Before you crucify me, let me first say that those aren’t the words I would have chosen. Okay, maybe I would have, but I would have taken out the “outstanding” and put in “nice” or something that doesn’t give the guy a swollen head. The statement is otherwise accurate though, at least when looking at the overall “big picture.” (more…)

If you’re surprised, then don’t be. Decisions made in the NFL can change overnight; just as easily within the hour. A rule of thumb is to never hold too much stock in what you hear or read, until you see or hear proof-positive information.

So before we make up our minds that Fox will return in 2010, we should weigh the pros and cons of his biggest potential replacement, Bill Cowher.

Cowher has been a TV analyst for the past couple of years, and his name has been mentioned in many circles as the next coach of the Panthers.

Cowher is a motivator and a leader. He asks his players to give everything they have. He also holds players accountable for their actions both on and off the field. He is also a stable coach. You know what to expect from Cowher and a Cowher-coached football team.

Cowher’s resume includes a Super Bowl win with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was the head coach for almost two decades.

Why would the Panthers be a good fit for Cowher? Well, there are many factors. One factor I will rule out is the proximity of where he resides in North Carolina (approximately three hours from Charlotte), although that is a legitimate and arguably a good reason.

For one, there are many ties to Wofford College, both within the Panthers and the college, but also with Bill Cowher. Coincidentally (or not–not that it really matters), Cowher’s daughters are students at Wofford College.

Panthers’ team president Danny Morrison was formerly the president at Wofford.

Panthers’ owner Jerry Richardson, attended and played football for Wofford.

Carolina also holds it’s training camp at Wofford.

Another reason the Panthers would be a good fit for Cowher, is Jerry Richardson, much like Steelers owner Art Rooney, will let Cowher do his job with very little (if any) interference. Added to that, Richardson won’t expect immediate results, as he knows that with a change of head coach, it will take time to get back to a winning state.

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