[simple simon]

PITTSBURGH (AP) With Bill Cowher showing no signs of returning next season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will hold an afternoon news conference Friday and likely will begin searching for a new coach immediately afterward.

Cowher, the Steelers' coach for 15 seasons and one of the NFL's best-known figures, met with team owner Dan Rooney and president Art Rooney II on Tuesday and asked for a few days to weigh his future plans. However, they had an understanding there would be a decision by Monday because the Steelers have to move on if Cowher isn't coming back.

Two strong candidates to replace him - offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm - already are in place and are interviewing with other teams. The team would interview at least one minority candidate, possibly more, and talk with several candidates outside the organization.

Steelers call news conference to address coaching situation

[simple simon]

gees, the Steelers arent wasting any time with this Cowher situation

i thought he had until Monday.........are they under-cutting him ?

i had heard on the ESPN Radio today that there are rumors Cowher and the Rooney's relationship isnt the best right now.....and maybe this is a sign of that

[Lefty Noob]

I'm guessing its either because the Post-Gazette leaked the story, or because they're desperate to keep Whisenhunt.

[cwstech]

I think they are desperate to keep Whisenhunt. He seems to be the top candidate on everyone's list at all the job that are open this season. If they can get a guy that is part of the system already, they may not have a drop off in the team, which can't be any worst than it was this year.

[EmpireWF]

I've heard that Russ Grimm is the favorite to take over the Steelers. Whisenhunt would take a head coaching job elsewhere, perhaps Atlanta.

[ThePundit]

Think about it. With all the coaching changes in professional sports in recent years, the Steelers have had only 2 coaches since 1969!

[penguins87]

Good, solid conference with Cowher. Emotional yet professional. I enjoyed it. We'll miss you, Bill.