When the Steelers officially announced on Tuesday that longtime linebackers coach Keith Butler would replace Dick LeBeau as defensive coordinator next season, it should not have come as a surprise.
After all, if we have learned anything about this storied franchise over the years, it’s that loyalty and continuity are valued as much as anything. That might sound a touch ironic in this case. After all, LeBeau is already rumored to be heading to Arizona to continue coaching after resigning after what can only be considered 11 incredible seasons as the Steeler’s defensive coordinator.
That has many to openly asking, was LeBeau forced out? Was he unceremoniously dumped by an organization known for being fiercely loyal and patient when it comes to its coaches?
Fair questions, and ultimately only LeBeau and the Steeler organization can honestly answer them.
What we do know is Butler, who has proved loyal in his own right since joining the Steelers coaching staff in 2003, has long been assumed to be the next in line to lead the Steelers’ defense. He has been linked to a number of other jobs, but has stayed in Pittsburgh, biding his time working under LeBeau.
However at some point, one would have to wonder how much longer the 58-year old Butler could possibly wait?
Butler has proved to be one of the top position coaches in the NFL, and the list of linebackers that have thrived under his tutelage is long and impressive; James Farrior, Joey Porter, James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, Jason Worilds, and Larry Foote are among those who worked with and were developed under Butler.
Though LeBeau rightfully gets much of the credit for the Steelers success on defense for the past decade, it would be a mistake not to acknowledge the impact Butler has had on this defense. The scheme devised and implemented by LeBeau relies heavily on quality linebacker play, and few linebacking corps have been as successful as the Steelers group has been.
Butler deserves much of the credit for that.
It also seems that as the Steelers’ defense transitions away from many of the players that helped make LeBeau’s defense the stuff of legend, that it might have been the right time for a change in leadership. LeBeau understands all too well that the changes are inevitable, and with players like Brett Keisel, Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor and Harrison almost certain to be done in Pittsburgh, this might be as good as any time to allow Butler his long deserved shot at being a defensive coordinator.
Make no mistake, Butler will face serious challenges beyond simply filling the shoes of a Hall of Fame coach.
A number of young players like Jarvis Jones, Ryan Shazier, Shamarko Thomas, Stephon Tuitt, and Daniel McCullers are going to be asked to fill significant voids left by some of best to ever play defense for the Steelers.
Butler will have little time to make that transition, and there will be immense pressure on him to get those players to perform at a high level as starters, not just as young projects who can wait their turn. The time will be now, and Butler’s ability to get the very most out of the Steelers’ defense right away will be a key factor if the Steelers are going to be successful in 2015.
The continuity of keeping Butler and the rest of the Steelers defensive coaches makes sense, and it should allow many key players who will be in their second and third year feel comfortable heading into next season. This alone makes the decision to retain Butler a smart one, as bringing in new coaches, or making wholesale changes to the scheme might have hurt the development of players like Jones, Shazier, Tuitt and Thomas.
Retaining Butler falls into line with how the Steeler have operated for years, and though it is not a flashy move, it was the right one.
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
