The Dolphins have requested and received permission to interview Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker coach Keith Butler for a defensive assistant job, most likely the defensive coordinator job, according to a club source.
The interview, first reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, was expected to take place before the end of this weekend, the source told The Herald.
Butler, 53, has ties to coach Tony Sparano. Both worked under head coach Chris Palmer in Cleveland in 1999-2000. While Sparano went to the Washington Redskins in 2001, Butler remained with the Browns through 2002 before joining the Steelers in 2003.
Butler is considered a possible heir to the Pittsburgh defensive coordinator job if and when Dick LeBeau decides to retire. His work under LeBeau suggests he is familiar and comfortable with the 3-4 defense but also an attacking style of that defense that includes a vast array of zone and other type of blitzes.
Under LeBeau, Pittsburgh has at times been referred to as Blitzburgh.
With Butler as their coach, Pittsburgh linebackers have feasted on great seasons. James Farrior, LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison, Joey Porter and Clark Haggans all had varying degrees of success under Butler.
Harrison in particular stands out. He was the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year and has been named to he Pro Bowl three times.
Would be a great hire!
First! - never been able to do that, so I just had to do so...sorry!
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | January 13, 2010 at 04:20 PM
Sweet new article. That was pretty dang fast just got finished reading the last two.
Posted by: Hennething | January 13, 2010 at 04:22 PM
I like Pitt's style of defense and I think the blitzing would be a good fit with our personel. I could see Wake becoming another Harrison in that style of D.
Posted by: Ken | January 13, 2010 at 04:24 PM
Isn't there a golden rule of never going into business with your friends and family? So far we are in bed with Ginn's family and all of Sparano's friends. We need someone on the outside. Someone that will challenge the other coaches.
Posted by: Jackalope | January 13, 2010 at 04:25 PM
good new blood al groh is old blood. We need new i hope it happens
Posted by: eddie from new england | January 13, 2010 at 04:30 PM
I like the fact he has been a linebackers coach for the past 7 years in a 3-4 defense and the LB position is one of our NEEDS, whether it is drafting a stud or grooming our current ones to be better or BOTH!! :)
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | January 13, 2010 at 04:33 PM
But but but I thought Miami was always last and chasing people, how could this be ? Oh, because your last post was beyond rediculous, the media has no clue what Miami's plans are and thus they lash out with anger.
Posted by: Mel | January 13, 2010 at 04:33 PM
Dang, we'll get caught up here in an hour or two.
Posted by: Omar Kooky and Mike Brerapenisface | January 13, 2010 at 04:34 PM
That's what I'm talking about. Attack, attack, attack, attack!
Posted by: FLPD | January 13, 2010 at 04:35 PM
Mel - Great post!
Posted by: Illiterate Omar | January 13, 2010 at 04:37 PM
Sounds good to me. The Steelers have been tremendous the last few fears defensively so hopefully he'll be hired
Posted by: Mark | January 13, 2010 at 04:40 PM
Years (typo)
Posted by: Mark | January 13, 2010 at 04:41 PM
Mel - It was not anger from Armando. His job is to write blogs, which is his opinion and that is what he does. What points he made was true in the last blog...
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | January 13, 2010 at 04:41 PM
Why did they have to request to speak with him? The Steeler's season has been over for a week now.
Posted by: Bruce's Mom | January 13, 2010 at 04:42 PM
Lets all bitch about the OPINIONS and the FREE Dolphins info we get... Stay off this blog if it sucks so much. Man some of you need to get off the Tit and join us in the real world... Its tough out here but you can join
Posted by: Michael N | January 13, 2010 at 04:46 PM
Mel, two things:
1. The Dolphins asked for permission to talk to Butler AFTER they asked about Crennel and learned for certain he was going elsewhere. So Crennel was a priority they were late to, ok?
2. It's ridiculous for everyone or redonculous only if you're Stuart Scott. But never rediculous.
Thanks for reading.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 13, 2010 at 04:47 PM
The Dolphins asked permission as a courtesy. It's the way they do business.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 13, 2010 at 04:50 PM
Sounds like a good choice to me.The Steelers have been pretty solid on defense for quite a while.
Posted by: beerndrums | January 13, 2010 at 04:50 PM
Gotta go, wife's calling me to have some wine, if you know what I mean ... Yup, I'm whipped.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | January 13, 2010 at 04:51 PM
That's rediculous I tell ya.
Posted by: beerndrums | January 13, 2010 at 04:52 PM
Armando, thanks for the answer even though I forgot to change this ridiculous screen name. lol
Posted by: Bruce's Mom | January 13, 2010 at 04:53 PM
MONTE KIFFIN would be a great DC if he didn't decide to follow his son to USC. He might want to stay in Florida and I doubt he'll come back to Tampa.
The Bucs won their SB using his Tampa 2 defense. Maybe the Trifecta should try calling him.
Tomlin (one SB, won) and other head coaches (e.g., Lovie Smith, one SB-lost)are part of the Kiffin tree.
Posted by: tampafin | January 13, 2010 at 04:53 PM
Mando made some valid points on last blog, but I just refuse to believe the trifecta woke up one day and said, "maybe we should fire PP and we'll see who we can get." These guys are good and they ALWAYS have a plan!!
Posted by: Robbyhenz | January 13, 2010 at 04:55 PM
Mando , stole my post about Keith Butler from the previous blog !!! LOL !!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | January 13, 2010 at 04:57 PM
Besides, I believe you always talk to different people to see if there's a better option, but Crennel was talked to in order to satisfy Rooney Rule.. I'm sure Tuna's son-in-law told him Crennel was taking the job.. If he was Fins only option, PP would still be here..
Posted by: Robbyhenz | January 13, 2010 at 04:57 PM
Armando,
You had me sold at "attacking style of 3-4..." and sealed the deal with "vast array of blitzes..."
Posted by: carlito from golfito | January 13, 2010 at 05:02 PM
sounds exciting...
Posted by: carlito from golfito | January 13, 2010 at 05:02 PM
Pffft. And you guys are bitchin bout Romeo.
Posted by: Mikegut | January 13, 2010 at 05:08 PM
NJ PHIN FAN You are Mando how can you steal from your self.............LMAF
Hey what do you guys think of Jim Mora JR. He was a great DC in San Fransisco.
Posted by: Alex | January 13, 2010 at 05:09 PM
Not sure how Kevin Butler would do as the Fins DC but I like the fact that he comes from the Steelers. The Al Groh things scars me because he hasn't been in the NFL in several years. I'm sure there are a lot of things that have developed offensively that he wouldn't be use to because he hasn't experienced it on the college level.
Posted by: ChrisFree | January 13, 2010 at 05:11 PM
Sounds like good news. Just the fact that he's been with the same team for 6 years means he must be doing something right.
Posted by: cocoajoe | January 13, 2010 at 05:15 PM
This guy sounds like a quality candidate......so far, this would be my clubhouse leader.
Posted by: pramis | January 13, 2010 at 05:15 PM
A LB coach to be DC and DC to be LB coach??
Posted by: elchano | January 13, 2010 at 05:16 PM
OMG, does this mean coach paul will now return to Syracuse-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Posted by: Ron | January 13, 2010 at 05:17 PM
I wish these guys would go with a younger guy a defensive coordinator. They seem to only interview geriatric people. Doesn't Parcells know any talented guys under the age of 50?
Posted by: mrmrjohnson | January 13, 2010 at 05:26 PM
Jets blitz 85% of time on third down First in league...Steelers 55% of time second in league...in order to run that type of defense u need players that can shut down the others team #1 wide receiver, like Revis from the Jets...I would love to see that type of defense in Miami BUT until we fix this Linebacker/safety problem we have, it will be hard to duplicate that...this is why this draft is so CRITICAL to get those type of players...and like other readers I certaintly don't believe they let Pasgiloni go without a safety net
Posted by: bobbyd12 | January 13, 2010 at 05:26 PM
Armando said, "So Crennel was a priority". That's your opinion or at the least an educated guess. That is not fact as no one has told you Crennel was a "priority". Also they were still evaluating Pasquoloni and obviously weren't as far a long in the process as KC was seeing how their seasons ended at different times considering the playoff scenarios. So even if your opinion is a fact and Crennel was their "priority" it doesn't speak poorly of the trifecta that they took longer to talk to him than K.C. did.
Posted by: Heraldwritersblow | January 13, 2010 at 05:30 PM
NOW we're cooking with Gas!! I like the Steelers asst coach thing.......young, aggressive, a new perspective, young, etc. MAKE IT SO, TUNA!
Posted by: The Seer | January 13, 2010 at 05:31 PM
You had me sold at "attacking style of 3-4..." and sealed the deal with "vast array of blitzes..."
"carlito"
Same here brother!
Bobby12 Makes a good point about Revis and our issues @ 5:26 though.
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 13, 2010 at 05:31 PM
NJ (said w/ a :>)
Imagine how Quentin Moses could blossom under Steeler style coaching!
Posted by: The Seer | January 13, 2010 at 05:32 PM
It's not a "good point" when someone states the obvious. No crap we need to get better linebackers and a FS to run a better defense. Jeez I hope Parcells is reading this so he knows wht to do in the offseason.
Posted by: Heraldwritersblow | January 13, 2010 at 05:33 PM
Don't know much about Butler but no doubt Pittsburgh's defense has annually been better than ours so it can't be all bad. Maybe it would forge a connection with one or two of their current and/or upcoming free agents coming to Miami. Again, most anyone on thier defense would be an upgrade.
Posted by: Chris | January 13, 2010 at 05:35 PM
Thats not nice, Heraldwritersblow.
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 13, 2010 at 05:37 PM
LOL @ Alex. I'm not Mando.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | January 13, 2010 at 05:38 PM
Facts are the facts, Heraldwritersblow.
But i'll be sure to check with you next time I feel some one speaks of "the obvious".
Sorry bout that.
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 13, 2010 at 05:40 PM
LOL @ THE SEER. EXCELLENT POINT ON MOSES. It worked on players like clark haggens and A free agent they picked up of the streets . I think his name was Harrison or something :)
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | January 13, 2010 at 05:40 PM
OFF
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | January 13, 2010 at 05:41 PM
Love it bring him down to miami please....And to the ginn haters shut up...He is not the reason we lost all those games...He's a gamer if you use him right...Get a number one receiver in here please, and you will see ginn develope into a Deshawn Jackson.
Posted by: Terrence | January 13, 2010 at 05:41 PM
Oh yeah,
bobbyd12.....
You might want to check with Heraldwritersblow, before you state "the obvious".
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 13, 2010 at 05:42 PM
Butler having been under Lebeau's 3-4 tutelage for several years and producing a very productive LB corps, screams of CORRECT DC hire in Miami!
It also smacks of being more a Sparano pick than that of a Parcells pick.
Maybe big Tony is finally growing up in Tuna's eyes.
Glad Crennel wasn't hired, he is past his prime. I like the younger hungrier Butler much more over Romeo & Groh(n) old :)
ComeOn Trifecta, pull the trigger on Butler this Fri!
Posted by: GetterDone Phins! | January 13, 2010 at 05:45 PM
Heraldwriterblows, your a worthless piece of sh't who has added nothing to this blog from day one, Oh Sorry, I stated the obvious again!!
Posted by: bobbyd12 | January 13, 2010 at 05:46 PM
LMFAO @ b12
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 13, 2010 at 05:47 PM
Nice catch on my typo, lucky I don't get paid for this like you. Ofcourse the Herald must wonder why they pay you for such drivel. Anyone who can read, has for over 1 week known Romeo was going to the chiefs. So your lie about the Dolphins being late and wanting him is just that, a lie ! Try getting another source other then Drew Rosenhaus. Also can you please explain why every other news outlet always has Dolphins news way before you do ?
Posted by: Mel | January 13, 2010 at 05:48 PM
Really, Mel, everybody on this blog knows Mando is the sh it on getting the latest news first. You got no shot with that stuff, hater.
Douches!
Posted by: Omar Kooky and Mike Boorpenisface | January 13, 2010 at 05:57 PM
Mel, you got to be kidding right?
I mean, Mando's not perfect. But dude's the best at what he does.
Posted by: Matty Idiot | January 13, 2010 at 05:58 PM
Heraldwritersblow spends his entire loser day on this blog thinking nobody knows who he is. We all know who he is, don't we?
Posted by: NYScott | January 13, 2010 at 06:05 PM
NYScott....
DB?
Posted by: Po White Trash | January 13, 2010 at 06:08 PM
Butler turned down wisenhunt from Arizona twice already. He wants to stay in Blitzburgh!!
Posted by: Angry Fin Fan | January 13, 2010 at 06:12 PM
I was arrested in 2004 after police discovered child porn on my computer at work. The Herald wrote the story first.
That's when I changed my name to theheraldblowsandyoureallidiots.
Posted by: NYScott | January 13, 2010 at 06:12 PM
PO,Dying breed, Heil hitler, Tortured dolphan, You pick the name....
Posted by: cuban menace | January 13, 2010 at 06:12 PM