Dick

LeBeau

“The only question in my mind was from the standpoint that somebody’s got to want you to work,” LeBeau said. “When [coach Mike Mularkey] said he wanted me to stay, there was no doubt.” LeBeau will turn 80 in September, but he remains one of the top defensive minds in the game. If GM Jon Robinson can get him some help in the secondary, the Titans should take a step forward on defense in 2017.

The Titans are keeping together as much of ex-coach Ken Whisenhunt’s staff as possible. It makes little sense on the whole, but retaining LeBeau and his six decades of NFL knowledge is a no-brainer. LeBeau should remain heavily involved with Ray Horton’s defense.

He’ll take over for Ray Horton, who left to become the Browns’ defensive coordinator. It’s been a strange offseason for the Titans. So far they’ve kept interim coach Mike Mularkey, added 61-year-old Terry Robiskie as offensive coordinator and promoted LeBeau, who turns 79 in September. Maybe they’ll “lure” Joe Gibbs out of retirement next. 2016 should be another forgettable year in Tennessee.

LeBeau will be 78 in September, and has coached in the NFL for 42 seasons. LeBeau has coordinated the Steelers’ defense since 2004. His typically-elite units have been less robust in recent years, but Pittsburgh’s poor drafting has played a huge part. As long as he wants to return, we’d imagine the Steelers will welcome LeBeau back.

Arians fully expects Cardinals DC Todd Bowles to get a head-coaching gig, and is working on a replacement. Arians and LeBeau spent many years together in Pittsburgh. LeBeau runs a 3-4 defense similar to the one Bowles has employed and would be a natural fit. The Steelers and LeBeau “mutually parted ways” after Pittsburgh’s playoff loss, but 77-year-old LeBeau has not retired.

It’s the end of an era in Pittsburgh. LeBeau, 77, had been the Steelers’ defensive coordinator since 2004. His units have dropped off in recent years, with Pittsburgh allowing a weekly 353 total yards in 2014, and ranking near the bottom of the league in both sacks (33) and interceptions (11). That, of course, had a lot to do with LeBeau’s sub-par personnel. LeBeau, who has been an NFL coach for 42 years, is not expected to retire. LB coach Keith Butler is an in-house candidate to replace LeBeau.

After finishing 2014 at 2-14, the Titans are looking to change things up. With Ray Horton calling the shots, Tennessee’s defense ranked 15th against the pass, and 31st against the run. LeBeau would likely join the team as an “advisor” or “consultant.” In 12 seasons with the Steelers, LeBeau’s defenses ranked in the top-15 in yards allowed each year, including 10 top-five finishes. LeBeau has ties to coach Ken Whisenhunt; they worked together in Pittsburgh from 2001-06.

LeBeau, 77, would replace LBs coach Mike Caldwell, who joined ex-Cardinals DC Todd Bowles’ Jets staff. In addition to coaching linebackers, LeBeau would likely help with Arizona’s entire defense. If LeBeau is hired, OLBs coach James Bettcher is a candidate for a promotion to DC.

LeBeau’s wife lives in Cincinnati, and LeBeau is reportedly hesitant to move far away from her. That basically puts Arizona out of the running, and with Nashville only three hours from Cincinnati, it would seem the Titans are now the favorite to land the legendary defensive coordinator. If hired by Tennessee, LeBeau would likely serve in an overseer-type role.

LeBeau-to-Arizona seemed like a lock early this winter, but LeBeau’s wife doesn’t want to move away from Cincinnati. LeBeau may resurface in Tennessee, where he’d reunite with coaching disciple Ray Horton. Wherever LeBeau does land, it’s expected to be in an overseer -- not coordinator -- role.