Bill Cowher, your next in the line of great Bronco coaches

by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 10:37 PM MST Comment 29 comments

OK, I may be jumping the gun early. But I honestly am geeked with the possibility of Bill Cowher being our next coach. As many have said, this has become the best job opening in the NFL, if the job is offered to Cowher and he honestly wants to coach again, why wouldn't he jump on this. He isn't going to get another shot at Pittsburgh, there is no way he and Jerry Jones would see eye to eye, knowing Cohwer family I am sure that they would love to move to Denver over New York or Cleveland, and lets not even mention Detroit.

People have said they can't see Cowher here because he will want similar control as Shanahan had and Bowlen won't go for that. First, I have never heard that control was an issue for Cowher, I think his biggest beef was that Pittsburgh was too cheap to keep his star players, that isn't an issue in Denver. I really think Cowher will be able to give up personnel control to an extent that Mike never was able to and work with the scouting department to find his players. Some would argue that it took too long fo Cowher to win a Super Bowl in Pittsburgh, but look at who he had to work with at QB's: Bubby Brister, Neil O'Donnel, Kordell Stewart, Tommy Maddox, yet nearly every year they made the playoffs and were in the Championship game because they always had a great defense and good ST. Think what he could do with this offense and the ability to bring the ST and Defense up to Pittsburgh standards, we are talking dynasty of epic portions, think of the 60's Packers, 50's Browns, 80's 49ers, something thant would span a decade, at least.

Cowher may not be the X's and O's guy that Shanahan is, but we can get an OC to handle that. What Cowher brings is attitude, passion, and love for the game, something this team lacks in spades. He can motivate and bring out the best in his guys, and his guys will go through walls for him. Pat Bowlen wants a new direction and rightfully so, Cowher is that direction. I guarentee that we will not have people that don't care about the scoreboard on the team with Cowher running the ship.

Right now I am not concrened with schemes and game plans, that is not the issue with this team. I am concerened with the heart and passion of this team, no one out there gives you that more than Cowher. What Cowher also gives you is an unquestioned leader. I have heard the idea of getting a 1st year coach, and looking at Miami and Atlanta you may say that is easy, but look at other rookie coaches and their success record: Crennel, Magini, Kiffin, Marenelli, the guy in St. Louis, all canned after two to four seasons, I want a proven winner, this is not retread like Wade Phillips, Norv Turner, or Herm Edwards, this is a man who has proven he can win and win consistentantly.

I thank Mike Shanahan for all he has done for this organization, he likely will be in the Hall of Fame one day and I am sure that he will be successful in his next coaching job if he decides to coach again. But Pat Bowlen did the correct thing and made a tough choice, now he needs to follow up that tough choice with making sure he gets the right guy in. I am hoping and preying that Cowher will be open to this oppurtunity, I think this is the right fit and what the organization needs to move forward.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Meh.

I’d be surprised if he doesn’t end up with the Jets. If Bowlen is willing to bend over backwards for him like New York seems to be, then we have a shot. That said, not sure that’s the way I want to go. I think I’d rather follow the Atlanta blueprint (hire a GM and let him bring in his coach to do that job alone) to be honest…

Here we go again: http://thefulldeck.blogspot.com/

by ejruiz on Dec 30, 2008 10:51 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

ESPN reports he told the Jets no

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3799959

My guess is he spoke with Bowlen before he fired Shanahan.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 10:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Mr Bill

Before Sundays game Cowher mentioned the Denver Broncos as a team to watch out for if they made the playoffs and he was all excited about it while everyone else laughed him off. i don’t know if he will come to Denver but I thought it was odd that he was lit up about Cutler n Denver. Bill just turned down the Jets…

by Markus2112 on Dec 30, 2008 10:52 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Good point, shows he has been following Denver

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 10:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Cutler

Has to be the reason, with Cowhers Defense he could win multiple Superbowls

by Markus2112 on Dec 30, 2008 11:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Look at it this way

Cutler and the offense with the addition of a good RB (is it me or does Micheal Bush remind anyon or Jermoe Bettis) will be very good for a long time and they can get better than they are now. Now take a Steelers type defense and throw that in the mix and the Broncos could be downright scary for many many years.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 11:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll say it one more time

Hillis would be an excellent choice for starting RB.

Touchdowns win championships? Seriously, get a freakin defense!
Hillis for starter (next year). He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.

by 53guys on Dec 31, 2008 9:02 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Broncoman, Great post...

And you have definitely talked me into Bill Cowher.
I agree with ALL your points: we need a passionate, fiery coach that leads this team from the front.
Cowher does not wnat to be GM/ HC…he just wants to bring in his own team. I am OK with that.
Guess who could be part of his team at GM? Marty Shottenheimer. He even spoke about what it would take to get back into the game, and this was an idea marty said he might bite on during his Sirius radio show.

It all makes perfect sense, and Bolwn maybe able to pull it off!!!!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Dec 31, 2008 9:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Draft

Get a young durable stud (pick one ) RB with Cut and B Marsh E royal

by Markus2112 on Dec 30, 2008 11:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Or better yet get a single competent defender...

I’m gonna murder someone if they go RB #1.

by SethGrandpa on Dec 30, 2008 11:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with you

In fact, I might fly off the handle if they draft one in the top 3 rounds. (See sig)

Touchdowns win championships? Seriously, get a freakin defense!
Hillis for starter (next year). He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.

by 53guys on Dec 31, 2008 9:03 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Cowher isn't half the coach Mike Shanahan is!

It’s best to go with an unknown entity so at least we don’t all realize right off the bat that we just took a major coaching downgrade.

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Dec 30, 2008 11:59 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

This is the deal...

Like it or not, the broncos are thre cream of the new coach’s crop. Sure you could argue the Jets are in good position, but they lack the franchise QB we got. Bowlin will be in the unique position to pick and choose who he wants. Now, my buddies are all hyping Cowher and some even an unnamed defensive coordinator for the Giants… Meh… I say it here and I say it now. The next coach of the Denver Broncos is… Brian Billick.

Reasons:
1. Defensive minded coach.
2. He gave Denver fits more often than not… I remember certain Monday night games and a playoff appearance.
3. He wears leather jackets. Gotta respect that.
4. He’s got the mentality that compliments what’s already in place.
5. He’s in the Coors commercails already. A Denver native in absentia??? Okay, maybe not.
6. Come on…. You can see it…
7. He won a superbowl with Trent Dilfer… With our high powered O he can’t not have success. Plus, he’ll be able to point out our weeknesses… Ahem,,, Mr. Bly… Mr. D. Line… All of you… and some safties… and well everyone else on D….

Billick is going to be our coach. He’s my first choice and I discussed it with Bowlin over two dozen Bud Lights this evening and I think he’s down…

P. S. I gotta say that I am more than a little nervous having the team in Bowlin’s hands…. The guy could barely belt out a coherant HOF speech for Zimmerman… (ok, totally incoherant… let me start over)… in Bowling hands… The guy could barely belt our a Ring of Fame induction for Terell Davis…. (okay worse example…) eek…. We could be in trouble.

by Jezru on Dec 31, 2008 12:22 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Broncoman

Consider me Vice-President of the “Bring Cowher to Denver” fan club. Looking at the coaches that are out there, he seems like the best fit.

Loves to run the ball, could bring back some attitude to our defense. Won’t coddle Cutler after a throwing into triple coverage for an INT. He’s the type to grab you by the face mask and put his chin in your face. Haha.

And until I hear a no from him or whatever, I say we keep this club going strong.

And if he says no, that’s fine. I’m still open to more coaching options.

by binford04 on Dec 31, 2008 1:42 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Please no Cowher

Cowher would be to Cutler what Reeves was to Elway. The last thing a offense built around Cutler/Marshall/Royal/Sheffler/Harris/Clady needs is one of the most conservative coaches out there. If I was Cutlers agent I would tell him to prepare for free agency if Cowher or Marty or someone like that comes on board. A Defense oriented coach would be good but not a run,run,pass,punt coach.

by AKfan on Dec 31, 2008 10:02 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you think Cutler wants Super Bowls or Pro-bowls

If I am Cutler, I want someone that will get the team fired up, get the defense playing well, and I can’t believe he will care if his yards go down if his wins go up.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 31, 2008 10:08 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree...

Cowher is DEFITELY excited by Cutler and knows the Denevr team has more offensive upside than ANY Pittsburgh team you have.
Remember, Cowher really NEVER had a QB…he won games based on what he had.
he only had Ben his first 2 years, and Tomlin will get Big Ben in his best.
Cowher would let this team be elctric while bringing heat on D!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Dec 31, 2008 10:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm more optimistic now that he's turned down the Jets

I’ve got my fingers crossed.

I’d like to say a big NO to Billick. Don’t like him at all.

I’m totally down with your thoughts on first year coaches, I don’t have any statistics, but it seems 9 out of 10 fail. I’m not interested in that.

IF Cowher comes, I’ll be extremely excited. Anybody else I’ll be very cautiously optimistic. What concerns me is Guru’s statement on the radio last night about Bowlen tightening the purse strings. He doesn’t think we’ll spend what it takes to get Cowher.

by CalgaryFan on Dec 31, 2008 6:56 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Steelers fan here.

The following is a reprise of a post I wrote on “Behind the Steel Curtain”:

My best buddy is a Bronco fan. I don’t know how he feels about it, yet.. I think he is still in a state of shock.

Personally, I think it was a huge mistake. I understand that the Broncos haven’t made the playoffs since ‘05 when we smacked them down in their house in the AFCCG. That’s three years— no playoffs. I get it. That’s too long of a time for a franchise used to winning. His record during those three years? 24-24. Unacceptable, right?

Well, permit me to remind you of another future HOF coach by the name of William Laird Cowher. The year was 1997. It was the AFCCG. Ironically, it was us who were hosting the Broncos. They beat us. Only this game was no blowout. In fact, we were well on our way to winning until our QB/slash pulled an O’donnell (throwing two god-awful picks) and we wound up losing 24-21.

After that season, we kind of went into a downward spiral. We didn’t make the playoffs for three straight years. Coach Cowher’s record? 22-26. Definately unacceptable, right?

A lot of Steelers fans were calling for Cowher’s head back then. A lot, and you know who you are. Fortunately, we have an owner named Rooney who had the foresight and faith to stand by Coach Cowher.

The next season, 2001, we were right back in the AFCCG, and, well, you know the rest.

The only qwuestion now is who will be the first SB winning coach to ever win a SB with another team, Cowher or Shanahan?

by Jonny B. on Dec 31, 2008 8:49 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I know which coach will be more motivated.

by Jonny B. on Dec 31, 2008 9:05 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Also, IMO,

Coach Cowher will not be coaching anywhere in ‘09. He has said so, repetedly. He is listening to all offers now to create a buzz (and it’s working quite well), so that he can cash in when he does decide to come back in ‘10 or ’11. He lmoved to South Carolina right after he “retired”. He is building a new house as I type. John Fox better not stumble. That’s all I’m saying.

by Jonny B. on Dec 31, 2008 9:37 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I have heard that

But coaches can change their mind, the Broncos and Cowher are a perfect fit. If he like North Carolina, he will love Colorado. Many coaches change their minds, look at Parcells, he retires every four years, yet he coaches again and again. Denver is the type of job that would fit Cowher, a loyal owner with a willingness to spend and win, a loyal fan base, a great tradition and a fan base that wants and appreciates hard nose football.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 31, 2008 10:12 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Denver works for me.

I’m just happy he closed the window on Cleveland. We do play you guys in Denver next season. That would be a little awkward, but in any event, I wish Coach Cowher nothing but success in whatever he chooses, as long as that success doesn’t come at the expense of the Steelers.

by Jonny B. on Dec 31, 2008 10:16 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Shanahan, on the other hand,

WIll be out for revenge. His whole motivation for winnning the SB with Denver was revenge, remember? Don’t be surprised if he shows up in KC loaded for bear.

by Jonny B. on Dec 31, 2008 10:19 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs