Bill Cowher - Thanks for the Memories

As many readers of my blog know, I am a huge Pittsburgh Steeler fan. So it is with a heavy heart I say good bye to the Bill Cowher era for the Steelers.  Bill "retired" Friday, after 15 years at the helm of the team.  During this period the Steelers only won one Super Bowl (but how sweet it was).  However, they appeared in 6 AFC championship games (record of 2-4) and one other Super Bowl (loss to the Cowboys) during his tenure.  Most importantly whether they won it all or not, you knew the team on the field was going to be well coached and competitive with Cowher prowling the sidelines.

I remember like it was yesterday, the Steelers announcing that they were going to hire a 32 year old Pittsburgh native from Marty Schottenheimer's KC Chiefs staff to succeed the living legend, Hall of Fame coach, Chuck Noll.  Noll had coached the Steelers for 20+ years and won 4 Super Bowls.  Who would have thought the young kid with the big jaw and spittle running down his chin when he got excited would stick around this long!  Ironically, Bill called it quits on Noll's 75th birthday. The Steelers have been blessed to have had these two men run the show over the last 35+ years. 

I am sure Bill is not done with his NFL coaching career, just the Steeler part of it.  I wish him well and hope he enjoys his time off with his family.  I am grateful for all of the great memories I have of the Steelers during his time.  Win or lose, they always made me proud as a tough, quality football team.  I hope that whoever the Steelers pick to succeed him will enjoy as successful a stint as the last two guys who had the job.  Good Luck Bill, thanks for the memories!