PITTSBURGH — This might be as close as Dan Rooney comes to retiring from pro football.

Rooney, named the U.S. ambassador to Ireland earlier this year by President Barack Obama, is now listed as the Steelers' chairman emeritus — a title commonly given to an executive who has retired from professional life.

The Steelers did not formally announce the title switch, but club officials confirmed the change Friday as players reported for the first day of training camp.

Rooney, whose family has owned the Steelers since their founding in 1933, was the Steelers' president from 1975 until 2003, when he became team chairman. His son, Art II, who runs the Steelers' on a day-to-day basis, has been the president since 2003.

Dan Rooney is not entirely detached from Steelers business while in Ireland, but team publicist Dave Lockett said the title change reflects Rooney's new position.