Keith Butlerhas been promoted to the position of defensive coordinator, the team announced today. Financial terms of the three-year contract were not disclosed.
"We are excited to announce Keith Butler as our defensive coordinator," Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said. "Keith has been an integral part of our defensive game planning and schemes for several years and we look forward to him moving into the role of calling the defense. His passion and energy will be important to us taking the next steps to being one of the top defenses in the NFL."
Butler joined the Steelers in 2003 and had served as the team's linebackers coach through the 2014 season. Since his arrival he has coached the linebacking corps to earn 10 Pro Bowl selections, seven AP-All Pro first or second-team selections and three Steelers' MVP honors. For his efforts during the 2008 season, Butler was named Linebackers Coach of the Year by Pro Football Weekly.
"It's the dream of a lifetime," said Butler. "There are only 32 of these jobs on this Earth. I am excited about the opportunity and I look forward to getting this process started immediately."
He has also coached for the Cleveland Browns (1999-2002), Arkansas State (1998) and Memphis (1990-97). Butler played in the NFL for 10 seasons (1978-87) for the Seattle Seahawks. He still ranks second on the team's all-time tackles list with 813.
