Steelers schedule news conference

PITTSBURGH -- With Bill Cowher showing no signs of returning next season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will hold an afternoon news conference Friday and likely will begin searching for a new coach immediately afterward.

Cowher, the Steelers' coach for 15 seasons and one of the NFL's best-known figures, met with team owner Dan Rooney and president Art Rooney II on Tuesday and asked for a few days to weigh his future plans. However, they had an understanding there would be a decision by Monday because the Steelers have to move on if Cowher isn't coming back.

Two strong candidates to replace him -- offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm -- already are in place and are interviewing with other teams.

-- AP