PITTSBURGH — Last Saturday, Dick LeBeau spoke with Mike Tomlin, and by the time their conversation ended, LeBeau and the Steelers had mutually decided to part ways.
LeBeau, by all accounts, wanted to stay with the Steelers as long as they wanted him, but it became clear in talking with Tomlin that the Steelers were prepared to move in another direction, and specifically with Keith Butler, the linebackers coach who had waited patiently as LeBeau’s heir apparent.
LeBeau’s resignation was announced by the Steelers in a Saturday night email, but that was several hours after LeBeau himself broke the news in an interview with a small-town Ohio newspaper near his home.
On Tuesday, Butler was officially named as LeBeau's successor.
Lebeau, who will be 78 years old early next season, believes he still has a lot to offer.
It appears he may remain in the NFL, but perhaps not as a defensive coordinator.
One possibility has emerged with the Arizona Cardinals, who may hire LeBeau in an "executive coach" position that could include some consulting duties.
If that scenario plays out, LeBeau would reunite with former Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, now head coach of the Cardinals.
Just for a few moments, though, put aside LeBeau’s future in the NFL, the circumstances under which he left Pittsburgh, and how his departure was handled by the Steelers.
Instead, celebrate the legacy of one of the classiest people in the history of football.
At Ohio State, LeBeau played for the legendary Woody Hayes, and was an important piece of the 1957 National Championship team.
In a 14-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions, LeBeau had 62 interceptions on his way to Hall of Fame induction in Canton.
He served as a coach for five NFL teams, including head coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, and two stints as Steelers defensive coordinator.
LeBeau’s the architect of the Zone Blitz, and his defenses ranked annually near the top of the league.
His more than five decades of NFL experience as a player and coach are astonishing.
It’s some old-fashioned traits, however, that make LeBeau special.
His integrity, humility, sincerity and loyalty are all part of a most unique personality.
Opponents hold him in the highest regard, and he’s revered, even idolized, by his players.
LeBeau has been known to write thank-you notes for receiving thank-you notes, and he still has lunch every week during the football season with his good friend and roommate from his NFL rookie season.
Maybe it was just a coincidence, but only days after LeBeau's annual recital of “A Visit From Saint Nicholas” in front of the team, the Steelers clinched the AFC North with a monumental win over the Bengals.
LeBeau was a father-figure to his players.
His experience was soothing even in the toughest of times, and he was a constant source of encouragement.
In return, his players, some of the most talented and best known in football, were fiercely dedicated to him.
It was much more than a player-coach relationship.
His nickname was "Coach Dad" and his players, it seemed, would do almost anything to make him proud.
Having Dick LeBeau as their coach meant a great deal to the players, and just having LeBeau walk the halls at Steelers headquarters meant as much to the Steelers.
His mere presence gave the team a sense of stability, credibility and class.
LeBeau and I share a birthday, and every year on that day, he’d make a point of finding me at practice, in the media room, or in the cafeteria, to make sure he wished me a happy birthday.
On one of those occasions, he insisted that we pose for a picture.
Posterity means something to Dick LeBeau.
He liked to joke that while I was still counting the birthdays, he had reached the point of subtracting the years.
Considering that he easily looks 20 years younger than his real age, perhaps everyone should do the same.
Football has been his life, but LeBeau has many other passions.
He loves to golf and is a dedicated family man to his wife and children.
He's also a French and Indian War buff, and on at least one occasion, was seen visiting one of western Pennsylvania's renowned historical sites, Fort Necessity.
LeBeau has navigated through 56 NFL seasons with uncommon class.
He’s a cut above, and anyone who’s ever spent even a little bit of time with him knows it.
How will LeBeau be remembered?
He’s a complicated man with many interests, but his legacy can be summed up in four words --Great coach. Better man.
RELATED CONTENT:
- Pittsburgh Steelers name Keith Butler defensive coordinator
- Longtime Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau resigns