Bill Cowher, the former Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and legendary linebacker, will be joining NC State’s Ring of Honor this fall. NC State’s Director of Athletics, Boo Corrigan, and head coach Dave Doeren announced the honor on Friday, stating that Cowher will be recognized in ceremonies before the Sept. 29 game against Louisville.
In a news release, Cowher expressed his excitement and gratitude for the honor, calling it a tremendous honor to be inducted into the Ring of Honor in Carter-Finley Stadium. He acknowledged the impact the university had on his life, saying, I came to NC State as a boy from Crafton, PA, and left four years later a man.
Cowher, a native of Crafton, Pennsylvania, played for the Wolfpack from 1975 to 1978 under the guidance of coaches Lou Holtz and Bo Rein. During his time at NC State, Cowher established himself as a standout linebacker, still ranking seventh in school history in career tackles with 371. Additionally, his 195 tackles in 1978 remain a single-season record for the university. Notably, he recorded two 24-tackle games during his college career, which still rank as the second-highest in NC State’s record books.
NC State’s Director of Athletics, Boo Corrigan, commended Bill Cowher’s contributions to the game of football and recognized him as a beloved figure among Wolfpack fans. Corrigan stated that it is a privilege to honor Cowher’s remarkable career and legacy.
Head coach Dave Doeren also praised Cowher, describing him as a mentor, leader, and icon in the coaching profession. Doeren emphasized his pride in being able to honor Cowher alongside other NC State legends in Carter-Finley Stadium.
Following his college career, Cowher went on to play five seasons in the NFL as a linebacker and special teams player for the Philadelphia Eagles (1979, 1983-1984) and the Cleveland Browns (1980-1982). At the age of 28, he embarked on a coaching career, starting as the special teams coach (1985-86) and secondary coach (1987-88) for the Cleveland Browns under Marty Schottenheimer. He then followed Schottenheimer to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he served as the defensive coordinator.
In 1992, Cowher became the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over the course of his tenure, he achieved tremendous success, compiling a 149-90-1 record as the Steelers’ head coach from 1992 to 2006. Under Cowher’s leadership, the team won eight division titles, made the playoffs 10 times, reached six AFC Championship games, and made two Super Bowl appearances. On February 5, 2006, Cowher guided the Steelers to victory in Super Bowl XL.
In January 2007, Cowher resigned as the head coach of the Steelers and subsequently became a CBS studio analyst on The NFL Today. In January 2020, he received the news of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame while on the set. Cowher currently stands as the only former NC State player to have achieved this prestigious honor.
Bill Cowher’s induction into NC State’s Ring of Honor is a testament to his incredible contributions to the game of football, both as a player and a coach. It is a well-deserved recognition for a man who has left an indelible mark on the sport. As Wolfpack fans come together to celebrate his outstanding career, they honor not only a legendary figure but also a true embodiment of Wolfpack football.
