Charles LeClaire-USATODAY Sports
Sometimes the sheer magnitude of a legacy can cast a shadow over what is best for an organization. When Troy Polamalu struggled to stay healthy and play in coverage for the last couple of years, the Pittsburgh Steelers organization and fans alike struggled to come to terms with the fact that his playing days were done. He was, is, and will always be a legend in the Steel City.
Former defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is a different story, but not entirely. At 77 years old, the Hall of Famer has some coaching left in him. He is now serving as the Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator, which is fantastic. He has earned the right to coach where he wishes.
LeBeau coached a pair of Steelers defenses to Super Bowl victories in 2005 and 2008, the latter of which is one of the best defenses in team, and NFL, history. He invented the zone blitz, which has become a devastating weapon for versatile defenses. His steady hand and steadfast respect of his players made him one of the most complete coaches in the game.
Linebacker James Harrison displayed this devotion during an interview with Jon Gruden after Harrison left the Steelers for the Cincinnati Bengals, a moment that gives Steelers fans chills. One of the baddest dudes in the NFL, a player who has made a career mercilessly taking the heads off of his opponents, was nearly moved to tears by the picture of a former coach. There’s something special about that.
This legacy makes a breakup hard. It’s like seeing your ex-girlfriend with a new guy. The breakup is one thing, but seeing them with somebody else just isn’t right. LeBeau in blue and white will never look okay, nor should it.
With that being said, all was not well on the defensive side of the ball for the Steelers in the last couple of years. LeBeau will be remembered for his Super Bowl victories and trailblazing zone blitz schemes, not his last few of seasons in which the team failed to put pressure on the opposing quarterbacks and was near the bottom of the league in forcing turnovers.
Enter: Keith Butler. Former linebackers coach and Dick LeBeau protege, Butler has been serving as a sort of defensive coordinator-elect for the last couple of years, with the Steelers blocking a few opportunities that he had with other teams. He has learned under LeBeau, though that doesn’t mean he is going to be a LeBeau clone.
Butler has indicated that he is a “whatever-it-takes” guy, which is a cool way to reveal very little. Most likely, it indicates that he is willing to adjust his schemes and defense to the talents of his players. With so many first-round picks invested in the Steelers’ linebacking corps, it will take a special talent to bring out their potential. While the defense struggled in the last few years, a breath of fresh air will do it some good.
Many times the right choice isn’t the easy one, but it’s time for a new age with Butler taking over the Steelers’ defense.
