Titans' Dick LeBeau likely 'comfortable retiring' if not asked to return next season

Titans defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau probably “would be comfortable retiring if it doesn't work out in Tennessee" but is taking a “wait and see” approach to the team’s coaching search and whether he's asked to return before making any decision about next season, according to a source with direct knowledge of his thinking.

The Hall of Fame former defensive back, who turned 80 in September, just completed his 59th consecutive season as a player or coach in the NFL.

One of the luminaries of the game, LeBeau is credited with innovating and refining the famed “zone blitz.” He has two Super Bowl rings from his 13 seasons as defensive coordinator with the Steelers and continues to exude boundless energy, despite being the oldest coach in the league.

It is unclear whether the Titans will ask him to return.

The Titans fired coach Mike Mularkey on Monday morning after he guided the team to a 19-15 record, including a playoff victory, in his two full seasons as head coach. He was 21-22 since taking over for coach Ken Whisenhunt midway through the 2015 season.

LeBeau, who joined the Titans’ staff under Whisenhunt in 2015, remains under contract through next season, as do all of Mularkey’s assistants.

“I think there are some good coaches on our staff,” Titans general manager Jon Robinson said Monday.

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The Titans produced the league's 13th-ranked defense, in terms of yards allowed, this season. They were fourth against the run, 25th against the pass and 17th in scoring defense, after surrendering an average of 22.2 points per game. They also recorded the fifth-most sacks (43) and allowed the fewest plays of 20 or more yards in the league.

LeBeau is beloved by his players – it's those relationships that would compel him to return, according to the source – and revered across the NFL.

“He’s one of the great coaches to ever walk the sidelines in this league,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in advance of the Titans’ 35-14 loss in the AFC divisional playoffs Saturday night in New England.

LeBeau starred at halfback on offense and cornerback on defense for coach Woody Hayes at Ohio State, winning the 1957 national championship.

He was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round in 1959 – with the 58th overall pick, which would be a second rounder today – but released during training camp and signed with the Lions.

LeBeau played 14 seasons in Detroit, from 1959-72, where he snared a franchise record 62 interceptions, which still rank 10th in NFL history.

LeBeau began his coaching career in 1973 as a special teams assistant with the Eagles. He also spent time with the Packers, Bengals and Bills, as well as the Steelers and Titans, and served as Cincinnati's head coach from 2000-02.

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LeBeau is a married father of five, grandfather of six and a great-grandfather of two.

Mularkey said during his final press conference Sunday that he anticipated making no changes to his coaching staff heading into next season.

But he had not spoken with LeBeau about whether he wanted to continue coaching.

“He’s an amazing man,” Mularkey said.

Reach Jason Wolf at jwolf@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter @JasonWolf and on Instagram and Snapchat at TitansBeat.