There will be some changes for Lawrence Timmons this year as he will have a new linebackers coach, but one thing that makes him happy is the man who was his position coach for the past eight years is now the team's defensive coordinator.
Keith Butler is the man who molded Timmons from a number one draft pick in 2007 to a Pro Bowl linebacker, and Timmons is happy he is now the man in charge of the defense.
"Coach Butler is a great teacher," said Timmons. "I have known him since I came here in 2007. He's been my position coach. He's a Christian man, a great man. I think he is going to do a great job being our defensive coordinator. I am looking forward to it.
"I know I am going to be the best player I can and play well for him."
Butler has coached the Steelers linebackers since 2003, after serving in the same role for four seasons in Cleveland. Butler brought playing experience with him when he arrived in Pittsburgh, after a 10 year career with the Seattle Seahawks (1978-87).
"As a coach you can really relate to him having been a player," said Timmons. "Plus, he knows what I think since he has been here. I think that's a big cheat sheet for him."
Butler doesn't plan any wholesale changes for the defense, but there is one thing that Timmons is expecting.
"I am pretty sure he is going to have his own little twist to it," said Timmons. "I am going to be looking forward to it. I know we're going to be blitzing. So look forward to that."
