7:27pm: The Steelers have officially announced LeBeau’s resignation in a press release.
“We want to thank Dick for his many years of service with the team and all that he has done for this organization,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in a statement. “His coaching helped lead us to many successful seasons and championships. We are very appreciative of his efforts, and we wish him well.”
4:04pm: Longtime Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will not return to the team in 2015, announcing his decision in the Urbana Daily Citizen in Ohio, according to Steve Stout.
The 77-year old coach has decided to resign, but says he is not retiring. “I’m resigning this position, not retiring,” LeBeau said. “I had a great run in Pittsburgh. I’m grateful for all the things that have happened to me and thankful for all the support I had in Pittsburgh.”
Lebeau spent the last 11 seasons with the Steelers, winning two Super Bowls and establishing himself as one of the most respected defensive coordinators ever. He played defensive back for the Lions, drafted in 1959, and his 62 interceptions rank him seventh all-time in NFL history.
As a coach, he is credited with inventing and perfecting the zone blitz, and although his head coaching career was short lived and unsuccessful, he has experienced great success as a coordinator with the Eagles, Packers, Bengals, and Steelers. LeBeau was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.
The Steelers could promote linebackers coach Keith Butler to replace LeBeau, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). The team has pegged him as a defensive coordinator in waiting for the past few years.