Steelers could reunite with legendary defensive coach after latest comments from former player

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in an entirely new era under this new regime. After 19 seasons on the sideline, Mike Tomlin made the decision to walk away from coaching at 53 years old, closing the book on one of the most stable and successful tenures in modern NFL history. Pittsburgh now turns the page with Mike McCarthy, a Super Bowl winning head coach who brings decades of experience and a steady hand at 62 years old. The transition signals a philosophical shift for an organization that has long valued continuity, but now appears ready to embrace a fresh voice and new ideas.

McCarthy wasted little time assembling his staff, highlighted by the hiring of Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham. Graham represents a clear departure from former coordinator Teryl Austin, who struggled to maximize a defense that was heavily invested in with premium talent such as TJ Watt. Graham’s track record has Steelers fans optimistic, especially considering his time with the Las Vegas Raiders from 2022 to 2025, where he consistently squeezed strong performances out of a unit that lacked proper investment. His ability to elevate players and adapt schematically stands in sharp contrast and aligns with what Pittsburgh hopes will be a defensive resurgence.

Adding to the intrigue, former Steelers great James Harrison revealed on his Deebo & Joe podcast that he believes Pittsburgh should reach out to legendary former defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau as a consultant for the new regime. LeBeau’s history, wisdom, and deep understanding of Steelers football would provide invaluable insight as McCarthy and Graham shape their identity. For a franchise balancing tradition with transformation, the idea of blending fresh leadership with iconic institutional knowledge feels like a move that could resonate throughout the locker room and the fan base alike.

"If he is going to continue to use the defense he's got, it would be a great opportunity for Mike McCarthy to ring Dick LeBeau's bell," Harrison said while speaking to Joe Haden on the show. "Just want to look and measure out, come in to OTAs, training camp, let's see how much of this defense is the real Dick LeBeau Fire Zone. Just want to see."

LeBeau originally left the Steelers in 2015 at the age of 77, when it felt like his time in Pittsburgh had simply run its course. The organization believed it was time to move in a new, younger direction defensively, closing the door on an iconic era led by LeBeau. 

Now, Harrison is calling for LeBeau to return to Pittsburgh at 88 years old in a consultant role, adding that he does not believe LeBeau would mind stepping back in to help guide the franchise once again.

"I think coach LeBeau would be happy to be a consultant," Harrison said. "Wouldn't mind being a consultant."

The idea of Pittsburgh calling an 88 year old man to help save its defense would initially be met with laughter, but it also says a lot about where the organization stands right now. 

Steelers' Defense Has Missed Dick LeBeau

The Steelers' defense has not truly been elite since LeBeau was running the unit, and that reality still lingers over the franchise. Bringing LeBeau back would not be about turning back the clock, but about tapping into his insight in a different capacity as a consultant. 

If LeBeau is open to returning and helping at this stage of his life, it likely could not hurt, even if the idea sounds better in theory than in practice. Steelers fans would welcome seeing LeBeau back in the organization, though many would understandably question whether it is a wise move or simply a nostalgic one. It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh fans react to Harrison's idea.