PITTSBURGH — Director of football operations Kevin Colbert on Thursday signed the very document the Pittsburgh Steelers wish coach Bill Cowher would agree to — a lengthy contract extension.

Colbert, credited with helping build the Steelers into a Super Bowl champion by overseeing some of their best drafts since the 1970s, signed a four-year contract that runs through the 2010 season.

"Obviously, he has played a vital role in our success over the past several years, including the Super Bowl title last season," team president Art Rooney II said in a statement issued by the club.

Colbert effectively serves as the Steelers' general manager, but the team has never had an executive with that title. He is in charge of all player personnel and scouting decisions.