City of Pittsburgh declares February "Dick LeBeau Month"

Dick LeBeau may be gone, but he'll never be forgotten.

The Pittsburgh City Council announced on Tuesday they would be honoring the former Steelers coach by declaring February "Dick LeBeau Month", according to WPXI News in Pittsburgh. Councilwoman Darlene Harris presented LeBeau with the proclamation, as his family, several friends and James Harrison and Brett Keisel looked on from the gallery.

LeBeau and the Steelers mutually parted ways earlier this month after the Steelers had one of the worst defensive seasons in franchise history in 2014.  Pittsburgh's pass defense, in particular, was among the six worst units in the NFL.  LeBeau's departure allowed former linebackers coach Keith Butler to take the reigns at defensive coordinator, while LeBeau has been linked to positions with the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.  He hasn't announced if and where he will be coaching next season.

LeBeau was one of the best defensive backs in NFL history during his 14-year playing career, amassing 62 interceptions, the seventh-most in league history.  He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010 for his efforts.  As a coach, LeBeau was considered a "defense genius" and is considered one of the best defensive coaches of all time, as well as the inventor of the zone blitz scheme.  His career in the NFL as a player and coach has spanned 56 years.

As one of the most beloved figures in both the city of Pittsburgh and the Steelers locker room, the man affectionately referred to as "Coach Dad" has left an untainted legacy of greatness that will never be replaced.  The city honoring LeBeau, while a fantastic honor, is certainly a well-deserved bit of praise, and LeBeau's earned every ounce of it.