Todd Haley is the "Mystery of Pittsburgh"

[Hammock Parties]

Interesting read.



http://triblive.com/sports/2195481-8...p-nfl-ben-didn

Summer is the perfect time for a good read, yet nobody seems to be getting one on new Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

A Bill Parcells protégé known for adapting his play-calling to his personnel and being an innovative play caller, he is also a volatile sideline presence who inspires loyalty from some players but irritates others.

He is certainly not Bruce Arians, who was not-so-gently shoved out the door in January despite quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s unwavering support. But, according to those who know Haley best, he also isn’t a control freak who implements change just to show he’s the boss.

While the Steelers generally shy away from coaches with colorful pasts, Haley has that and more, as evidenced by his well-publicized clashes with players and an abrupt departure as the Kansas City Chiefs’ coach last year in which he reportedly suspected team offices and his cell phone were bugged.

Now, Haley’s assimilation into the Steelers’ way of life is the latest Mystery of Pittsburgh, a shadowy yet intriguing riddle that will begin to be solved when the Steelers — coming off successive 12-4 seasons — open camp Wednesday in Latrobe. It figures to be a can’t-miss page turner.

“I’ve heard a lot of Todd stories — some good, some bad,” said former Steelers star guard Alan Faneca, who played in Arizona after Haley was the offensive coordinator there. “He’s definitely a hard worker and demands a lot. He can be very excitable during practice. But sometimes change is good, to get people out of their comfort zone.”

That’s already happened with Roethlisberger, who thrived in a Ben-friendly Arians offense that permitted him to improvise at will. Upon first glance at Haley’s playbook, Roethlisberger jokingly called it a Rosetta Stone course in a brand new language.

“That (change) has a way of keeping guys on their toes and keeping their focus, understanding what their goal is, and that’s to win Super Bowls,” Haley said during minicamp last month. “Win one this year — that’s our goal.”

Haley, 45, is the first outsider in 13 years to run the offense. But he’s no stranger to Pittsburgh or the Steelers; as a youngster in Upper St. Clair, he broke down game film with father Dick Haley, the former Steelers personnel chief who played a major role in some of the best drafts in NFL history in the 1970s.

FOOTBALL NOT FIRST LOVE

Todd Haley’s story isn’t the sit-on-dad’s-knee-and-become-a-football genius tale of Patriots coach Bill Belichick. In his teens, Haley shifted his emphasis to golf, playing in high school and at Florida and Miami in college.

The PGA, not the NFL, appeared to be his calling.

“But there never was a time he wasn’t into football,” said Dick Haley, who at 75 remains plugged into the NFL. “Because of some back problems, he got diverted into golf, but he always wanted to know about the players, about football. How many kids wouldn’t want to after rooming next to Joe Greene at training camp?”

The elder Haley left the Steelers to become the Jets’ personnel director in 1991 and, four years later, Todd was hired in the scouting department. Within two years, he was on Parcells’ coaching staff.

“Todd is bright, demanding, persistent, and he came along pretty well,” Parcells said.

Parcells didn’t care Haley hadn’t played football.

“I know guys who didn’t play and did very well in coaching, and others who played that don’t have a clue what to do,” Parcells, a two-time Super Bowl-winning coach, said.

Haley was promoted to wide receivers coach in 1999 before switching to the Bears in 2001, only to rejoin Parcells in Dallas in 2004.

Haley’s profile rose with his next job as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator from 2007-08. With quarterback Kurt Warner headlining an imaginative offense highlighted by former Pitt receiver Larry Fitzgerald’s big plays, the Cardinals were second in passing and third in scoring in 2008. They went 9-7 during the season, but scored at least 30 points during three consecutive playoff wins and rallied from a 13-point deficit to nearly upset the Steelers in the Super Bowl.

That deep throw to Fitz-gerald that nearly sent the Steelers home a loser from Tampa? Haley’s play call.

Haley was subsequently hired as the Chiefs coach by general manager Scott Pioli, the former Patriots executive who worked for the Jets when Haley did. But while Haley went from 4-12 in his first season in 2009 to 10-6 in 2010, finishing third in the coach of the year voting, he was fired with his injury-ruined team reeling with a 5-8 record on Dec. 12.

STORMY DAYS IN K.C.

Haley is derecho-like — always going straight ahead, in full-go mode, and in Kansas City, storm clouds often loomed on the horizon.

Chan Gailey, retained from Herm Edwards’ staff to be the offensive coordinator, didn’t make it through training camp. Larry Johnson, the two-time former 1,700-yard rusher, questioned Haley’s coaching credentials in a Twitter message and was cut in 2009. And tight end Tony Moeaki was lost to a season-ending knee injury in the final 2011 exhibition game, when many NFL regulars rest.

“The quarterback (Matt Cassel) was real average. … It didn’t surprise me what happened in Kansas City. I didn’t have any real confidence in the whole thing,” Dick Haley said.

After Todd Haley departed, the Kansas City Star published a devastating article in which a number of former team employees revealed what they called an intimidating, secretive and stifling work environment. According to the Star, Haley himself suspected bugging at the practice complex.

“I don’t know what happened in Kansas City. I don’t think it’s relevant in Pittsburgh,” Parcells said. “But he probably learned a lot there.”

TUTORING BIG BEN

Given Haley’s sideline spats with Warner, Anquan Boldin, Terrell Owens and Cassel, his relationship with Roethlisberger should prove intriguing. Haley once said, “If you’re sensitive, (the NFL) is not the best place to be.”

“You accept people for what they are and get past the sensitivity level, if there is any,” Parcells said. “Both guys are smart enough to say, ‘Hey, we’ve got to make it work.’ ”

Torry Holt, a NFL Network analyst and former Rams star receiver, can’t wait to see how this plays out.

“Coach Haley has a strong personality. Ben has a strong personality. I’m sure Todd wants him to hone in on this or hone in on that, and Ben will try,” Holt said. “But out there on the football field, your instincts kick in and your competitive nature kicks in, and you kind of resort back to what you’ve always done.”

Haley’s take on Roethlisberger? “He’s a guy that’s been a really good player, and we’re going to try to keep that going and get even better,” he said.

Haley believes an offense must be physical, smart and disciplined, and his system resembles that of his former boss, Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt, a Steelers assistant from 2001-06.

“Todd Haley represents the best of both worlds,” NFL Network analyst Jamie Dukes said. “With Kurt Warner, he threw it 45 times a game and didn’t blink. In Kansas City, he ran it 45 times a game. He’s got those three young wide receivers there in Pittsburgh, and Ben knows how to put the ball in the air. Todd will make the adjustments, and rather quickly.”

While Haley is an assistant again after being a head coach, his father insists he has never been happier now that he’s back home in Pittsburgh with his wife Chrissy and five children.

“He’s loving every second of this,” the elder Haley said. “He couldn’t be more excited.”

Dad Haley also realizes there is intense pressure to succeed as a high-profile coach in your hometown, even if former head coach Bill Cowher made it work.

“I don’t question he’ll do well. (But) there’s a lot of pressure to live up to what’s gone on there for a long time,” Dick Haley said. “And he’d better be good because there’s a lot of pressure on him right now.”

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

That doesn't mean he doesn't want to compete for a job. It could mean the "competition" was lopsided. We all know the only reason they played Tebow was because he was a first round pick. Do you honestly think Orton would be given a fair chance to compete against Cassel? Yeah right. Cassel is Pioli's boy. I bet the Chiefs didn't offer Orton 5 mil per either.

Oh, give me a break. Your post is unfounded speculation.

Everyone knows his history with Tebow. Clearly, he didn't want to fight for a starting job with Cassel and decided to take the backup job in Dallas, plain and simple.

There's nothing more to it. He was tired of competing for a starting job and took the next best thing: A backup job with no competition.

[Hammock Parties]

Are we really complaining about an 81 percent FG kicker?

[Titty Meat]

BTW Dane, I've found a quote that contradicts the one you posted.

http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articl...rever/10972556

Tony Romo doesn't need to be looking over his shoulder, no matter what Kyle Orton says. Orton, the Cowboys' new backup quarterback, caused a minor stir during OTA's by saying he's not content being second string. "I feel like I've played good ball in this league," Orton told the Cowboys' official web site. "I feel I've got a lot of good ball left in me. I don't see this as committing myself to be the backup. I'm just committing myself to be a part of the team.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Toad King

Are we really complaining about an 81 percent FG kicker?

I am.

I don't like Succop. Never have. I don't think he's a clutch guy.

[mdchiefsfan]

Originally Posted by Toad King

Are we really complaining about an 81 percent FG kicker?

With cassel at qb? you bet your sweet ass

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

BTW Dane, I've found a quote that contradicts the one you posted.

http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articl...rever/10972556

Tony Romo doesn't need to be looking over his shoulder, no matter what Kyle Orton says. Orton, the Cowboys' new backup quarterback, caused a minor stir during OTA's by saying he's not content being second string. "I feel like I've played good ball in this league," Orton told the Cowboys' official web site. "I feel I've got a lot of good ball left in me. I don't see this as committing myself to be the backup. I'm just committing myself to be a part of the team.

And in that same exact, run-on paragraph, Orton says this:

"Tony's the man, you know? There ain't no doubt about it," Orton said to dallascowboys.com. "He's played great football. He's a great quarterback. So I'm excited. It's really the first time I've been around another veteran in my career. I've done a lot of learning with young guys in the room. I can still learn a lot about football, and hopefully I can help him out in any way I can."

That hardly sounds like a guy who is going to push Romo for the starting job.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

And in that same exact, run-on paragraph, Orton says this:

"Tony's the man, you know? There ain't no doubt about it," Orton said to dallascowboys.com. "He's played great football. He's a great quarterback. So I'm excited. It's really the first time I've been around another veteran in my career. I've done a lot of learning with young guys in the room. I can still learn a lot about football, and hopefully I can help him out in any way I can."

That hardly sounds like a guy who is going to push Romo for the starting job.

He got a 5 million dollar signing bonus. How much were the Chiefs offering?

You know damn well the competition would have been lopsided in Cassel's favor just look at every other year he's been here theres never been a real backup QB on the team. That was done by design.

[mdchiefsfan]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

He got a 5 million dollar signing bonus. How much were the Chiefs offering?

You know damn well the competition would have been lopsided in Cassel's favor just look at every other year he's been here theres never been a real backup QB on the team. That was done by design.

Plain and simple, he had a better shot of beating Cassel than he does Romo. Thats what it boils down to. He chose money over chance to start.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

He got a 5 million dollar signing bonus. How much were the Chiefs offering?

Who knows? Do you? How much was any other team in the league offering?

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

You know damn well the competition would have been lopsided in Cassel's favor just look at every other year he's been here theres never been a real backup QB on the team. That was done by design.

More speculation.

The reality is that Orton signed a contract to be a backup in Dallas. He didn't sign with Jacksonville or Miami or any other QB needy team. He didn't wait until Training Camp or PreSeason for a potential starting job due to injury. He signed to be a back up.

That's all you need to know about Kyle Orton.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Who knows? Do you? How much was any other team in the league offering?



More speculation.

The reality is that Orton signed a contract to be a backup in Dallas. He didn't sign with Jacksonville or Miami or any other QB needy team. He didn't wait until Training Camp or PreSeason for a potential starting job due to injury. He signed to be a back up.

That's all you need to know about Kyle Orton.

It's speculation that Pioli who gave Cassel 63 million dollars wouldn't favor him? Really?

Yeah he signed because he got a 5 million dollar signing bonus.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

It's speculation that Pioli who gave Cassel 63 million dollars wouldn't favor him? Really?

Yeah he signed because he got a 5 million dollar signing bonus.

Wow, you're really not getting this, are you?

Kyle Orton did not want to be a starting QB. Period. End of story. Otherwise, he would have waited for a better opportunity. There was no reason for him to sign a deal immediately after free agency opened unless he had made the decision to be a backup.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Wow, you're really not getting this, are you?

Kyle Orton did not want to be a starting QB. Period. End of story. Otherwise, he would have waited for a better opportunity. There was no reason for him to sign a deal immediately after free agency opened unless he had made the decision to be a backup.

You're really not getting this.

He was offered a 5 million dollar signing bonus.

Post a link showing where another team offered him that much money.

Miami's owner didn't want him. They had a deal in place last year to trade for him Stephen Ross didn't want to pay him. Jacksonville drafted a QB in the first round last year.

Where was he going to be the starter at?

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

You're really not getting this.

He was offered a 5 million dollar signing bonus.

Post a link showing where another team offered him that much money.

Miami's owner didn't want him. They had a deal in place last year to trade for him Stephen Ross didn't want to pay him. Jacksonville drafted a QB in the first round last year.

Where was he going to be the starter at?

JFC, you are a ****ing moron.

IF Kyle Orton WANTED to be a STARTING QB, he would have competed with Cassel or WAITED until a STARTING POSITION was available elsewhere.

PERIOD.

His actions PROVE that he was CONTENT with being a backup. NO ONE FORCED HIM TO SIGN A CONTRACT.

Is it just me or did you somehow become dumber in my absence?

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

JFC, you are a ****ing moron.

IF Kyle Orton WANTED to be a STARTING QB, he would have competed with Cassel or WAITED until a STARTING POSITION was available elsewhere.

PERIOD.

His actions PROVE that he was CONTENT with being a backup. NO ONE FORCED HIM TO SIGN A CONTRACT.

Is it just me or did you somehow become dumber in my absence?

Says the guy who left an internet message board for over a year because someone called him a name.

There was no competition you moron. Matt Cassel is one of the highest paid Chiefs for a reason. Scott Pioli for whatever reason believes he's a good QB. The Chiefs were so serious about bringing in competition they signed Brady Quinn and last year they brought in Tyler Palko.

Is it just me or did you come back as an even bigger pussy?

[mdchiefsfan]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

Says the guy who left an internet message board for over a year because someone called him a name.

There was no competition you moron. Matt Cassel is one of the highest paid Chiefs for a reason. Scott Pioli for whatever reason believes he's a good QB. The Chiefs were so serious about bringing in competition they signed Brady Quinn and last year they brought in Tyler Palko.

Is it just me or did you come back as an even bigger pussy?

Not trying to step into whatever history is between you, but regardless of what Orton felt, he had a better chance to start by joining the Chiefs. Romo is without a doubt the starter in Dallas, much like you are saying is the situation with Cassel. Cassel is a lesser quality qb therefore if he wanted to start, he would pick the weaker qb (ie. Cassel). He chose Dallas knowing what he was signing up for; money, not starting.