Could Dick LeBeau retire?

**Kyle Cactus** · 01-25-2011, 12:26 PM

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/pos...erdog-steelers

James Walker, who writes ESPN's AFC North Blog, is speculating that LeBeau might retire since he is old and was allowed to reach the end of his contract without recieving an extension.

LeBeau is a great defensive coordinator. On one hand it would be ashame to see a great mind leave the game, but on the other hand it would be great to see the Steelers lose such an asset.

Since LeBeau returned to the Steelers in 2004 here is how their defense has ranked in terms of yardage allowed:
2004: 1
2005: 4
2006: 9
2007: 1
2008: 1
2009: 5
2010: 2

Obvoiusly he's had some great players, but even with great players this is an impressive record. I'm sure there are many other stats you could point to that would champion his success. Bottom line: he's very good at what he does.

I can't stand the Steelers, but I have great admiration for LeBeau. It will be intersting to see if he leaves football or at least the Steelers.

**trailhiker85** · 01-25-2011, 12:42 PM

Agree, LeBeau is a great defensive mind. He was a very good CB back in his playing days with Detroit as well.

I wonder if his decision will be partly based on whether the Steelers win the Super Bowl. There's something to be said for going out on top. Of course, I hope he is disappointed in that particular regard...

**JimZipCode** · 01-25-2011, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by trailhiker85

Agree, LeBeau is a great defensive mind. He was a very good CB back in his playing days with Detroit as well.

I wonder if his decision will be partly based on whether the Steelers win the Super Bowl. There's something to be said for going out on top. Of course, I hope he is disappointed in that particular regard...

He's not going to retire unless he has health problems. That's one dude who loves what he does.

http://oblongspheroid.blogspot.com/2...young-men.html

**WxKevin** · 01-25-2011, 01:41 PM

Please, please, please retire! You deserve to sit back and relax. You've earned it. Please, please, please!!!!

**Bez513** · 01-25-2011, 02:03 PM

Let's hire him as a "consultant" ala Al Saunders.

**ravenjoe** · 01-26-2011, 12:57 AM

Ravens need both LeBeau and Big Ben to retire, then things might just be a bit more manageable in the AFC North.

**Rayvens52** · 01-26-2011, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by ravenjoe

Ravens need both LeBeau and Big Ben to retire, then things might just be a bit more manageable in the AFC North.

Personally I don't want him to retire, and we all know Ben is not going anywhere unless he can't keep it in his pants again.

I want to beat the Steelers the way they are. Right now there is no question they are the better team, but we are closing in on them.

Some may not agree with me but if we fix just a coupe of small holes we will be dominate team in not only the North but the NFL.

If you want to be the best you have to beat the best and we are knocking on the door.

**RavenScallywag** · 01-26-2011, 10:07 AM

I still remember when Dick LeBeau was the worst HC in football with the Bengals. He's certainly turned his career around in Pittsburgh, and I respect someone who recognizes that they don't want to advance to the top spot because they know their own strengths and limitations.

Maybe he'll retire, maybe he won't...but it's not like a Dick LeBeau-less Steelers will suddenly suck defensively. The players fit into a lot of schemes and the coaches under LeBeau are solid. I believe they've been grooming Keith Butler to take over when LeBeau decides to hang it up.

**ravenjoe** · 01-26-2011, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by RavenScallywag

Maybe he'll retire, maybe he won't...but it's not like a Dick LeBeau-less Steelers will suddenly suck defensively. The players fit into a lot of schemes and the coaches under LeBeau are solid.

That is why they are the "Gold Standard" as Sea Biscuit says. As much as we hate to say it, they are indeed, and we are simply 'wannabes' at this point. My question is why has our offense not adapted its schemes to the talents of our offensive players, rather than trying to fit the players into Cam's scheme, which is what I believe he has been trying to do. Flacco works great off play action, shotgun, no huddle, yet we seldom use these schemes....just some random thoughts.

**BaltimoreBoh** · 01-26-2011, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by ravenjoe

That is why they are the "Gold Standard" as Sea Biscuit says. As much as we hate to say it, they are indeed, and we are simply 'wannabes' at this point. My question is why has our offense not adapted its schemes to the talents of our offensive players, rather than trying to fit the players into Cam's scheme, which is what I believe he has been trying to do. Flacco works great off play action, shotgun, no huddle, yet we seldom use these schemes....just some random thoughts.

IMO, this is the teams biggest problem. This is why I believe in the rumors of Cam being a control freak. A good coach will rely on the strengths of the team. Cam didn't do that and it was a huge missed opportuntiy. Cam is not a good coach. Hopefully this is the #1 thing that Harbaugh will be fixing as he babysits Cameron next season.

**Dragz** · 01-26-2011, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by WxKevin

Please, please, please retire! You deserve to sit back and relax. You've earned it. Please, please, please!!!!

I'll even buy him the Lay-Z Boy!

**WxKevin** · 01-26-2011, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by ravenjoe

Ravens need both LeBeau and Big Ben to retire, then things might just be a bit more manageable in the AFC North.

Ben is not that big of a deal. At this point it is probably more psychological than anything else. Their defense, specifically their front 7, is the Ravens main problem.