Dick LeBeau attended the Ohio State University, playing for famed coach Woody Hayes, and was on the 1957 national championship team, playing at cornerback and halfback. Also in 1957, playing both sides of the ball, he scored two touchdowns as Ohio State came back to beat Michigan 31-14.

He was initially drafted in the fifth round in 1959 by the Cleveland Browns but was cut from their team, and was signed as a rookie free agent by the Detroit Lions. He spent his entire 14 year NFL career with them as a defensive back, teamed during the early part of that run with "Night Train" Lane and Yale Lary, and later with Lem Barney. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 1965 through 1967. He was a leading interceptor, with 62 career interceptions for 762 return yards and 3 touchdowns, and holds the NFL record for consecutive game appearances for a cornerback with 171. He also recovered 9 fumbles, returning them for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Following his retirement as a player, he became an assistant coach for the following teams:

    * Philadelphia Eagles (1973-1975)
    * Green Bay Packers (1976-1979)
    * Cincinnati Bengals (1980-1991), (1997-2002)
    * Pittsburgh Steelers (1992-1996), (2004-present)
    * Buffalo Bills (2003)

He was head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals for three seasons, from 2000 through 2002.

As an assistant coach he is credited with inventing the "Fire Zone" or "zone blitz" defense, with sound pass coverage accompanying blitzes from unpredictable angles. His defenses typically employ 3-4 sets, with any of the 4 linebackers and frequently a defensive back among the blitzers, so the opposition is unsure how many people and who will rush the passer.

LeBeau can also be seen in the 1970 movie Too Late the Hero, where he played Michael Caine's double in a scene.