In what will come to be known as the most shocking, most surprising bombshell announcement in the history of the Steelers organization, the Steelers have announced that Keith Butler will be the new defensive coordinator. Sorry for the satire, I couldn’t help myself.
Keith Butler has been named our new Defensive Coordinator. pic.twitter.com/julWehE5TP
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 13, 2015
I reported earlier that the team planned to make the announcement as soon as today, but didn’t expect it to be before lunch.
Butler has been long ordained as the heir to Dick LeBeau’s throne. The team has either blocked interview requests with the longtime linebacker’s coach, or he has turned down interviews for other defensive coordinator positions over the past several years.
Don’t expect Butler to turn things completely upside down, but don’t be surprised if the defense looks different from what you’re used to. While some are calling Butler “LeBeau Jr.”, that’s most likely not the case at all.
BREAKING: Steelers replace Dick LeBeau with Dick LeBeau, Jr.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) January 13, 2015
With Butler being promoted to DC, there is now a vacancy at linebacker’s coach. The only two likely candidates that spring to mind are Defensive Assistants Jerry Olsavsky and Joey Porter, with Olsavsky being the more likely of the two. It shouldn’t be long before we find out.