One of the local hot air machines on a local all-sports radio stations was ranting about the Haley hire the other night, before it was announced by the way, about what could Haley and Mike Tomlin possibly have in common?

Well for starters, they both have the same boss!

A few thoughts:

--I think the over/under on Haley's term as OC is 2 years. If they fall back sharply, he's gone. If he does really well, he's somebody's next HC.

--The OC usually has a strong say in his position coaches. Will Haley have that here or is he expected to work with holdovers from Arian's regime?

--If Ben indeed wasn't consulted about this hiring, then you can be sure his agent has had some heated conversations with Colbert and/or Rooney.

--Because Ben and Tomlin have said so little publically, many on the talk shows and blogs are going way overboard with conjecture and speculation concerning attitude, maturity, authority, etc. No suprise there.

--If Ben drives the team to a touchdown at the end of the Super Bowl against GB, Arians is still OC and Haley is probably looking to volunteer at a college some where.

--Even if Ben had driven the team to victory against the Broncos, I think this change still happens.

--You will know there are serious problems in Steelerville if the Steelers take a QB in the first two rounds.



Unless there are openings on the staff, and I don't believe there are, I doubt Haley will have any input on his offensive staff.
I don't think owners need to contact agents and/or players before making a hire and most certainly the Rooneys do not. Ben deserved zero input or advance notice on this. -- Bob Smizik

I love this hire! No matter which way Haley goes with the offense, I have confidence that it will be the best way, because he has shown an openness to alternative offensive styles, perhaps based upon personnel at hand. Which is wise IMHO.

This could be and should be a great hire. Some turmoil maybe, but it should wake up some players and the ever critical fan base. I saw an interview with Haley several weeks ago and he seemed to be proud of his association with the old Super Steelers even though it was as a ballboy at the time. I guess he still regrets not getting as many autographs as he could of....And I did predict this one last week!



From what I've heard of Haley, I doubt he's an autograph collector. -- Bob Smizik

After reading various articles, both pro and con, I think that the hiring of Todd Haley for OC is just what Ben R and the Steelers offense needed. Here is a man who got in the face of Kurt Warner, who had been to the SB three times for St. Louis and won two. Warner said he was happy with TH as his OC. I think that Ben R will be satisfied with the hire after he gets over the loss of his "uncle" Bruce.

I look for better things for the Steelers offense next year, with more points scored, both total, and in the Red Zone.

I look at this a positive!

I don't think Tomlin will put up with sideline ranting and raving. Haley will have to conform to the Steelers way. That includes not looking like a disheveled bum on the sideline.

You will notice a certain decorum from Dick LeBeau, always in control, always in charge.
Haley would be wise to follow suit.

As for helping Ben, I am certain Ben Roethlisberger in his 9th year will be open to anything that can improve the offense. He too understands what it means to be always in control.

I am anxious to hear from Tomlin on this change and what he sees going forward

I don't know if it's a good thing or bad thing.
Just hope he doesn't screw up the locker room or team chemistry.

Haley never played football. As a player, how do you respect a guy telling you what to do, when that person NEVER did what they are instructing you to do?
I work in sales and the very first sales manager I ever had never sold a thing. I never respected the guy and he was a lousy sales trainer. Upper management thought he was great because our office had the best sales person out of the entire company and the results made the manager look good. Just like sports if you have talent, the manager looks good. Anyway, after our company was bought out, the same manager was forced out, went to a couple different firms and was let go from each one.
How can Haley be respected by any player when never played the game. At least Arians was a QB at Virginia Tech. Maybe Ben and Haley will get along because they are both very good golfers, but that is the only sport Haley played.


Curt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald both expressed a great deal of respect for Haley. I don't think he'll the problems you are suggesting.
Since you've never been a writer or a blogger, richie, I guess you can understand why I might not respect your repeated criticisms. --- Bob Smizik

written by estrago, February 08, 2012 - 10:27 AM
Haley never played football. As a player, how do you respect a guy telling you what to do, when that person NEVER did what they are instructing you to do?

Ever hear of an OC by the name of Charlie Weiss. He never played football! From what I remember, he did OK while coaching Tom Brady and the SB champion NE Partriots. Also, TH was the OC at AZ and all they did was go to the SB.

I guess you are right. He can't succeed here!

Well I just think that Todd will work to Ben's strengths. In AZ Kurt Warner had a big year and he was pretty much a statue. Ben can move around and make plays on the run. Look for more roll outs and a lot more play action.

If he can get Wallace to capture his full potential look out. I hope they sign Wallace very soon so they don't lose him. RFAs in the new CBA are easier to sign by other teams than in the past.

They need more tight ends, Heath is old and Saunders got busted.

This change has to work well, if it doesn't they will have come very close to closing their window of opportunity to get back to the very top of the NFL

I am sure Tomlin understands that more than anyone.

They need more tight ends, Heath is old and Saunders got busted.


Heath Miller is 29 years old and has been in the league 7 years. He is in his prime. Please check facts before you bash someone.

hey jpk, heath will be 30 next season, that make him the oldest player on the offense besides Ben.

I wasn't bashing him, just said he was old and I could have said his production fell off at the end of last season. Take a chill pill

Since you've never been a writer or a blogger, richie, I guess you can understand why I might not respect your repeated criticisms. smilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cheesy.gif --- Bob Smizik

Not comparing apples to apples. As a writer I do not think anyone does not respect your writing ability, but to be critical of your OPINIONS is a different matter. Look, I understand that just because someone played a mucical intrument or played a sport, does not mean that they be be a good teacher or coach. However I find it hard to respect someone who is teaching you to do something that they have never done on their own.
The fact that Haley has experience and results behind him does not mean he is respected. I'll use my own experience with a former manager as proof.

written by johngaltx, February 08, 2012 - 10:09 AM
One of the local hot air machines on a local all-sports radio stations was ranting about the Haley hire the other night, before it was announced by the way, about what could Haley and Mike Tomlin possibly have in common?

Was it that total amateur Andrew Fillipponi with his nails on chalk board voice saying that.. The Fan really needs to send him back to Buffalo asap...

Well if they respect him, and he brings quality ideas to the table, and they win. What more can be asked of a coach.....
Hopefully no egos clash, but as Bob wrote, Kurt Warner and Larry Fritzgerald respected Todd Haley, that is a good sign...
Go Steelers
David

His production fell off because the offense has gotten away from using the tight end in passing situations. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Heath Miller nor is his age of any concern.

written by cramden, February 08, 2012 - 10:49 AM
Can an offensive coordinator really make that much difference? Especially a nepotism hire like this one with NO input from the head coach. Where has Tomlin been the last month? Complete silence.

I guess that you don't read the sports section of the PG. An article by G Dulac, re: the hiring of TH stated that TH was interviewed by Colbert, Rooney, and Tomlin!



I deleted cramden's comment that you are referencing. To suggest, as he did, this is nepotism would mean that Haley is related either to Tomlin or Rooney -- which I doubt. Haley's father left the Steelers 22 years ago to work for another team. I don't think the Steelers feel they owe him anything.
cramden your nonsense is getting tiresome. -- Bob Smizik

I really like this hire. I think the decision to let Arians go and to hire Haley was a firect effect of the offense not playing up to their potential. The Steeler offense is loaded with weapons, yet they didn't consistently play like it. I understand about the injuries to the offense during the season, but to be successful it can never bea about the injuries. It has to be about a team's ability to overcome those injuries and compete at the highest level possible.

There is no doubt that the Steeler fron office saw a team with alot of potential who under-achieved with Arians directing the offense. With Haley, I think the Steelers hired an OC who can better maximize potential of the offense.

While there could be some difference of opinion on the parts of Haley & Ben, I would think/hope, both are man enough to be adult about the situation and know they are both striving for the same thing.
Nothing wrong with a bit of discipline.

As I recall, Terry Bradshaw had a tempestuous relationship with Chuck Noll. In his early years, Bradshaw was an erratic QB, sometimes great, sometimes horrid, and he balked at Chuck Noll's direction.

It came to a peak with Noll benching Bradshaw in favor of Joe Gilliam. And it was only after his reinstatement as the starting QB that Bradshaw became coachable, and great.

Can an offensive coordinator really make that much difference? Especially a nepotism hire like this one with NO input from the head coach. Where has Tomlin been the last month? Complete silence.

Are you mistaking Mike Tomlin for Frank Connelly? Tomlin is not one to make stupid comments for the most part. The only time I recall a dumb comment was the "hell unleashed" bit, and that was in-season. We never hear from him during the offseason. How is this any different?

The point I was making to you is before you go out and make a comment that is clearly wrong, like Heath Miller is old, check your facts.

He is 29 years old going on 30. He is in the prime of his career. To suggest the Steelers need a tight end because he is old doesn't make sense and I was pointing that out to you.

As I recall, Terry Bradshaw had a tempestuous relationship with Chuck Noll. In his early years, Bradshaw was an erratic QB, sometimes great, sometimes horrid, and he balked at Chuck Noll's direction.

It came to a peak with Noll benching Bradshaw in favor of Joe Gilliam. And it was only after his reinstatement as the starting QB that Bradshaw became coachable, and great.

Thats true. But here is the difference. Bib Ben has won two SBs with 2 different HCs. I doubt Haley is going to change Ben to be coachible. Ben is a proven winner with different HCs and OCs.

Thing is both Fitzgerald and Warner come across as intelligent, coachable people. Roethlisberger? Not on the same plane. Seems as though if someone tells him something he doesn't want to hear -- he blows it off.

People told him to park his motorcycle or at least wear a helmet. Blew it off. Without a doubt, people told him to be careful when it came to getting jiggy after the Reno situation. Blew it off. No question Kenny Anderson was telling him to do things like get rid of the ball faster and stop taking really dumb sacks before he retired. Blew it off.

I just hope Haley stays on Big Ben's case and refuses to cave. I fully expect Roethlisberger, especially if he has a couple of off games while adjusting, to go whining to Tomlin and Rooney to get Haley to leave him alone.

written by estrago, February 08, 2012 - 10:27 AM
Haley never played football. As a player, how do you respect a guy telling you what to do, when that person NEVER did what they are instructing you to do?

Come on. You win people over by putting together game plans that work. The only thing that matters is results.

written by SonnyDrysdale, February 08, 2012 - 10:21 AM
Haley will have to conform to the Steelers way. That includes not looking like a disheveled bum on the sideline.

Funny, Bill Belichick looks like Grumpy the Dwarf on the sidelines and he seems to do OK. The only thing that matters is results.

Why tiresome Bob? Because I don't agree with you or 90% of the people on this blog? You should welcome differences of opinion. Just because I am not a typical, jersey wearing Stiller lemming is NO REASON to delete my comments. I am surprised at you. You can do better.



Tiresome because you deliberately misspell people's names. That's immature and tiresome. --- Bob Smizik

Noll benched Bradshaw because of poor play. Gilliam did well but Noll liked Bradshaw and felt he needed to sit in order to fully understand how to run the offense. Bradshaw called all of his own plays from that time forward.

TB never fumed at any coaching direction because he knew very little about reading defenses when he got here.

Ben is in his 9th year and is well established, big difference

Bob,

Did you see the baseball link on your previous post? I think you will find it intersting.



I did and it will be posted. Thanks. -- Bob Smizik

Arians pampered to what Ben was thinking out on the field. Haley will come in with fresh eyes and will definitely tell Ben what is wrong or right from his standpoint. Hopefully Ben will listen and tweak his game. Ben constantly said after most games last year that he has to "start playing better".
I also believe that Haley has to lay low at times too. He will have to remember that he is not the Head Coach but only the OC. This difference will be the most difficult part for Haley to come to grips with.

Come on. You win people over by putting together game plans that work. The only thing that matters is results.

Results matter...I agree. If that is the case then look at the results with Arians. Look at the results! You can still have results yet still not respect the coach or manager. You can have the best game plan in the world, but you need the TALENT to make it work

written by cramden, February 08, 2012 - 11:03 AM
Just because I am not a typical, jersey wearing Stiller lemming is NO REASON to delete my comments. I am surprised at you. You can do better.

If you enjoy acting like a little kid who likes banging trash can lids just to get the neighbor's dog to bark behind its fence -- knock yourself out, man.

The fact that Haley has experience and results behind him does not mean he is respected. I'll use my own experience with a former manager as proof.

So you're using a sample size of 1 as proof?

written by estrago, February 08, 2012 - 11:08 AM
Results matter...I agree. If that is the case then look at the results with Arians. Look at the results! You can still have results yet still not respect the coach or manager. You can have the best game plan in the world, but you need the TALENT to make it work

Gee, based on your first post, I thought you had to play football in high school first.

Bottom line? Steelers were 22nd in points scored. They were not maximizing the talent they had -- so AR2 gave Bruce the run.

I don't profess to know how the Haley hire will work out but after watching the Steelers for 51 years, I know a change was needed....and it needed to be a dramatic one. To me, Haley was the perfect choice. Ben needs a boss and a director, not a golfing buddy.

With Haley, no more hens running the hen house. great move.

@Dan 72

Agree, agree, and agree!

Very well stated.

Some things I think after reading all the comments:

Ben is hard to get along with
Hayley is hard to get along with
The Steelers are in need of personnel
Tomlin has no power
Rooney is disciplining Ben for many reasons
Hayley is kooky
Hayley is an in you face coach


Gee sounds like a recipe for disaster

Oops somebody said that too

Lots of experts, lots of fools

Cheers

Reading Steelers Depot concerning the signing of Wallace or not- In my opinion, this should be the first item on the agenda between Tomlin, Lebeau and Haley that needs to be addressed asap. For this decision will set in motion the NFL draft for the Steelers.
I am of the opinion that Wallace is not a priority to keep and if the Steelers can get a first round draft THAT WILL BETTER ASSESS THE NEEDS OF THE TEAM- I would not disagree with this decision.

Once again, we must wait till Mr. Haley has been here a bit to criticize his efforts. If I was a Q.B. for the Steelers I'd reach out to him now and see when we could get together to begin work for next season. That would show a real seriousness and commitment toward improving the offense overall.

written by RoyHobbs, February 08, 2012 - 11:18 AM
Some things I think after reading all the comments: Lots of experts, lots of fools

So, Roy, anyone who writes anything that you don't agree with is a fool!! It must be nice to omnipotent!

This may be the most important year for the Steelers since Ben's first two years in 2004-2005. The Steelers have a group of extraordinarily gifted young receivers, and this will be the critical 3rd and 4th years of their development. This offense has the potential to blow away the league's top defenses and add to the trophy case this year - but it will take a strong hand on the reigns and a brilliant tactician to pull it off.

Haley is going to need to do four things right away his first year:
1. Demand and get excellence from a putrid offensive line. This is the top, top, top priority, and if he pulls it off, everything else should fall into line
2. Demand that the running game produce in short yardage and near the goal line
3. Develop the full potential of the three gifted young receivers - similar to the Giants this season
4. Demand discipline from Roethlisberger

With the explosive players he is being handed, anything less than offensive dominance and a Super Bowl win will be a disappointment in his first season. I hope Haley understands the extreme pressure he is walking into, and is up for the challenge.



Look around the league, Andy. The Steelers offense has some good talent. I would not describe it as explosive or near the best. You are setting yourself up for a fall. -- Bob Smizik

BarelySane,(or anyone else)

I do not know what any of you do for a profession, but if you have a manager or person above you telling you what to do, and they have never done it, how do you respect them? Another example, I was raised as a Catholic so before I was married I needed to meet with our Priest regarding marriage. A Priest can advise on many matters, but since he was never married, had sex, or had kids, he was limited. I respect a priest on many other matters but not regarding something he never experienced on his own

@estrago:

I am a CPA, licensed in the Commonwealth of PA. During my working life of 40 years, I have had many supervisors who were not CPAs. I respected most of them, even if i didn't like them as a person.

I think that I have responded to your post.

Bottom line? Steelers were 22nd in points scored. They were not maximizing the talent they had -- so AR2 gave Bruce the run.

Agree, that needs improved. Over all, last year they were 12-4. The loss to Denver was more on the defense. With Arians as OC they won a SB and lost one. I'd would put more of the blame on offense on the Oline than the OC

"Bruce Arians, who had a chummy relationship with Roethlisberger in his five years as the team's offensive coordinator. Curiously, that relationship might ultimately have led to his departure."

Bob, Arians did not lose his job because he was chummy with Ben. Arians' offense simply did not fit Steeler football. He tried to make the Steelers a finesse team. His offense would have gotten Ben killed. Ben doesn't fit finesse football because he holds on to the ball too long. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are finesse quarterbacks who have quick releases and never take big hits.

So long as Arians' method was working, he was able to keep his job. But when the Steeler offense bogged down, Rooney held him accountable.

It was painful to watch the Steelers repeatedly failing from inside the 5 yard line. It was painful to watch the offense unable to run out the clock with the run.

Steeler football takes the pressure off the quarterback. The other team cannot tee off on the quarterback because they must respect the run. It helps the passing game because the other team must play an 8th defender near the line. It also improves the play action passing game. Steeler football will extend the playing career of Ben. He simply takes too many big hits in Arians' empty backfields.

I applaud Rooney insisting that the Steelers get back to their roots. I watched the Giants with a true fullback, Hynoski, opening holes, blocking blitzers and catching passes out of the backfield. The Steelers would have had Hynoski if Arians had not been the offensive coordinator.

The Giants play blue collar Steeler football. That brand of football has proved to be superior to the finesse Patriots. Rooney has seen that. Arians had to go. I just hope Tomlin got the message.

written by heartbeatsings, February 08, 2012 - 10:10 AM
--If Ben indeed wasn't consulted about this hiring, then you can be sure his agent has had some heated conversations with Colbert and/or Rooney.

Hahaha... I thought this was very funny. The Rooneys consulting Ben about a hiring and "heatedly" discussing it with his agent. Yeah, I can see that happening...

STATONJM

Agree, Big Ben will hold on to the ball too long and gets hit. At the same time, by holding the ball and looking down field, he has made many great plays. As per running inside the 5 or in general, thats the Oline. The last 4/5 years, the OLine has been average at best. Look at the Giants run game...I think they ranked 31rst. You win by being a good passing team these days. The only thing that needs tweaked is Ben getting rid of the ball quicker and improving the Oline

I think it's a good hire. Yes, the Steelers were 12-4 this year, but everyone knows that their offense underperformed.

I think Ben is one of the Top 5 QBs in the league, but he seemed to lack some fire - especially when they failed time and again in the red zone. Someone with more fire who holds every player accountable will likely be good for him.

The biggest thing that bothers me is the suggestion that none of the Arizona coaches wanted Haley back (i.e. they didn't want to work with him again). That, and the fact that he suggested the K.C. rooms might be bugged, are really problematic flags as they show a lack of respect...and that's not something likely to change.

That said, he's worth a shot as he appears to have the play-calling skills and he won't be satisfied with the 21st offense in the league in red zone production.

No I doubt Haley is an autograph collector, in the interview I saw with Haley he mentioned it himself with a smile. Larry Johnson accused Haley of being a golfer and not a player and found himself unemployed. Good players do not necessarily make good coaches. Great sales persons do not necessarily make great managers of sales people. Haley has a long track record, not only with the Super Steelers, but as an assistant in his career. I can live without the scraggily beard on the sideline, but he should bring a breath of fresh air.

The Giants play blue collar Steeler football.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/statist...asontype/2
Uh take note of where the Giants were rushing in 2011...dead last

Demand they run the ball
Demand they block
Demand excellence
Demand they use a full back
Demand the play like the Giants

You people are scary, the new guy must have broad and supernatural powers

I like the fact that he has shown success in the past as an OC with a star QB and star WRs.

Things driving me crazy bout this issue today:

-Tired of hearing that Haley, once a ball boy for the Steelers, is now OC of the same team...as if there is a connection. Bob, like me maybe you delivered the Pittsburgh Press. When you became their top columnist, did they suggest it was somehow related to your paper route?

-He never played! He's coached in the NFL for over 15 years...don't people think some flaw from not playing would have emerged before he worked for Parcells, became an OC in Arizona and then a head coach! A lot of our current political figures never served in the military. So does that mean they can't be over the armed forces?

Ben had a bad second half of the season. Wallace fell off sharply. Five offensive guys were named to the Pro Bowl and the team was 21st in scoring. Something was wrong.

I thought the Giants win was a lot like the Steelers play all season. Control the time of possession, get frustrated in the red zone with only field goals, then have a team you have beaten much of the day throw a Hail Mary that comes inches from beating you.

The biggest difference was no turnovers for the G-men unlike the Steelers although they might have gotten lucky with the their fumbles. Job one for Haley is doing a DNA on mistakes...mistakes Arians couldn't fix.



Great points, as always, 123, particlarly on the ``never played the game'' issue. -- Bob Smizik

STATONJM, February 08, 2012 - 11:29 AM
====================================================

Awesome post, just above here a little. Wisdom.

bravo 123 bravo

You don't have to be a former player to be an OC, you only need to call into sports talk radio or post comments on a blog. I thought everyone knew that?

I truly have to laugh at the people who think Ben shouldn't have been consulted and won't have a big say in the offensive scheme. This isn't Bubby Brister and Joe Walton, this is the highest paid player and second most successful QB in franchise history.

If there is a show down between Ben and Haley, guess who wins?

The biggest thing that bothers me is the suggestion that none of the Arizona coaches wanted Haley back (i.e. they didn't want to work with him again). That, and the fact that he suggested the K.C. rooms might be bugged, are really problematic flags as they show a lack of respect...and that's not something likely to change

Josh Miller from the THE FAN yesterday pretty much confirmed the fact that New England's locker room was bugged while he was there. Given his statement, I would not be surprised if other NFL offices did the same thing.

If there is a show down between Ben and Haley, guess who wins?


At this point I'm not sure if either would win.

written by TheUnblogger, February 08, 2012 - 10:48 AM

hey jpk, heath will be 30 next season, that make him the oldest player on the offense besides Ben.

I wasn't bashing him, just said he was old and I could have said his production fell off at the end of last season. Take a chill pill

Miller did have 5 cathes in the playoff game...maybe his production fell off because of the injury to BB.

...
Max hasn't seen any quotes attributed to Haley regarding the OC he supposedly just hired?

You'd think there would be something from Tomlin saying how he was impressed with Haley's ability, resume, or something. There was no shortage of quotes from Tomlin re Arians at the end of the season.

Max thinks it may be a sign of future problems, if the Haley hire was forced on Tomlin.

Tomlin can't bench Haley, like a rookie lineman.

What's coach vocabulary going to do if he is unhappy with Todd tantrums on the sidelines?

Max is looking forward to next season!

Steelers bug their facility as well. Its for security purposes. Listeneing devices are everywhere and camera too. It is illegal to put them in places where people undress

Everybody lies and people never change - Dr. Greg House

Whilst the refirement of Bruce Arians was overdue in the opining of the Steeler Nation, the hiring of the Hot Todd Haley will be an interesting voyeuristic in Behaviorial Science with the Steelers this coming year (I'm sure the PG writers welcome the change as well...Haley is, after all, new material...I got the over/under on the number of times Haley mentioned in Bob's BLOG titles in 2012 at....25 .

Back on point .... the Steelers, post Tomlin, have had a closed loop leadership team with well defined roles. It will be very interesting to see how Iron Mike Goatee and Hot Todd blend together on the sidelone one chilly December Raven slugfest...shaken or stirred?

All Haley the OCavior!

Oxfkt

I guess that you don't read the sports section of the PG. An article by G Dulac, re: the hiring of TH stated that TH was interviewed by Colbert, Rooney, and Tomlin!

I'm sure Colbert and Rooney asked the questions while Tomlin did something similar to what he does during football games, sat there.

SteelerMark and STATONJM,

So what you're saying is you want the Steelers to be fifth in the league in passing yards with a near 5000 yard passer and dead last in rushing, including no single rusher above 659 yards? But....how would they make it to the Super Bowl?

Wait....someone already did - the same team you want the Steelers to mimic - the Giants!

Here's to Ben throwing for 4900 yards and Mendy rushing for 650.....

Tomlin can't bench Haley, like a rookie lineman.

I'm pretty sure Haley will be making the calls on benching rookie linemen.

Giants may have been dead last in rushing yards and yards per attempt, but 6th in rushing TD's, one behind a 3 way tie for 3rd. I would consider that, at the least, effective.




Punching it in from the 1 or 2 effectively does not take away from finishing 32nd in rushing -- not even close. -- Bob Smizik

I like this decision to add Todd Haley to the staff. It's a departure from the norm and could be what is needed to straighten out some offensive problems. Only time will tell for certain.

@PSB

Surely you jest when you state that "Only time will tell", regard the hire of Todd Haley!

There are numerous posters to this blog who already know exactly what is going to transpire, next season!

I, for one, am not one of the omipotent posters to this blog.

...

-Tired of hearing that Haley, once a ball boy for the Steelers, is now OC of the same team...as if there is a connection. Bob, like me maybe you delivered the Pittsburgh Press. When you became their top columnist, did they suggest it was somehow related to your paper route?

Unlike in the Steelers case, where 2, count 'em 2, Steeler beat writers, Bouchette and Dulac, both suggested the Haley interview was a courtesy to Todd as a favor to his father.

Bob's first job with the Press(?) was not Assistant managing editor for sports, so there is absolutely nothing parallel in your analogy.

If Haley got a job because of nepotism or favoritism, it was his first job as a scout with the Jets. 4 years out of college, where his father was Personnel Director at the time of Todd's hiring.

(If Wikipedia is accurate).

After that, it's reasonable to believe that Todd earned and lost succeeding jobs on his own merit or failings.

Todd probably lost his last job because of a wacko owner.

That can't possibly be used as an excuse if he doesn't do well in his newest job.




I came across the story of the original Haley interview yesterday. I saw nothing in Dulac's story about it being a favor to his father. Did you see that elsewhere?
More to the point: If the Steelers were doling out jobs based on favoritism, Dick Haley -- who left for another team 20 years ago -- would be far down on the list.
Dan Rooney fired his brother. They are not giving out jobs based on favoritism. Double good grief! -- Bob Smizik

I do not know what any of you do for a profession, but if you have a manager or person above you telling you what to do, and they have never done it, how do you respect them?

So no matter who your supervisor is, and no matter what their accomplishments and results have been, even if they have been stellar compared to others who have actually worked in the position, then you're not going to respect them?

Seems to me that in the situation I've described in the last paragraph, you would be the problem, not the supervisor. You would be the one with preconceived ideas of how your manager can perform and I would think that would get in the way of your relationship with him/her and cause problems.

I've had plenty of supervisors who did not function in the jobs that I've done (mainly in programming/analysis) and I had no problem with that. I judged them solely on their ability to help me do my job.

I would have expected to be reprimanded (or worse) if I let prejudices get in the way of my relationship with anyone who had power over me.

In my original comment, I was asking if your one bad experience with a bad manager who hadn't "played the game" was all you were using to form your judgement.

I remain very cautious about a Steeler move that creates some possibilities for gain, and a huge possibility for trouble.
Since coming off a four game suspension last October, Ben Rothlisberger (correct me if I'm wrong) is 20-7 in the regular season, and 2-2 in the playoffs. One can throw offensive stats around, but W's are the stat that matters the most in the NFL.
I have not seen Roethlisberger create a public problem since the off season of '09. I have only seen him.....Create plays when there is nothing there and play when most QB's wouldn't consider playing (and I'm not just talking about the SF game when he probably should've taken a seat).
I am a firm believer in the Steeler FO (unlike another Pittsburgh sports team fiasco of a FO). I stand behind them, as their track record rates with the very best.
However....If this were the off-season of '06 or '07, this move would make sense to me.
It lacks sense to me that one would try to come down on a 2 time Super Bowl winning, eight year veteran NFL QB.
Maybe....Just maybe....This is the first signs of them edging Roethlisberger out due to past problems and turning 30.
I will trust that they know plenty that I don't, and they see something in Haley that will spell success. All I've seen is pictures and videos of a guy with messed up hair using expletives to his players and coaches.
Again....I await them proving me wrong, but I color this move....Scary.

Estrago, based on your philosophy I guess you think only a horse can train a race horse and only a woman can run a house of ill repute, right?

I'll say it again after saying it once on another blog- unsuccessful head coaches sometimes can still make good coordinators. As in Dick LeBeau? But let's give it time and see whether the positive posters or the negative posters are right.

@STATONJM: "The Steelers would have had Hynoski if Arians had not been the offensive coordinator".

Excuse me, but that`s nonsense. In the first place, since when did Arians have veto power over draft picks? Second, with 32 teams drafting, how can you know where Hynoski would have been picked? Would you have drafted him in the first round? `Cause that`s the only way we could have had him for sure.

And he certainly was not first-round worthy.

P.S. If Hynoski is such a great blocker, why were the Giants last in the league in rushing?



Exactly! --- Bob Smizik

written by Daquido_Bazzini, February 08, 2012 - 12:28 PM I remain very cautious about a Steeler move that creates some possibilities for gain, and a huge possibility for trouble. Maybe....Just maybe....This is the first signs of them edging Roethlisberger out due to past problems and turning 30.

D_B, could you please provide the facts to prove your theory that the Steelers are try to "edge" Ben R out? It only makes sense that the Steelers would want to get rid of a top 5-6 QB after he has gone to the SB 3 times in the past 7 years!

I don't know if Haley will be a good hire or not. I was just wondering why the Art Rooney II and or Tomlin didn't try hiring one of the 500,000 offensive coordinators who called the talk shows after the game every Sunday talking about how bad Arians was.

written by pghsportsfan, February 08, 2012 - 12:34 PM

written by Daquido_Bazzini, February 08, 2012 - 12:28 PM I remain very cautious about a Steeler move that creates some possibilities for gain, and a huge possibility for trouble. Maybe....Just maybe....This is the first signs of them edging Roethlisberger out due to past problems and turning 30.

D_B, could you please provide the facts to prove your theory that the Steelers are try to "edge" Ben R out? It only makes sense that the Steelers would want to get rid of a top 5-6 QB after he has gone to the SB 3 times in the past 7 years!
============
Read again!
I said ...."Maybe...Just maybe".....I'm not looking or hoping for that to happen.

written by gmarascoiv, February 08, 2012 - 12:34 PM

I don't know if Haley will be a good hire or not. I was just wondering why the Art Rooney II and or Tomlin didn't try hiring one of the 500,000 offensive coordinators who called the talk shows after the game every Sunday talking about how bad Arians was.

The only reason that they didn't do what you suggest is that they didn't have their resumes!

Does anyone know what Tomlin does?

He doesn't run the offense or defense.

He can't manage the clock.

He can't take the QB out of the game.

He can't hire or fire coaches.

The only thing I see him doing is cheerleading on the sideline and spouting stupid phrases at his press conferences.



The criticism of Tomlin, who has a better record than Noll and Cowher, is stupefying. -- Bob Smizik

"One of the local hot air machines on a local all-sports radio stations was ranting about the Haley hire the other night, before it was announced by the way, about what could Haley and Mike Tomlin possibly have in common?

Was it that total amateur Andrew Fillipponi with his nails on chalk board voice saying that.. The Fan really needs to send him back to Buffalo asap... "

Had to be. He was going on and on last night about Art Rooney II as if the Rooney's were the Nuttings and not among the best, smartest owners in sports.

I was quite impressed as to the intimate details he had of the exact conversations that went on between Mr. Haley, Mr. Rooney and Coach Tomlin. I didn't realize Mr. Rooney had consulted him on the hiring process and involved him in the interviews.

I have only heard Andrew Fillipponi on the KDKA Sunday night sports show at 11:30 PM. I cannot tolerate his loud comments and his constantly talking over the others, including Mr. Smizek. I feel sorry for any sports people who have to be on the sports show with Mr. Fillipponi.

As far as nepotism goes, I may be wrong but I believe Haley's dad left the organization in large part because he lost out to Donahoe for the DOFP position. He didn't leave on bad terms by any means, but he didn't get the job he wanted.



That is my recollection, too. -- Bob Smizik

Estrago, based on your philosophy I guess you think only a horse can train a race horse and only a woman can run a house of ill repute, right?

There are different levels....sports owner...may own a football team but never played the game. It might help if they understand the sport, but they have to know hire the proper people to manage it.
I'm not saying Haley is a bad hire or a poor coach. What I am saying that from a players perspective, they will respect a coach who has been there and done it.

Does anyone know what Tomlin does?

Sure, I do. He wins. A lot. What other criteria should we judge head coaches by?

He is 55-25 in five seasons, including: four playoff appearances, three 12-4 seasons, two AFC championships, and one Lombardi.

So he's not The Jaw on the sidelines. BFD. Not his style.

Sure he could improve in terms of clock management, but clearly he's doing something right. And as for the press conferences, if he wants to spout cliches all day, why does anyone give a rat's @$$?

written by estrago, February 08, 2012 - 01:01 PMThere are different levels....sports owner...may own a football team but never played the game. It might help if they understand the sport, but they have to know hire the proper people to manage it.
I'm not saying Haley is a bad hire or a poor coach. What I am saying that from a players perspective, they will respect a coach who has been there and done it.

A reprint of my previous response to you preposterous statement.

Ever hear of an OC by the name of Charlie Weiss. He never played football! From what I remember, he did OK while coaching Tom Brady and the SB champion NE Partriots. Also, TH was the OC at AZ and all they did was go to the SB.

I guess you are right. He can't succeed here!

"It was painful to watch the Steelers repeatedly failing from inside the 5 yard line. It was painful to watch the offense unable to run out the clock with the run."

Some of you have countered my post with stats showing the Giants as a running team with lousy stats. You completely miss the point. Running is not about stats, it is about winning.

The Giants consistently beat the Pats despite their running not producing great stats, but eating up the clock. The Giants possessed the ball 37 minutes in the Super Bowl. That means Brady only had the ball 23 minutes. The key to beating Brady, Brees, Manning, etc. is keeping them on the bench. You can't do that when dropped passes stop the clock.

The Steelers were money in the bank when Bus came in inside the five yard line. His offensive lines were not great, but the committment to running the ball got the job done. A team like the Patriots run the ball as an after thought. The Ravens, Giants, 49ers are smashmouth teams that are going to punch you in the mouth inside the five yard line. This is what the Steelers need to get back to.

A team doesn't get a lot of stats inside the five yard line. On the other hand, a running team doesn't have to hold their breath in the final two minutes when Brady has the ball, because they don't give the ball back to Brady, they run out the clock. (The Steelers don't ruin their season with the Ravens 92 yard drive if their running game produces just one more first down.) Once again getting one or two first downs at the end of the game does not create big stats.

All scoring inside the five, time of possession and running out the clock does is win games, and ultimately championships.

Dick Haley made a name for himself as a player and member of the personnel department for over 20 years in the steelers organization. The Haley name is well respected in the steeler organization.

I don't think todd haley will let his father down, come in and start burning bridges embarrassing and tarnishing the haley name and steeler organization by being a real hothead on the sideline. Todd will tone it down.

O Line Coach Sean Kugler chewed out johnathon scott on the sideline on national television resulting in scott throwing his helmet down in disgust. Dick Lebeaus chewed out many a player on the steelers sideline on national television. That's what coaches do!

Everyone is concerned how todd and ben are going to get along. The player who should be concerned is mike wallace who became very lazy out there as a wide receiver. If Haley chews out anyone on the sideline ,the first would be wallace before ben.

According to whisenhunt ,this is Haleys dream job. Haley will do fine as offensive coordinator. In regards to shenanigans on the sideline, Todd will also have his dad to answer too if he gets out of line.

Here's an excellent look regarding the topic of the importance of coaches being ex players:

http://joeposnanski.si.com/2010/10/16/top-32-nfl-coaches-as-players/?eref=sihp

Well, I ghuess these type of stories fill space in February.

Lets please wait til the Draft, and July to start the "Todd Haley" watch.

Then we will see if he is better/worse than Arians.

A reprint of my previous response to you preposterous statement.

Ever hear of an OC by the name of Charlie Weiss. He never played football! From what I remember, he did OK while coaching Tom Brady and the SB champion NE Partriots. Also, TH was the OC at AZ and all they did was go to the SB.

I guess you are right. He can't succeed here!

Did I say he could not succeed here? Just like my former sales msnager succeeded because he had a great salesperson Weiss had talent to work with

Well I for one am out of breath but I'm glad we got this settled. In about a year we will all see who was right.

With the explosive players he is being handed, anything less than offensive dominance and a Super Bowl win will be a disappointment in his first season.

a totally ridiculous bar to set - how do you expect him to make such progress in his first year.

if everyone expects this result, he will most certainly fail.



Yes, he set the bar just a bit too high. -- Bob Smizik

written by chasbo, February 08, 2012 - 12:46 PM
Had to be. He was going on and on last night about Art Rooney II as if the Rooney's were the Nuttings and not among the best, smartest owners in sports.

written by pghsportsfan, February 08, 2012 - 12:59 PM

I have only heard Andrew Fillipponi on the KDKA Sunday night sports show at 11:30 PM. I cannot tolerate his loud comments and his constantly talking over the others, including Mr. Smizek. I feel sorry for any sports people who have to be on the sports show with Mr. Fillipponi.

It amazes how guy like that be on air here or anywhere IMO.. He must have a powerful relative who works for CBS radio.. because the only reason I can think of why he still on the air.. I can't understand why the Fan has tried to get Greg Linnelli.. who works for clear channel as fill in guy on 970 and the X.. He knows local sports scene.. He always comes across on the radio as very prepared.. Plus he doesn't do horrible voice impressions on air.. also doesn't try to be a comedian or act like hyena laughing at stupid things every 5mins...

get the steelers some decent offensive linemen and haley will look like a genius.

...
Max has leet this simmer all day, but apparently a lot of people seem to think that who the coach is does matter.

WHY???

The Steelers are loaded with talent, we are told, so they have the players, and isn't that all that matters?

Why is tomlin getting credit for hiring Haley? Isn't that the job of the General Manager? Also, Tomlin wanted Arians to stay around so no credit should be given to Tomlin on this hire. Guess who will end getting the blame if Haley fails...Rooney. I just can't understand why the media as a whole is so afriad to say that Tomlin does goof up sometimes.

Ben deserved zero input or advance notice on this. -- Bob Smizik

Any other position I would agree with you.

But not the face of your franchise and it's most important player.

You think Kraft wouldn't have kept Brady in the loop?

Rodgers and the Packers?

Brees and the Saints?

If Ben was truly not kept in the loop regarding the whole process? I don't think he will be here after 2012, if not sooner if they are able to work out a draft day trade.

This isn't 1975. Franchise QBs DO get kept in the loop regarding their side of the ball.

I don't know if Haley will be a good hire or not. I really don't think this change will make a big difference either way. The talent on the field makes an OC look good.

I am more concerned about Art Rooney II and Mike Tomlin being in disagreement with the decision about Arians.I always felt the Jerry Jones and Dan Snyders of the world should let their coaches make these kind of decisions. I hope AR II doesn't turn into one of them.

I'm concerned Tomlin will start looking over his shoulder to see where AR II is. Will next year's tough coaching decisions be made by what Mike Tomlin thinks is right? Or will Tomlin think to himself before deciding, "What would AR II want me to do?"

Yep. If Tomlin did want Arians back and II went over the heads of both Tomlin and his supposed new GM Kevin Colbert? That does not bode well for the future of this franchise.

Always amazing to read the doom and gloom in these posts. A lot of people seem to know exactly what transpired here - who overuled who, who went over who's head, who's angry about it, etc. That is impressive given that we haven't heard a word from Tomlin or Colbert since the firing happened. But even if Rooney did put his foot down this time and overruled Tomlin, Colbert, Arians, and Rothlesberger, so what? That's his perogative as an owner, and especially as one who made it clear two years earlier what he wanted to see out of Arians and the offense. Could this really be the first time an owner has "overruled" a head coach or didn't consult the QB on a personnel decision?

The concept that Ben will get into a huff over Arians and leave the organization that supported him when many of these same posters were calling for him to be traded after the Midgeville incident (not to mention the Lake Tahoe incident, and the motorcycle with no helmet incident) is just plain silly. He's a smart guy, so I'm guessing he'll consult with people like Warner and Wisenhunt who have worked with Haley, adapt, and take what Haley has to offer to improve his game and score more points when the opportunities are there. If it doesn't work out (with results on the field), Haley will also be sent packing. That's the way it works. Ben's smart enough know how short an NFL career can be, and he knows he doesn't have seasons to waste sulking if his goal is more rings while in his prime. He's been accused of being a lot of things over the years he's been in Pittsburgh, but malcontent is not one of them. And Haley seems like an ambitious guy who knows that success in Pittsburgh will likely lead to another head coaching shot down the road. Sounds like a good match to me, even if it only last a couple years.

You people don't have a clue.You people whoofing about Ben this Ben that are clowns.If i was Ben i'd tell Art II get me an offensive line or get rid of me. I'm tired of getting broken bones.Ariens wasn't fired 15 minutes and he was sucked up.ArtII is another Al Davis in the making.There are people that know football and people who don't. 85% of you on this don't.Bean counters don't have a grasp of whats going on in the real world.

love the presser so far - saying all the right things even saying that super bowl is the goal

I think it very premature to judge a person's ability to be a successful coach in the NFL based on him never playing the game.
First of all, at what level of play does one become better suited to coach.
Secondly, do we assume former NFL players are are better duited than former college players with no NFl experience as a player. I think we can all agree that the college game is much different than the pro game, but does it really mean former NFL palyers make batter coaches than former college players.
Thirdly, Chuck Knox, Bill Parcells and Mike Holmgreen never played in the NFL, but had very good careers as coaches in the NFL.
Lastly, Joe Gibbs had great success as a coach in the NFL without ever playing a down of college or pro football.

In my opinion, what a coach learns coming up through the coaching ranks in the NFL far outweighs what he might have learned as a player. Maybe this makes it harder for him to get the respect of his players, but if he's successful, the respect will come.