National Football League

Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, Steelers part ways

Published Jan. 10, 2015 4:56 p.m. ET

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Legendary defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to part ways, FOX Sports NFL insider Alex Marvez has confirmed.

LeBeau has been with the Steelers since 2004 and also had a stint with the team from 1992-96. He is considered to be the architect of the famed zone blitz, which is widely used by many teams in NFL today.

“I’m resigning this position, not retiring,” LeBeau told the Urbana Daily Citizen. “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.”

The 77-year-old LeBeau has been to five Super Bowls as an assistant and coordinator. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

“We want to thank Dick for his many years of service with the team and all that he has done for this organization,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said. “His coaching helped lead us to many successful seasons and championships. We are very appreciative of his efforts, and we wish him well.”

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.