NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Dick LeBeau and the Pittsburgh Steelers have divorced.
The revolutionary defensive coordinator may be 77, but he's indicated he's not hanging it up. He could reconnect with former Pittsburgh coaching colleague Bruce Arians in Arizona, particularly if current Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles leaves for a head coaching job.
But Scott Brown, who covers the Steelers for ESPN.com, reports that LeBeau may be leery of going so far west of his family's Cincinnati home.
Two other former coaching colleagues of LeBeau's could help solve that.
It's less than 300 miles from Cincinnati to Nashville, where head coach Ken Whisenhunt and defensive coordinator Ray Horton work.
Both have significant ties to LeBeau.
Whisenhunt spent six years on the Steelers' staff from 2001-06, the first three as tight end coach, the second three as offensive coordinator. LeBeau was the defensive coordinator starting in 2004.
Horton spent far more time with LeBeau.
The Titans current defensive coordinator was a Bengals cornerback from 1983-88. LeBeau was the defensive back coach for the first year of that, and the coordinator for the remainder.
Later, Horton's second job as an NFL assistant coach ran from 1997-2002 in Cincinnati. LeBeau was the Benglas coordinator for the first three years of that, and the head coach for the three years after that.
Then from 2004-10, Horton was on the defensive staff with the Steelers while LeBeau was coordinator.
To recap:
That's six years of Whisenhunt with LeBeau.
That's 19 years of Horton with LeBeau.
Whisenhunt wouldn't be able to offer LeBeau the coordinator job. He's committed to Horton, and I'm sure LeBeau wouldn't want to see his disciple demoted on his behalf.
But Whisenhunt could offer LeBeau a job as a senior defensive assistant or somesuch.
If LeBeau wants to continue coaching and wants to be close to Cincinnati, it would be a natural for him to sign up to work with two old colleagues.
Horton speaks fondly of LeBeau, and he's running a defense that aspires to be what LeBeau's has been.
Horton is a sharp and confident guy. I don't think he'd be threatened by LeBeau having an office next door, I think he'd be thrilled by it.
Whisenhunt should ask Titans president/CEO Tommy Smith for an extra coaching slot and make this sales pitch to LeBeau.
Pronto.
