Three years ago, the Steelers claimed that offensive coordinator Bruce Arians had retired. Now, the Steelers have announced that defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has resigned.
“We want to thank Dick for his many years of service with the team and all that he has done for this organization,” coach Mike Tomlin said in a team-issued release. “His coaching helped lead us to many successful seasons and championships. We are very appreciative of his efforts, and we wish him well.”
LeBeau has said he’s not retiring. It’s unclear where he’ll land next, but six teams are looking for head coaches -- and the candidates to coach those teams will be looking for defensive coordinators. If Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak gets serious consideration for another head-coaching job (and based on the game he called against the Patriots today he should), LeBeau could be a perfect choice to run the defense.
For the Steelers, the early thinking is that linebackers coach Keith Butler will be promoted into LeBeau’s position. Butler signed a three-year deal in early 2012, when other teams were courting him to be the defensive coordinator. Unless the deal has been extended, he’s now in position to leave again.
Which could be the main reason why the Steelers decided that LeBeau should resign, three years after the decided that Arians should retire.