The Legacy of Dick LeBeau

written by Ryan Lowery

Regardless of the outcome of Super Bowl XLV there is one underlying theme of consistency that surrounds the NFL and more specifically the greater southwest Pennsylvania area:  the influence of Dick LeBeau.

As a player in the National Football League, LeBeau was a highly touted cornerback.  He brought his skill set to the sidelines and incorporated it as a part of his legendary Zone Blitz scheme. 


During the course of his tenure in the NFL, LeBeau has been associated with teams such as the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Bills. 

His prolific and Hall of Fame caliber career has positioned him to come into contact with many prevalent players and coaches that continually affect the game to this day.  For example, as a defensive coordinator for Pittsburgh in 1995-1996, Dick LeBeau was preceded as defensive coordinator by Dom Capers who went on to Carolina and became the AP NFL Coach of the Year (1996).  Fittingly, Dom Capers is now Green Bay's defensive coordinator, which is yet another compelling backdrop to this year's Super Bowl. 

LeBeau headed to Cincinnati the next year for a defensive coordinating/assistant head coach position and eventually was promoted to head coach.  When he left he was succeeded by current defensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh native, Jim Haslett

Also, during LeBeau's period as defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh he coached Pro Bowl linebacker Kevin Greene.  Now Greene is an outside linebackers coach for the Packers and was hired by Dom Capers.  The drama builds.
Another player turned coach under the LeBeau regimen is Penn State product, Darren Perry.  Subsequently, the former free safety happens to be the current safeties coach for the Packers.  The tension is so real you can practically cut it with a knife.
Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis is a Pittsburgh local guy who was the Steelers’ linebacker coach when LeBeau was with the Steelers as a defensive coach. 
It is also worth noting that Packers’ head coach and Pittsburgh good old boy Mike McCarthy will be manning the helm against Dick LeBeau and the Steel Curtain this Sunday at Super Bowl XLV. 
Hall of Fame speech
It is clearly evident that LeBeau’s influence has been felt all across the league.  The Hall of Famer looks to add to his legacy at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.  It will certainly be one for the ages.