5 defensive coordinator candidates for the Steelers in 2022

With the Steelers’ defense struggling, here are five potential replacements for their current defensive coordinator.

The Steelers defense is in one of the coldest spells that it has been in a while. The young defensive backs have not developed, and the run defense has been mediocre. With longtime coordinator Keith Butler unlikely to be retained past this season, a new face will likely be the team’s coordinator next season.

Here are five potential options to replace Butler in 2022.

Steelers could add Butler

While the talk with the Bills has been the electric play of their young quarterback Josh Allen, one of the strongest elements of their team over the past few seasons has been their defensive backs. Both of their safeties have consistently been one of the top options at either free or strong safety. Meanwhile, Tre’Davious White has become one of the top coverage cornerbacks in the league. While not as flashy, the Bills’ reserve defensive backs have also developed into starting-caliber players.

Most of the success here can be attributed to John Butler, their defensive backs coach. He has been able to keep a stable group of stars around while also developing the next wave of starters at the position. For a Steelers defense that has failed to develop young defensive backs and has lacked interceptions, Butler would be a refreshing addition to the team. The Steelers haven’t had a consistent secondary for a while and adding a defensive backs guru like Butler would be a huge get for the defense.