If President-elect Barack Obama needs a secretary of Defense, perhaps he should consider Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.

With the undying respect and love from every player that has ever served under him, LeBeau would bring an amazing resume to the job.

For everything he's done as a coach, he was even greater as a player — one that he should be in the Hall of Fame but has not yet been honored.

That's why I pull for him as much as any other player or coach from the Steelers to win. It will only add to his legacy.

Now in his 50th year of pro football, his resume reads something like this:

Objective: To oversee and direct the best defensive unit the world has ever seen — year after year after year.

Experience (Player): Played 14 years with the Detroit Lions after being drafted out of Ohio State and did not miss a game. Still owns an NFL record of 171 consecutive games played by a cornerback and 62 career interceptions still ranks me seventh in NFLhistory. Was third in career picks when I retired more than 35 years ago.Also appeared in three Pro Bowls.

Experience (Coach): After playing, moved straight into coaching the Philadelphia Eagles special teams in 1973-75, then served as defensive backs coach for Green Bay (1976-79), Cincinnati (1980-83), then added defensive coordinator duties with the Bengals (1984-91).Joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as secondary coach (1992-94) under Bill Cowher, then defensive coordinator from 1995-96) before taking lateral move to Bengals (1997-2000) as defensive coordinator as well as assistant head coach.Became head coach of the Bengals for three seasons (2000-02, sorry, couldn't turn down an opportunity like that, even in Cincy), then assistant head coach for the Buffalo Bills (2003) before returning to Pittsburgh as defensive coordinator (2004-07).

Accomplishments: As Pittsburgh's defensive coordinator, helped guide the defense that reached Super Bowl XXX, then won Super Bowl XL by defeating the top three-seeded teams on the road (Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Denver), then flustering Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck for organization's first title in 25 years.Still maintain one of top defenses year in and year out, especially top-ranked squad this year (run defense, pass defense, points allowed and fewest total yards allowed). have not allowed 300 or more yards in first 14 games, which ties an NFL record.

References: 1-Bill Cowher (former Pittsburgh coach); 2-dozens of Pro Bowl players (detailed list at your request); 3-Dan Rooney (Steelers owner); 4-Mike Brown (Bengals owner, although I really wish you wouldn't).I humbly submit this resume and attached cover letter for your consideration, President-elect Obama.If you decide to go in another direction, I'll understand (as long as it's not an offensive coach). I'll admit I like the job I'm in now, but am willing to serve in any capacity.If not, maybe you could put in a good word with the Hall of Fame. Couldn't hurt.