The NFL off-season has not started yet but the Pittsburgh Steelers have already lost a major piece of their puzzle. Longtime Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has informed the Steelers that he will not return to the team next season.
LeBeau’s run in Pittsburgh included 11 seasons as defensive coordinator for the Steelers(1995-1996,2004-2014), making the Steelers a perennial top 5 defense, and a pair of Super Bowl Championships. LeBeau is also credited for inventing the zone blitz, which has become a mainstay in modern football. LeBeau is respected league wide not only for his creativity and innovation on the field but how he carried himself off the field as well. Ron Jaworski said, Dick LeBeau is arguably the best ever to coach defense. … He has done it on such a consistent basis over a long period of time.” LeBeau was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
But the 77 year old coach is not ready to call it a career quite yet.
“I’m resigning this position, not retiring, “I had a great run in Pittsburgh. I’m grateful for all the things that have happened to me and thankful for all the support I had in Pittsburgh…It’s just time to make a break.” LeBeau told the Urbana Daily Citizen.
So it appears that the defensive genius wants to still coach in the NFL. As to whether another NFL team wants to bring the 77 year old LeBeau on board remains to be seen.
“I don’t even know, but I’m not retiring,” LeBeau said. “There might not be anyone interested.”
As far as how the Steelers will replace the legendary LeBeau, early indications suggest that current linebackers coach Keith Butler will assume the role.
End Of An Era
Jan 10, 2015 | 4:48 PM