The Firing Line: Line Up the Usual Suspects

Well, that hit like a lightning bolt.

Adios, Marty Schottenheimer, who follows his protege Bill Cowher into the land of former NFL head coaches. It's a shame for Marty, who seems like a decent enough guy and has a sterling record for regular season wins over his long career, but still ... he will be remembered for so many negatives: the boneheaded, overly conservative play-calling late in games; the "choker" label; the ignominious 5-13 record in the playoffs; the inability to win "The Big One;" and the scorn and opprobrium heaped upon him by columnists and bloggers, including, but not limited to, The Big Lead and FireSchottenheimer.com.

Not that we dispute or object to any of that.

Actually, after four AFC Championship Game losses during the Cowher era (not to be bitter), some of us Steelers fans understand all of that.

On a brighter note, what a plum job has suddenly come available. The Chargers had the best regular-season record, 14-2, in the NFL last season. The talent on that team is ridiculous, arguably as good as any in the NFL.

So, how long till the rumors start that the Chargers management cabal is courting Bill Cowher to take over the reins in San Diego? Nah, the Chin wouldn't do that to his former mentor.

Would he?

Nah. So, who will take the reins in San Diego?

As Claud Rains, playing Capt. Louis Renault, said in Casablanca, "Line up the usual suspects."