Steelers release statement on Keith Butler retirement

On Saturday the NFL network’s Tom Pelissero, dropped the bomb that Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler has informed the team that he intends to retire.

After Butler’s retirement was confirmed, the Steelers put out statements from team president Art Rooney II. Rooney kept it short and sweet, thanking Butler with this statement.

“I want to thank Keith Butler for everything he has done for the Steelers since he was hired in 2003. He was a major contributor to some of our top defenses in the NFL during his coaching career. He helped us win two Super Bowls during his tenure, and he guided many All-pro and Pro Bowl players as both our linebackers coach and then defensive coordinator,” said Rooney.

“I wish he and his family all the best in his retirement.”

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.

Tomlin releases statement on Butler too

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also released a statement in conjunction with Rooney. Normally Tomlin is tight-lipped when speaking about the Steelers, but on this topic, he had plenty to say.

“I appreciate everything Keith Butler did for me personally, and our entire team and coaching staff, during the 15 years I spent with him here in Pittsburgh. Keith and I began our friendship in 1996 at the University of Memphis and have remained close to this day. He helped build some of the greatest defenses in the league during our time together in Pittsburgh, and I am appreciative of his dedication and commitment to making our players better on and off the field,” said Tomlin.

“I wish Keith and his family all the best in his 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 no division rival and his forever home with the Pittsburgh Steelers.