Cowher leaves Steelers, but not for retirement

PITTSBURGH - Bill Cowher resigned as the Pittsburgh Steelers' coach yesterday, one year after winning the Super Bowl, but he didn't rule out returning to an NFL sideline.

"That makes you feel old," Cowher, 49, said of retirement.

Cowher stepped aside after coaching the Steelers for 15 seasons to spend more time with his family. He had one year left on his contract, following an 8-8 season that was a disappointment, especially after last season.

The Steelers became the first team to win three playoff games on the road and then win the Super Bowl as a sixth-seeded AFC team.

"History will look back on Bill Cowher as one of the great coaches of all time," Steelers chairman Dan Rooney said.

Cowher, a former Pittsburgh-area high school player, was third among active coaches in regular-season victories with a 149-90-1 record, and fourth overall with a 161-99-1, record counting postseason games.

The Steelers will begin a coaching search immediately to replace Cowher, who called Rooney on Thursday to inform him of his decision. Cowher said he would willingly offer advice about his successor if the Rooney family wanted his opinion.

Before winning the Super Bowl, Cowher said his one goal was to hand Rooney the Lombardi Trophy. Rooney returned the favor yesterday, handing Cowher a miniature silver trophy.

Now, one of the NFL's rarest events now will start - a Steelers coaching search. The team has had only two coaches since 1969, when it still played in Pitt Stadium: Chuck Noll (23 seasons) and Cowher. The Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts have had 15 coaches during that time.

Cowher has talked of wanting to spend more time with his family, especially now that they are living in a new home in Raleigh, N.C., where he and wife Kaye attended North Carolina State. Cowher's two oldest daughters attend Princeton, and the youngest has 21/2 years of high school remaining.

"I wish the Steelers nothing but the best, but I've given a lot of thought to this decision," Cowher said. "To be honest, I'm looking forward to it, spending time with the family. . . . Working in a world that is so regimented and scheduled, the ability to sit back at my age and spend time with family and be a big part of their lives again really excites me."

While Cowher is resigning, there is no indication he is retiring from pro football. He said he is not weary of coaching or dealing with players - a sign he might be back on an NFL sideline as early as 2008.

"I'm not burned out," he said. "But there comes a time in your life - I'm healthy and happy, and I've been fortunate - when you've got to prioritize things. My family has made a lot of sacrifices for me, and I'm looking forward to being there for them. It's the right time."

Cowher, who led the Steelers to the playoffs 10 times, the AFC title game six times and the Super Bowl twice, said his most vivid memories are of the five AFC title games at home - even though four of them were losses.

Two strong contenders to replace Cowher - Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm - already are interviewing with other teams. Whisenhunt met Thursday with the Atlanta Falcons and yesterday with the Cardinals.