Reports: Keith Butler stays with Steelers

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print

Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano had hoped to tap into the Pittsburgh Steelers' coaching tree to fill his coordinator spots. He was successful in luring Bruce Arians to run his offense but Keith Butler, his choice to run the defense, reportedly won't be coming.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Butler, Pittsburgh's linebackers coach, decided to cancel his scheduled Tuesday interview with the Colts after meeting with Steelers president Art Rooney II and coach Mike Tomlin on Monday.

League sources had told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Sunday that the Colts planned to make Butler the team's defensive coordinator.

NFL.com reported that Butler agreed to a new contract but didn't specify the terms.

The Post-Gazette reported that Butler had been told after the 2009 season that he would replace Dick LeBeau as the team's defensive coordinator once the 74-year-old LeBeau retires. The newspaper reported that the "handshake agreement" convinced Butler to not become the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator that offseason.

LeBeau already has said he will return for the 2012 season.

The Steelers denied Butler the chance to interview for the Arizona Cardinals' defensive coordinator position last season. However, Butler's contract expired after this season, allowing Butler to interview for other jobs without the Steelers blocking any move.

On Tuesday, the Colts announced they hired Arians as team's offensive coordinator. The Steelers had said Arians had "retired" from his post but he confirmed last week that the team actually let his contract expire and he was still listening to coaching offers.

The Steelers still haven't filled their open offensive coordinator position. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was unhappy that the team let Arians' contract expire.

The Colts also announced they have hired Harold Goodwin as their new offensive line coach and have fired two more coaches.

Goodwin was Pittsburgh's offensive assistant since 2007 and assisted with game preparation, video analysis and scouting opponents.

Indy fired tight ends coach Ricky Thomas and assistant offensive line coach Ron Prince, the latest part of an offseason overhaul. Indy has already fired vice chairman Bill Polian, general manager Chris Polian, coach Jim Caldwell and most of Caldwell's staff.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print
• Subscribe