PITTSBURGH – Bill Cowher announced Friday that he is stepping down as Steelers head coach after 15 years at his position. Cowher was the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL and only the team’s second head coach since 1969.
Cowher, the 15th head coach in team history, replaced legendary Steelers Head Coach Chuck Noll on Jan. 21, 1992, at the age of 34. In 1995, at age 38, he became the youngest head coach to lead his team to the Super Bowl when the Steelers played the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX. He ultimately led the Steelers to their fifth Super Bowl title in 2005, with a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL.
“We would like to thank Bill Cowher for his tremendous contributions to the Steelers organization and for leading us to our fifth Super Bowl title,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II. “Bill will always be a valued part of Steelers history and tradition, and we wish him the very best with all future endeavors.”
Cowher led the Steelers to postseason appearances in each of his first six seasons, tying an NFL record originally set by Cleveland Browns legendary head coach Paul Brown. In 15 seasons under Cowher, the Steelers made 10 postseason appearances, won eight division titles, played in six AFC Championship games and two Super Bowls, winning one NFL title.
“History will look back on Bill Cowher as one of the great head coaches of his time,” said Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney. “He led us through one of the most successful eras in franchise history and has my lasting respect and admiration.”
Cowher ended his Steelers career with an overall record of 161-99-1 (.619) including a 149-90-1 (.623) mark in the regular season. His record with the team ranks second only to Noll’s overall (209-156-1/.572) and regular season (193-148-1/.566) records. Cowher’s .623 regular season and .619 overall winning percentages are the highest in Steelers history.
During Cowher’s tenure as Steelers head coach, 105 head coaches were hired throughout the NFL. In 15 seasons under Cowher, the Steelers tied (New England) for the league’s most division titles and posted the NFL’s best overall record in the regular season. Cowher also posted winning records against 20 of 31 NFL teams.
