The best news Steelers fans could get during the Super Bowl pre-game hype is not a great report on Hines Ward's knee or news that Larry Fitzgerald somehow has gotten lost on his way to the stadium. When Dick LeBeau told his defense that he will be coming back next year as the Steelers' defensive coordinator, Christmas came early in Pittsburgh.There had been rumors that LeBeau, 71, would retire after the Super Bowl, leaving the game after 50 years. But LeBeau quickly put that to rest as soon as he heard the rumblings. At a team meeting he told the players that he'll be back next year, trying to top an amazing 2008 season where the Steelers finished first in pass defense, first in total defense, first in scoring defense and second in running defense.
It's the best defense the Steelers have had under LeBeau's leadership, and the best the Steelers have had since the Steel Curtain of the 70's. That explains part of why LeBeau is likely the most loved coordinator in Steelers history and one of the most respected in NFL history.
Usually fans don't really notice coordinators unless they are screaming for their dismissal -- just ask Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. But in LeBeau's case, his combination of absolute competence, combined with a humanity that has led his players to call him "Coach Dad" has made him more than just a really good defensive coordinator.
And it also makes him nearly irreplaceable. Whenever he does decide to retire, it will be a tough transition. But thankfully for the Steelers, that's not a problem until 2009 or later.
Super Bowl XLIII Images
Arizona Cardinals players runs sprints during football practice at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training facility Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. The Cardinals will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday in Tampa. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
AP
Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11), J.J. Arrington (28) and Early Doucet (80) stretch during football practice at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training facility Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. The Cardinals will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday in Tampa. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
AP
Pittsburgh Steelers fans Trudy and Steve King, left and right foreground, of Baldwin, Pa., snap pictures of their daughter Traci and grand daughter Emily James of Orlando, Fla., with Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, center, in the parking lot of the football team's practice facility at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009. The Steelers face the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday in Tampa. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
AP
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (bottom) and head coach Mike Tomlin shake hands during practice at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida January 29, 2009 in preparation for the NFL's Super Bowl XLIII football game to be played February 1. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (R) plays catch with cornerback Ike Taylor during practice at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida January 29, 2009 in preparation for the NFL's Super Bowl XLIII football game to be played February 1. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney (C) poses for a photograph with Steelers fans at the team's practice facility at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida January 29, 2009 in preparation for the NFL's Super Bowl XLIII football game to be played February 1. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
The helmet of a Pittsburgh Steelers player sits on the ground during practice at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida January 29, 2009 in preparation for the NFL's Super Bowl XLIII football game to be played February 1. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu stretches during practice at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida January 29, 2009 in preparation for the NFL's Super Bowl XLIII football game to be played February 1. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks to his players during practice at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida January 29, 2009 in preparation for the NFL's Super Bowl XLIII football game to be played February 1. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu throws a football during practice at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida January 29, 2009 in preparation for the NFL's Super Bowl XLIII football game to be played February 1. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
