I have no issue with the Jets hiring Cowher, I just think people have grossly unrealistic expectations for him. And, while this little argument has proven that nobody knows anything about Cowher's longterm plans aside from Coach Chin himself, I suspect that he isn't in it for the long haul. In terms of who else I would want, I think that the Jets should give a really long look to Rex Ryan. Spagnuolo is also a great candidate.
Exactly. The media and fan pressure/scrutiny could get to anybody. But if we're worried about longevity, I'd feel very comfortable getting a guy who stayed with one team for 15 years in a city and with a press core full of raving fanatics. I know nothing in the world is like the NY media (see: Brett Favre), but I think he can handle it.
I have a hard time coming up with arguments against Cowher. He's a proven HC who's won a SB and has been competitive for a long time. He was loyal and productive at Pittsburgh for 15 years. He ran the 3-4 so he could immediately take over our defense. And the guy has the charisma & league-wide respect to take over a locker room. Also, who else other than Spags is even close to this guy? Cowher is the first choice by far. In fact I'll bet he had a handshake agreement with Johnson before the Mangini firing was even announced.
Agreed on the gross expectations part, jet fans need to calm down a bit. Thats what 40 years of agony will do to a fanbase. Lets just let things take its course, eh? If cowher takes the wheel theres not much more you can ask for. Its a little more promising than the favre acquisition. (less of a gamble at least)
I heard that Cowher told the Lions and Browsn that he was not interested. So I think him willing to hear the Jets out is a good sign. His daughter goes to school at Princeton so that helps as well.
Kordell Stewart always found a way to win in Pittsburgh...I don't know how, but he'd just win. Cowher tried to replace him like 3 or 4 times, but it never worked out. Guys like Jim Miller, Mike Tomczak, and Kent Graham were brought in...but they struggled, so Cowher put Stewart back out there. EVERY Steelers fan hated Stewart - they called for his head until Tommy Maddox eventually replaced him.
ESPN just said Cowher will probably not coach in 09...hearing the jets out is one thing but they say it will require at least a 5 year 40Mil + contract