Butler says relationship with LeBeau strained

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/1...-keith-butler-discusses-replacing-dick-lebeau

 

So is he suggesting that LeBeau is pouting a little over losing his job to Butler? What did LeBeau expect? He's got to remember that at some point somebody had to lose their job in order for him to get his opportunity and launch his illustrious HOF career. Butler showed a great amount of patience in sticking around as long as he did. The Rooneys, Colbert and Tomlin absolutely made the right decision in showing LeBeau the door and retaining a highly sought after assistant as the DC with a much longer time horizon. Otherwise Butler would have been leading another AFC defense and LeBeau would have kept coaching until he dropped dead in the middle of the third quarter against the Rats at the age of 97!

 

I'd be willing to bet they work it out in due time.
Never easy when your understudy takes your job before you're ready to give it up.

 

Maybe not. I'm sure it's uncomfortable for LeBeau but come on. At some point it's time to move on. He had a great career but somebody had to lose their job for him to get that opportunity. I personally think LeBeau came across as a little selfish. I thought it was pretty telling when I read that LeBeau actually thought he was summonsed to Tomlin's office to discuss his raise, not to be asked to step down. I had to read that a couple of times before it sunk in. HIS RAISE??? Presumptuous much?

 

Those coach in waiting deals always seem to be awkward and tough on the outgoing coach.

 

I recently took a new job replacing a guy told he was "retiring". We worked together for 6 weeks and it was awkward. During that time I never stepped on his toes and let him lead the way. He went out of his way to help me even though he could have said screw it. I let him run the job until his last day June 30. On July 1, all employees quickly knew a new guy was now in charge. Things are now progressing rapidly towards improvement.

 

Yeah, it doesn't even suggest that. It just says what we already knew from logic: it creates an awkward situation among friends.

 

I dislike ESPN more and more...so does the article indicate that Butler was being courted and he told the Steelers he was ready to lead a defense - all this "before" deciding to let Lebeau go? Had he not been courted might we still have Lebeau?

 

Oh well, life goes on. Excited to see what Butler's cooking up. It's his show now. And with Tomlin getting more involved in the secondary I see good things from this Defense.

 

Why do you think the tabloids outsell all serious news periodicals 10 to 1, Blast?

 

UMMMMMMM! 'Cause Kim K is usually in there somewhere?

 

Is she what's making it so awkward between Butler and Lebeau? Hmm?

 

OBVIOUSLY
people on here are calling ESPN a TABLOID!!!!

sensationalism

 

NO!! how did you get that

outta that ?

green foot






yes on purpose

 

as the players aged so did dl and the players he won steadily with. as the guys like smith,casey,ike,keisel,troy,clark,foote,farrior headed into the sunset of their careers,so did the guy that made them great. it's time for the new players, and new dc to build together a new hybrid d as they move forward. the timing was right and mt can establish his more pass defense friendly cover 2 over the next couple of years. akward yes, but the right thing to do moving forward. it was a good run with those players and that coach. i wish dl well in his endevor and also wish well coach butler. he has some big shoes to fill. the game has changed ans so shall we.

 

And I think the D is going to be a lot better. Not taking anything from Troy and the gang. They brung Us to the dance

 

Yeah, I didn't get that either. I don't think Butler is complaining one bit about Lebeau or blaming the strained relationship on him, even though the article kind of gives it that slant. I'm sure Lebeau wasn't happy about the situation. It's not personal, but at the same time, the man who took his job is Butler, a friend. That's a tough situation for anyone and it often takes time to get over the hurt feelings.

Business and personal relationships don't mix.

 

Why should Lebeau hold a grudge against Butler, Lebeau knew Butler was going to replace him sooner or later, Lebeau has played and coached in the NFL for over 50 years, damn old man give someone else a chance to advance their career, you've had it all your way for 50 plus years including the hall of fame, what more do you want?

 

I'm not so sure he did. I'm beginning to believe that LeBeau may have thought that Butler would eventually jump to another team leaving him to coach the defense into infinity...