New Steelers DC says it was 'awkward' to replace LeBeau

[stillers4me]

Things haven't been the same for Keith Butler and Dick LeBeau ever since the former replaced his mentor as Steelers defensive coordinator.


Butler estimates that the duo has played 300 rounds of golf together, but it might be a little while before they take to the links again. After last season's lackluster defensive performance, it was evident to head coach Mike Tomlin that it was time for a change. And Butler was ready to take the helm of his own defense after bypassing opportunities with other teams to wait in the wings under LeBeau.........

read more @ http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/pittsburgh-steelers-dc-keith-butler-dick-lebeau-awkward-073115

[Devilsdancefloor]

Always awkward replacing a legend. I have faith that he is ready

[TD's & Beer]

Keith Butler: Relationship with HOFer Dick LeBeau strained over Steelers job
Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Senior NFL Writer

LATROBE, Pa. -- New Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler admits his in-house promotion was "awkward" because he replaced close friend Dick LeBeau.

Butler, Pittsburgh's linebackers coach for 12 seasons, told ESPN he didn't know what to say to LeBeau when the two talked on the phone shortly after coach Mike Tomlin made the switch. Butler estimated he had played about 300 rounds of golf with LeBeau over the years. Things haven't been the same since.

"You don't want to feel like you stabbed him in the back or anything like that to get the job," Butler said. "That never went on. Mike and I never talked about the job until Dick was let go."

Butler didn't want to force the Steelers' hand, but after the fifth inquiry from another NFL team about a coordinator opening -- Tennessee and Arizona were among the teams that requested his services in past years -- Butler told the Steelers he was ready to lead a defense. He didn't know what that meant exactly, he said, only that it was time to fill that need.

Keith Butler takes over a Steelers defense that ranked 18th in yards allowed last season.

In the past, the Steelers raised Butler's pay to keep him. Plus, he loved the continuity of the staff, the Rooney family and the annual chase for a Super Bowl. Butler and the Steelers had talked informally about his coordinating the defense one day, but "never in writing."

The defense needed a spark after finishing 26th in sacks, tied for 25th in interceptions and 27th in passing yards allowed last season.

Since being promoted, Butler has been crafting a defense that relies on Steelers staples -- 3-4 formation, dropping both safeties into coverage -- while bringing new ideas, such as getting defensive ends more one-on-one opportunities and various linebacker blitz packages.

Butler said Tomlin has not micromanaged him, though he runs new ideas by the head coach as they come. Hitters will play; passive tacklers won't.

"We're going to experiment a little bit more [this week] to see if it really works in pads," said Butler about this week's training camp sessions.

Butler knew that LeBeau, now an assistant with the Titans, still wanted to coach. That's what made the phone call so difficult. LeBeau told Butler, "That's football."

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13348062/pittsburgh-steelers-defensive-coordinator-keith-butler-discusses-replacing-dick-lebeau

[tube517]

I don't think LeBeau is the type of guy to hold a grudge against Butler. Of course, it's awkward and LeBeau was pissed because he wanted to keep coaching the Steelers. He is a father figure to them. Look at Deebo. That guy is probably the fiercest dude on the Steelers and doesn't give a rat's ass about what anyone says but he respected the hell out of LeBeau.


So to Jeremy Fowler and BSPN: DUH!

[TD's & Beer]

The defense needed a spark after finishing 26th in sacks, tied for 25th in interceptions and 27th in passing yards allowed last season.




​Fix that and we'll be talking about the Butler Defense

[TeeTee]

Things haven't been the same for Keith Butler and Dick LeBeau ever since the former replaced his mentor as Steelers defensive coordinator.


Butler estimates that the duo has played 300 rounds of golf together, but it might be a little while before they take to the links again. After last season's lackluster defensive performance, it was evident to head coach Mike Tomlin that it was time for a change. And Butler was ready to take the helm of his own defense after bypassing opportunities with other teams to wait in the wings under LeBeau.........

read more @ http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/pittsburgh-steelers-dc-keith-butler-dick-lebeau-awkward-073115

As if Tomlin made this decision. What a farce. That was a Rooney decision all the way. And I am thrilled they made it.

[stillers4me]

As if Tomlin made this decision. What a farce. That was a Rooney decision all the way. And I am thrilled they made it.

You know this.......how?

[86WARD]

I would find it hard to believe on any level that it's not awkward...