I love this guy
This post has nothing to do with my usual content so I'll keep it brief. Today is one of those days that I always knew would come, yet I didn't realize the potential impact until now. I'm speaking of the impending announcement in regards to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher's retirement.

If you are not familiar with my "ties" to the Steelers, they were one of the first organizations that I covered (for LoveFootball.com and the Dick Butkus Football Network) back in the days when I was first breaking into the publishing realm. I was even recognized in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as having one of the Top Steelers Websites. You can read more about that and my history as a website publisher, newsletter editor, obsessive memorabilia collector, and lifelong fan. Although I later moved on into the baseball realm (Baseball Almanac) and have finally arrived here (Christian-based Civil War history), my affections for the Black and Gold have never wavered.

After all, I’m “StlrsFan1@aol.”

As a native Pittsburgher, my fellow football aficionados and me have been spoiled with two coaches for over 30 years. That's it. We went from Chuck Noll's "Steel Curtain Dynasty," to Bill Cowher's "60 Minute Men." Unlike Noll, I suspect that Bill will probably take a year off from the NFL, and then return with another franchise that is willing (and can afford) to pay him what he's worth as a recent Super Bowl winner.

I don't think that I'll have as big of a problem with seeing "The Chin" pacing the sidelines in another team's colors, BUT I fear that the replacement coach (or coaches) to follow will make the Steelers franchise just another revolving door in the NFL.

One of the special things about being a Steelers fan (especially one who grew up in the 1970's Pittsburgh City of Champions) was the loyalty and family-like atmosphere in which the franchise is run. The Rooney family has been the sole owner since "The Chief" established the team back in the 1930's - and in my lifetime (I'm 34 now) I've rooted for a team with ONLY 2 head coaches. Change can be good, and I’m anxious to see whom this vacancy will bring to the table. It better be someone good, someone blue collar, someone who is not afraid to spit when they yell, and someone worthy of filling Cowher's shoes.

Bill (the monosyllabic Pittsburgh proper, "CAHR”) led the Steelers to 10 playoff appearances, eight division titles, and the fifth Super Bowl title in franchise history. He also had the longest tenure in NFL history, and also (had) logged the longest span in one place of any current active coach - in any professional sport.

All I can say is THANK YOU Bill for so many wonderful years. Best of luck in all that you do (unless you return as the Brown’s coach of course.) And Mr. Rooney - PLEASE be careful when selecting a replacement. Stick to your guns, find another diamond in the rough, and for God’s sake, don't become "just another NFL franchise."