Last night the Pittsburgh Steelers’ had a pregame celebration honoring defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s 50 years in the NFL. That included a video tribute of LeBeau highlights, featuring several of his 62 career interceptions.  Dick has long been one of the great coaches in this league.  Virtually every team in the NFL runs some for or another of concepts LeBeau initiated in this league.

Dick LeBeau attended the Ohio State University, playing for famed coach Woody Hayes, and was on the 1957 national championship team, playing at cornerback and halfback. Also in 1957, playing both sides of the ball, he scored two touchdowns as Ohio State came back to beat Michigan 31-14.

He was initially drafted in the fifth round in 1959 by the Cleveland Browns but was cut from their team, and was signed as a rookie free agent by the Detroit Lions. He spent his entire 14 year NFL career with them as a defensive back, teamed during the early part of that run with Dick “Night Train” Lane and Yale Lary, and later with Lem Barney. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 1965 through 1967. He was a leading interceptor, with 62 career interceptions for 762 return yards and 3 touchdowns, and holds the NFL record for consecutive game appearances for a cornerback with 171. He also recovered 9 fumbles, returning them for 53 yards and a touchdown.

As an assistant coach he is credited with inventing the “Fire Zone” or “zone blitz” defense, which employs unpredictable pass rushes and pass coverage from various players. His defenses typically employ 3-4 sets, with any of the 4 linebackers and frequently a defensive back among the pass rushers, while defensive linemen may drop back into short pass coverage zones to compensate for the pass rush coming from other positions. The design is intended to confuse the opposition’s quarterback and frustrate its blocking schemes, as the offense may be unsure on each play of which defenders will rush the passer and which will drop into coverage. While often described as a “blitzing” scheme (implying more than the typical number of four pass rushers used by most defenses), the call on any particular “zone blitz” play may involve only three or four pass rushers but from unpredictable positions and angles. LeBeau is beloved among his players, many of whom refer to him as “Coach Dad.”

His approach and accomplishments are unquestioned. This year’s defensive group for the Steelers is not different. Ravens’ fans are justly proud of their defense this year and the legacy that group has created. But if you look at the numbers you can’t help but be impressed with LeBeau and how the Steelers operate.

This year the Steelers currently rank 1^st in the NFL in defensive total yards, and rushing yards, and rank 4^th and 5^th respectively in points allowed and passing yards. What is more impressive is who they do it with. Coach LeBeau’s defense does not require a stable of All Pros. This year, according to USA Today’s salary survey, the Steelers have a total of $128 million in salaries of which the defense is responsible for only 37% at $48 million. Compare that to the Ravens’ $90 million in total salaries of which the defense accounts for 65% at $59 million. Only four of the top ten Steelers salaries are on the defensive side of the ball while eight of the top ten paid Ravens are on the defense.

This is in no way meant to be a criticism of the Ravens and how they (and I) spent their money. It simply underlines the accomplishments of a coach like Dick LeBeau and what he has been able to consistently establish on the defensive side of the ball with his approach and tactics.

Dick LeBeau is what every player, coach, scout, owner and fan should aspire to be. His love and commitment to the game is pure and unselfish.