Cowher steps down...

**mt85** · 01-04-2007, 08:02 PM

Let the speculation begin.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2720570

**ISUFan22** · 01-04-2007, 08:40 PM

This could get quite interesting. I think with the way the past 2 seasons have gone for KF and given the fact the raise he received has taken expectations to a new level - I can't see how KF would turn a blind eye to this opportunity.

I think one of the reasons Saban left is he felt things were not going to improve quick enough in Miami to afford him enough time to turn things around before the ownership grew tired of waiting.

I wonder of KF is almost in a similar situation. Some Iowa fans are already being quite critical of him - something right now I feel is premature. It's quite possible though, Iowa could have a similar season next year. If that takes place - I think Iowa fans would be almost ready to run him out of town.

Get out while the gettin' is good - and now may be the right time.

Who knows what he will actually do. Personally I hope he stays, I do like the guy and thing he's a very good coach. I guess we'll know soon enough. Regardless, for his entire stay at Iowa - he will continue fielding NFL job questions and continue getting looks from NFL owners. That has to get tiresome eventually.

**Jerry1982** · 01-04-2007, 10:42 PM

What are some other names that the Steelers might be looking at? Anybody take a shot at this?

**ISUFan22** · 01-04-2007, 10:46 PM

The only other names rumored are a couple of their assistants.

**aeroclone** · 01-04-2007, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by mt85

Let the speculation begin.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2720570

Don't mind if I do.

I think he should get out while the getting is good. I don't think his stock as a coach is going to get any higher than it is right now. He is still a hot NFL prospect despite the facts that the Hawks are a combined 13-12 over the last two seasons, including losses in both of their bowl games. Another average season could take him down a peg in the eyes of NFL owners.

The pressure at Iowa could also put him in a bad place. I think he should get a little slack based on what he has done thus far, but I would argue that the Hawks were actually a bigger disappointment than the Clones this season. And I talked to fans before this season that were already looking forward to Iowa's softer schedule in the two upcoming seasons, missing both OSU and Michigan. Add to that the fact that he is now the third highest paid coach in the NCAA (well, I guess 4th with Saban going to Alabama) and expectations are high. If he wins 10+ the next two years and goes to January bowls, he does his job, anything less is a disappointment. He has nothing to gain short of maybe a Rose Bowl.

Of course if I was him, I would stick with Iowa. He is paid well, and the job is a lot easier. Though as a Clone fan I hope he makes the jump. I think he is a hell of a coach and I see little chance of Iowa getting a replacement that is as good or better than Kirk.

**dno96** · 01-04-2007, 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by Jerry1982

What are some other names that the Steelers might be looking at? Anybody take a shot at this?

Since nobody is saying it yet...I will go ahead and be the first. DMac is out of a job right now and I am sure he would be willing to take the job.

**JonDMiller** · 01-04-2007, 11:44 PM

Some Iowa fans are already being quite critical of him - something right now I feel is premature.

Some ISU fans were taking shots at McDermott for losing to UNI, Drake and Iowa in a row.

Some. Not a lot. Not the sane people.

Yes, there are some people that are being critical of Kirk, but I can say confidently that the number of people that are is quite low.

**G-Rock** · 01-05-2007, 12:09 AM

The Steelers will hire from within. Either Wisenhunt or Grimm.

**dsouth** · 01-05-2007, 12:17 AM

coach farentz is a great coach. i really think that the steelers want to go inhouse, think they will hire an assistant. there are so many openings, i think they want to name somebody quickly. i just dont see how the timing is right for either the steelers or coach farentz.

**cycloneworld** · 01-05-2007, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by G-Rock

The Steelers will hire from within. Either Wisenhunt or Grimm.

The Steelers' organization is VERY loyal so I would put my money on a current assistant as well.

That being said...Wisenhunt has interviewed for the Atlanta job.

**ISUFan22** · 01-05-2007, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by JonDMiller

Some ISU fans were taking shots at McDermott for losing to UNI, Drake and Iowa in a row.

Some. Not a lot. Not the sane people.

Yes, there are some people that are being critical of Kirk, but I can say confidently that the number of people that are is quite low.

Yes, I agree 100%. Which is why I stated taking shots at KF is premature.

**mt85** · 01-05-2007, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by JonDMiller

Some ISU fans were taking shots at McDermott for losing to UNI, Drake and Iowa in a row.

Some. Not a lot. Not the sane people.

Yes, there are some people that are being critical of Kirk, but I can say confidently that the number of people that are is quite low.

Jon what is your read on the situation? Do you think there is any interest from either side?

**DaddyMac** · 01-05-2007, 08:20 AM

Anybody who takes shots at KF based on their record this year is an idiot and their opinion isn't worth considering. He's probably been one of the top 5 (?) successful coaches the past 5 seasons. Tressel and Carroll come to mind ahead.

The only thing I can knock him for is his handling of Tate's tantrums. By not squashing that early on, it lead to some chemistry issues.

And in anycase, he's man enough to admit that the coaches made mistakes this year - which puts him well ahead of his counterpart in basketball arena down the street. And mistakes that won't be repeated - which given their performance in the Alamo bowl, I'd say you have to believe him.

KF is pretty much the only reason I can even consider pulling for Iowa Football. And all that being said, there's near-no chance of him becoming the Steelers head coach.

Anybody else see a contrast between Chuck Noll, Bill Cower and then Kirk Ferentz? It's like having Deniro, Pachino, then Tom Hanks or something. All greats, but not exactly in the same line.

**garn91** · 01-05-2007, 08:25 AM

Why would any NFL team want to hire a college coach who's gone 13-12 the last 2 years? My bet is that one of Cowher's assistants will be named HC.

As cut throat as the NFL is, one game over .500 in a 2 year span might be enough to cost you your job.

**cycloneworld** · 01-05-2007, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by DaddyMac

Anybody who takes shots at KF based on their record this year is an idiot and their opinion isn't worth considering. He's probably been one of the top 5 (?) successful coaches the past 5 seasons. Tressel and Carroll come to mind ahead.

I bet there are at least a dozen head coaches with better records, bowl wins, etc. over the past 5 years than KF. Remember, he is an average 13-12 in the last 2 years.

However, for a coach with that blemish on his record to be mentioned for an NFL job speaks volumes for him. His NFL experience + college HC looks very, very good on his resume.

But I bet there is a 1% chance he gets & accepts the Steelers job. I haven't had the chance to listen to Jon much lately so I wonder if he has a better feel for it? Are there any other token hawks on this board?