National Football League

LeBeau resigns as Steelers defensive coordinator

Published Jan. 10, 2015 8:49 p.m. ET

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PITTSBURGH (AP) Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau has resigned as the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 77-year-old LeBeau had been with the organization for 16 seasons, including serving as defensive coordinator from 1995-96 and from 2004-14. He was also the team's secondary coach from 1992-94.

He was inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

In his 13 years as defensive coordinator, the Steelers have finished in the top five in total defense 11 times and five times the team had the top overall ranked defense. The team won seven division championships, four AFC championships and two Super Bowls, while making the playoffs nine times during that period.

Linebackers coach Keith Butler is the most likely candidate to replace LeBeau.

''We want to thank Dick for his many years of service with the team and all that he has done for this organization,'' Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said 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.''

As a player, LeBeau had 62 interceptions in 14 seasons as defensive back for the Detroit Lions from 1959-72. He played halfback and cornerback for Woody Hayes at Ohio State.

LeBeau was 12-33 as Cincinnati's head coach from 2000-02. He began his coaching career as a special teams coach with Philadelphia in 1973. He also was an assistant with Green Bay, Cincinnati and Buffalo.

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