SB Nation - Login for mobile commenting

Arrowhead Pride

Steelers Make It Official: Todd Haley Is Going 'Back Home'

Courtesy interview this was not.

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially introduced former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley as their new offensive coordinator. Here's what Haley said in a statement posted on the Steelers website:

"I am excited about the opportunity to come back home and work for a tremendous organization," Haley said. "It is an honor to work with the Rooney family and Coach Tomlin and continue the success that has become synonymous with the Steelers. My father has so many fond memories both from his playing days and his time in the personnel department with the team, and I look forward to helping bring more championships to Pittsburgh and to being a part of one of the storied franchises in the NFL."

The Chiefs will play the Steelers in Pittsburgh sometime next season. Until then...

0 recs  |  188 comments

Comments

Congrats Todd

I don’t think it could have turned out better for you. Good luck!

I wish the word success would have become synonymous with the Chiefs, but Haley couldn't do that for us

Anyway congratulations to him, as a head coach I can’t say I was a fan, but as a coordinator I think the Steelers made a nice move.

R U KIDDING ME

I wonder if he will call Big Ben a developing player???

Yeah.. He will be a head coach again

He will learn from his mistakes and be a successful coach somewhere.. Hopefully it wont be in the AFC West..

Could this mean Haley isn't as bat-shit crazy as some people think?
I think with the publicity and high pressure

There are a lot more people in sports who are “bat-shit crazy” than we realize. At least compared to the real world.

Good point

Insanity is definitely not a barrier to employment in the sports world.

M.I.A. flipping the bird at Halftime ... that's NOT batshit crazy?

the entertainment world is full of people who are “unstable” or otherwise socially “bizarre” … as is the universe of politics (I won’t go on to name names like Bachmann or Palin or … you know, just a lot of people out there who seem to get attention)

Lindsay Lohan … oh yeah

the list goes on and on and on …

I'm glad you didn't name names

cuz you would a left out Pelosi and Frank. :D

I don't think he's clinically crazy.

He did some crazy stuff on the football field though.

I hope he treats the Steelers better than the Chiefs.

Yes

I don’t think the steelers would have hired him if they didn’t think there was a certain plausibility to the things he’s said the Chiefs did.

Everyone is crazy in their own way.

It’s the ones who don’t show it you have to watch out for… O.o

This kind of feels like when you break up with your girlfriend and you see her with a dude that's cooler and better looking than you.
Except

the Chiefs are getting better looking while the Steelers are getting worse.

How so?

They have a young line, a top 10 QB, a star young WR an above average offense. On the other side of the ball they’ve been a good to great D for oh, only about 30 years. Not sure how they’re looking worse at all.

Chiefs almost beat them with Palko.

Broncos blew them out with Tebow. Their best players are in decline, while the Chiefs best players are still ascending.

I wouldn't call Denver beating them in OT a blowout
True.

I guess it just felt like a blowout, because it sucked so bad.

I bet it felt like a blowout to the Steelers

I would never use injuries as an excuse, but it is noteworthy that all three of our D line starters were injured early in the game. Our QB was injured, our starting RB was out, and 3 of our DB’s were out. Oh…and we lost two O linemen in that game. We still should have been able to beat the Tebows with all that said. But no matter what…we weren’t getting out of the next round

Yes..the chiefs did almost……So I’m glad you fully understand why the Steelers felt it necessary to let Arians go.

The Browns..“almost” won twice. The Colts. “almost” won, the Jaguars "almost’ won
It is true…this was one of the worst seasons I’ve seen as a Steeler fan (not just record, I’ve obviously seen worse) But we were Still 12-4…..
Every year someone says the Steelers are done, too old, declining. I’ve literally heard that at least once a year since the end of the 05 season (before that, it was “you’ll never win another SB”

And it has been noted that they do best in years when expectations are lowest.

Can’t argue that either. I wish for us being underdogs every year. But…there are other forces at work

key word is "almost"...

almost does not mean much..

That QB will decline with age, and the hits will continue to pile on

That offensive Line is terribad just putrid, they need a new NT because Hampton likely retires, better 2ndary players, lots of different players are getting older that are solid contributors or elite.

Hampton isn’t retiring. He’s more likely to be cut (if it doesn’t create too much dead money, of course)

Are you saying we soon could trade Cassel to the Steelers?
The fact that they have a QB means they will be in the playoff race every year, I just don't think they will be as dominant as they have been.
The Steelers average age on defense

is like 136 yrs old. Their days as a dominate D are over with.

maybe true.. But our days as a dominant O could be just beginning. A dominant O and a middle of the road D is more than enough.

You had me at top 10 QB

That is why the Steelers will always look better than the Chiefs.

It's that D that's the issue

Harrison fell off IMO just a TOUCH this year. That generally precedes a quick fall for a player his age. Hampton’s about done. Troy P isn’t a spring chicken anymore either. Their CBs suck and cost them games…

Their D isn’t what it was. They need an infusion of youth yesterday.

you may be right about Harrison…but he took so long to get where he is, he hasn’t actually put “game” wear on his body.
But the CB’s suck? you are wrong. Last year, and last years SB…yes…
This year, Taylor played at a pro bowl level(minus int’s and his horrible showing against Jesus) Even William Gay played amazing this year (except the second Ravens game)

Carnell Lake turned that unit around…Big time..

Agree.

The Steelers are a team on the decline. They will be competitive becasue they have a good QB, but I think of the days of them being an AFC powerhouse are ending.

Based on what?
BAsed on the age of there good players on defense.
The Steelers have been re-loading defensively forever

Since 1990, they have one season where they ranked in the bottom half of the league on defense. Considering their old defense was ranked No. 1 this year, I think they’ll be OK.

But the way they completely folded against Denver

really exposed them and their defensive coaching, IMO. Their secondary, linebackers, and DLine (NT especially) are staged for some serious decline/transition.

They were 12-4...in the best Division in the NFL.

I don’t see them falling off the cliff next year.

Not saying they'll fall off a cliff

But I see next year being a bit of a down year for them, with potential set up for a real collapse come the following year. This is all barring solid moves in the draft and free agency though. It will be interesting to see how they do in that regard.

solid moves in the draft

Thats what the Steelers do best

I wouldn't say their defense folded

They played Teblow in punt block formation basically the whole game and Denvers OC took advantage of that. The best way to beat Teblow until he learns how to pass is man to man with a single high safety.

Man, I would not want to be Elway this year

I would want another qb but their fanbase will go nuts if he goes in another direction. Good for us good guys though IMO

So the way our defense

folded against nearly everybody in the first half of the season exposed…nothing?

Exposed our lack of depth at the safety position

and the time it took to adjust to that reality.

Also exposed our offense’s complete inability to do much of anything.

folding against Denver had to do with two things…first the minor thing
(we lost all three starting D linemen, our starting FS was out, and 3 DB’s were out)
The second…and more major thing…is we played the second coming, who just happened to pass for exactly 316 yards….

Daaaaamn, Joel.

Definitely a lil snark in there. Iiiii like it,.

Hey… I gotta defend him, because he’s one of like 10 fans of teams not named Steelers to actually look at the Steelers objectively.

you know how many times we hear that?

Since 1972…the Steelers have had 7 losing seasons, no worse than 5-11
Compare that to the Ravens. Who have only been around for 16 years….they have 6 losing seasons.

Keep telling yourself that until you believe it

What step is denial?

Defense is probably getting worse. But the offense has nowhere to go but up. With the talent they had last year, to finish middle of the pack overall, and bottom of the pack in the red zone is inexcusable.
I’m really really really hoping Haley can fix that.

But I sincerely believe that our deficiencies coming up at D can more than be made up for by our offense, if ran properly

that's when you yell

“herpes”

Damn Haley must be laughing....

Gets to move home to Pitt, coach for a stable and competent organization with a legit QB and will still get to stack Clark’s paper.

My condolences to Steeler fans everywhere; let us know how that works out for you.......hahahahahahahahahahahaha
first logical comment ive read in this post thus far

Haley was garbage in KC and any success the Steelers will have on offense will most likely be inspite of him.

At least their gameplan will be easy to figure out when we play them....Run, Run, Pass, Punt

Ask me in 12 months. Until then, i will put my opinions to the side, and let him show and prove

Good for Haley

See you this season! We’re not starting Palko so we are actually winning this game!

should be interesting to see post-game

How Haley and our players interact…Since, you know “they hate him”…

Funny how you're the only one that says that.
Yeah, I think his players liked him too much.

He got way too soft.

Seriously

who was that quote supposed to be from anyway?

steelers fans said that...

and some here as well…thanks for your participation though…

Steeler fans

Yes, some are really hung up about how he will tear the locker room apart. Just being contrarian, me thinks

Haley will shake his finger at them
Now if they just didn't have an aging defense that found a way to lose to Tim Tebow.

I think Haley will help that offense but that team is still going to be on the decline.

that team is still going to be on the decline.

That’s what is said about them every year. broken clocks are right sometimes too.

Interesting that Big Ben wasn't let in on this move until it was already decided Haley would be hired.
he was busy

molesting drunk college girls.

well…which would you rather do?

I WISH THE WORST

for Todd Haley and the Pittsburg Steelers. I hope they go on a string of 6-10 seasons.

Not really… I don’t care either way.

Bowe to Pitt??

Possibility for sure

Pitt doesn't need receivers

Plus, it sounds like Bowe wants to stay in KC anyway.

Wallace, Brown and a bunch of nobody's

Yeah I think they could use Bowe

They could use him.

The question is, will they pony up for him.

anything less than a 1 would be stupid on our part
I was thinking of cash.

But yeah, the Chiefs would probably franchise him before they’d let him sign with someone else without compensation.

No, actually

receivers are not what they will be getting out off the draft or FA, unless its signing like cotchery. Wait for the draft……Wallace, Brown, Sanders, Ward (maybe), Cotchery. Steelers don’t need receivers.

When they have to address an aging D?

I’d be stunned.

They don’t need a WR. They’ve got two good ones and some average guys. That’s all you need with a good QB.

They draft D every year

And they will draft more. OL is more a need than anything

If you believe the way Haley was supposedly treating Bowe this season

that is doubtful.

Wallace is a RFA

They may choose to pay him instead

Its possible, but I could see Bowe being traded to NE before Pitt.
The really sad part is...

I’d rather have Haley as our OC than Daboll.

that IS sad
Sad that he thinks that?
all Daboll needs is a

sweaty old Chiefs hat and he would fit the bill.

Umm did you not see our offense the 2 years Haley was in charge of it?
Not sure about that

Arguably Daboll has accomplished more as an OC.

Yes, yes, I know Haley took AZ to the SB but he did it with someone else’s offense. He wasn’t given the reins to the offense until more than halfway through a season. it was an offense already up and running and he had a HOF QB in Warner and a great WR corps in Fitz, Boldin, and Breaston.

Daboll has never been given half the talent that Haley had in AZ. I hate the phrase but he truely has had to make chicken salad out of chicken shit. His starting QB’s were Colt McCoy, Brady Quinn, and Matt Moore. His offense looked good in the second half last year but at the Browns and even Miami it looked pretty bad at times.

All Haley had to do was not screw up and had a safety net in Whisenhunt there. Daboll has had to make something out of nothing. Granted, it’s arguable that he has made nothing out of nothing though.

thank you

What’s wrong with Daboll? Is it how teams hire him based on his ineptitude?

I'm glad he is gone. Hope he takes Cassel with him.
Cassel was part of the reason he was fired
I think that was his best friend Palko
mental block on my part sorry...

I’ve got to take my meds now, thats what the guys in white say anyway

sorry…as bad as some people think Ben is…he’s nowhere near as bad as Cassell
Got to give props to Belichick for suckering the Chiefs FO though…

Predictions

1. He will be there 3 or less years there and not because he gets another HC job
2. At some point in time this year there will be a story of him and a player getting into a verbal argument
3. The Steelers offense will be worse in 3 years than it is today.

I think he'll be good for Pittsburgh

He can’t handle being in total control, but put him in a box & he’ll be fine.

It will be interesting to see what he does with an established QB and HC

He did well with that in AZ but I don’t see Pitt putting up with his bullshit very long if he starts it.

Plus, if he doesn’t get along with Rothlisberger they will choose Ben over him.

He'll have to earn their respect.

It’s a lot easier to do that with a shitty franchise like Arizona than on a franchise who is used to going to Super Bowls and winning them.

no tirades on the sidelines or going rogue?

thats not entertaining!

I think a player or two there would kill him if he did some of the same things on their sideline that he did here

Can you imagine him yelling at Rothlisberger as he came off the field like he did Cassel or Croyle. Fans would run him out of town.

Fans would run him out of town.

Not necessarily. There is a ridiculously large contingent of people at our site that feel like Ben needs someone to “rein him in” or “put him in check”. In fact, it goes so far as to blame him for stuff he couldn’t possibly be responsible for

Haley made out like a bandit

The Rooney Family is THE MOST respected family in the business. IMO. I’m sure that Tomlin and Colbert don’t even make the hire without
1. the approval/blessing of the Rooney Family (especially A.R. II)
2. had an understanding on what they were getting

That being said. Don Pioli is looking worse in this hire than anyone even involved.

It's not like the Steelers named him their head coach.

I don’t see how this makes Pioli look good or bad.

When your owner wants to emulate a franchise, and that franchise hires the guy you just fired

it’s a really bad look

They hired him as offensive coordator.

And emulating the philosophy of a franchise is not the same thing as hiring the same exact guys they do. Hunt is talking about stuff like building through the draft, franchise stability, etc. It’s not about individual coaches.

head meet sand
I guess you told me.
What do you think "emulating" the Steelers actually meant?

because you seem to have a strangely strict understanding of the concept…

No one said it was strictly relegated to coaching, obviously other factors play in

But it sure seems like emulation would involve following the system that built the steelers, which part of is, you know, a history of hiring good coaches. Including the coach the chiefs just fired.

If anything, your dismissal of him as being relevant in this situation shows me you have “a strangely strict understanding of the concept”, one that somehow excludes an important factor.

What did I dismiss again?

Don’t be so quick to attack people’s reading comprehension buddy…

Anyway, if anything…both franchises took a chance on the same guy. Shows they have similar tastes and desires in coaching candidates. It didn’t work out with KC…and it may not work out in Pittsburgh for all we know. Clearly though, Haley possesses traits that made both franchises interested in him. Just because the Chiefs fired him doesn’t mean that somehow explodes Hunt’s desires to emulate the success of the Steelers franchise.

looks b/c

the most respected franchise owner just approved on hiring a coach that everyone has been calling “crazy” amongst other things. Pioli pulled the trigger on Haley, instead of going out and recruiting players for Haley to work with. Haley didn’t have anyone worth a crap in the backfield this year. Name me one person that Don put in the roster that would’ve saved the seaon. Hell I would’ve played Palko to prove a poitn as well.

Prove what point?

That you would put your own selfish interests above the organization, your coaching staff, your players and your fans?

Selfish?

I fail to see how if I want my GM to get me real players and all he gives me is a practice squad, then hell yes I’m playing my worst players. But since you are just arguing to argue as per, then I’ll bow out

really?

would you want you to work for you? Ewwww

Arguing just to argue?

You think it’s right of him to play his worst players to make some kind of point? That’s screwing over everyone, not just Pioli. That’s the definition of selfish.

I've always wondered about this rogue thing

if it is true then I’m the biggest Pioli supporter on the planet

as far as firing Haley
Palko was the backup on the team

I think you’re supposed to be able to play your backup, right?

Who decides who the backup is?
According to AP, it should be the fans.
like I said,,,,you just wanna argue for the sake of arguing.
No, I never said it was right. I only said I would do the same thing

but then I guess it just goes to show that you truly have not been reading my post, you just want to argue..why? I’m not sure, maybe you have complete faith in this organization.

I'd like to hope that people do what they think is "right"

It’s not a huge leap to make…

you have to wonder. Any sane human on Earth would not expect miracles when your QB/RB etc go down. It makes people believe there was more to it

Wouldn't be surpised at all if that is the opening day game, or even a primetime opening day game.
Especially if we land Manning.
Haley haters will have to come up with new reasons for hating him once he shows what he can do with a real team

My guess? They fall back on talking smack on his dirty hat

What about those of us with legitimate complaints about Haley's (head) coaching?

Whatever shall we do!?!?!

And Pioli haters will have to come up with new reasons for hating him once our offense is better this season without Haley

My guess? Unsubstantiated rumors about what a meany he is.

Touche.

It’s likely that Haley will do okay because it’s such a strong franchise with a good QB. But it’s equally likely that the Chiefs’ offense will be much improved without him. So I guess both sides will still have their say.

I agree

Our offense would’ve been better had he stayed, just with getting JC and Moeaki back.

And the Steelers offense would be good no matter who they hired, because they’ve got an excellent QB, a decent RB, and at least one crazy-dangerous receiver.

The offense was good under haley as well, and the reasons we where poor this year have more to do with injuries than anything

imo…not really a legit analogy

Why not?

Haley is going to a better offense with a vastly superior QB, but yet you’re allowing that success there will show that he’s awesome, right?

So if you can ignore situations and context, why can’t I?

I agree with you that injuries shot us all to crap this year. However, it’s interesting when people just destroy Pioli yet let Haley off the hook.

Somehow, some way, RAC took the same team that Haley had and managed to win 2 of 3 games against 2 playoff teams and 1 playoff contender (and losing a VERY close 3rd game)

Haley NEVER had a stretch like that as our HC. Crap, what’d we beat, 1 playoff team over the course of his 3 years? 2?

Yet somehow Pioli sucks and Haley is the man and was just in a “bad situation?” I just don’t get it, honestly.

Except that it's about 95% the other direction.
However, it’s interesting when people just destroy Pioli yet let Haley off the hook.

No one took the heat for our injuries and lack of quality depth like Haley has. It’s not even close.

Good for Todd!

He’s walking into a pretty god situation and I think he will do a great job. He didn’t do bad here, considering what he had to work with. I think he can blame Palko for his demise. If Pioli and Todd could have gotten on the same wavelength, we could have started a good run. I really like the way he gets his players in shape and think that will work well for him in Pitt. Good luck, except when we play you.

OC is who he is

This is what he should be doing. What he should NOT be doing is being a HC and second-guessing and interfering in the brain and the career of his OC or trying to do both. I wish him well (when we are not facing the Steelers).

Congrats Todd Haley

Even though you were not as successful here as I would like, I believe you could one day be a great head coach were some more maturity over time. Unlike, Herm Edwards who also failed here, I have no beef with you and believe you are good; young coach who truly deserved the chance of being a head coach, and wish you nothing but the best in Pittsburgh.

Indeed

Haley didn’t work out as a HC here…for a number for complicated reasons. He did his part, but in the end both parties seemed to need a change.

I'm neither pro or con on Todd as a coach here

but I am glad for he and his family, after all he has alot of kids to care for so good for him. I like to give a little dig now and then but, I’m glad for him. I think a first year head coaching job is stressful to say the least, it would be interesting to hear coaches like Belichick, Parcells, etc. talk about their first HC exp.

Is that you, Karen?
I am glad for he and his family, after all he has alot of kids to care for so good for him.
okay, ok

I’ve wiped away my tears of joy for Haley, now lets kick his ass this year RAC

RAC as HC/DC vs. Haley as OC...

should be an interesting match up when the play eachother. I wonder who will have the edge since they both know eachother’s tendencies…..I’ll take RAC and his 5 rings.

RAC's tendency

Is to change things up according to who he is playing.

While Haley sticks with a similar game plan in pretty much every game. I give the edge to the guy who adapts.

This

a thousand times this.

Good luck, douche.

IMO he embarrassed this organization with his post game bullshit with other coaches…like calling one out for running up the score in a PRESEASON game, and getting blown out in game after game….most of the time by teams that didn’t even make the post season. He’s a malignant narcissist and I’m thrilled to see him on a sideline other than ours. I hope Romeo’s defense embarrasses him.

That division championship sure was embarrassing.

Nah, it was the total meltdown in the Jets game

He had some success, and deserves credit for it…but was far too inconsistent and his stubbornness/brashness stopped being excusable after a point. Best of luck to the guy, but it wasn’t working out here anymore.

What wasn’t working was an ability to win with a crap roster. I’d be pissed too if I had to go into a season with some of the clowns he had. Especially if they expected me to win. That’s not to say he didn’t do some stupid shit, like starting Palko and the Jets game, but a big part of the problem was the roster.

But many could argue that he totally mismanaged the roster too

See: Jared Gaither, Jamaal Charles’ depth chart games, snaps for McClain, use of McCluster, etc.

It’s not a situation we can boil down so easily. I think this blame game needs to stop…it’s not helpful and doesn’t do justice to the complicated nature of what took place.

yep. and to think how much bs we took for saying he wont be unemployed for long...

not only that, he gets one of the best jobs in the nfl, and the history with his father there….its perfect for him.

good luck coach.

Steelers announce Bruce Arians "retiring" from coaching

on Jan. 20th, and on January 29th the Colts hire Bruce Arians as their OC. Arians retirement was pretty short.

Feb 6th the Steelers hire Todd Haley.

That timeline seem fishy to any of you?

Good luck, Todd. You are back in your element; OC with a great QB. You have no longer been promoted to incompetence.

With 1 or 2 Years To Work on His Charm

With 1 or 2 years to work on his charm, I could see Halely coaching the Dallas Cowboys. No doubt Haley was an obsessive compulsive perfectonistic control freak, but he managed to get the most out of his players. Haley’s greatest strength or weakness is that he demands loyalty & values loyalty. The Hunt-Pioli-Haley marriage was doomed from the beginning because Pioli is a Machevellian control freak who does not value or reward loyalty. I am a Chiefs fan & for Crennel’s sake, I hope Pioli can trade up for Robert Griffin otherwise I see Clark Hunt firing Pioli & Crennel in 2 years & Jerry Jones hiring Haley to be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. I’m not a Redskins fan, but I’d love to see Josh McDanial coaching the Redskins.

His weakness is he can't get along with anybody but Palko.
Maybe he can get Palko on there team!!!
congrats Todd!
Kinda makes you wonder.

It’s obvious that Haley and Pioli didn’t see eye to eye, and Haley seemed to take the rap as being the unhinged lunatic. I don’t see an organization like the Steelers hiring someone with a severe case of Paranoia, so maybe it’s Pioli who is the problem, and what Haley reported about the environment in KC is largley true. I hope the wrong guy wasn’t canned!

Anyway, I’m sure this is a dream come true for Haley, and I wish him the best. It just goes to show that our judgments about coaches/players are often off base and premature, and we do need to give credit where it is deserved. Haley gave us some much needed hope, with the turnaround of the team in 2010. Did he make some mistakes this past season? I think he did, especially with how the team didn’t seem prepared to start the season, but if he wasn’t a damn good coach, the Steelers wouldn’t have hired him. Sometimes, you need to be careful what you wish for!

Yep. We witnessed a disfunctional relationship here between Haley and Pioli.

Let’s hope the split works out for both of them.

I sure hope the secret implanted listening device works come next season.

Wa ha ha ha ha!

You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Arrowhead Pride to post a comment.