What MATTers : The Loss of LeBeau, a Two-edged Sword for Pittsburgh

The loss of LeBeau, a two-edged sword for Pittsburgh
Friday's resignation of former defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau may have been an expected move by a portion of Steeler Nation. A unit that has slipped in the rankings since 2012 was due for a change. Pittsburgh was ranked 1st overall in points, and 6th in yards (2012). Decline shortly followed to 14th and 13th (points & yards, respectively) in 2013, and further to 18th in both categories (2014). The linear decline in performance was not only observed on paper, but on the field as well. The lack of proper personnel and developed talent to fit LeBeau's system appeared to be missing most of the 2014 season. Reflections of years past were observed on the field in 2014. Every Steeler fan could point these out. The defense looked terrible in the second half of the opening game against Cleveland, allowing the Browns to score 24 second half points. Four days later, they looked terrible against the Ravens. Two weeks later, the unit blew a 4th quarter lead at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In each of these performances, "struggling" may be a vast understatement. Amid the inconsistencies, someone had to take the fall. It wasn't going to be offensive coordinator Todd Haley because his offense used 2014 to transform into one of the NFL's best. What about Coach Tomlin? No way. He may have saved himself by lead the Steelers to an 11-5 record, AFC North Division Championship, and home playoff game in the Wild Card Round. That leaves LeBeau. His "resignation" might not be all bad for the Steelers.
There is still hope because....
1. The Steelers replaced LeBeau from within. New defensive coordinator Keith Butler's tenure with the franchise dates to 2003. His developmental skills, coaching ability, and familiarity with the organization proved to be too valuable to lose. Further, Butler's knowledge of the 3-4 defense has been instrumental to the team's performance on the field. This includes the years when the defense was the top ranked unit (2008, 2010, 2011).
Consider the talent Butler has worked with at linebacker - Joey Porter (current defensive assistant), James Harrison (5X Pro Bowl selection, 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 100 yd INT return for TD in SB XLIII), James Farrior (35.5 career sacks), Clark Haggans (46.5 career sacks), LaMarr Woodley (13.5 sacks in 2009), Lawrence Timmons, among others. The accomplishments by this group are remarkable!
2. Now Pittsburgh has the opportunity for Butler to lead. LeBeau implemented the weekly game plan. Now, Butler may utilize his own ideas and/or strategy. Critics of LeBeau's defense cite other NFL franchises had "figured it out". LeBeau was criticized that he was no longer fooling opposing offenses. Butler's skills and knowledge could lead to tweaks and adjustments not observed during the LeBeau era. Such alterations may bode well on the field.
3. Tomlin may have more input on defense. Mike Tomlin possess a strong defensive background. He served as the Vikings' defensive coordinator in 2006 & as defensive backs coach for the Buccaneers (2001-2005) and Bengals (1999-2000). Belief exists a greater level of intervention by Tomlin could improve the unit. Tomlin will finally be able to show the fans his expertise, to a greater extent, than what was observed under LeBeau.
The departure of LeBeau could hurt Pittsburgh because....
1. The players on the field are the same. Coaching can only lead players so far. Beyond that point, it's up to the players to execute and make plays on the field. Many would agree there are several key needs, to be addressed on defense, particularly in the secondary. Questions also arise on the defensive front. There many not be much improvement in 2015 because solidification of the unit will likely not occur prior to August.
2. LeBeau leaves big shoes to fill. No question LeBeau is a legend. If he returns to coaching this fall, it will be his 58th as a player or coach in the NFL. Remarkable. There could be pressure on Butler to perform well or exceed the level of performance under LeBeau. The Steelers organization is also going to be under pressure. They will have to work to develop the talent and fill the needs on defense going into the off-season. Whether that will be through the draft, free agency or both, it must be done.
3. Management may make wrong personnel decisions. It will be rather interesting to see how management deals with free agents and other aging players. Word is there are several players on defense that could not return in 2015 (Polamalu, Harrison, Taylor, Keisel, Worilds, etc.). A bright spot is, the salary cap is to rise a "significant amount" for 2015. Nonetheless, Pittsburgh is going to have difficult decisions to make.