Keith Butler Named Steelers' DC: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new defensive coordinator for the first time since 2004 as they officially promoted former linebackers coach Keith Butler Tuesday, the team announced: 

This move comes on the heels of longtime defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau announcing his resignation from the team, per Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com:

When that occurred, Butler emerged as the top candidate to ascend to that vacated role, according to Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Dulac also reported the reality behind the LeBeau situation was that the Steelers decided against offering him a new contract on the heels of a season that saw Pittsburgh's defense rank 18th in both yards and points allowed.

The 77-year-old LeBeau had been the Steelers' defensive coordinator for 11 years, but the organization apparently felt as though it was time for a change.

That change comes in the form of Butler, who predates LeBeau as a member of Pittsburgh's coaching staff, having served as the linebackers coach since 2003.

The 58-year-old coach played 10 years in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, so while he doesn't have the same resume as LeBeau, he knows plenty about thriving in the league.

Butler and LeBeau worked hand in hand for a very long time, and David Todd of ESPN 970 AM doesn't expect the foundation of the Steelers defense to change significantly:

Ultimately, promoting Butler is a move that Pittsburgh likely needed to make in order to prevent him from going elsewhere.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Tennessee Titans attempted to pry Butler away from the Steelers last year:

Having had so much success as a linebackers coach for a team that has produced some elite players at that position over the years, it was obviously time for Butler to take the next step in his development as a coach.

With that said, there is no doubt that he has a major challenge on his hands for 2015 and beyond. The Steelers have long been known for their defensive excellence, but that isn't necessarily the case any longer.

With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Le'Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown all coming off a spectacular 2014 campaign, it is clear that Pittsburgh has developed into an offense-first team.

That is due largely to the fact that it has an aging defense. Safety Troy Polamalu, cornerback Ike Taylor and linebacker James Harrison have all been huge contributors to the Steelers' success over the years, but it may be time for them to move on.

Butler may not only have to replace them, but he will have to develop the younger talent on that side of the ball, including defensive linemen Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt, linebackers Ryan Shazier and Jarvis Jones and a host of inexperienced defensive backs.

There is definitely talent on the Pittsburgh defense; however, someone needs to put it all together. LeBeau struggled in that regard this past season, but the Steelers are apparently confident that Butler is the right man for the job.

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