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Dick Lebeau selected top Defensive Coordinator

By Ramona Dye

John Clayton,  a senior writer for ESPN.com crowned  Dick LeBeau as the top Defensive Coordinator in the NFL.  Even Ron Jaworski, ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback says, " Dick LeBeau is arguably the best ever to coach defense.  He has done it on such a consistent basis over a long period of time."  The Sporting News named LeBeau "Coordinator of the Year" by for the 2008 season. LeBeau has led the No. 1 defense the past two seasons. 

Lets get to know a little about our TOP Defensive Coordinator.

Hailing from London, Ohio, Charles Richard (Dick) LeBeau spent 14 years with the Detroit Lions as a defensive back.  Currently, LeBeau is in his 36th year as a coach in the NFL.

Many consider LeBeau as a defensive football genius.  LeBeau created the "Zone Blitz" when he was with Cincinnatti in the late 80's.

LeBeau played for legendary coach Woody Hayes at Ohio State. On the 1957 national championship team, LeBeau played both halfback and cornerback. 

Drafted in the fifth round of 1959 by the Cleveland Browns,  the Browns cut LeBeau from their team. Signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions,  LeBeau spent all 14 years with the team at a defensive back.

Dick LeBeau on the creation of the "Zone Blitz."

 "It was a thought process kind of born out of necessity. It was basically an outcropping of the run-and-shoot [offense] that was becoming pretty prevalent in the league back then. We were in the same division as Houston, and they were tremendous at it with Moon and Co. Then the West Coast offense was spreading throughout the league. Those were all quick-rhythm, get the ball out of your hands and cut up the defense types of passing games. We were just looking for ways to get pressure without exposing our defensive backs to have to cover the whole field all of the time."  

Run from a 3-4 defense, this "Fire Zone" or "Zone Blitz" defense  brings unpredictable pass coverage and pass rush from different players with any of the 4 linebackers and most times a defensive back among those who rush the passer. Often, a defensive lineman may drop back into short pass coverage to compensate.

Often, the Zone Blitz confuses the opposing quarterback while messes up their blocking scheme since the quarterback is unable to know which three or four pass rushers are coming.

LeBeau's assistant coaching jobs

1973 - 1975         Philadelphia Eagles

                            (Special teams coach)

1976 - 1979         Green Bay Packers

                            (defensive backfield coach)

1980 - 1983         Cincinnati Bengals

                            (defensive backfield coach)

1984 - 1991         Cincinnati Bengals

                            (defensive coordinator)

1992 - 1994         Pittsburgh Steelers

                            (defensive backfield coach)

1995 - 1996         Pittsburgh Steelers

                            (defensive coordinator)

1997 - 2000         Cincinnati Bengals

                            (def. coord./asst. head coach)

2000 - 2002         Cincinnati Bengals

                            (head coach)

2003                   Buffalo Bills

                            (assistant head coach)

2004 - present    Pittsburgh Steelers

                            (defensive coordinator)

Playing Career Highlights and Awards

• 1954 High-school football All-American
• 1957 NCAA Football co-National Champion
• 1959 - 1972     Detroit Lions
• Pro Bowls:     1964, 1965, 1966
• 1964 AP & UPI 2nd team all-NFL
• 1965 Sporting News 1st Team All-conference
• 1965 AP 2nd team All-NFL
• 1970 Pro Football Writers 2nd team All-NFL
• 1971 UPI 2nd team All-conference

Coaching Career Highlights and Awards

• 5-time AFC Champion (as coach)  1981, 1988, 1995, 2005, 2008
• 2-time Super Bowl winner (as coach) XL (2005), XLIII    (2008)
• 2008 Sporting News Coordinator of the Year

Dick LeBeau is beloved among his players, many of

whom refer to him as "Coach Dad."

Dick LeBeau has brought us many years of entertainment in football with his precision, dedication and skill of running a smack mouth defense. We all know that he will not coach forever and that sometime in the future he will retire.

All I can say is, Dick, You are the best in the game and you will most assuredly be missed by your owners, co-workers, players and most importantly Steeler Nation! 

As always, Here We Go!