NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reports that the Cardinals have formally begun pursuing Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler for their defensive coordinator vacancy.
Butler, 54, is free to interview after Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl loss. According to La Canfora, Butler is “intrigued” by the opening on Ken Whisenhunt’s staff, and “Steelers officials expect him to take it.” The Steelers’ organization is expected to grant Butler permission to interview with Whisenhunt when the Cardinals make that request.
Butler has spent the last eight seasons as Pittsburgh’s linebackers coach, staying on after Mike Tomlin replaced Bill Cowher in 2007. He’s helped mold LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison, and Lawrence Timmons into Pro Bowl-caliber linebackers.