Fast Break

NFL

As expected, Cowher resigns

Bill Cowher resigned as Pittsburgh Steelers coach Friday, stepping aside to spend more time with his family one year after winning the Super Bowl.

The 49-year-old Cowher left with one year left on his contract following an 8-8 season that was a disappointment, especially after last season: The Steelers became the first team to win three playoff games on the road and then the Super Bowl as a sixth-seeded AFC team.

“History will look back on Bill Cowher as one of the great coaches of all time,” Steelers chairman Dan Rooney said.

The Steelers will begin a search immediately to replace the departing Cowher, who called Rooney on Thursday to inform him of his decision.

A timeline of Cowher’s career and a story on where the Steelers might find their next coach are on C5.

Charity event

Roos Foundation hosts auction

Former Eastern Washington University offensive lineman Michael Roos and a few of his Tennessee Titans teammates will be at Northern Quest Casino on March 10 for a charity auction and dinner.

The Michael Roos Foundation sports auction and dinner will raise money for non-profit organizations supported by Roos. Costs will be $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight. For more information or to preregister, call 1-800-326-3031.

SportsLink

Let’s play two

Online columnist Vince Grippi has the car tuned up and the gas tank full.

After watching and writing about today’s 1 p.m. Gonzaga-Loyola game at McCarthey, he will jump in the bucket of rust and drive to Pullman for the 7 p.m. game between upstart WSU and No. 7-ranked Arizona.

See spokesmanreview.com/ blogs/sportslink.