Dick LeBeau
Encyclopedia
Charles Richard “Dick” LeBeau (born September 9, 1937) is a National Football League Hall of Fame defensive back
. He is currently the Pittsburgh Steelers
defensive coordinator
and is considered to be one of the greatest defensive coordinator
s of all time. He spent 14 years in the NFL
as a player with the Detroit Lions
and is in his 37th year as a coach. Considered an “innovator” and “defensive football genius”, LeBeau created the "zone blitz
" when he was defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals
in the late 1980s.
On February 6, 2010, LeBeau was selected into the 2010 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
. In attendance was the entire 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers
team.
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 in Detroit and was teamed with NFL Hall of Fame players Dick "Night Train" Lane, Yale Lary
, and Lem Barney
as part of a Detroit secondary that was one of the most feared in the NFL. Johnny Unitas
always had respect for him, stating, "Dick is a good corner, I am just glad Night Train Lane is gone, because there was a great corner, Night Train was the best".
Lebeau is widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive backs in Detroit history. From 1959–72, he recorded 62 interceptions for 762 yards and three touchdowns. His 62 interceptions are the most by a player in Lions' history, and he is tied for seventh all-time in NFL history. His 762 interception return yards ranks third all-time in team history.
LeBeau was also one of the most durable players in the league. From 1959–72, he played in 185 games – placing him fourth on Detroit's all-time list. He is third all-time for most seasons played (14) and holds the NFL record for consecutive appearances by a cornerback with 171. He also recovered 9 fumbles, returning them for 53 yards and a touchdown.
During his career, he earned three trips to the Pro Bowl (1965–67). In 1970, LeBeau established a career-high nine interceptions (tied for sixth on the team’s all-time single-season interceptions list). He was a major defensive contributor to the Lions finishing with a 10–4 record that season. The Lions finished second in the NFC Central and earned a berth in the playoffs.
In 2010, LeBeau was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame along with running back Floyd Little
.
LeBeau was honored by the Lions and inducted into the Pride of the Lions in 2010.
He started his coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles
as a special teams coach under coach Mike McCormack, he spent 3 seasons in Philadelphia. In 1976
, LeBeau coached the defensive backs for the Green Bay Packers
under Pro Football Hall of Fame
QB Bart Starr
, in his first season Willie Buchanon
, Johnnie Gray
, Steve Luke
and Perry Smith combined for 10 interceptions. In 1977 Mike C. McCoy replaced Smith and that quartet combined for 11 interceptions. In 1979 Estus Hood replaced Buchanan and the secondary combined for another 11 interceptions. In 1980
, he became the Cincinnati Bengals
defensive backfield coach and in that season his starting secondary intercepted 7 passes.
In 1981
, Cincinnati
had an outstanding defense that had not given up more than 30 points in any of their regular season or playoff games. Their line was anchored by defensive ends Ross Browner
and Eddie Edwards
, who did a great job stopping the run. Cincinnati's defense was also led by defensive backs Louis Breeden
and Ken Riley
, and Linebackers Bo Harris
, Jim LeClair
, and Reggie Williams
, who intercepted four passes and recovered three fumbles. Bengals intercepted 19 passes for 318 yards and also recorded 41 total sacks. The Bengals played in their first AFC Championship Game defeating San Diego
27–7, limited a San Diego offense – which featured three future members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame: quarterback Dan Fouts
, receiver Charlie Joiner
, and tight end Kellen Winslow
; the offense also featured two superb running backs, Chuck Muncie
, who led the NFL with 19 touchdowns, and multi-talented rookie James Brooks – to only 7 points at Riverfront Stadium in a temperature of nine degrees below zero with a wind-chill factor of minus 59. In Super Bowl XVI
, the Bengals trailed 20–0 at halftime and lost to San Francisco
, 26–21. Even though he was only the secondary coach, he had a great influence on the Bengals overall defense.
In 1984 LeBeau was promoted to be the Bengals defensive coordinator. He did very well, rarely allowing over 30 points in a game to an opponent. In 1984, his first season as defensive coordinator, the Bengals dropped from the top ranked defense in 1983 (when they coordinated by Hank Bullough) to 13th in 1984 and allowed only 339 points all season. In 1985 they dropped from 13th to 22nd but Dick LeBeau's zone blitz scheme was doing very well. The next season, 1986, improved cutting points allowed to 394 and finishing as the 20th ranked defense in the NFL. In 1987 they did even better, cutting the points allowed to 370.
In 1988
, the Bengals
defense ranked 17th in the league, allowing 5,556 yards and 329 points during the regular season. Cincinnati had a superb defensive line, led by pro bowl defensive tackle Tim Krumrie
, along with linemen Jim Skow
(9.5 sacks), David Grant
(5 sacks), and Jason Buck
(6 sacks). Pro Bowl defensive backs Eric Thomas and David Fulcher
(the world's biggest free safety) combined for 12 interceptions. The team ended up winning the AFC Central Division with a 12–4 record. Bengals lost Super Bowl XXIII
against San Francisco 49ers
for the second time in franchise history. The following season, 1989, the Bengals defense was 15th in the NFL, an improvement of 2 spots and were in the top half of NFL defenses due to LeBeau's scheme. In 1990 and 1991 the Bengals defense ranked 25th and 28th of 28 teams and the Bengals made a change in defensive coordinators.
LeBeau was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers
in 1992
as the secondary coach. In 1994
, 4 defensive players were called to play in the 1995 Pro Bowl
(Kevin Greene, Carnell Lake, Greg Lloyd and Rod Woodson). As a secondary coach Lake and Woodson were heavily influenced by LeBeau.
In 1995 LeBeau was promoted to be the defensive coordinator and the 1995 Pittsburgh defense ranked third in the league in total yards allowed after they had finished as the second ranked defense in 1994 in that same category, so the drop off was minimal with LeBeau at the helm. They did allow 327 points in 1995 as opposed to 234 the year before when the Steelers defense was coordinated by Dom Capers, but they got to the Super Bowl in 1995 with a much improved offense. Pro Bowl linebacker Kevin Greene
led the team with 9 sacks, while Pro Bowl linebacker Greg Lloyd led the team with 86 tackles. The secondary was led by Pro Bowl defensive backs Carnell Lake
and Hall of Famer Rod Woodson
. The Steelers lost against the Dallas Cowboys
in Super Bowl XXX
, making it the third Super Bowl lost for him.
In 1997 LeBeau took a lateral move as defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals defense was 25th in 1996 and in his first year back with the Bengals they only dropped to 28th and allowed just over 400 points. In 1998 they didn't drop at all, remaining 28th in the NFL (of 30 teams) and allowed 452 points. In 1999 the zone blitz scheme began to take hold and although the Bengals defense allowed 460 points, they dropped to 25th on the NFL (out of now 31 teams) an improvement of 3 spots.
LeBeau was rewarded with the head coach position of the Cincinnati Bengals
for three seasons, from 2000 through 2002. In those years the Bengals' zone blitz scheme was becoming more dominant. In 2000 the Bengals defense improved and got to 22nd in the NFL. In 2001 they allowed only 309 points and in 2002 they were ranked 17th in the NFL, although they did allow slightly more points (456).
Despite LeBeau's considerable defensive coaching talent, his head coaching stint was unsuccessful, and his teams finished 4–9, 6–10 and 2–14, respectively, in his three seasons. His overall record as a head coach stands at 12–33. In 2003 LeBeau was an assistant with the Buffalo Bills
. LeBeau then went back to the Steelers in 2004.
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. Although widely considered a defensive innovator, his stint as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals
was unsuccessful.
LeBeau is beloved among his players, many of whom refer to him as "Coach Dad." Steelers players have given him many gifts, including a Rolex watch.
LeBeau was named "Coordinator of the year" by the Sporting News for the 2008 season
.
Too Late the Hero
, where he played Michael Caine
's double in a scene.
LeBeau is said to regularly recite A Visit from St. Nicholas
by heart to his players every holiday season. LeBeau credits his London High School Coach Jim Bowlus with influencing him to taking up coaching after his playing years ended. LeBeau says seeing the effect that coach Bowlus had on him and his teammates clinched it for him at that point.
Defensive back
In American football and Canadian football, defensive backs are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of...
. He is currently the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
defensive coordinator
Defensive coordinator
A defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a gridiron football team who is in charge of the defense. Generally, along with his offensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
and is considered to be one of the greatest defensive coordinator
Defensive coordinator
A defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a gridiron football team who is in charge of the defense. Generally, along with his offensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
s of all time. He spent 14 years in the NFL
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
as a player with the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
and is in his 37th year as a coach. Considered an “innovator” and “defensive football genius”, LeBeau created the "zone blitz
Zone blitz
The zone blitz is a common method of defensive pressure applied in American football, usually at the collegiate and professional levels. It exists in nearly limitless permutations, all of which share the common theme of confusing the offensive line by dropping pass-rushers into coverage, while at...
" when he was defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
in the late 1980s.
On February 6, 2010, LeBeau was selected into the 2010 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
. In attendance was the entire 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
team.
Playing career
LeBeau attended Ohio State UniversityOhio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
playing for famed coach Woody Hayes
Woody Hayes
Wayne Woodrow "Woody" Hayes was an American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at Denison University , Miami University , and Ohio State University , compiling a career college football record of 238–72–10.During his 28 seasons as the head coach of the Ohio...
, and was on the 1957 national championship team
1957 Ohio State Buckeyes football team
The 1957 Ohio State Buckeyes football team was led by captains Galen Cisco and Leo Brown. They were the third national title team in Ohio State football history. They were coached by Hall of Fame coach Woody Hayes...
, playing at cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
and halfback
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
. Also in 1957, playing both sides of the ball, he scored two touchdowns as Ohio State came back to beat Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
31–14.
He was initially drafted in the fifth round in 1959 by the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
but was cut from their team, and was signed as a rookie free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
by the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. He spent his entire 14 year NFL career in Detroit and was teamed with NFL Hall of Fame players Dick "Night Train" Lane, Yale Lary
Yale Lary
Robert Yale Lary is a former American football player.After graduating from North Side High School in 1949, he attended Texas A&M University, where he was a standout in football and baseball...
, and Lem Barney
Lem Barney
Lemuel Joseph "Lem" Barney is a former American Football cornerback who played for the Detroit Lions. He was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.-College years:...
as part of a Detroit secondary that was one of the most feared in the NFL. Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas
John Constantine Unitas , known as Johnny Unitas or "Johnny U", and nicknamed "The Golden Arm", was a professional American football player in the 1950s through the 1970s, spending the majority of his career with the Baltimore Colts. He was a record-setting quarterback, and the National Football...
always had respect for him, stating, "Dick is a good corner, I am just glad Night Train Lane is gone, because there was a great corner, Night Train was the best".
Lebeau is widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive backs in Detroit history. From 1959–72, he recorded 62 interceptions for 762 yards and three touchdowns. His 62 interceptions are the most by a player in Lions' history, and he is tied for seventh all-time in NFL history. His 762 interception return yards ranks third all-time in team history.
LeBeau was also one of the most durable players in the league. From 1959–72, he played in 185 games – placing him fourth on Detroit's all-time list. He is third all-time for most seasons played (14) and holds the NFL record for consecutive appearances by a cornerback with 171. He also recovered 9 fumbles, returning them for 53 yards and a touchdown.
During his career, he earned three trips to the Pro Bowl (1965–67). In 1970, LeBeau established a career-high nine interceptions (tied for sixth on the team’s all-time single-season interceptions list). He was a major defensive contributor to the Lions finishing with a 10–4 record that season. The Lions finished second in the NFC Central and earned a berth in the playoffs.
In 2010, LeBeau was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame along with running back Floyd Little
Floyd Little
Floyd Douglas Little is a Pro Football Hall of Fame running back, and was a three-time American football All-American running back at Syracuse University. In 1967 he was the 6th selection of the first common AFL-NFL draft...
.
LeBeau was honored by the Lions and inducted into the Pride of the Lions in 2010.
Coaching career
After retirement as a player, LeBeau became an NFL coach. The following teams hired him as an assistant:- Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia EaglesThe Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
(1973–1975) - Green Bay PackersGreen Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
(1976–1979) - Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
(1980–1991), (1997–2002) – Won 1981 and 1988 AFC Championships and 3 AFC Central Division Championships (1981, 1988, and 1990) - Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
(1992–1996), (2004–present) – Won 8 AFC (Central and North) Division Championships (1992 and 1994–96, 2004, 2007–2008 and 2010), 4 AFC Championships (1995, 2005, 2008, and 2010), and two Super Bowls (Super Bowl XLSuper Bowl XLSuper Bowl XL was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Seattle Seahawks to decide the National Football League champion for the 2005 season...
, and Super Bowl XLIIISuper Bowl XLIIISuper Bowl XLIII was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League champion for the 2008 season. The game was played on February 1, 2009,...
) - Buffalo BillsBuffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
(2003)
He started his coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
as a special teams coach under coach Mike McCormack, he spent 3 seasons in Philadelphia. In 1976
1976 NFL season
The 1976 NFL season was the 57th regular season of the National Football League. The league expanded to 28 teams with the addition of the Seattle Seahawks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
, LeBeau coached the defensive backs for the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
under Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
QB Bart Starr
Bart Starr
Bryan Bartlett "Bart" Starr is a former professional American football player and coach. Wearing #15, he was the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers from 1956 to 1971 and head coach from 1975 to 1983, compiling a record of 52–76–3 ....
, in his first season Willie Buchanon
Willie Buchanon
Willie James Buchanon is a former cornerback for the National Football League's Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers; he was defensive rookie of the year in 1972 and a three-time Pro Bowl player...
, Johnnie Gray
Johnnie Gray
Johnnie Lee Gray was a safety who played nine seasons in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers. Gray attended California State University, Fullerton.- References :...
, Steve Luke
Steve Luke
Steve Luke is a former American football safety in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 1975 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State....
and Perry Smith combined for 10 interceptions. In 1977 Mike C. McCoy replaced Smith and that quartet combined for 11 interceptions. In 1979 Estus Hood replaced Buchanan and the secondary combined for another 11 interceptions. In 1980
1980 NFL season
The 1980 NFL season was the 61st regular season of the National Football League.After the league declined to approve the proposed move by the Raiders from Oakland, California to Los Angeles, the team along with the Los Angeles Coliseum sued the NFL for violating antitrust laws...
, he became the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
defensive backfield coach and in that season his starting secondary intercepted 7 passes.
In 1981
1981 NFL season
The 1981 NFL season was the 62nd regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XVI when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.-Major rule changes:...
, Cincinnati
1981 Cincinnati Bengals season
The 1981 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's 14th year in professional football and its 12th with the National Football League.The Bengals unveiled new uniforms with tiger-striped helmets, jerseys and pants. They had at least a share of the AFC Central lead the entire season and, on Dec...
had an outstanding defense that had not given up more than 30 points in any of their regular season or playoff games. Their line was anchored by defensive ends Ross Browner
Ross Browner
Ross Browner is a former American football defensive end who played ten seasons in the NFL, mainly for the Cincinnati Bengals. He is the father of current Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Starks, and brother of Joey Browner and Keith Browner...
and Eddie Edwards
Eddie Edwards (American football)
Eddie Edwards is a former American football defensive end in the National Football League.Edwards was born in Sumter, South Carolina and raised in Fort Pierce, Florida. He played high school football at Fort Pierce Central High School. He attended the University of Miami, where he was a consensus...
, who did a great job stopping the run. Cincinnati's defense was also led by defensive backs Louis Breeden
Louis Breeden
Louis Breeden is a former professional American Football player who played defensive back for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League.-Career:...
and Ken Riley
Ken Riley
Kenneth Jerome Riley is a former professional American Football defensive back who played his entire career for the Cincinnati Bengals, in the American Football League in 1969 and in the NFL from 1970 through 1983...
, and Linebackers Bo Harris
Bo Harris
Clint Lee "Bo" Harris is a former American football linebacker who played eight seasons in the National Football League with the Cincinnati Bengals. Harris played college football at Louisiana State University....
, Jim LeClair
Jim LeClair
James Michael LeClair is a former American football linebacker who played twelve seasons in the National Football League with the Cincinnati Bengals...
, and Reggie Williams
Reggie Williams (linebacker)
Reginald Williams is a former professional American football player.The recipient of an academic scholarship, Williams was a three-time All-Ivy League linebacker in football and an Ivy League heavyweight wrestling champion at Dartmouth College, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in...
, who intercepted four passes and recovered three fumbles. Bengals intercepted 19 passes for 318 yards and also recorded 41 total sacks. The Bengals played in their first AFC Championship Game defeating San Diego
1981 San Diego Chargers season
The 1981 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 11–5 record in 1980. In the playoffs they beat the Dolphins in a game known as the Epic in Miami and lost to the Bengals in a game known as the Freezer Bowl....
27–7, limited a San Diego offense – which featured three future members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame: quarterback Dan Fouts
Dan Fouts
Daniel Francis Fouts is a retired Hall of Fame American football quarterback in the National Football League. Fouts played his entire professional career with the San Diego Chargers from 1973 through 1987...
, receiver Charlie Joiner
Charlie Joiner
Charles B. Joiner Jr. is a former American football player who starred in professional football for eighteen seasons, virtually exclusively at the position of wide receiver. He retired with the most career receptions, receiving yards, and games played of any wide receiver in NFL history. He was...
, and tight end Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow
Kellen Boswell Winslow is a former American football tight end with the Missouri Tigers and the San Diego Chargers. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the game. He is currently the athletic director at Central State University.Winslow did not play high...
; the offense also featured two superb running backs, Chuck Muncie
Chuck Muncie
Harry Vance "Chuck" Muncie is a former American football running back who played for the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers in the National Football League from 1976 to 1984...
, who led the NFL with 19 touchdowns, and multi-talented rookie James Brooks – to only 7 points at Riverfront Stadium in a temperature of nine degrees below zero with a wind-chill factor of minus 59. In Super Bowl XVI
Super Bowl XVI
Super Bowl XVI was an American football game played on January 24, 1982, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan to decide the National Football League champion following the 1981 regular season. It marked the first time that a Super Bowl was held at a cold-weather city...
, the Bengals trailed 20–0 at halftime and lost to San Francisco
1981 San Francisco 49ers season
The San Francisco 49ers 1981 season was their 32nd season in the National Football League. The season was highlighted by their first Super Bowl victory. A big turning point for the franchise was the drafting of Ronnie Lott from the University of Southern California. Quarterback Joe Montana began...
, 26–21. Even though he was only the secondary coach, he had a great influence on the Bengals overall defense.
In 1984 LeBeau was promoted to be the Bengals defensive coordinator. He did very well, rarely allowing over 30 points in a game to an opponent. In 1984, his first season as defensive coordinator, the Bengals dropped from the top ranked defense in 1983 (when they coordinated by Hank Bullough) to 13th in 1984 and allowed only 339 points all season. In 1985 they dropped from 13th to 22nd but Dick LeBeau's zone blitz scheme was doing very well. The next season, 1986, improved cutting points allowed to 394 and finishing as the 20th ranked defense in the NFL. In 1987 they did even better, cutting the points allowed to 370.
In 1988
1988 NFL season
The 1988 NFL season was the 69th regular season of the National Football League. The Cardinals relocated from St. Louis, Missouri to the Phoenix, Arizona area becoming the Phoenix Cardinals but remained in the NFC East division....
, the Bengals
1988 Cincinnati Bengals season
The 1988 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's 21st year in professional football and its 19th with the National Football League.The Bengals were a team on the rebound. During the 1987 strike-shortened season, quarterback Boomer Esiason and head coach Sam Wyche had openly feuded, and the team...
defense ranked 17th in the league, allowing 5,556 yards and 329 points during the regular season. Cincinnati had a superb defensive line, led by pro bowl defensive tackle Tim Krumrie
Tim Krumrie
Timothy A. Krumrie is a former American football nose tackle who played his entire NFL career for the Cincinnati Bengals, from 1983 through 1994...
, along with linemen Jim Skow
Jim Skow
Jim Skow is a former American football defensive end who played seven seasons in the National Football League. He finished his career with 24 sacks and 1 fumble recovery. His best season was in 1988, recording 9.5 sacks and helping the Bengals reach Super Bowl XXIII, where he recorded several...
(9.5 sacks), David Grant
David Grant (American football)
David John Grant is a former professional American football player who played defensive end for six seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Green Bay Packers....
(5 sacks), and Jason Buck
Jason Buck
Jason Ogden Buck is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League. As a player for Brigham Young University, he won the Outland Trophy in 1986. He was taken with the 17th pick of the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He recorded six...
(6 sacks). Pro Bowl defensive backs Eric Thomas and David Fulcher
David Fulcher
David Dwayne Fulcher is a former American Football safety who played for the Cincinnati Bengals , and the Los Angeles Raiders in the National Football League...
(the world's biggest free safety) combined for 12 interceptions. The team ended up winning the AFC Central Division with a 12–4 record. Bengals lost Super Bowl XXIII
Super Bowl XXIII
Super Bowl XXIII was an American football game played on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1988 regular season. This was the first Super Bowl hosted in the Miami area in 10 years, and the first in Miami not held...
against San Francisco 49ers
1988 San Francisco 49ers season
The San Francisco 49ers 1988 season was their 43rd season in the National Football League. The season was highlighted by their third Super Bowl victory. In 1988, the 49ers struggled. At one point, they were 6-5 and in danger of missing the playoffs but rose to defeat the Washington Redskins on a...
for the second time in franchise history. The following season, 1989, the Bengals defense was 15th in the NFL, an improvement of 2 spots and were in the top half of NFL defenses due to LeBeau's scheme. In 1990 and 1991 the Bengals defense ranked 25th and 28th of 28 teams and the Bengals made a change in defensive coordinators.
LeBeau was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
in 1992
1992 NFL season
The 1992 NFL season was the 73rd regular season of the National Football League.Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Andrew, the New England Patriots–Miami Dolphins game that was scheduled for September 6 at Joe Robbie Stadium was rescheduled to October 18. Both teams originally had that...
as the secondary coach. In 1994
1994 NFL season
The 1994 NFL season was the 75th regular season of the National Football League. To honor the NFL's 75th season, a special anniversary logo was designed and each player wore a patch on their jerseys with this logo throughout the season...
, 4 defensive players were called to play in the 1995 Pro Bowl
1995 Pro Bowl
The 1995 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was played on February 5, 1995, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The final Score was AFC 41, NFC 13. Marshall Faulk of the Indianapolis Colts was the game's MVP. The coaches were Dallas’ Barry Switzer and Bill Cowher of the Steelers. The game was viewed by 49,121 at...
(Kevin Greene, Carnell Lake, Greg Lloyd and Rod Woodson). As a secondary coach Lake and Woodson were heavily influenced by LeBeau.
In 1995 LeBeau was promoted to be the defensive coordinator and the 1995 Pittsburgh defense ranked third in the league in total yards allowed after they had finished as the second ranked defense in 1994 in that same category, so the drop off was minimal with LeBeau at the helm. They did allow 327 points in 1995 as opposed to 234 the year before when the Steelers defense was coordinated by Dom Capers, but they got to the Super Bowl in 1995 with a much improved offense. Pro Bowl linebacker Kevin Greene
Kevin Greene
Kevin Darwin Greene is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League for 15 years and who retired after the 1999 NFL season...
led the team with 9 sacks, while Pro Bowl linebacker Greg Lloyd led the team with 86 tackles. The secondary was led by Pro Bowl defensive backs Carnell Lake
Carnell Lake
Carnell Augustino Lake is a former professional American football player who was a member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. He was the Cornerbacks Coach for the UCLA Bruins under head coach Rick Neuheisel in 2009 before leaving after one season for family reasons.-College career:Lake played for...
and Hall of Famer Rod Woodson
Rod Woodson
Roderick Kevin "Rod" Woodson is the current cornerbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He is also a former defensive back best known for his 10-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as being a key member of the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl XXXV championship...
. The Steelers lost against the Dallas Cowboys
1993 Dallas Cowboys season
The 1993 Dallas Cowboys season marked their 34th in the NFL and a quest for back-to-back Super Bowl titles. The season saw the franchise become the first team to start 0–2 and still reach the Super Bowl.-Regular season:...
in Super Bowl XXX
Super Bowl XXX
Super Bowl XXX was an American football game played on January 28, 1996 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona to decide the National Football League champion following the 1995 regular season...
, making it the third Super Bowl lost for him.
In 1997 LeBeau took a lateral move as defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals defense was 25th in 1996 and in his first year back with the Bengals they only dropped to 28th and allowed just over 400 points. In 1998 they didn't drop at all, remaining 28th in the NFL (of 30 teams) and allowed 452 points. In 1999 the zone blitz scheme began to take hold and although the Bengals defense allowed 460 points, they dropped to 25th on the NFL (out of now 31 teams) an improvement of 3 spots.
LeBeau was rewarded with the head coach position of the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
for three seasons, from 2000 through 2002. In those years the Bengals' zone blitz scheme was becoming more dominant. In 2000 the Bengals defense improved and got to 22nd in the NFL. In 2001 they allowed only 309 points and in 2002 they were ranked 17th in the NFL, although they did allow slightly more points (456).
Despite LeBeau's considerable defensive coaching talent, his head coaching stint was unsuccessful, and his teams finished 4–9, 6–10 and 2–14, respectively, in his three seasons. His overall record as a head coach stands at 12–33. In 2003 LeBeau was an assistant with the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. LeBeau then went back to the Steelers in 2004.
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. Although widely considered a defensive innovator, his stint as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
was unsuccessful.
LeBeau is beloved among his players, many of whom refer to him as "Coach Dad." Steelers players have given him many gifts, including a Rolex watch.
LeBeau was named "Coordinator of the year" by the Sporting News for the 2008 season
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
.
Personal life
LeBeau acted in the 1970 movieFilm
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
Too Late the Hero
Too Late the Hero
Too Late the Hero is a 1970 Anglo-American war film directed by Robert Aldrich, and starring Michael Caine, Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson, Ken Takakura, Denholm Elliott, Ian Bannen, Lance Percival, Ronald Fraser, Harry Andrews and Percy Herbert.-Plot:...
, where he played Michael Caine
Michael Caine
Sir Michael Caine, CBE is an English actor. He won Academy Awards for best supporting actor in both Hannah and Her Sisters and The Cider House Rules ....
's double in a scene.
LeBeau is said to regularly recite A Visit from St. Nicholas
A Visit from St. Nicholas
"A Visit from St. Nicholas", also known as "The Night Before Christmas" and "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" from its first line, is a poem first published anonymously in 1823 and generally attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, although the claim has also been made that it was written by Henry...
by heart to his players every holiday season. LeBeau credits his London High School Coach Jim Bowlus with influencing him to taking up coaching after his playing years ended. LeBeau says seeing the effect that coach Bowlus had on him and his teammates clinched it for him at that point.