In the standoff between long-time team and long-time coach, long-time team won. It likely didn’t hurt that long-time team is a lot better than long-time coach’s new team.
The Steelers have announced that linebacker James Harrison has re-signed with the team.
It’ll be Harrison’s twelfth season with the Steelers; he played in Pittsburgh in 2002, 2004 through 2012, and 2014. In 2013, Harrison played for the Bengals.
Harrison seemed to be leaning toward following defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau to Tennessee. LeBeau left the Steelers (presumably with a nudge) after the 2014 season ended, clearing the way for Keith Butler to be promoted. It’s likely that Butler would have left for a coordinator job elsewhere, given that his contract was expiring.
Harrison signed a two-year contract, a surprising duration for a guy who was retired until injuries compelled the Steelers to lure him back. He racked up 5.5 sacks in 11 games last season.