Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator history
Teryl Austin
Austin is the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2022 season, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2023) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Austin in playoff games.
Keith Butler
Butler was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2015-2021 seasons, a total of seven years. The team made it to the playoffs five times (2015-2017, 2020-2021) and had a 3-5 record under Coach Butler in playoff games.
Dick LeBeau
LeBeau was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1995-1996, 2004-2014 seasons, a total of thirteen years. The team made it to the playoffs nine times (1995-1996, 2004-2005, 2007-2008, 2010-2011, 2014) and had a 13-7 record under Coach LeBeau in playoff games. In 1995, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Bill Cowher, lost 17-27. In 2005, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Bill Cowher, won 21-10. In 2008, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Mike Tomlin, won 27-23. In 2010, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Mike Tomlin, lost 25-31.
Tim Lewis
Lewis was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2000-2003 seasons, a total of four years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (2001-2002) and had a 2-2 record under Coach Lewis in playoff games.
Jim Haslett
Haslett was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1997-1999 seasons, a total of three years. Haslett's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 24-24-0, making him the second-least successful defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh Steelers history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1997) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Haslett in playoff games.
Dom Capers
Capers was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1992-1994 seasons, a total of three years. Capers' record as the team's defensive coordinator was 32-16-0, making him the third-most successful defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh Steelers history. The team made it to the playoffs three times (1992-1994) and had a 1-3 record under Coach Capers in playoff games.
Dave Brazil
Brazil was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1990-1991 seasons, a total of two years. Brazil's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 16-16-0, making him the second-least successful defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh Steelers history.
Rod Rust
Rust was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1989 season. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1989) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Rust in playoff games.
Tony Dungy
Dungy was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1984-1988 seasons, a total of five years. Dungy's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 35-44-0, making him the least successful defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh Steelers history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1984) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Dungy in playoff games.
Woody Widenhofer
Widenhofer was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1979-1981 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1979) and had a 3-0 record under Coach Widenhofer in playoff games. In 1979, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl XIV and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Chuck Noll, won 31-19.
George J. Perles
Perles was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1978 season. Perles' record as the team's defensive coordinator was 14-2-0, making him the most successful defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh Steelers history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1978) and had a 3-0 record under Coach Perles in playoff games. In 1978, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XIII and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Chuck Noll, won 35-31.
Bud Carson
Carson was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1972-1977 seasons, a total of six years. Carson's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 62-21-1, making him the second-most successful defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh Steelers history. The team made it to the playoffs six times (1972-1977) and had a 8-4 record under Coach Carson in playoff games. In 1974, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Chuck Noll, won 16-6. In 1975, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl X and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Chuck Noll, won 21-17.
Buster Ramsey
Ramsey was the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1962-1964 seasons, a total of three years.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator record
| Coach | Years | Record | Win percentage | Playoff record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teryl Austin | 2022-2024 | 25-17-0 | 59.5% | 0-1 |
| Keith Butler | 2015-2021 | 72-39-2 | 64.6% | 3-5 |
| Dick LeBeau | 1995-1996, 2004-2014 | 137-71-0 | 65.9% | 13-7 |
| Tim Lewis | 2000-2003 | 38-25-1 | 60.2% | 2-2 |
| Jim Haslett | 1997-1999 | 24-24-0 | 50.0% | 1-1 |
| Dom Capers | 1992-1994 | 32-16-0 | 66.7% | 1-3 |
| Dave Brazil | 1990-1991 | 16-16-0 | 50.0% | 0-0 |
| Rod Rust | 1989 | 9-7-0 | 56.3% | 1-1 |
| Tony Dungy | 1984-1988 | 35-44-0 | 44.3% | 1-1 |
| Woody Widenhofer | 1979-1981 | 29-19-0 | 60.4% | 3-0 |
| George J. Perles | 1978 | 14-2-0 | 87.5% | 3-0 |
| Bud Carson | 1972-1977 | 62-21-1 | 74.4% | 8-4 |
| Buster Ramsey | 1962-1964 | 21-18-3 | 53.6% | 0-0 |
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator facts
- Buster Ramsey was the first defensive coordinator in Steelers history in 1962.
- Dick LeBeau coached the most seasons as the Steelers's defensive coordinator at thirteen seasons.
- Teryl Austin is the current defensive coordinator, starting ahead of the 2022 season.