Lifer: How can you lose 4 AFC Title games at home,especially against the Chargers of 94,who embarrassed themselves in the Super Bowl and the Patriots of 01 who were premature in their assent to pwer in the AFC?

Jerry Micco: A guy like that should resign from his job, Lifer. Oh wait, he just did!

PPPML939_NETSCAPE.COM: Type here; Will Bill Cowher consider taking a year off and then Coach Penn State? That would be great for Pennsylvania, Steeler Fans and Penn State Fans.

Jerry Micco: Not unless Joe Paterno gives up on the second year of his current contract. And that'd be like my dog giving up on a ham bone. Not going to happen.

traffic: I think Cowher is going to coach somewhere next year. Did you notice when he first spoke, he started to say "re.." and then stopped and said "resign." I think he was starting to say retire, but realized that was probably not accurate.

Jerry Micco: I think he will take a year off, traffic, then get back into coaching. I think he really does want to take a year to kick back, play golf, watch Lindsay's games. Maybe travel. Maybe do some TV.

traffic: How do you think one goes from making over 4 million a year to nothing and survive? I find it hard to believe he does not have at least one mortgage payment out of three houses. And it cannot be cheap to maintain any of those houses, pay for two Ivy league educations, car payments, etc. One would think at 60 or so, you would have the money saved to do that. At 49 and not being one of the highest paid coaches, it makes me wonder.

Jerry Micco: Obviously, he takes care of his money. And his daughters are excellent basketball players. While the Ivy doesn't offer scholarships, they do offer financial aid. And several years of making multiple millions can lead to a tidy nest egg. Not that I'd know what that's like.

Cowher_fan_for_life: This statement from the Post-Gazette has puzzled me since I first read it, "Cowher's wife and youngest daughter, Lindsay, have been living in Raleigh since late summer because their daughter wanted to play basketball in North Carolina this year. " Since when does a 15 year old make multi-million dollar decisions in any household? Please tell me there is more to this. In your opinion, why did the family really relocate?

Jerry Micco: My guess, and it's only a guess is, the Cowhers have been thinking of this for some time and after winning SBXL, the time seemed perfect. I think that area of the country is beautiful and is a popular retirement area. And why not go where you want to go (they both went to college there) and live in a temperate climate?

whosnext: Ed Bouchette, recently said that Cowher told him, "it didn't have to end this way", was there any tension between Cowher and Art Rooney II, that may have pushed Cowher towards resignation?

Jerry Micco: Ed has said that in our pages and reiterated it today on FSN. And if Ed says it, then it certainly has credibility.

PirateApologist: Jerry, will the next coach last 15 years?

Jerry Micco: I don't think so. I believe Cowher is the last of the coaches who can reach double figures. Though you could put Shanahan and possibly Belichick in that class, too. But I think those are the last of a bunch who will have enough staying power -- and willpower -- to stay put for that long.

Enter_Name_hereBIGNASTYD: what do you think about Rex Ryan the baltimore d coordinator as our next head coach?

Jerry Micco: I know he has great athletes on defense and that helps him to be a terrific coach. Now if he can bring Adaelis Thomas with him, then they should hire him.

PirateApologist: If Whisenhunt is chosen as the next coach, does Grimm become offensive coordinator?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure if Grimm stays if Whisenhunt gets the job. And Grimm is on many short lists around the NFL for a head coaching job, too.

tomintexas: does anyone really think that either Russ Grimm or Whis will not be our next coach? a new face in the head place is what this team needs.

Jerry Micco: I think one of those two will get the job, but I think the Steelers should take a good look at outside candidates. If for no other reason than to get a different, outside perspective of the team.

dave: where do i send my resume for the coaching job

Jerry Micco: Art Rooney II...Pittsburgh, Pa.

yzguy431: who are leading candidates from outside the organization to replace cahr

Jerry Micco: You hear Ron Rivera in Chicago. You hear Kirk Ferentz at Iowa. Also Mike Singletary, who is a coach in San Francisco. Maybe Cam Cameron, the Chargers offensive coordinator. Even Dom Capers, who is the defensive coordinator in Miami.

traffic: I did not watch all the QnA at the end of the conference. Did Cowher get choked up at all? Was Joey Porter there to give him a kiss good bye?! Did Bob Smizik have to had Cowher a hankie. I was hoping for a little more emotion from someone who said he has not lost his fire/is not burnt out.

Jerry Micco: He's such an emotional guy, I'm surprised that mighty chin didn't at least quiver. Nope, none of that today. I can't talk about all my wife has done for me without getting emotional. But you know us Italian-Americans....I cry over kids' books!

RedRyderEnt: It's hard to think that money wasn't at least a small factor in Coach Cowher's decision. If, based upon numbers that have recently been tossed about in the press, Cowher was seeking $8M+ annually to stay, and the Steelers were offering $6M, does it not strike you as a bit disingenuous that they couldn't find middle ground? After all, how many players under Cowher's watch have restructured contracts and/or taken less than fair market value, to remain a Steeler?

Jerry Micco: I think money was a part of it, certainly. And maybe the Steelers thought a 50 percent raise was a good enough raise to keep him, and was fair value. Money breaks up a lot of marriages. Breaks up a lot of teams, too.

GjSteeler: it is a tough day for Steeler fans

Jerry Micco: It is. I think Cowher has brought a lot to the Steeler Nation. And he did get a Super Bowl, that can never be denied.

GjSteeler: Looking at Art Rooney during his news conference..don't you think he was shocked by this?

Jerry Micco: Absolutely not.

Kirk_Ferentz: Any inside scoop on a short list of candidates?

Jerry Micco: You're on it, Kirk.

davebo: how long do you think bill will take off?

Jerry Micco: I think he'll take a year off then decide to do something. That something could be TV, but I think someone will pony up a lot of cash to get him to coach again.

DTA: who's the favorite to become the next coach

Jerry Micco: From all we've been able to ascertain, Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm.

DTA: Do you think the Rooney's should've offered him 8 million to stay as coach?

Jerry Micco: I think if your philosophy is you should pay top dollar to your head coach, then yes. If it's not, and it's not for the Rooneys, then you let him go.

slinky: What teams do you think have coaches on the hot seat next year. The Browns and Redskins are at the top of my list. Any others? I hope he does not coach the Brwons!!

Jerry Micco: I'd think those two are at the top of the list. If Denver misses the playoffs again, you might want to keep an eye on Shanahan. And if Indy goes out in one game this year, Dungy may be on thin ice.

JT: Do you think the Steelers will consider Rivera from the Bears?

Jerry Micco: I think he'll be considered, JT, and possibly interviewed.

steelerfan67: In order to comply with the Rooney Rule, what minorities will the Steelers consider? Ron Rivera of the Bears? Any other hot assistants or unknowns like Cowher essentially was before he was hired?

Jerry Micco: Today we spoke of a couple and Mike Singletary's name has surfaced, too.

bzim19: Has there been any indication the Steelers organization expect Cowher to join the team again at a later time?

Jerry Micco: None that I've either read about or heard about.

whosnext: Is that a yes?

Jerry Micco: That is a yes, who's next. There was some tension.

hoosierboy: As of right now, could you name 4 people in the running for the head coaching position?

Jerry Micco: Grimm, Whisenhunt, Rivera, Ferentz.

davebo: whats the chance of ken w as the the next coach? i think it is important for him because of his closeness with big ben. that would be best for little change which might be a good thing.

Jerry Micco: The players, for the most part, want the hire to be from within for the reasons you list. And I'd say Whisenhunt's chances are very good.

BIGNASTYD: do you realy think the steelers will promote within? my thinking is they will look outside and find a youn enthusiastic coach along the lines of cowher

Jerry Micco: I think this time around, they will stay within the organization. But if someone wows them in an interview or Grimm and Whisenhunt fall flat, sure, anything can happen.

newsgirl: why didn't anybody ask coach cowher why his wife moved to north carolina? are we to believe it was so his daughter could play basketball there? that seems a bit ridiculous.

Jerry Micco: He was asked early on and he didn't want to discuss it. So, we are left with what the family put out there.

DTA: How long will it be before we know who the next head coach is?

Jerry Micco: I'm going to say a week to 10 days, though guys like Ed Bouchette and Gerry Dulac have a better feel for this. I know we'll be pretty busy over the next week or so.

traffic: I respect Cowher's decision to resign, and I will miss him, having known only two coaches in my lifetime, but it seems to me he knew what he was going to do since they bought the house in NC last year. Why did he put off the announcement for so long?

Jerry Micco: I think he wanted to see if there was a lot of money sitting there because a lot of cash can change one's mind. I think if $8 million were on the table, he may have commuted to Raleigh rather than moved there.

chris007: You have to pick one--Wis or Grimm?

Jerry Micco: I don't know either personally or professionally, so I'll take a pass. I don't know enough about their styles and skills as coaches.

whosnext: Since Jerome Bettis' comments at the begining of the season, do you think Cowher told the team he was leaving long ago? Jerry Micco: No, I don't think he did, but I'm sure it was in the back of their minds all season long. At the end, he probably strongly hinted he was gone.

josh: whos the next coach

Jerry Micco: Gonna have to ask Art II that one, josh. If I were betting, I'd say Whisenhunt, but it's nothing more than a guess. Your pick is as good as mine.

tomintexas: any chance a guy like tony dungy who has seemingly let his window of opportunity in indy run out come back to the burgh?

Jerry Micco: I mentioned that earlier. If they get zapped in the first round, he may be in trouble. And he'd be a good candidate to talk with if he were available.

bdkelly: What do you think are the chances of the Rooneys actually hiring someone outside the current coaching staff? It seems like everything we need is right here.

Jerry Micco: I think you always look outside, so they will. There's always a chance, but I think it's slim.

Cal_Naughton_Jr: Since the Rooneys have proven that they are not willing to pay fair market value (in Cowher's case, that would be what Holmgren is making), why would we expect the next coach to stay past their first contract?

Jerry Micco: Certainly, if he's successful and enjoys the job. The Rooney's did offer, according to our reports, $6.5 million. That's not chump change.

Steelers33: Do you think they'll be able to sign joey porter to an extension now that "his guy' has resigned?

Jerry Micco: I think Joey Porter is on the bubble as far as being resigned. Let's see how free agency works out in the next few weeks.

MDSteeler: If someone outside the organization gets hired, does Dick Labeau retain his job?

Jerry Micco: Depends on the new head coach.

NittanyEagle: Do you feel that college coaches will be looked at (even Ferentz) after the Saban fiasco in Miami?

Jerry Micco: I think the Steelers like to talk to a guy with some pro experience, which Ferentz has.

chris007: What postion will the Steelers address in the first round of the draft?

Jerry Micco: Depends on what they address in free agency. I think it should be outside linebacker, but only one LB is projected for the first round and that's Paul Posluzsny. So maybe a corner, unless they think Poz could rush the passer.

hoosierboy: Cam Cameron? I feel that if he ever becomes head coach, I will abandon this team forever. He has no real track record and what he does have at San Diego is not because of him it is because of his MVP. What are your thoughts on the outside candidates?

Jerry Micco: I think Rivera is worth a look as is Singletary. Dom Capers is probably worth a look , too.

chris007: Don't you think it was time Bill and the team parted ways?

Jerry Micco: As in any long relationship, Chris, sometimes change is for the better.

yzguy431: do you think if the team had done better this year, he would have stayed longer

Jerry Micco: Not unless they won the Super Bowl, then he'd have stayed for a 3peat.

Cal_Naughton_Jr: How ugly was Cowher's sweater? Doesn't this guy own a suit?

Jerry Micco: Hey, I don't dress him. He must have a suit somewhere, but I've never seen it.

sydney: Is there anything to Ed Bouchette's comments following the press conference about growing discontent between Cowher and the front office (presumably Art Rooney II)?

Jerry Micco: If Ed said it, there's something to it. Ed is one hell of a reporter.

Jerry Micco: Folks, I need to run. Thanks for taking the time to do this. It's a big story and we'll be reporting it all in our pages and at post-gazette.com. Thanks for chatting!