The Pittsburgh Steelers have a storied history marked by remarkable coaches who have left a lasting impact on the franchise. From the team’s early days through its rise to dominance in the 1970s and into the modern era, several head coaches have guided the Steelers to legendary status in the NFL. However, only a few have built an enduring legacy that has truly stood the test of time.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' last two head coaches, Mike Tomlin (left) and Bill Cowher (right).
Because you got to hand it to them: coaches make or break a team, and as can be seen in the list below, there have been some amazing ones who’ve played a pivotal role in this football team’s success. So it goes without saying that if you’re one of those Steelers fans who appreciates a good bet, it’s worth doing the legwork to find the right sportsbook or casino with a sportsbook platform. There’s plenty to choose from, whether you’re based in the US, UK, Europe or down under. You can even find online casinos in South Africa that’ll help you get that wagering fix.
From Chuck Noll's championship-era dominance to Mike Tomlin's consistent excellence, each coach has played a pivotal role in the franchise's rich legacy. Let’s take a look at the Steelers’ coaches who have paved the way for the team's greatness.
Chuck Noll
Chuck Noll, who coached the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1969 to 1991, is widely regarded as one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time. He led the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories within six years, a record at the time, and won nine AFC Central Division titles. Noll's impact went beyond just winning; he revolutionized the team through strategic drafting, selecting future Hall of Famers, like Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris.
Known for his calm demeanor and focus on fundamentals, Noll was a master at developing talent and fostering a winning culture. His legacy is cemented not only by his impressive 209-156-1 career record, but also by his role in turning the Steelers into an NFL dynasty, earning him a first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Bill Cowher
Bill Cowher served as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1992 to 2006, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most respected and successful coaches. Known for his intense coaching style and defensive expertise, Cowher’s teams were frequently among the league’s top defenses, aided by his defensive coordinator, Dick LeBeau. During his tenure, the Steelers made the playoffs numerous times and won the AFC Championship twice, in 1994 and 1997. The highlight of his career came in the 2005 season when he led the team to a Super Bowl XL victory, defeating the Seattle Seahawks 21-10. Cowher’s passionate, emotional approach was a hallmark of his coaching style, often seen with his trademark gum-chewing on the sidelines. He retired after the 2006 season with a regular season record of 149-90-1 and a postseason record of 10-9. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, Cowher's legacy remains significant in Steelers history and the broader NFL community.
Mike Tomlin
The Steelers’ current coach, Mike Tomlin, has already established himself as one of the top two coaches in the team’s history, ranking closely behind the iconic Chuck Noll. Since starting his tenure in 2007, Tomlin has proven his worth, leading to a three-year contract extension in 2024 that keeps him with the team through 2027.
His tenure has been marked by remarkable consistency, with 17 straight seasons without a losing record—a feat unmatched by any other head coach in the NFL. In just his second season, Tomlin led the Steelers to their sixth Super Bowl victory in 2008, becoming the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl at the time. His .633 winning percentage is the highest in Steelers' history, highlighting his effectiveness as a leader.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/8.13.23%20(71%20of%20318)-544x306.jpg "Steelers Mike Tomlin")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin walks on the field at St. Vincent College as his players participate in 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Buddy Parker
Buddy Parker joined the Steelers in 1957 after winning two NFL championships with the Detroit Lions. While the Steelers didn't make the playoffs under his leadership, Parker guided the team to a solid 51-47-6 record. Parker brought a winning mindset to a struggling franchise, and his career achievements—including multiple NFL titles as both a coach and a player—have earned him recognition. He has been a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame several times, highlighting his impact on the game. Despite not securing a championship with the Steelers, Parker's legacy as one of the team's top coaches remains strong.
John McNally
John “Johnny” McNally, known as Johnny “Blood” McNally, is celebrated as one of the best early coaches in Pittsburgh Steelers history. Coaching the team, then called the Pittsburgh Pirates, from 1937 to 1939, McNally was known for his innovative strategies and passionate leadership. Although the team’s record during his tenure was modest, with a 16-21-3 record and no playoff appearances, McNally’s impact went beyond wins and losses.
McNally was a former star player with a deep understanding of the game. His coaching style emphasized toughness and creativity, traits that helped shape the team's approach. He introduced various offensive and defensive tactics that were ahead of their time. For instance, he was one of the early advocates of the forward pass and strategic defensive alignments, which influenced the team’s future strategies.
