DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 29: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) runs off of the field at the conclusion of the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions on October 29, 2017 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire) NFL American Football Herren USA OCT 29 Steelers at Lions PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon1710291495

Jun 22, 2026, 1:00 PM CUT

Steelers legend shares details about scolding he got from Bill Cowher for mistake

Who would’ve thought that James “Deebo” Harrison, one of the fiercest linebackers in NFL history, would have been nervous in front of his coach, Bill Cowher? The former Pittsburgh Steelers star, now the host of the Deebo & Joe podcast, shared run-ins with Cowher.

“One time I was just nervous as h***, bro. So, we had like a right return, right? As we go and we start running, so it's a right return, right?” he recounted the story to co-host Joe Haden on June 21.

This episode, associated with Nightcap podcast was entirely dedicated to their beloved, former head coach Cowher. Harrison continued the story who Haden who was hooked to his every word.

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; CBS sports broadcaster Bill Cowher before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“So as we do the return and that's when we would circle back and you could crack block. You know what I'm saying? As I circle back I turned around and I’m thinking right. So I’m turned the other way now. So my right it's here. I start going the other way,” he said of his confusion with direction.

Unfortunately for Harrison, this moment was caught on film. After Cowher reviewed the tape, he called him and asked a series of questions.

“Do you know it’s a right return?” Harrison said, mimicking Cowher’s mannerism.

““Yeah, coach.” I said, “Listen, this is what happened. I knew it was a right return. But when I turned around, my right was still on my right, so I went right.” He just started laughing,” he told.

Cowher ran a strict program in the Steelers and expected no excuses from his players. Harrison them recounted another instance, this time involving a penalty. He said that the HC was unhappy that he was sent to the sidelines and questioned him about it.

“Coach, happens,” he replied.

Coach Cowher, however, was not pleased.

“Bill Cow, he wasn't he wasn't playing no games, bro,” he said recounting the distress.

With Cowher guiding him, Harrison built illustrious career, most notably with the Steelers, in the NFL. These interaction appears to be one of most memorable ones from his career.

James “Deebo” Harrison’s Pittsburgh Steelers career

James Harriosn played in the NFL for 15 season between 2002 and 2017. He was an undrafted free agent (UDFA) from Kent State but went on to build a career unlike any other.

Harrison is the first and only UDFA to win the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, a feat he clinched in 2008. He recorded 16 sacks, 101 tackles, and 7 forced fumbles during that regular season.

The 48-year-old won two Super Bowl titles (XL and XLIII) with the Pittsburgh Steelers and went to the Pro Bowl five times. In Super Bowl XLIII, he intercepted quarterback Kurt Warner’s pass at the goal line.

He returned it a record-breaking 100 yards for a touchdown with just 18 seconds before halftime. It was the longest play of its kind. He set a franchise record of 80.5 sacks, surpassed by T.J. Watt in 2023.

Harrison became the face of the Steelers’ defence in the 2000s, and it wouldn’t have been possible without head coach Bill Cowher. What are your thoughts on their dynamics?

Written by

Akanksha Biradar