Dick LeBeau and Steelers Part Ways: Latest Details and Reaction

For the first time since 2003, the Pittsburgh Steelers won't have Dick LeBeau on the sidelines coaching the defense. 

The Steelers made things official on the team website:

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Longtime Steelers’ defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has resigned from his position, it was announced today.

“We want to thank Dick for his many years of service with the team and all that he has done for this organization,” said Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. “His coaching helped lead us to many successful seasons and championships. We are very appreciative of his efforts, and we wish him well.”

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Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first reported the news.

The 77-year-old LeBeau, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, took over as Pittsburgh's defensive coordinator in 2004. He helped lead the franchise to three AFC championships and two Super Bowl titles. 

In an exclusive interview with Steve Stout of the Urbana Daily Citizen, LeBeau made clear that this was a resignation and not a retirement.

"I’m resigning this position, not retiring," LeBeau said. "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 also said that it was "just time to take a break." 

This was one of the most trying years for LeBeau in Pittsburgh. The longtime coordinator had an injury-prone and talent-deprived defense to work with. He made it work in spots, but a banged-up secondary allowed 253 pass yards per game in the regular season and couldn't stop Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in the Wild Card Round. 

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David Todd of 970 ESPN Pittsburgh weighed in with his thoughts as well:

Given his age, LeBeau may not be looking to get back in the coaching game right away. He's certainly going to be coveted by some teams, given his track record and status as one of the most innovative defensive minds in the game. 

The Steelers have a lot of work to do to repair their defense. LeBeau certainly wasn't the problem with it, but perhaps starting completely over will provide the necessary impetus for head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert to invest more in reshaping the defense.