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Keith Butler reportedly survives the Steelers’ coaching cuts, at least for another year

The Pittsburhg Steelers are reportedly keeping Keith Butler, at least for another season.

By Jeff.Hartman Updated
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Buffalo Bills v Pittsburgh Steelers Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin met with media on Wednesday and talked about changes which would be forthcoming. No one knew exactly what kind of change to expect, or when to expect it, but on Thursday the organization decided to part ways with offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett and defensive backs coach Tom Bradley.

When the Steelers made these moves official, many fans of the black and gold were wondering what the future would hold for defensive coordinator Keith Butler.

Butler was coming off a season where his defense was Top 5 in almost every major defensive category, leading the league in sacks and second in takeaways. Despite a complete dud in the postseason, where Butler’s unit allowed a season high 48 points to the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round of the AFC Playoffs, it is being reported Butler will return for the 2021 season.

This per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN:

It should be noted how Fowler points out the Steelers and Butler are going to take a year-to-year approach if they are able to iron out the details of a new contract. Why is this a good thing? Not only does it give the organization flexibility to cut ties with Butler if they feel he is no longer worth keeping on the staff, but it gives Butler the ability to call it a career when he feels it to be necessary.

The knee jerk reaction from the fan base was to clean house, but Butler’s resume with the defense speaks for itself. While the last image fans have of the defense was Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt and Jarvis Landry moving the ball at ease, it shouldn’t be enough to erase a really good defensive season for Butler’s unit.

This decision has not been made official yet, so be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they continue throughout the offseason and prepare for the 2021 regular season.

For more on the breaking news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers today, check out the Breaking News podcast below:

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