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NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best Coaches of All-Time

By Will Osgood

Jan 31, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of the Vince Lombardi Trophy prior to a press conference at Rose Theater in advance of Super Bowl XLVIII. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of the Vince Lombardi Trophy prior to a press conference at Rose Theater in advance of Super Bowl XLVIII. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 29, 2013, New Orleans, LA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers former coach Bill Cowher (left) and Miami Dolphins former quarterback Dan Marino at CBS sports Super Bowl XLVII press conference at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2013, New Orleans, LA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers former coach Bill Cowher (left) a nd Miami Dolphins former quarterback Dan Marino at CBS sports Super Bowl XLVII press conference at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Bill Cowher (1992-2006)

Maybe better known as Bill “The Scowl(er)” Cowher, the former Pittsburgh Steelers coach has become quite the television analyst. Actually, I have no idea if that’s true, since pre-game shows are dumb. But he was the only mainstay to not get kicked off CBS’ coverage after last season, so he must be alright (Boomer has his hat in too many rings to be considered a mainstay on CBS’ television coverage).

Either way, the former Special Teams Coordinator was hired by the Steelers in 1992 to take over for an absolute legend in the person of Chuck Noll (more on him later). In what has become “The Steeler Way”, Cowher led the Steelers for 15 years to 10 playoff appearances. Often criticized early for his inability to lead his team to victory once in the playoffs, Cowher managed two conference championships and finally got a Super Bowl ring just one season before he decided to hang up his coaching hat.

The Rooney’s approach in regards to maintaining continuity in key levels of the organization is well-documented and has clearly played a role in the franchise’s overall success. Mike Tomlin inherited Cowher’s bunch and too has led Pittsburgh to the promised land twice, bringing home the trophy once. That approach was rewarded by Cowher with his intensity but everlasting devotion to winning.

Ultimately, Cowher’s .623 regular season and .571 playoff winning percentages rank very high on career lists.

Next: Who leads off the Top 20?

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