Bill Cowher Biography

Bill Cowher, born on May 8, 1957, served as a professional football linebacker and later became head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL for 15 seasons. He began his coaching career as an assistant under Marty Schottenheimer with the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs, eventually serving as defensive coordinator for the Chiefs from 1989 to 1991. In 1992, Cowher was appointed head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a role he maintained until retiring after the 2006 season. During his tenure, the Steelers secured eight division titles, two AFC Championship victories, and a win in Super Bowl XL. His Super Bowl triumph was the first championship for the team in over twenty years and the first not achieved under coach Chuck Noll. After graduating in 1975, Cowher chose to attend North Carolina State University, one of the few institutions that extended him a scholarship. Cowher was not selected in the 1979 NFL draft, despite his collegiate football experience.