When it comes to Steelers history, some of the biggest dates happened in the month of January, when playoff football is at a fever pitch.
Take a look back at some key dates from This Week in Steelers History.
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January 4, 1976**
AFC Championship Game
Steelers 16, Oakland Raiders 10
Three Rivers Stadium
In blustery conditions it was only fitting that the game would be a defensive battle the majority of the way. Linebacker Jack Lambert recovered three fumbles, including one that sealed the victory for the Steelers. L.C. Greenwood hit Raiders running back Marv Hubbard, forcing the fumble, and Lambert recovered giving the Steelers the ball at the Raiders 25-yard line. Three plays later Terry Bradshaw connected with John Stallworth for a 20-yard touchdown to give the Steelers a 16-7 lead and seal the win.
January 5, 2007
Coach Bill Cowher retires
After 15 seasons as the Coach of the Steelers, Bill Cowher stepped down following the 2006 season. Cowher led the Steelers to postseason appearances in each of his first six seasons, tying an NFL record. In his 15 year tenure the Steelers made 10 postseason appearances, won eight division titles, played in six AFC Championship games and two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XL. Cowher ended his Steelers career with an overall record of 161-99-1 (.619), including a 149-90-1 (.623) mark in the regular season.
During his retirement press conference among those he thanked were Steelers Nation.
"To the Steelers fans in Pittsburgh and the fans around the country – second to none," said Cowher. "I want to thank you for your passion and your support. I've said this before. I'm a part of you. You can take the people out of Pittsburgh, but you will never take the Pittsburgh out of people. I'm one of you. 'Yinz' know what I mean."
**
January 7, 1995**
AFC Divisional Playoff Game
Steelers 29, Cleveland Browns 9
Three Rivers Stadium
The Steelers faced the Browns for the third time that season, and for the third time they were victorious over their divisional foes. Barry Foster rushed for 133 yards, and the Steelers gained a total of 238 yards on the ground alone. The 'Blitzburgh' defense allowed the Browns only 186 total yards, with Browns quarterback Vinny Testaverde completing just 13 passes for 144 yards and two interceptions.
