There's Already Cowher-to-Dolphins Talk in League Circles

Executives with some teams around the league already are speculating that the Miami Dolphins might try to hire Bill Cowher as their coach if Cowher resigns, as expected, from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga said Wednesday after losing his coach, Nick Saban, to the University of Alabama that the team would spare no expense finding a replacement. Cowher undoubtedly would be expensive, both in terms of a contract and in terms of compensation to the Steelers since Cowher's contract in Pittsburgh runs through next season. The Dolphins likely would have to surrender a draft pick or a package of draft picks to the Steelers for the right to hire Cowher.

Cowher is with his family in Raleigh, N.C., and probably will return to Pittsburgh early next week to tell Steelers owner Dan Rooney and club president Art Rooney II what he's going to do. If Cowher does resign, the question will be whether he wants to take a year or two off from coaching or if he could be lured right into another job by a lucrative contract offer.

In the meantime, the Dolphins are beginning their pursuit of other candidates. They reportedly have been granted permission to interview San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. They also are likely to interview Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary, and perhaps New York Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis and their own former defensive coordinator and interim head coach, Jim Bates. Their wish list might include USC Coach Pete Carroll but he's given no indication that he's willing to leave the school for any price.

The Dolphins also have two former NFL head coaches, Dom Capers and Mike Mularkey, among their assistants.

By Mark Maske |  January 4, 2007; 9:55 AM ET  | Category:  Coaching , Dolphins , Steelers
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