Steelers decide they look super in white
The Steelers will buck years of tradition and wear their white away uniforms in the Super Bowl against Seattle, even though they are designated by the NFL as the home team and could wear their more imposing black jersey tops.
The black jerseys and gold pants are the Steelers' traditional look, and numerous sports teams have switched to black uniforms in recent years because they believe it creates a more intimidating presence.
Cowher made the choice by himself and without consulting with ownership.
The Steelers' unprecedented success as a road team no doubt factored into Cowher's decision to wear white for the fourth consecutive game. The Steelers are the only sixth-seeded team to reach the Super Bowl and the first to knock off the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 teams in a conference to get there. They have won in successive weeks at Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Denver.
Their choice will put the Seahawks in their metallic blue ''home" jerseys. Seattle was 10-0 in the regular season and playoffs while wearing blue at home. But they were 0-2 away from Qwest Field with them, losing at Jacksonville in Week 1 and at Washington in Week 4.
But it was Cowher's decision to wear white that caused the biggest stir in Pittsburgh.
''I didn't think it was that big a deal what jersey color you're wearing," Cowher said. ''Maybe that's just me, OK? To me, if you're not playing at Heinz Field it's an away game. I think anyone can understand that rationale. If it's a sensitive issue to people, I'm sorry."
Heimerdinger leaves
The New York Jets parted ways with offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger. Last week, new coach Eric Mangini informed Heimerdinger the team would retain him to run the offense. Heimerdinger was upset with the decision because he was interviewed and passed over for the head coaching job, making for an awkward situation. It is unclear what type of financial agreement was made to let Heimerdinger out of his deal. Heimerdinger's agent, Bob LaMonte, was traveling and unavailable for comment. Heimerdinger didn't return a message seeking comment . . . Steve Fairchild was named offensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills, given the task of resuscitating one of the NFL's worst offenses. Fairchild, who spent the past three seasons as the St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator, broke into the NFL as the Bills running backs coach in 2001-02 . . . Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper has decided to end his relationship with longtime agent Mason Ashe. Culpepper, recovering from major knee surgery, has indicated that he preferred to play where he was wanted, suggesting that he won't accept being a backup if he's healthy. Brad Johnson, who took over after Culpepper got injured, also has stressed his desire to remain a starter.
