The Pittsburgh Steelers are hopeful about formalizing a new contract with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau next week, according to league sources.
LeBeau, a driving force behind Pittsburgh's dominant defenses, has given the club strong indications he will return, but wants to take the weekend to fully consider the decision.
LeBeau told the club he will give them a final decision early next week, and the Steelers are hopeful he will be back for another season.
"It looks very positive," said one source with knowledge of the situation.
That decision could come as soon as Monday. The Steelers would then execute a one-year deal for LeBeau, a Hall of Famer who essentially goes year-to-year at this stage of his career.
After the loss to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV, the Steelers blocked the Arizona Cardinals from interviewing linebackers coach Keith Butler for their defensive coordinator position. Butler is believed to be the team's top choice follow LeBeau as coordinator.
