Following a season in which the defense has performed as poorly as it ever has during his tenure, the Pittsburgh Steelers had decided that it was time for a changing of the guard, and Dick LeBeau came to the mutual decision along with the organization that he would resign as defensive coordinator.
The fact that longtime linebackers coach Keith Butler, the incumbent for the job, had been patiently waiting his turn, a wait that included turning down other opportunities, and that his contract was coming up, certainly played a role in the timing of the transition.