LATROBE, Pa. -- Former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis made his television debut as a football commentator Sunday night, and some fans are still talking about what he had to say.

During halftime of the Washington Redskins-Cincinnati Bengals game, Bettis said he thinks Steelers coach Bill Cowher will walk away after this season.

"I really think this is the last year for coach Cowher in Pittsburgh," Bettis said. "I talked with him after the season was over and he was really a different guy."

Following the Steelers' Monday afternoon practice at training camp, Cowher responded to what Bettis said the night before.

"This will be the last time I talk about this whole matter," Cowher said. "Jerome and I talked in March, about a month after the Super Bowl. There was no confidential information given. I think we were both very reflective at the time.

"We have not talked since then. I saw him in passing at the ESPYs. I was in and out of there in 24 hours. He has to understand as you get closer to training camp, time has a way of refocusing people.

"I think there has been a lot of speculation about my future. I am here to say, once again, that it's purely speculation."

Cowher said he was somewhat disappointed when he heard about Bettis' on-air comments, but he understands that the media has a job to do.

UPDATE: Team President Art Rooney released the following statement on Tuesday morning.

"Over the past several months we have had a continuing and positive dialogue with Coach Cowher's representative, Octagon President Phil de Picciotto, concerning Bill's contract and the future. I remain optimistic and hopeful that we will be able to conclude a contract extension which will keep Bill coaching the Pittsburgh Steelers for many more years. However, we have all agreed that at this time we will continue those conversations after this season so that Bill's focus, and the focus of the entire organization can be on the excitement and challenge of defending the Super Bowl Championship."