Defensive coordinator Keith Butler informs Steelers he is retiring

The Pittsburgh Steelers are now in the market for a new defensive coordinator. The team’s defensive coordinator for the past seven seasons, Keith Butler, has informed the team he is retiring, per the team.

Butler got his start with the Steelers in 2003 when he was hired as the team’s linebackers coach. A position he held until being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2015.

The Steelers defense has struggled the past two seasons despite having a long list of high draft picks on the roster. In 2021, the Steelers run defense was the worst in the league and those struggles completely overshadowed the fact the team led the league in sacks.

The question now turns to his replacement. Despite fans’ desire to see head coach Mike Tomlin bring in an outside candidate, it isn’t likely. Defensive assistant Teryl Austin is the next man up, as Tomlin puts it. Given his conservative approach to hiring, Austin seems like a lock for a promotion and more of the same on defense.

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