Bill Cowher Resigns

Bill Cowher is expected to announce his resignation tomorrow afternoon. This isn't too surprising considering the fact he's been with the Steelers since 1992, plus the 2005 Super Bowl run followed by a disappointing 8-8 2006 season.

The disappointing 2006 season can be squarely placed on the head of Ben Roethlisberger...literally. In the 2006 offseason, his stubborn decision to ride a motorcycle without a helmet was magnified when he smashed himself through the windshield of another car. Athletes, like all people in the limelight, have additional pressure on them to make the right decisions. Not only does he affect himself, family, and friends by his decision, but he also affects all of his teammates, coaches, and fans as well. This wasn't a simple mistake; it was a flatout disregard for his personal safety. After watching him this season and comparing his stats to his first two years, it was obvious he never fully recovered from the accident which negatively impacted the entire team. I used to really like him as a quarterback and as an individual through what I knew of him via interviews, but I lost all respect for him after that incident and was glad he paid the price by the disappointing season the Steelers endured. Hopefully he's grown up and learned his lesson.

Rant aside, I wouldn't be surprised if that situation played into his decision. I'm sure the main reason, however, is 15 years with the same organization. He was a very successful coach who reached the Super Bowl twice, winning it once. I have nothing but respect for the job he did while in Pittsburgh as he handled his players and himself with class. I think we'll see him back in the NFL sooner than later. He has a contract with Pittsburgh through 2007, so it sounds like he'll take a year off and then resurface somewhere next season.

Given the rumors surrounding offensive coordinator Ken Wisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm for other job openings, it sounds like they'll be leading candidates for the Pittsburgh job as well. They have a solid offensive line, Big Ben should return to form next season, Willie Parker has turned into a star, and Ward, Holmes, and Miller provide solid receiving targets. Given the strong defense they'll return as well, whoever takes over this team will inherit a great situation.

Fantasy Impact: If Wisenhunt or Grimm takes over, the Steelers should remain relatively the same team given their new coach will be an internal replacement. If Grimm is given the job, that would increase the likelihood that Wisenhunt will leave since Grimm would be leapfrogging him in the coaching tree. If that's the case, the face of the offense could change given a new offensive coordinator will need to be signed. Given this is mildly surprising news and Pittsburgh wasn't planning on this happening, little is known about any external candidates. Big Ben should be a quality QB2 next season assuming he returns to form, and the continued development of Holmes should give Ward his most talented WR counterpart since Burress left. Heath Miller was vastly underused this past season, and it would be to Pittsburgh's benefit to utilize him more. He'll remain an interesting TE2 with upside this upcoming season.