When it was first announced that Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler was retiring, it was assumed the job would belong to senior defensive assistant Teryl Austin.
But perhaps we spoke too soon. According to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, the Steelers have reached out to New Orleans Saints defensive backs coach Kris Richard to interview for the vacancy.
Richard is well-traveled in the NFL as an assistant coach. He has worked for the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks in a variety of coaching roles. Richard spent 2015-2017 as the Seahawks defensive coordinator as well. In 2015, Seattle had the best defensive in the NFL but the team saw those rankings drop each season Richard was in charge.
The #Steelers have requested to interview #Saints DBs coach Kris Richard for their vacant defensive coordinator opening, source said. The former #Seahawks DC gets another chance after impressing in New Orleans.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2022
