Keith

Butler

Butler, 65, was with the Steelers since 2003, working as the team’s linebackers coach for over a decade before being promoted. He achieved two Super Bowl wins with the organization and coached multiple All-Pro quality LBs including James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, Ryan Shazier, and T.J. Watt. Pittsburgh closed the season with a league-high 55 sacks in Butler’s final year.

Butler will quarantine away from the team for now. It’s possible that he’s able to return in time for the Steelers’ Week 18 game against the Ravens. The game is a must-win for both teams, who aren’t out of the playoffs yet. Pittsburgh also lost cornerback Joe Haden to the COVID list this week.

The Steelers are having a bit of an identity crisis after yet another gutting end to a season, having already chosen to part ways with OC Randy Fichtner. On the job since 2015 and on the coaching staff since 2003, Butler will survive after his defense was top five by almost any metric. Thanks in part to injuries, the unit did spring major leaks down the stretch, proving vulnerable to big plays and missing some seemingly obvious adjustments. The talent on the field and brainpower on the sideline will remain there for 2021, however.

Butler, 58, has been the Steelers’ linebackers coach since 2003. He’s the obvious heir apparent to Dick LeBeau, who had the DC job for 11 seasons. Butler played 10 seasons as an inside linebacker for the Seahawks from 1978-87.

The Steelers stay in house, sticking with the man long thought to be Dick LeBeau’s heir. Butler has been the Steelers’ linebackers coach since 2003 and also has playing experience as an inside linebacker for the Seahawks from 1978-87. It ensures scheme continuity for a defense that badly needs talent, speed and youth infusions more than a new system. Butler should be pushing the front office to go defense-heavy again in April’s draft.