According to Steve Stout of the Urbana Daily Citizen, legendary defensive coordinator and Hall of Fame member Dick LeBeau will not return for the 2015 season.
“@udcstout: Dick LeBeau just told me he is resigning as Steelers’ defensive coordinator”
— Urbana Daily Citizen (@UrbanaCitizen) January 10, 2015
BREAKING NEWS: In exclusive interview with UDC … Dick LeBeau resigns position with Pittsburgh Steelers… http://t.co/fokPUrcTw0
— Urbana Daily Citizen (@UrbanaCitizen) January 10, 2015
Lebeau, who was essentially the architect of the Steelers celebrated and wildly successful 3-4 “zone-blitz” scheme, is moving on after being the Steelers defensive coordinator since 2004. Multiple reports are that the decision for the 77-year-old LeBeau to move on was mutual, and that LeBeau has not officially retired from coaching as of yet.
Over LeBeau’s tenure as DC, the Steelers defense ranked first in the NFL in yardage five different times, and was generally considered one of the best defenses in the league, year in, year out.
The list of players who have thrived under Lebeau’s guidance is a who’s who of defensive standouts over the past decade. They include Troy Polamalu, Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel, Ike Taylor, Jason Worilds, Keenan Lewis, Lamarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, James Farrior and James Harrison.
Both Polamalu and Harrison were named NFL defensive player of the year under LeBeau, in 2008 and 2010 respectively.
LeBeau was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010 in recognition of his coaching and exploits on the field as a defensive back for the Detroit Lions. His 62 career interceptions are still among the all time leaders in league history.
The past two seasons have been difficult for LeBeau and the Steeler defense, as they have been outside the top-1o in total defense. LeBeau’s units have faltered due to age, injuries, and an influx of younger players who have not been ready to contribute at a high level.
No word as of yet who might replace LeBeau, but the Steeler might look at internal options such as linebackers coach Keith Butler, or secondary coach Carnell Lake. Regardless, whoever replaces LeBeau will have massive shoes to fill.
