Jump to content
[[Template core/front/custom/_customHeader is throwing an error. This theme may be out of date. Run the support tool in the AdminCP to restore the default theme.]]

LeBeau to remain Defensive Coordinator


Menudo
 Share

Recommended Posts

:D This just keeps getting better and better. I was thrilled with the Tomlin hiring, but, my concern was that the Steeler personnel was completely built for a 3-4, zone-blitzing defensive style. I thought that if Tomlin tried to change to a 4-3, it could take years to come togther. I love Dick LeBeau as a defensive coordinator, and it appears he isn't going anywhere. :D

 

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2738834

 

Steelers hire Tomlin; LeBeau to stay D-coordinatorESPN.com news services

 

 

PITTSBURGH -- Mike Tomlin, the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers -- the first black head coach in the team's 74-year history.

 

Mike Tomlin: Coaching Highlights

 

NFL:

• 2006: Defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.

• 2001-2005: Defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

 

NCAA:

• 1999-2000: Defensive backs coach at Cincinnati.

 

• 1998: Defensive backs coach at Arkansas State.

 

• 1997: Wide receivers coach at Arkansas State.

 

• 1996: Graduate assistant at Memphis.

 

• 1995: Wide receivers coach at Virginia Military Institute.

 

 

He accepted the job Sunday night and the hiring was announced Monday, with the contract to be completed later in the day. He was negotiating a four-year contract expected to pay him about $2.5 million a year. The Steelers will hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m. ET Monday.

 

Tomlin, the team's third coach in 38 years, was hired on the same day two black coaches made the Super Bowl for the first time: Lovie Smith in Chicago and Tony Dungy in Indianapolis. Tomlin was once an assistant under Dungy at Tampa Bay.

 

In his first big move as head coach, Tomlin will retain Dick LeBeau as his defensive coordinator, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Monday.

 

Tomlin also may have benefited from the NFL's so-called Rooney Rule. Steelers owner Dan Rooney successfully lobbied in 2002 for a rule that requires all NFL teams to interview minority candidates for coaching jobs.

 

After a successful first season as Minnesota's defensive coordinator, Tomlin's name was one of about a dozen on a list of qualified minority candidates given Rooney at a mid-December meeting in New York. Rooney is the chairman of the NFL's committee on workplace diversity.

 

The intent of the Rooney Rule was to give coaches such as Tomlin a forum to display their credentials. And Tomlin was chosen largely because of the motivation, enthusiasm and organizational skills he showed in two strong interviews with Rooney, team president Art Rooney II and director of football operations Kevin Colbert.

 

"It's humbling," Tomlin said last week of being in the running for one of the most high-profile jobs in pro sports. "These are great football people. I've got a great deal of respect for what they do and what they've done. It's just a very humbling experience to be involved in but, at the same time, professional football is what I do and I'm a competitor like everyone else."

 

Tomlin's hiring completed a 2½-week search in which he was initially viewed as an unlikely choice behind perceived front-runners Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm, but Whisenhunt later accepted the Arizona Cardinals' job.

 

Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, the other finalist with Grimm and Tomlin, did not get a second interview because the Steelers would have had to wait until Feb. 5 to meet with him again. Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey, recommended by Cowher, also didn't get a second interview.

 

Tomlin will be the fourth consecutive Steelers coach who was a defensive assistant coach in his 30s with another team before being hired by them. Bill Austin was 37 when he was chosen in 1966, as was Chuck Noll in 1969. Cowher was 34 in 1992.

 

What could be tricky is assimilating Tomlin's preference for the 4-3 defense into a Steelers system that has been built around the 3-4 since 1983. The Steelers have fitted their roster with players suited for the 3-4, such as All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu and Pro Bowl nose guard Casey Hampton.

 

Not that Tomlin is expected to change. He also likes the so-called Tampa 2 cover scheme, which had its roots in Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain defense of the 1970s -- a defense that played a 4-3.

 

"I think regardless of who they hire to be the head coach, they expect him to lead," Tomlin said last week. "Part of leading is being prepared to do things you feel strongly about. I'm no different from anyone else in that regard."

 

Retaining LeBeau assures that some continuity will remain among the Steelers top coaching positions. Grimm won't return after being passed over.

 

One Steelers assistant already knows Tomlin: linebackers coach Keith Butler coached with him at Memphis and Arkansas State.

 

Tomlin, from Hampton, Va., was a wide receiver at William & Mary, where he caught 20 touchdown passes during his career. He later coached at VMI, Memphis, Tennessee-Martin, Arkansas State and Cincinnati before being hired as a Tampa Bay assistant.

 

Tomlin's defense in Minnesota was best in the NFL against the run in 2006, allowing just 61.6 yards per game, but tied with Cincinnati for last against the pass, allowing 238.6 yards per game through the air.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What could be tricky is assimilating Tomlin's preference for the 4-3 defense into a Steelers system that has been built around the 3-4 since 1983. The Steelers have fitted their roster with players suited for the 3-4, such as All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu and Pro Bowl nose guard Casey Hampton.

 

Not that Tomlin is expected to change. He also likes the so-called Tampa 2 cover scheme, which had its roots in Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain defense of the 1970s -- a defense that played a 4-3.

 

"I think regardless of who they hire to be the head coach, they expect him to lead," Tomlin said last week. "Part of leading is being prepared to do things you feel strongly about. I'm no different from anyone else in that regard."

 

 

so they're keeping dick lebleau, but obviously the HC pulls the strings. are we maybe looking at a gradual transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3? it'll be interesting to watch their draft and actions in free agency.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

yes! lebeau was the one coach i didnt want to leave out of all the others (grimm, whipple, ariens, etc..)

 

it will be interesting to see what they do next year. i am hoping they do a little mixing of the 3-4 and 4-3 like the ravens and pats have done. this may mean they will go for a lb/de type player in the 1st also. i know there are a few of them in the draft.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They must feel that you post enough all by yourself, and can carry them. :D

 

:D Not far from the truth. :bash:

 

I'm pleased with this move -- anxious to see what insights the draft strategy provides for the future direction ... I'm actually more concerned with scenarios surrounding Hartings retirement ...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:D Not far from the truth. :D

 

I'm pleased with this move -- anxious to see what insights the draft strategy provides for the future direction ... I'm actually more concerned with scenarios surrounding Hartings retirement ...

 

 

okobi actually did better when he played for hartings this season. hartings was a great center for the steelers.. i just dont think his knees can take it anymore, he already admitted it and hinted towards retirement.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am very happy Tomlin kept LeBeau. Based on the press conference I think Grimm is gone. When asked if he had spoke to Grimm at all Tomlin replied with a statement stating that he did not. When asked if he will be talking to Grimm Tomlin replied by saying he is sure he will talk to him at some point.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am very happy Tomlin kept LeBeau. Based on the press conference I think Grimm is gone. When asked if he had spoke to Grimm at all Tomlin replied with a statement stating that he did not. When asked if he will be talking to Grimm Tomlin replied by saying he is sure he will talk to him at some point.

 

 

I read this morning that Grimm has requested and been granted a release from his contract. Bruce Arians, their former Wide Receivers coach, has been promoted to Offensive Coordinator.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information