Bill Cowher's resignation has people here and across America talking. Here's what some are saying about Cowher:

"I feel like my relationship with Bill has been a little more personal than other guys just being that I'm a Pittsburgh guy, he's a Pittsburgh guy, and we carry ourselves the same way. We have that Pittsburgh mentality, that Pittsburgh attitude.

My first year here I was on the punt team, we were playing Kansas City and I was trying to get down the field to make a play and I let my guy get past me and he blocked a punt.

I had always heard before I got here that if you do something wrong he's going to come find you and you're going to get that Cowher shower. So I got the punt blocked and I knew what was going on. He was looking for me, he poked his chin out and he was looking around. I was actually hiding from him, trying to let it blow over.

When he found me ... he gave it to me, but then after that in the same breath he gave me words of encouragement the next play to go out there and rectify what I had done wrong. It was a real special moment for me.

"I respect his decision to be able to relax, get some time away, enjoy his family."

Steelers safety Mike Logan

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"The coach's retirement ends a great era in Steeler football. He personified the hard-working ethic of Pittsburgh. His trademark will always remain his intensity. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

His name belongs beside Chuck Noll's as a legend in Pittsburgh sports. The Rooney family will no doubt continue their tradition of finding the right coach for the team and the city.

Iowa Hawkeye fans are hoping it is not Kirk Ferentz," the University of Iowa coach who grew up in Upper St. Clair and who has been mentioned as a coach the Steelers might be interested in.

-- Iowa Gov. Thomas J. Vilsack, a Pittsburgh native

"He did a yeoman's job with the Steelers. His story is big down here. I can understand his wanting to have some time for himself and his family. Being that he and his wife are graduates of North Carolina State and they have a beautiful home down here, I can see why he's stepping away from coaching."

Walter J. Marm, a Washington, Pa., native and Medal of Honor recipient in the Vietnam War.

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"As a younger person who is a big Steeler fan, really, Bill Cowher was the only coach that I knew. So it's interesting. I just got done watching the press conference. He is the Pittsburgh Steelers in a lot of ways, just like the Rooneys are. It's tough to see him go, but it's a strong organization and I'm sure they'll do just fine."

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl

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"I want to thank coach Cowher for giving us 15 years of excitement on the football field. Eight division titles and last year's Super Bowl championship were victories for the Steelers, the City of Pittsburgh, and the entire region. I wish coach Cowher the best in his future endeavors."

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato

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"It's a loss for the city. Bill Cowher has been a great Pittsburgher. He has brought a lot of pride, enthusiasm and fun for Steelers fans over the years. It's some big shoes to fill for the next guy coming in."

Allegheny County Council President Rich Fitzgerald

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"For 15 seasons, 'Cowher Power' was a rallying cry for the faithful members of Steeler Nation. Since 1992, Bill Cowher brought an intensity to Pittsburgh's sideline that won him the respect of his players and the team's fans alike. His drive and love for the game showed --winning 161 games as he led the team to 10 playoff appearances and the city's fifth Super Bowl ring.

Additionally, coach Cowher was a class act off the field. He is a Pittsburgh native who devoted a great deal of time and energy to worthy causes that touched the lives of many people in the city.

I join Steelers fans everywhere in congratulating Bill on his tenure, and wish him, his wife Kaye and their three daughters the best of luck."

Governor Edward G. Rendell