Bill Cowher - A Football Life

Bill Cowher - A Football Life
William Laird Cowher (born May 8, 1957) is an American sports analyst, former football player and coach. Following a six-year playing career as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL), he served as a head coach in the NFL for 15 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He began his coaching career as an assistant under Marty Schottenheimer for the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs, serving as the latter's defensive coordinator from 1989 to 1991. Cowher was named head coach of the Steelers in 1992, whom he led until his retirement following the 2006 season. After retiring, he joined The NFL Today as a studio analyst.
Under Cowher, Pittsburgh won eight division titles, two AFC Championship Games, and Super Bowl XL. Cowher's Super Bowl victory marked the first championship title for the franchise in over two decades and the first not to be won by Chuck Noll, his predecessor. The Steelers appeared in the postseason 10 times with Cowher, including six consecutive appearances from his 1992 hiring to 1997, which made him the second NFL head coach to reach the playoffs during his first six seasons after Paul Brown. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

[@philipschifano5876]

Bills fan here born and raise .. but how can you not love this man. Think everyone can say they wish he was OUR coach!

[@TWAF]

His just so passionate about the game!

[@razorsedge7100]

Both you guys fools. @@TWAF

[@francissmithers952]

when she said dad, daddy we are world champs i cried today just as i did they day coaxh got his superbowl win,and he deserved it, and it was amazingly beautiful to watch..

[@TWAF]

Without a doubt.

[@jeffreycooley2032]

Lots of things about Bill Cowher were revealed. His, has been a very unique, and good life. Beautiful family, got to coach in his hometown, but I was unaware of his first wife passing away. That part made me realize that he, and his wife built a wonderful family that could support each other in tough times. My new favorite A Football Life episode.

[@TWAF]

One of my favorites too. I love the Chuck Noll one as well.

[@thebigfreakingcat4292]

@@TWAF Same here.

[@paulprigge1209]

You haven’t followed him very long.

[@jeffreycooley2032]

@@paulprigge1209 only because I only care about my San Francisco Fourtniners

[@razorsedge7100]

They did not mention here how he cheated on his wife Kay with a secratary in the steeler org.

[@chrisleo6639]

Yet another great "A Football Life." Master story tellers.

[@TWAF]

They really do a great job.

[@SteelersNSalsa_deMex1co]

Awesome, this video brought tears to my eyes. As a father to 3 beautiful daughters as well I look up to coach Cowher and how he was real down to earth Dad. I’m always there for my girls at every soccer game and giving them tips, the coaches came up to me and told me, “hey tell the girls to ease up on the pushing (they know how to use body) the other parents are getting upset but I love it” lol RIP Mrs. Cowher 🙏🏽 beautiful family

[@anthonygomez8870]

We’re world champions dad that’s great stuff right there

[@gooseflatwaterfowlers]

Bill Cowher is by far the epitome of what the Steelers are Toughness and Grit

[@TWAF]

He fits right in doesn’t he!!!

[@razorsedge7100]

Did they tell ya he cheated on his wife?

[@williamstocker584]

Never happened nice try though spreading false rumors is very common for people like you

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

@@razorsedge7100 We didn’t know he committed adultery But we didn’t care

[@jerrymillenpipesandcigars8470]

I am probably biased, but this is a great Football Life. While, I wasn't the coach or even player. I struggled all those years as a fan. Losing to San Diego at home in the AFC championship. They had no business going and SF proved that. So many great players and finally winning it all. Luv you coach!

[@TWAF]

I’m biased too. I live in San Diego now, and I exploded when the Chargers won.

[@AmirKhan-yv8jm]

@@TWAFthe Steelers would have also lost to the SF 49ers ! Lol😂

[@moteleyes2]

Bill Cowher is one of my favorite coaches. ❤❤

[@DumbAndArbitrary]

One of the coaches most deserving of praise ever.

[@TWAF]

Agreed!

[@sonic-qh7ed]

not even close to being a top coach. like the rock and roll hall of fame some. deserve in some dont he dont

[@Mangold2865]

@@sonic-qh7ed delusional

[@GillistheIllist]

This is one of the most oddly worded sentences. Ever.

[@Mangold2865]

@@GillistheIllist no one asked you Michael! Bill CAHR is a SAINT arahnd here!! Don’t be a jag n’at!

[@ucm7ucm791]

Chiefs fan- I remember as a child watching Bill coach on tv 📺 Good ol days !

[@lionsfan7500]

Suddenly losing the Superbowl doesn't sting as bad, when you have a 9 year daughter calling you her hero. GREAT STUFF!

[@fatchaddy9839]

Best thing that has happened to Pittsburgh and the NFL! He saved Steeler football! He would have had more super bowls if Neil O’Donnell wouldn’t have THROWN Super Bowl 30… clearly he was bribed to throw two of the most errant passes in Super Bowl history And if Bill “the cheat” Bellicheck hadn’t been a disgusting blemish to the NFL! God Bless coach Cowher !

[@TWAF]

And O’Donnells stupid pass against the Chargers in 94.

[@BeatdahnClahn]

The refs made sure to gift wrap him Super Bowl 40.

[@tylerreynolds8832]

@@BeatdahnClahn go whine on the Seattle page.

[@MickeyMorandini1]

Great man. Great leader.

[@terrywalton1266]

I'm from Detroit...this man reminds me of mcdc...Dan Campbell!!!😮

[@mikecowan-tu6up]

My sincere condolences coach

[@GreggSingletary]

I'm happy for him!

[@TWAF]

He deserves it… He’s a hard worker

[@paulprigge1209]

Really good thank you

[@TWAF]

So very welcome. I have been a Steeler fan all my life.

[@evandovidio7791]

Watching this for the first time after The Steelers third consecutive loss to the Colts. Maybe we need Cowher back as head coach to bring that “Standard” mentality

[@DopeyDetector]

Yeah, Tomlin is so soft🙄dopey fans

[@BudFarmer88]

epic

[@ronaldzent6321]

A team like the LA Chargers could sure use a coach like Bill Cowher, he'd bring an intensity and focus they've never seemed to have even in San Diego

[@TWAF]

Sadly, he’s never going to coach again. It’s a shame.

[@adams8847]

one of the greatest, I am biased tho

[@desienfever3573]

One of the best coaches that would trace the football world in history, I was wondering if they could make Hank Stram A Football life, Chuck Noll A Football Life, Don Shula A football life, George Halas A Football life, Bill Parcells A Football Life. #AFootballLife #NFL

[@TWAF]

They have made a Chuck Noll. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHqapYyOqd6aasUsi=1xsDs0cGwpl2ssjO

[@mkhanman12345]

Bill parcels has one

[@desienfever3573]

@@mkhanman12345 Ok Bill Parcells has one that’s good, I was wondering will they make Big Andy A Football life and Ben Roethlisberger A Football life or Jimmy Johnson A Football life what do you think about that? #AFootballLife

[@paulh7026]

@@desienfever3573 lol those were great suggestions...so good 2 were created years before you suggested it. I don't see them doing Big Ben for a few reasons, but much more deserving or interesting QBs to do..if you want Steelers, I don't recall Bradshaw having one, and he's got a career during the golden era + his broadcasting career. Given Shula's importance to the history of the league, I would love to see one, i hope it doesn't take a death for it to be made. I think Halas would be interesting, but certain eras are probably harder to do because of either a lack of film or poor film. I love Andy Reid, might wait until he retires, that makes for a fuller look. I don't think I've ever seen one I didn't enjoy. I'm not a Pats fan, but i really enjoyed Bill Bellichek's, but there are lots of great stories out there and I hope they keep up the good work. America's Game is also great, even if its a painful loss, its interesting to hear the players, coaches etc.

[@desienfever3573]

@@paulh7026 thanks for some good advice, we talk about football any time.

[@battistimo]

8 & 8? That’s the standard now.

[@TWAF]

Sad….

[@pineytreez6811]

6-10 was the last time the Steelers had a losing record...the year eas was 2003, the coach was BILL COWHER!!!..thr Standard is still .500 or better....

[@piggyroo100]

When will they do one about the Chief?

[@TWAF]

I don’t think they ever will.

[@piggyroo100]

@@TWAF Shame

[@jgrj52]

Cincinnati bengals fans have to hate Mike Brown for passing over Cowher in favor of Dave Shula

[@TWAF]

Not more than we are upset with passing up Dan Marino for Gabe Rivera

[@jgrj52]

​​@@TWAFsen`nor sack was actually pretty damn good until his accident

[@fliprodriguez5250]

All girls!!

[@michaelhood1291]

Seahawks fan since 1985. The NFL referees screwed us out of the very Lombardi which Cowher is seen holding here. Buncha BULLLLLL 💩💩

[@TWAF]

There are bad calls in most games. Hopefully they do not alter the eventual outcome.

[@ralphpastine4587]

Yeah maybe the fact that the Steelers offensive line manhandled the Seahawks or the fact that the defense smothered your mediocre QB had something to do with it….stop crying

[@dougamundson6836]

Let's not get stupid. He won a championship. A.....A championship. One. Does that make him an all-time great? I am pretty sure it DOES NOT.

[@williamstocker584]

This is coming from a fake fan who doesn’t understand anything about football your like Skip bayless racist always running you’re mouth about shit nobody cares about and nothing you say makes sense or mean anything

[@toddm9501]

Sorry. Don't think Bill deserves an episode. Good coach. But, Nope.

[@razorsedge7100]

This dude had 5 AFC Championship games at his home field and lost 4 of them...Jan. 15 1995, 17-13 San Diego, Jan. 11 1998, 24-21 Denver, Jan. 27 2002, 24-17 New England, Jan. 23 2005, 41-27 New England. Add to that 3 AFC Divisional losses (Buffalo 1993, New England 1997, Tennessee 2003) and a wild card loss to Kansas City in 1994. Then add in the 5 years he didn't make the playoffs and this is supposed to be a Hall of Fame coach. 🦨

[@razorsedge7100]

It's funny how the "FACTS" shut the conversation down.

[@williamstocker584]

No facts just you crying

[@razorsedge7100]

@@williamstocker584 Denial is your reality. Everything I said is REALITY.

[@williamstocker584]

No you’re just spreading hate to make you feel better about yourself kinda like how racist spread hate towards other people

[@razorsedge7100]

@@williamstocker584 My facts are truth.

[@chrismarciatetisindles5876]

One of the most underrated appreciated coaches. Hard working blue collar coaches who win or lose wore his heart on his sleeve.

[@TWAF]

He meant what he said, and said what he meant. WYSIWYG

[@lambert581]

@@TWAF After he retired Cleveland tried to get Bill Cowher to be coach but he turned it down.

[@jimpierce3138]

He said that if he ever coached again, it wouldn't be in the AFC North & coach against the $teelers.

[@PatJK910]

Bill Cowher will forever and always be the Pittsburgh Steelers Coach and he also be one of the goats of the Steelers.

[@razorsedge7100]

He is a bum.

[@hugh2hoob668]

​@@razorsedge7100says you 😂

[@jjsteel43]

Cowher just didn't have the franchise QB most of his coaching years

[@TWAF]

Imagine if we would’ve drafted Marino in 83… How many more Super Bowls might we have had

[@MisterOmega7-wi6jw]

I'll always remember freaking out after seeing Jerome Bettis fumble near the goal line

[@TWAF]

Was holding my breath the whole time.....thank God for Big Ben

[@GameShowMike]

Yes, the Immaculate Redemption…

[@ironman4122]

COME HOME BILL!! YOUR TEAM/CITY NEEDS YOU!! PLEASE!!🖤💛🏈🤟✌️

[@extraextra998]

Yes we do 412 Steeler Nation

[@MrPerfesser]

Here's your basic Pittsburgh guy: family, faith, and football. Farmily has always come first, and everybody in the 'burgh loves the Cowhers for it.

[@chriswahl4139]

the Steelers stuck with hin after three straight non playoff seasons from 1998 to 2000 when some other organizations would have launched him

[@philipconte5732]

It’s really a shame that he never got to legitimately win a superbowl that the refs didn’t hand him.

[@pedromoysen4068]

What is this salty discharge coming out of my eyes?

[@wolfhound45]

Loved Chuck Noll for his ability to coach football. Loved Bill Cowher for his ability to inspire and lead football players.

[@TWAF]

We were blessed with great coaches. RIP Coach Noll

[@edwardbennett7813]

Bill and chuck two legends they made Steeler football great couldn't wait for Sunday 👍👍👍👍

[@TWAF]

It’s been a long time. I want to feel that pride again.

[@edwardbennett7813]

Tomlin is incompetent

[@UncleClaudeSportsandThangs]

​@edwardbennett7813 Incompetent? Cowher was 2 and 4 in the AFC Championship games and I liked Cowher. No need to disrespect Tomlin to uplift Cowher. We're Blessed as Steelers fans to have 3 Wonderful Coaches, of course Mr. Noll is in a class by himself.

[@jamiedolan3173]

Hines Ward A Football Life would be amazing! Love this, and Coach Cowher!!! GO STEELERS!!!

[@TWAF]

I’m sure it’s coming. Has to be right?

[@scottcarroll1913]

These documentaries are so well done.

[@Devildog1979]

As great of a coach as he was, to see the love his wife and daughters have for him shows what type of grade A man and fsther he really is!!!! Awesome career!!!!

[@markayers1810]

🥺 I’m not crying your crying…. Shut up I got got something in my eyes

[@TWAF]

lol. I remember that!!

[@richardoki8320]

One of the most decent human beings who has ever lived.

[@dwaynewade349]

I didn’t know his first wife died. So sad. But I’m glad he found someone to be with.

[@GameShowMike]

Marty Schottenheimer, like Bill Cowher, was also from Western Pennsylvania. Cowher was from Crafton, and Schottenheimer was from Canonsburg.

[@briangregory6303]

I was lucky enough to grow up in Western PA watching arguably 2 of the best coaches in NFL history. Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher.

[@Matt-cr4vv]

It’s genuinely interesting just how stable in that role the Steelers have been for such a long time. I imagine in current days the fan base may be a bit peeved but the team ownership is truly a disparity in sticking behind their head coaches long term and having patience even if they’re falling short of what some may be expecting. Just wild in a league of so much turnover among so many teams that in 55 seasons they’ve had 3 coaches and that Cowhers 15 seasons is the shortest of the tenures.

[@devi2691]

i love Bill Cowher. been coaching Pitt since i was a kid in school. but, i don't get why Bill and the family.. didn't reveal the whole truth in this docu about his former wife, Kaye's cause of death. especially when he reveals it all in his autobiography. it was nothing sordid, or awful. it affects millions of Americans every year. just odd. maybe the NFL didn't want Bill to bring it up? who knows.

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

You can thank the refs for gift wrapping him AND Bettis SBXL

[@markfroman738]

Marty Schottenheimer has a hell of a coaching tree himself.

[@TWAF]

He has quite the resume.

[@effend446]

I can tell that Cahher.....Cowher has lost some of his native Pittsburghese. He's pronouncing certain words more normally since living in New York. Abaht - about, arahnd- around, etc. Dahntahn - downtown

[@TWAF]

Since he’s on NFL today with CBS… He hast to lose some of it I guess

[@kennethslough5747]

He was so much fun to watch the "Coach", was just a taste of today's game is, but without the smash mouth attitude!!", I for one miss the attitude, now it's all about %%%٪%%'s and numbers are not what its all about, and they are all making too much $$$$$$$$??", nobody's worth that much money 😢😮

[@SwitchShmup]

He’s definitely a hit man

[@davidwayne5152]

I think he was the reason they started wearing the visors on their helmets.😖😫💦..😂😂🤣

[@bruce0767]

Bil Cowher became a Pittsburgh Steeler. The next coach did not.

[@chriswahl4139]

when he stepped away from the Steelers after 2006, I thought he would be back on the sideline after a few years particularly with Carolina but never came back

[@TWAF]

Me too. I guess he was done

[@toddzilla13]

Bill Cowher was the original Dan Campbell

[@joelamthach5812]

The man is a crazy coach and has a crazy family too!!😅😅

[@steelcitysportsfan1436]

Loved Cowwwwwher as the coach. People in the Facebook comments after steelers games to this day still want Cowher to come back and coach.

[@TWAF]

I sometimes feel that way too.

[@wavewrld4eva491]

NFL got soft when Bill Cowher retired from football

[@TWAF]

Agreed

[@jeff19554]

Here we go steelers

[@KenoSultan]

I remember when experts were calling for the Steelers to fire Cowher after the 2001 and 2004 upset losses to New England in the AFC championship. In 2005, the Steelers made everyone who wanted Cowher fired EAT THEIR WORDS!

[@TWAF]

The Rooneys have been good evaluators of coaches.

[@KenoSultan]

​@@TWAFI remember a college classmate I know got called out for saying Cowher should have gotten fired after the 2001 loss. To New England. He later retracted his testimony when told he was one of the highest paid head coaches and if the Steelers fired him, who would be their next head coach. Outside of Schottenheimer, there was no one else (except Dennis Green and Tony Dungy). Imagine if Cowher did get fired after one of the two losses to New England...

[@traviss6500]

Especially with the new England cheating.

[@cmdrfunk]

Neil O'Donnell and cheating Bellichick ruined Cowher's career

[@TWAF]

Agreed!!!

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

The refs gave y’all SBXL Quit being such a pathetic crybaby

[@nunyabizznizz7326]

as a steeler fan, i love cohwer...i wish him what he wants, if that is anonymity, give it to him...he gave it for the team, now give it to him, whatever he wants, give it to him........full stop

[@rustyshackleford7282]

best thing about bill cower was his girls are not nasty mud sharks,,,,,,"i'm black by the way"

[@rajeshbista2690]

After Coach Cowher it was more curse of Belichik that took over Steel town.

[@edwinryder2361]

The one coach I've always admired even as a life long Charger Fan..

[@debradonato5659]

My Fave Coach ♥️🖤💛🐝

[@Mvproszn]

As a Bengals fan I absolutely despise Bill Coward and the Pittsburgh Steelers

[@TWAF]

I’m sure the feeling is mutual. At least you have a competitive team.

[@pineytreez6811]

As a Steelers fan We Absolutely despise Zac Taylor and the Bengals...and we know how to spell Taylor's last name.

[@steeleru7burgh903]

As Coach Tomlin would say, "We do not care."

[@33DMason]

Great show

[@TWAF]

Thanks.

[@city4125]

Trade Tomlin for a first-rounder and bring back a real coach. We haven't won since the team he built retired

[@TWAF]

Agreed!! One with some stones.

[@sage296]

Tomlin one of the best coaches in football get outta here

[@bradlott9876]

I like Cowher and think he’s a good coach. but I don’t think he’s a Hall of Famer

[@razorsedge7100]

This doc has been sugar coated. I am from Pittsburgh my whole life...1953 til 2023. We all know about bill cowered.

[@williamstocker584]

All lies

[@razorsedge7100]

Well here's some truth for you. Check out my post on cowhered today. 12/22/2023@@williamstocker584

[@razorsedge7100]

@@williamstocker584 My facts are truth.

[@williamstocker584]

Hey it’s ok if your parents touched you inappropriately there are people you can talk to you don’t have to be alone

[@razorsedge7100]

@@williamstocker584 Denial is a lonely life. Some day you meet a boy who loves you. It's OK.

[@gabrieljohnson4213]

Thank you refs