Putting on the Blitz.

It’s been thought for years in National Football League circles that defense wins championships, but also, evidently, it makes for a great fundraising event.

On Saturday, London native and professional football’s defensive guru Dick LeBeau will be honored at London High School as a fundraiser for a new field house that will bear his name. There are tickets still available for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Tickets are $100 each, and will afford the opportunity to associate with people from throughout LeBeau’s five NFL decades. Tickets are still available so you can be a part of it by calling London High School football coach Bill Dennis at (school) 740-852-5705 ext. 1101 or (cell) 330-763-0076.

Among the many speakers on hand will be a pair of current NFL head coaches – Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals, and Dick Jauron of the Buffalo Bills.

Lewis followed LeBeau as the head coach of the Bengals. Despite slipping a little bit the past two seasons, Lewis’ first four years in Cincinnati were at least .500 or better.

"Marvin has done a great job there," LeBeau said of Lewis. "He’s just a real talented guy and a great coach."

Even though Lewis never played in the NFL, he was named All-Big Sky Conference three times during his days at Idaho State.

While the pinnacle of Lewis’ coaching career so far has been as the defensive coordinator for a Baltimore Ravens defense that dominated football on its way to a victory over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV, it was the tutoring prior to that which likely laid the groundwork for that success.

From 1992 to 1995, Lewis was linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His mentor at that time was LeBeau, who was serving as Blitzburgh’s defensive backfield coach and defensive coordinator. With the Bengals and Steelers currently in the same division, LeBeau gets to match wits against his friend twice a year.

"That’s always an interesting and special thing about the NFL, if you stay in long enough, you’re going to be able to be in that situation" LeBeau said about squaring off against friends. "You don’t want to look bad against your friends."

Another man – who LeBeau refers to as ‘one of my best friends" – is Jauron, the Buffalo coach.

Just like LeBeau, Jauron’s playing days started with the Detroit Lions. In just his second year in Detroit, Jauron earned a spot in the 1974 Pro Bowl after leading the NFC in punt returns. Jauron still owns a plethora of rushing records at Yale University.

In 1978, Jauron took his free safety playing skills to the Bengals. Near the end of his three-year tenure there came along LeBeau as defensive backfield coach. It was there that LeBeau first recognized Jauron’s potential as a teacher.

"He was a great player, as well as a coach on the field," LeBeau said of Jauron. "He has been successful wherever he has gone."

A strong defensive-minded coach, Jauron won Associated Press’ NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2001 when he led the Chicago Bears to a 13-3 regular season record.

Jauron’s focus may be turned to offense this year with the Bills as they add the always-interesting Terrell Owens at wide receiver.

Lewis and Jauron will be joined by a full slate of people from LeBeau’s full football career – high school, college and the NFL. LeBeau is impressed with those who have agreed to participate.

"It is truly an altruistic action by all these men," LeBeau said of the unselfish nature of the speakers. "It is great that they are coming to London to raise money for the youth of this area."

But they will also be there to honor their friend, teammate and colleague.

"I’m very honored by the whole thing," LeBeau said. "I think its going to be a great night."