The Pittsburgh Steelers have now formally announced that Dick LeBeau has resigned as the team’s defensive coordinator and head coach Mike Tomlin has now released a short statement addressing his decision.
“We want to thank Dick for his many years of service with the team and all that he has done for this organization,” said Tomlin on steelers.com. “His coaching helped lead us to many successful seasons and championships. We are very appreciative of his efforts, and we wish him well.”
In an exclusive interview earlier in the day with Steve Stout of the Daily Citizen, LeBeau stated he is not retiring.
“I had a great run in Pittsburgh. I’m grateful for all the things that have happened to me and thankful for all the support I had in Pittsburgh,” LeBeau told Stout.
I think we all can tell that LeBeau was forced out as I’m sure he would’ve liked to stay at least another year. There’s some speculation that Tomlin was the one to decide to move on from LeBeau, but it very well could’ve been team president Art Rooney II who made the decision.
We should know in a few days whether or not linebackers coach Keith Butler will be the team’s new defensive coordinator as he would be the logical choice if the organization decides to stay in house.
Butler has had several opportunities in recent years to become a defensive coordinator elsewhere but the Steelers made sure not to let him get away.
