Did Bill Cowher Play In The NFL?
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Bill Cowher is best known for his time as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but did you know that he actually played in the NFL for a short time? Here’s a look at his brief playing career.
Bill Cowher’s Background
Bill Cowher played linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns from 1969-1972. He was drafted in the 7th round of the 1969 NFL Draft. After his NFL career, he became a coach. He was the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1992-2006.
His early life
William Laird Cowher (/ˈkaʊhər/; born May 8, 1957) is a former professional American football coach and television analyst. He was the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1992 to 2006. In 15 seasons as the Steelers’ head coach, Cowher led the team to 10 AFC Central championships, two AFC Championships, and Super Bowl XL in which they defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21–10 to win their fifth Lombardi Trophy. He is currently an analyst for The NFL Today.
Cowher was born in Crafton Heights, a working-class section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One of three sons born to Grace (née Glenning) and Elfred Cowher, he attended Carlynton High School in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, where he played football under legendary coach Chuck Klausing.Elfred owned and operated a small grocery store in Carlynton called “C&C markets”, where all three brothers worked during their youth. Following his high school graduation in 1975, Cowher attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. While at NC State he played defensive end under head coach Monte Kiffin.
His college career
Bill Cowher was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Joan and Gordon Cowher. He attended high school at Carlynton High School in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, where he played football, basketball, and track. He graduated from Carlynton in 1969.
Cowher played college football at North Carolina State University. He was a three-year starter at linebacker for the Wolfpack from 1972 to 1974. He graduated from NC State in 1975 with a degree in education.
Bill Cowher’s NFL Career
Bill Cowher played linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1969-1972. He was then drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1972 NFL Draft. He played for the Steelers from 1972-1983.
His time with the Browns
Bill Cowher began his NFL head coaching career with the Browns in 1992. He was just 34 years old when he took over the team. In his first year, the Browns went 11-5 and made it to the AFC Championship game. They lost to the Broncos, however, and Cowher’s record as a head coach would not be tarnished again for quite some time.
The Browns went 8-8 in 1993 and 1994, but in 1995, they struggled to a 5-11 record. Cowher was fired after the season. He would go on to have great success with the Steelers, but his time with the Browns was short-lived.
His time with the Eagles
From 1972-1975, Cowher played linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career as a special teams player, but he quickly earned a starting role. He became known as one of the hardest-hitting linebackers in the league. In 1974, he was selected to the Pro Bowl.
His time with the Steelers
Bill Cowher began his NFL head coaching career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992. He led the team to 10 playoff appearances, winning eight division championships and two Super Bowls. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1992 and 1996. Cowher stepped down as head coach of the Steelers in 2006.
Bill Cowher’s Post-NFL Career
After 15 seasons as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bill Cowher retired from the NFL in 2007. Since then, he has worked as a studio analyst for CBS’ The NFL Today and as a contributor for CBSSports.com. In 2010, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
His coaching career
Bill Cowher began his NFL coaching career as the Defensive Coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1989-1991. He then became the Head Coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992. He remained the Steelers Head Coach until 2007, when he retired from coaching. In his 15 seasons as the Steelers Head Coach, Cowher led the team to 10 playoff appearances, 8 division championships, 2 AFC Championship titles, and 1 Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl XL).
His broadcasting career
Bill Cowher began his broadcasting career in 1999 as an NFL analyst for FOX. He joined CBS in 2001 as the studio analyst for The NFL Today.[45] He was also a color commentator for various Thanksgiving Day games on the network. On February 1, 2007, it was announced that Cowher would be joining NBC’s newly formed Football Night in America studio show as a contributor.[46]
In May 2007, it was reported that Cowher had signed a contract extension with CBS through the 2011 season.[47] In February 2009, it was announced that Cowher would be joining Showtime’s Inside the NFL as an analyst for the 2009 NFL season.[48]
