Pictures allow us to remember moments, sometimes offering glimpses of history we might never have witnessed. Steelers.com has chosen to share such moments with the public through ‘Picture Perfect,’ a series dedicated to showcasing historical images of the Steelers. This initiative will continue throughout the offseason, documenting the legacy of the Steelers across the years.
Today’s focus is on Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Noll’s inaugural game with the Steelers. Hired in 1969, Noll was seen as a ray of hope for a franchise that had been struggling to make a mark. Hall of Fame Coach Don Shula, who previously worked with Noll at the Baltimore Colts, expressed confidence in Noll’s abilities, stating, “He will do a great job for the Steelers. He’s a fine young man.”
Noll’s press conference after his hiring was marked by a commitment to revitalize the team, which had seen little success since its founding in 1933. “I’ll be looking at films and studying Steeler personnel until late tonight,” Noll said back in January 1969, emphasizing his dedication to improving the squad.
The Steelers’ first match in Noll’s tenure was against the Detroit Lions at Pitt Stadium on September 21, marking a hopeful start as the Steelers clinched a narrow 16-13 victory witnessed by over 51,000 fans. Quarterback Dick Shiner started the game, chosen over Terry Hanratty, the Steelers’ second-round selection in the 1969 NFL Draft. Warren Bankston, a rookie third-round pick, filled the fullback position, with Earl Gros stepping in at halfback due to injuries to Dick Hoak and Don McCall.
An early fumble by Bankston gave the Lions a chance to score a 23-yard field goal, putting them in the lead. However, the Steelers soon capitalized on a Lions’ fumble, allowing Gene Mingo to tie the game with a 27-yard field goal. As the game progressed, Mingo secured the Steelers a 6-3 lead with another field goal, followed by a third kick, giving them a 9-3 edge at halftime.
Despite the Lions narrowing the deficit and eventually taking a 13-9 lead, the Steelers mounted a comeback. Shiner’s pass to tight end John Hilton for 23 yards and Roy Jefferson’s contributions set up a six-yard touchdown run by Bankston. The defense held strong in the final moments, securing Noll’s first career victory.
This win provided brief optimism, though the team lost the remaining games of the season, finishing 1-13. Noll’s career, however, blossomed into a Hall of Fame journey, concluding with a 209-156-1 record, including four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s.
During his Hall of Fame induction, Steelers President Dan Rooney Sr., who was instrumental in hiring Noll, remarked: “There are times though seldom when something happens, when everything comes together, and a group of young men become a special team… A team begins with leadership. In 1969, a 35-year young coach arrived with commitment and the ideals to be the best.”
Rooney highlighted Noll’s perseverance and commitment to foundational principles— “The start was rocky, but he never deviated and stuck to the basics,” she said. “Small victories came and they began to believe possibly they could be the best.”
