Steelers coach announces surprise decision

Pittsburgh Steelers fans are preparing for a possible change to their offense this offseason, as the possible retirement of franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger looms in the air. But while they are waiting for the outcome of that situation, another major change is on the way to their defense.

According to the NFL network’s Tom Pelissero, sources close to the franchise said that Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler has informed the team that he intends to retire.

Butler had spent a total of 19 of his 23 years as a coach in Pittsburgh. With the Steelers, he has been a part of their two Super Bowl-winning staff; in 2006 under Bill Cowher and in 2009 with current head coach Mike Tomlin. Butler has been Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator since taking over in 2015 and has been a fixture on the team as the Steelers linebackers coach since 2003.

Butler on stepping away from the game

Since the news broke, Butler has released a statement on his retirement.

“It is an emotional day as I announce I am retiring from my football coaching career,” said Butler. “I have spent every year since 1990 as a coach in the NFL and the NCAA, but the time is right for me to walk away after a successful career both playing and coaching the game I love.

“I want to thank the Rooney Family, Bill Cowher, Mike Tomlin and all the coaches and players that I have been involved with over my entire coaching career. I look forward to spending more time with my family, whom have been so supportive of me throughout the years. I wish nothing but the best to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I will be cheering them on during my retirement.”

Butler is also a 10-year vet of the NFL. He played his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks from 1978-87. And he spent time coaching in the college ranks, which is where he started his coaching career. From 1990-97, Butler was a member of the University of Memphis coaching staff. After that, he spent one year at Arkansas State before joining the NFL coaching ranks as the Cleveland Browns linebackers coach. Butler spent three years with the Browns from 1999-2002 before leaving for a division rival and final home with the Pittsburgh Steelers.