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.”

[rico]

Originally Posted by milkman

I know a guy who knows a guy that knows another guy that heard another guy say something.

Always reliable info.

Well, kind of a rare "guy." A guy who has played in the NFL the past few seasons (a pretty rare feat). A guy who is great friends with and played college ball with another rare "guy" on our beloved KC squad who allegedly relayed this information to him semi-recently. I don't know what would motivate him to lie to me about it... but I see your point. Take it for what it's worth (which I presume to you it's not worth much, which is understandable). I never indicated that the content of this conversation I had should be taken as gospel, but it was an interesting conversation, to me anyways.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by ricoswaff

Well, kind of a rare "guy." A guy who has played in the NFL the past few seasons (a pretty rare feat). A guy who is great friends with and played college ball with another rare "guy" on our beloved KC squad who allegedly relayed this information to him semi-recently. I don't know what would motivate him to lie to me about it... but I see your point. Take it for what it's worth (which I presume to you it's not worth much, which is understandable). I never indicated that the content of this conversation I had should be taken as gospel, but it was an interesting conversation, to me anyways.

I think it's all good, Dude, and thanks for the information. I've been a "victim" in the past of passing along information and for many (not Milkman) it's difficult to believe because people are so spread out where you live. It's rare that people in KC run into Chiefs players, let alone people that live in Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, etc.

Keep it coming! It may be pertinent and it may not but it's always cool to look back and say "Wow, Rico nailed it!".

[rico]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I think it's all good, Dude, and thanks for the information. I've been a "victim" in the past of passing along information and for many (not Milkman) it's difficult to believe because people are so spread out where you live. It's rare that people in KC run into Chiefs players, let alone people that live in Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, etc.

Keep it coming! It may be pertinent and it may not but it's always cool to look back and say "Wow, Rico nailed it!".

Thanks for cool words, man!

My roomates/best friends at college my senior year consisted of; the NFL football player I referenced's childhood best friend who is my current best friend, and the NFL guy's 2 current best friends. This guy actually went to my small-town, out in the boondocks school for a couple years before transferring to a neighboring, huge city (to us anyways, population of 30k ) Whenever I hit Iowa City with my roommates, we always hit the town with him. The best part is that he was and still is a fan favorite to Iowa fans, so it felt like we were strolling around with a celebrity...well, we were. I met a lot of Iowa players through being around him.

Funny thing is, when he was a Freshman in high school and I was a Senior, there were talks of us getting into a fight with each other because he had hit on a girl that I thought I was seeing who was actually just playing me. At that time, I think I could have actually taken him. I was a stud wrestler my Senior year and was pretty strong. This guy hadn't completely filled out yet. In fact, he hadn't even started filling out. If this would have actually gone down, I'm confident that I would have been able to take him, but shoot.... a couple years later, especially when he was a Jr. and Sr. in high school and throughout his entire duration with the Hawks, he would have been able to kick my ass easily, despite the fact that I continued to wrestle in college. But we always got along other than that little spat we had when he was a Freshman. I don't even think he remembers that spat anymore because every time I mention it to him, he looks at me with a puzzled expression on his face.

I've met Stanzi a couple times, but ironically not through my Hawkeye/NFL friend.... He was so much different in the two situations where I met him. I met him when I visited my buddy at the dorms when he was a redshirt Freshman with little to no expectations to ever start. He was extremely goofy and somewhat rambunxious that night. Everyone, including himself was clowning around about how low he was projected to be on the depth chart. The next year, he beat out the incumbent starter in a QB competition.

The other time I met him was the weekend of the Tim Dwight football camp in the summer leading into his senior year. I just went to Iowa City that weekend to party, but came with a dude that was a mediocre Fullback for a D3 college, The University of Dubuque. He somehow contacted and convinced Tim Dwight that he should be a volunteer instructor for the camp (as so he said...he could have just been a go-for bitch). He has a weird way of exaggerating and fabricating things to make himself appear more special than he is...and it works sometimes. Anyways, I met up with him after the camp was over and he went on about how many of the players he hit it off with including, but not limited to Ricky Stanzi. We ended up going to someone's apartment that evening before hitting the bars. There were about 5 people there when Ricky "Love it or Leave it" Stanzi entered the building. I spoke to him a bit that night, mostly about late 60's and 70's rock bands (The Doors, Pink Floyd, Skynard, Led Zeppelin). He was cool as hell and still goofy, but not in the rambunxious way he was as a Freshman. Dexter Mccluster seemed to be right on when he explained his perception of Stanzi.

Sorry, got off topic a bit (not that being off topic is a CP rarity or anything).

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by milkman

Dont have a link, but Im pretty sure Dick Haley was overheard in TC in '09 telling someone that "You cant win with this guy".

Dick certainly lives up to his name.

[COchief]

Originally Posted by rico

A bunch of interesting ingo.

Thanks for sharing, it's always interesting to read some personal interaction stories.

Even if it is all BS, much more entertaining than "Cassel Sucks" which we all already know.

[memyselfI]

Scary, how many crazed gunmen have they said this about?

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by memyselfI

Scary, how many crazed gunmen have they said this about?

[milkman]

Originally Posted by rico

Well, kind of a rare "guy." A guy who has played in the NFL the past few seasons (a pretty rare feat). A guy who is great friends with and played college ball with another rare "guy" on our beloved KC squad who allegedly relayed this information to him semi-recently. I don't know what would motivate him to lie to me about it... but I see your point. Take it for what it's worth (which I presume to you it's not worth much, which is understandable). I never indicated that the content of this conversation I had should be taken as gospel, but it was an interesting conversation, to me anyways.

No dude.

I was just having a little fun at your expense.

I don't dismiss these things out of hand unless you have a history of being full of shit.

[rico]

Originally Posted by milkman

No dude.

I was just having a little fun at your expense.

I don't dismiss these things out of hand unless you have a history of being full of shit.

Jerk. I cried myself to sleep last night to the haunting sounds of emo music due to that snide remark.

Ugh, I can't even be sarcastic about that.... I hate emo so much.

[NJChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by Brock

Jeff Chadiha: "I can say this now because he's gone but I remember having a conversation with Todd Haley about last year and he said that when his dad came in -- and his dad's been a longtime personnel guy with the Steelers and obviously saw a lot of talented players come in -- he said when his dad watched Cassel closely the first time they had him here, he told Todd, 'I don't think you can win with this guy.' Now, in year two when everything was bright and rosy, things changed a little bit but that was the first impression that Haley's dad had and his dad was a personnel man for a long time."

Must be nice for some organizations to have at one time employed people who see these things clearly.

[BoneKrusher]

the steelers are in deep doo-doo.

[Chiefnj2]

Not saying Dick Haley was wrong about Cassel, but where was his scouting prowess with Tomzcak, Stewart and Maddox?

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

Not saying Dick Haley was wrong about Cassel, but where was his scouting prowess with Tomzcak, Stewart and Maddox?

Dick Haley left Pittsburgh in 1990.

[lazepoo]

I'm still confused by the random Michael Chabon reference. Completely wrong crowd for that... Weird.

[Titty Meat]

It's rare that people in KC run into Chiefs players?