Cowher steps down as Steelers coach

PITTSBURGH -- Bill Cowher resigned as the Pittsburgh Steelers' coach Friday, stepping aside to spend more time with his family one year after winning the Super Bowl title he had chased since 1992.

The 49-year-old Cowher left with 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.

The Steelers will begin a coaching search immediately to replace the departing 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.

Cowher, one of the NFL's most recognizable faces and successful coaches, has weighed resigning since shortly after the Steelers finally won the Super Bowl in February. But he wouldn't say Friday he is retiring -- meaning he could return to an NFL sideline some day, though he wouldn't discuss that at his final Steelers news conference.

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

Before winning the Super Bowl, Cowher always said his one goal was to hand Rooney the Lombardi Trophy. Rooney returned the favor Friday, handing Cowher a miniature silver trophy at his going-away news conference.

One of the NFL's rarest events now will occur -- a Steelers coaching search. They have had only two coaches since 1969, when they still were playing in Pitt Stadium: Chuck Noll (23 seasons) and Cowher. The Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts have had 15 coaches during that time.

"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.

Cowher led the Steelers to the playoffs 10 times, the AFC title game six times and the Super Bowl twice.

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 Friday with the Cardinals.

Cowher is the NFL's longest-tenured coach with his current team; Tennessee's Jeff Fisher, with 13 seasons, is second. Cowher, a former Pittsburgh-area high school player, is 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.

Raiders fire Shell -- again

Al Davis lamented firing Art Shell more than a decade ago, often calling the decision a mistake. He evidently felt the same way about his move to bring Shell back for a second stint with the Raiders.

Shell was fired as Oakland's coach Thursday, just four days after finishing up the franchise's worst season in more than four decades. After he met with Davis, the team announced Shell would not return as coach for the final season of his contract.

Shell's departure from the sideline marks the third coaching change for Davis in the past four years. Oakland has just a 15-49 record in that span, including 2-14 this season.

Browns make changes

Wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie and tight ends coach Ben Coates won't be back with the Cleveland Browns next season, the first departures in an overhaul of coach Romeo Crennel's staff.

The team announced Friday that those two as well as offensive quality control coach Carl Crennel II and strength and conditioning coach John Lott will not be retained for next season.

More coaching changes could occur as Romeo Crennel continues meeting with general manager Phil Savage and owner Randy Lerner following a 4-12 season.

-- The Associated Press