Dick LeBeau resigning as Steelers' defensive coordinator
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is resigning after his 11-year tenure with the team, according to the Urbana Daily Citizen.
LeBeau, 77, called the decision a "mutual parting."
“I’m resigning this position, not retiring,” LeBeau, 77, said in an exclusive interview with the Daily Citizen. “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 was the Steelers' defensive coordinator for the past 11 seasons. He was also a defensive backs coach with Pittsburgh from 1992-94, and also the defensive coordinator from 1995-96.
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Over the past 11 years, the Steelers won two Super Bowls and made six postseason appearances.
This season, the Steelers finished 11-5 and won the AFC North, but lost in the AFC Wild Card playoff game to the Baltimore Ravens at home, 30-17. Pittsburgh's defense ranked 15th in both total defense (353.4 yards allowed per game) and scoring (23 points allowed per game).
LeBeau broke into the NFL in 1973 as a special teams coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also an assistant for the Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills. LeBeau was the Bengals' head coach from 2000-02.
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LeBeau was first hired by the Steelers in 1992 as a secondary coach, and later became the defensive coordinator in 1995.
- Mike Fiammetta
