What is really interesting is that when you go to the link of the Trib’s article you get nothing but a blank page. It is as if the article had never existed at all. And if you look at the Trib’s sports page, there is no indication about yesterday’s report at all.

This is embarrassing and not the way to handle a situation like this in any way, shape, or form. The Trib really needs to come clean and admit that it blew it big time with that shoddy reporting.

It’s no secret that I thought Grimm would be getting the job but it seems that Tomlin really impressed during his interview and is considered by many in the league as a rising star. I have to say that I do have concerns about Tomlin’s defensive scheme (although there would be some symmetry since the “Tampa Two defense” originated in Pittsburgh with Bud Carson and during the 1970′s when Tony Dungey was a Safety on the team) but based on the Rooney’s track record the past 28 years, I have faith that they will pick the correct coach for the team.

Update: From the Post-Gazette:

“At this point and time, the Steelers have not concluded a contract agreement with a new head coach, nor do we expect to do so today. There will be no other announcements from this office today.”

Update 2: According to the P-G it’s Tomlin (hat tip: Honestwagner)

The Steelers announced today that they have narrowed their search for a head coach to three — Russ Grimm, Mike Tomlin and Ron Rivera.

I think that it’s Grimm’s job for the taking. I can’t see the Steelers waiting for Rivera.

I personally feel that there is enough blame to be spread among all the parties involved and this was a relationship that had just run it’s course. Let me try to split the baby this way. Yes, the Rooney’s should have offered more money to Cowher because of the level of excellence that the Steeler had during his tenure. On the other hand, after the 2000 season the Steelers were coming off of their third season of not making the playoffs and had a record of 22 – 26 during those years. In today’s NFL I would say about 90% of the owners, if not more, would have fired Cowher after the 2000 season. Yet the Rooney’s stuck with Cowher and the results were a Super Bowl victory. So I really don’t see this as being one party only being responcable for this partnership that gave us Steeler fan such enjoyment over the past 15 years.

This brings us to the question of who will be the next coach of the Steelers? Going into this it looked like it was a slam dunk to be Russ Grimm but now I am not so sure. This is because the Steelers have interviewed an old Offensive Coordinator of ours, Chan Gailey and not only that, they have permission to talk with Mike Sherman (the former Green Bay Head Coach) too. I really have know clue what direction the Rooney’s are taking with this coaching search. The only thing that I can say is that I do have the utmost faith in them to make the right decision

Rule 2 – Games are on Sunday. If you are staying in a hotel in another city, have them wake you by Sunday. Remember, we need 11 (that’s ten plus one) to play.

Rule 3 – The stripes go on the outside.

Rule 4 – Even though the fans leave by half-time, you have to stay for the whole game. Remember we need 11 (that’s ten plus one) to play.

Rule 5 – All NFL playoff games are shown on the large screen TV in the Bengals training facility during the post season. All Bengals players are required to attend. Hall of Famers typically bring the food, so you may want to grab something to eat before each game.

Rule 6 – Off the field attire. The Bengals choose an entertainment industry partner each year to promote the team and the product of our partner. This year our partner is NBC Television. Prior to every game, and in the locker room, each Bengal will wear a tee shirt promoting the hit NBC TV show “The Biggest Loserâ€?.

Rule 7 – You are NOT allowed to sit with the players on the opposing team’s bench. Even for a little while.

Rule 8 – Prison. Try to schedule prison terms for the off season, unless you are hurt. Typically, we start to play in late August and are pretty much done by mid-October, but REMEMBER we need 11 (that’s ten plus one) to play. Talk to your lawyer, he will know when it’s August.

Rule 9 – Sportsmanship. Remember the Bengals creed, “It’s not wining that counts, it’s the fun of free agency.â€? You are on one of the “fun-istâ€? teams in all of professional sports. Many of the best Bengals ever to play game have distinguished careers with other teams.

Rule 10 – The Bengals stand for exelinse.

• The Prediction: Not too surprisingly, I think that the steelers will win. I think it will be a good, well played game and close game. The final score will be 24 – 21, Steelers and the Steeler Nation will erupt with joy.
• There is a rumor going around that Jerome Bettis is from Detroit, he may retire after this game and the Steelers want to win the game for him.
• Can there be a more well respected, understated and humble owner than Dan Rooney? I don’t think so.