source: cleveland.com

Browns owner Randy Lerner said today that former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher told him he was not interested in joining the Browns.

  This is really no surprise considering Cowhers Steeler roots. By going to the Browns, he would forever tarnish his image in Pittsburgh.

 Cowher went on to say that he was quite comfortable with his currrent position.

Speculation for his replacement had been centered on Cowher for several weeks, but Lerner said Monday that he met with Cowher on Saturday night and that Cowher said he would not return to coaching in 2009 and asked Lerner to take him off the Browns list of candidates.

Cowher told Lerner that he was comfortable with his lifestyle in North Carolina at this time

  If you were looking for some glimmer of hope that Cowher may be coaching next year, you may find it here:

"I got word that he was available for an informal conversation because he was very aware I had him at the top of the list, getting involved with the Browns," Lerner said. "He wanted to tell me personally that he did not anticipate coaching in 2009.

Just because Cowher does not "anticipate" coaching doesn't mean he will not. The first team to attempt to court him also happens to be a rival of the city and the team where he is considered a legend. Given enough money, staff and team control, i believe the opportunity to coach a New York team could be too enticing to pass up.