Steelreign : LeBeau Resignation Begins An Offseason Of Change

Dick LeBeau's surprise resignation has kicked off an offseason that is going to reshape the defensive side of the ball for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015. It is also the end of an Era that included the second best display of defense in franchise history that resulted in two more Lombardi Trophy's in three trips to the Super Bowl in a six year period, from 2005-2010. LeBeau's replacement came from the in house promotion of Linebacker's coach, Keith Butler, often labeled as the DC in waiting over the last three years. It would make sense if the Steelers were to promote Jerry Olsavsky to Linebacker coach to replace Butler. These changes are just the beginning as things look to get interesting on the players side of the equation.
Just as the journey in Pittsburgh has ended for Dick LeBeau, the same will be true for many of the players as well. Ike Taylor, Brett Keisel, James Harrison and Troy Polamalu have very likely also played their last game in Heinz Field. All four of them played key roles in bringing two more Lombardi Trophy's home to Pittsburgh, but the time has come to move on from them and build for the future and there is a lot of work to do with the defense.
The Defensive line showed much improvement by the end of the season, especially rookie Stephon Tuitt. Both he and Cameron Heyward look to be solid bookends for years to come. Starting DT Steve McClendon isn't spectacular but has been solid, backup Cam Thomas should be on the first one way flight out of Pittsburgh. It should not be too hard to replace him whatsoever.
At Outside Linebacker, the Steelers have only one player under contract for next season, Jarvis Jones. Jones showed improved play this season, but was derailed by a dislocated wrist while sacking Cam Newton during the Carolina game and was never truly the same afterwards. The Steelers have a few decisions to make here as well, whether to resign free agents Jason Worilds and Arthur Moats. While Worilds is certainly not worth his tag price, I'd sign him for 3yr/$20 million.
The key to the CB woes is for Cortez Allen to get back on track. The same negative things being said about him now, used to be regularly bestowed upon Willie Gay, who has turned into the second coming of DeShea Townsend so to speak. Gay was easily the best CB on the roster this year, but the contributions of Brice McCain and Antwon Blake can't be overlooked, neither can the need for their return.This position would look a lot stronger and deeper if Allen can get his mojo back and they use the 22nd pick of the first round on a CB.
These are the areas of the defense with the greatest needs heading into next season that they need to address, but perhaps they decide to change things up and switch to a 4-3 defense instead. At any rate, an Era has ended in Pittsburgh and it's now up to Keith Butler to continue the tradition of a tough and physical defense to compliment one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. Man, how times have changed.
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