Tennessee Titans: Top 10 stories of 2015
By P. L. Colter
#6 Titans hire Dick LeBeau
On February 5, 2015, Tennessee hired Hall of Fame defensive mind Dick LeBeau to oversee their transition from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4 defense, and the move turned out to be one of their best offseason acquisitions of the year.
In 2013, the last year of the 4-3 scheme, the Titans finished 14th in total defense. In 2014, the first year of the 3-4 scheme, the Titans fell to 27th.
The defense was given a pass, as it was obvious that the players were having a hard time with the transition. It was also obvious that they needed help…and quick.
Enter Dick LeBeau, the architect of the 3-4 zone blitz.
Under LeBeau’s tutelage, Tennessee’s defense went from laughing stock in 2014 to the anchor of the team in 2015. Heading into the season finale, the Titans are 13th in total defense, a quantum leap forward.
Tennessee’s pass defense has been even more impressive. The Titans are currently the 7th best pass defense in the league, an incredible feat given the season long rash of injuries at the cornerback position.
With a banged-up secondary, LeBeau’s boys held their own against a brutal qb schedule that included Tom Brady, Cam Newton, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, a red hot Blake Bortles (twice), and a healthy Andrew Luck early in the season.
LeBeau’s impact was immediate, and effective. A positive storyline for the Titans in 2015.
With the search for a new head coach quickly approaching, it is yet to be seen if LeBeau will be around in 2016.
Next: Story #5