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...ohn&id=3800871

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

I don't think Bowlen is interested in paying a combined 15 million to his head coach for the next 3 years.

[Bronx33]

in 2010?

[Rivers Delivers]

Cowher loves the cushy studio.

He's staying put.

[orange crusher]

I hope this crap about Cowher doesn't have any merit. Cowher's offenses were never anything special and he had Dick LeBeau to run the defense.

[The MVPlaya]

Originally Posted by orange crusher

I hope this crap about Cowher doesn't have any merit. Cowher's offenses were never anything special and he had Dick LeBeau to run the defense.

If he lets Bates do the offensive job we'll be fine. Bates was doing all the work this past season anyways.

[extralife]

If we higher some scrub because Bowlen has to pay Mike after firing him like an idiot, I am going to lose it.

[vbplaya]

It is funny ... I read the headline about Shanny being let go and thought ... who would be a good fit ... mmmmmmm ... Cowher was the first that came to mind.

[Man-Goblin]

Shanny will get a job pretty quick. His salary will be off the books.

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by extralife

If we higher some scrub because Bowlen has to pay Mike after firing him like an idiot, I am going to lose it.

What if we win double digit games and go the playoffs? Then will you still lose it?

[Broncojef]

Originally Posted by The MVPlaya

If he lets Bates do the offensive job we'll be fine. Bates was doing all the work this past season anyways.

I hope Cowher comes in and throws Bates and Slowick on their respective asses. The offense did absolutely nothing down the stretch. I didn't see anyone on either side of the ball play with an intensity like they should have, get rid of the lot and bring in some guys who want to energize a new system to restore our pride.

[baja]

It won't be Cowher

[bloodsunday]

Originally Posted by extralife

If we higher some scrub because Bowlen has to pay Mike after firing him like an idiot, I am going to lose it.

He owes Mike $21M. If Mike doesn't take a job (thus voiding his current deal), then Bowlen may have to go no-name, sorta like Smith, Harbaugh, Tomlin, and Sparano. Those guys turned out ok.

[Popps]

Originally Posted by orange crusher

I hope this crap about Cowher doesn't have any merit. Cowher's offenses were never anything special and he had Dick LeBeau to run the defense.

Huh? Did you miss the 2005 AFCCG?

Cower made excellent use of his weapons in Pitt, often putting out some of the more creative offenses in the league... combined with a power rushing attack.
You may remember him being one of the first to use a "Slash" type player with Stewart.

His teams never had any problems offensively. In fact, they were always suited for playoff football, which is why he had his teams deeper in playoffs on a more regular basis than Shanahan.

[orinjkrush]

best of luck to Shannyhanman

he gave us 2 superbowls, last century.

[Popps]

Originally Posted by baja

It won't be Cowher

You're probably right, but I hope you're wrong.

You want to talk about a franchise being rejuvenated?

Oh man.

[extralife]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

What if we win double digit games and go the playoffs? Then will you still lose it?

Eventually, because I don't think it will last. The Yankees may not win it all every year, but they're always good. Mike gave us a consistent shot.

[bloodsunday]

Originally Posted by Man-Goblin

Shanny will get a job pretty quick. His salary will be off the books.

He'll be in consideration for about 31 jobs... if HE WANTS IT! He just built a palace in Cherry Creek. It may be too soon to up root all that after such a shock.

[BroncoBuff]

Ain't gonna happen.

[spdirty]

no.

[ol number 7]

Originally Posted by The MVPlaya

If he lets Bates do the offensive job we'll be fine. Bates was doing all the work this past season anyways.

Still don't understand how Shanahan couldn't be the play caller for HIS offense. What is he too busy doing that he can't call the plays. Why pay 7 million to someone who doesn't coach defense or call plays on offense. I believe he ran his course in Denver. Sell the mansion to John and get on with your life.

[orange crusher]

Originally Posted by Popps

Huh? Did you miss the 2005 AFCCG?

Cower made excellent use of his weapons in Pitt, often putting out some of the more creative offenses in the league... combined with a power rushing attack.
You may remember him being one of the first to use a "Slash" type player with Stewart.

His teams never had any problems offensively. In fact, they were always suited for playoff football, which is why he had his teams deeper in playoffs on a more regular basis than Shanahan.

No, I didn't miss it. I was at the game. Let's face it, our defense wasn't worth a crap then either and our offense didn't exactly help them out that day. IMO, Pittsburgh was solid during Cowher's years because of their defenses, which hasn't changed since he left because Tomlin chose to let Lebeau run the defense as he had under Cowher.

His teams never had any problems offensively? I think some Steeler fans would beg to differ as they went through some painful years when Cowher refused to pull the plug on Kordell Stewart.