Big Ben on Bill Cowher: 'Cleveland Could Be His No. 1 Spot'

Whenever an opponent says that a former coach would be a perfect fit for your team, it's probably wise to be a little apprehensive. Ben Roethlisberger was asked earlier this week if Bill Cowher would never coach the Browns out of loyalty to the Rooney family, and the Steelers quarterback offered this:

"Only he could tell you that," Roethlisberger said. "Honestly - and I can only talk for a few of the players here - we joke around and say that (Cleveland) could be his No. 1 spot."

A little history: Cowher played linebacker with the Browns, and was later a special teams coach under Marty Schottenheimer, so he has ties to the team. There's also the little issue of current head coach Romeo Crennel and his ten wins in two season. Another one of those and the Browns could be looking for a new head coach.

Frankly, Big Ben's comments are harmless enough, and in terms of bulletin-board material, they doesn't even make the bulletin board. Cowher has made it known that he won't coach in 2008, but Nick Saban said he wasn't leaving the Dolphins for Alabama. Basically, anything's possible if the money's right.

There's no doubt the Browns would jump at the chance to bring in Cowher, and hell, Cowher might relish the opportunity to turn the team around. But for now, it's just talk. Plus, Cleveland general manager Phil Savage says Crennel's job isn't in jeopardy. Of course, there's no guarantee Savage has a job at the end of the season, so that may not mean much.