It all depends on Dick LeBeau.
As long as he's in Pittsburgh, the Steelers will run a 3-4 base defense.
If he retires at the end of this year, his 50th in professional football, it is possible, at least to me, that the 3-4 in Pittsburgh will be retired with him...
Unless the Steelers can secure someone like Dom Capers (who is currently a special assistant with the Patriots!!), I think they would be foolish to field a watered down version of Dick LeBeau's defense...Jim Haslett and Tim Lewis were able to manage some limited success when replacing LeBeau, but keep in mind that four out of Bill Cowher's five non-playoff seasons took place while Dick LeBeau was not on the coaching staff...Dick LeBeau was on the sidelines for both Super Bowl appearances...
If LeBeau retires, I would certainly understand if Tomlin wanted the team to a defense that gives him a greater comfort level...I would think that, in any case, the Steelers would maintain at least part of that 3-4 base defense for certain situations...
I just don't think you can duplicate Dick LeBeau...
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