The search for the "One for the thumb" continues. But now there would be a new sheriff in town.

"It's much easier coming in than going out," Mr. Noll said at a farewell news conference in which he thanked the players, the organization and the city for a generation of memories. "The emotions that build up and the attachments that build up over 23 years are tough to, I guess, sever....Thirty-nine years in professional football is a goodly time."

The new coach was one of the city's own. William Laird Cowher was introduced within a month of the job opening up. At 34, the Crafton native was younger than his predecessor was when he got the job.

Click on the links to the left to view previous stories and slideshows chronicling the history of football's greatest dynasty, the Pittsburgh Steelers.