It’s long past time for Steelers to fire defensive coordinator Keith Butler

Message to Steelers: Fire Keith Butler

Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s and Butler’s attempts to explain away why scheme changes weren’t made during these disasters have been pathetic. The problem is obvious. Butler has no Plan ‘B’ because he has no Plan ‘A’.

This year the Steelers finished in 32nd place, dead last, in the NFL in run defense. Let that sink in. They allowed 2483 rushing yards at 5.0 yards per and 17 touchdowns. They were dead last, allowing 144 rushing first downs. They were dead last, allowing 24 runs for 20 yards or more. We are talkin’ the Pittsburgh Steelers, here, dead last against the run. They had 125 missed tackles finishing in 29th place on the season. The Steelers ended up 24th in total defense, giving up 6139 yards. In no way should this be acceptable.

Butler’s game preparation is terrible. His defense never disguises its intentions. He can’t get a stop on key drives. He doesn’t seem to understand the fundamentals of football coaching. Under Butler, Pittsburgh’s defensive fundamentals have gone to H-E-Double Toothpicks.

All the Steelers had to do in 2021 was let Butler’s contract expire. I was shocked when they renewed it. It was a terrible mistake and one they can’t afford to make, again.

Keith Butler needs to go. If Pittsburgh finally does the right thing and gets rid of him I hope they do a real search for a quality Defensive Coordinator and don’t just hand the job to Senior Defensive Assistant/Secondary Coach, Teryl Austin. He should have to interview just like the other candidates. The Steelers have assembled some really good talent and might have a historic unit with the right D.C.

Go Stillers!!!