Chiefs Todd Haley is the "Mystery of Pittsburgh" - Page 43

Hammock Parties · 07-22-2012, 12:45 PM

Interesting read.

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

Quote:

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** · 10-22-2012, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

There is no arguing against FACTS, Dane.

Its not like I'm throwing out a bunch of my opinions here, Im hitting ya with straight factual evidence.

Kurt Warner won 8 games in 5 years and then under Haleys playcalling, he was in the superbowl in less than 2 seasons.

And followed it up in 2009, without Haley, with another amazing season.

If you were correct (which you're not, no offense), Warner would have taken a step back in 2009. He didn't and the Cards won the division. They beat the Packers in OT and lost to the Saints.

Pretty good for a final season.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-22-2012, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsandO'sfan

Disagree

Then you're a bigger ****ing idiot than I originally thought and JFC, that's really saying something.

ShowtimeSBMVP · 10-22-2012, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

And followed it up in 2009, without Haley, with another amazing season.

If you were correct (which you're not, no offense), Warner would have taken a step back in 2009. He didn't and the Cards won the division. They beat the Packers in OT and lost to the Saints.

Pretty good for a final season.

Stop making up facts, IDK if you know this but the OC JOB is to run the whole O not just the QB.

2008 w Haley 4th in the NFL
2009 wo Haley 14th in the NFL

**BossChief** · 10-22-2012, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Do you know ANYTHING about Derrick Johnson's personal life?

If not, SHUT THE **** UP.

And "This Guy" is going to destroy your stupid ass.

Buckle up, ****. You're in for a long ****ing ride.

I actually do...and he feels the same way about Haley as Larry Fitzgerald does.

Little tidbit about Haley and Fitzgerald...Fitz lost his mom to cancer some time back and after Larry caught his last TD in the superbowl (that should have been the game winner) he came to the sideline and after getting the celebrations from his teammates, he started walking to an empty part of the bench where nobody would be close to him.

Ken Wisenhunt started walking towards him to sit next to him and talk when Haley sprinted over and stopped Ken.

He grabbed Ken and told him to give Larry some time to himself because he knew what was going on.

Larry was talking to his mom and thanking her for everything.

Todd Haley was handcuffed to a losing situation in KC and once Ben realizes what Haley is trying to do with his career (resurrect it and get him back to the level of where he used to be) in Pittsburgh, he is gonna start playing lights out football again.

ShowtimeSBMVP · 10-22-2012, 11:00 PM

Antonio Brown: Todd Haley is a 'first class' coach
21

By Brian McIntyre
Around the League writer
Published: Aug. 2, 2012 at 08:15 a.m.
Updated: Aug. 2, 2012 at 02:08 p.m.

In his stints as offensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals and head coach with the Kansas City Chiefs, Todd Haley earned a reputation for clashing with his superiors and subordinates. He had a sideline argument with Anquan Boldin in Arizona, and there was reportedly a major rift between Haley and Chiefs' general manager Scott Pioli that contributed to him being fired during the 2011 season.
Click on team name for full report; click here for a complete archive.

Haley's abrasive reputation led to questions about how he would get along with Ben Roethlisberger after the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Haley to replace Bruce Arians as offensive coordinator.

Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown had the scouting report on Haley, but says it couldn't have been more wrong.

"Todd's really a cool guy -- shaking guy's hands, communicating with guys, putting in that extra time for guys, visiting with guys. (Bruce) wasn't really that type of guy -- he just went about his business," Brown said, according to Dan Gigler of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"You can't go off of what you hear about a person until you really get to meet him, and, since I met this guy, he's been first class."

It's possible that Brown still might be experiencing some euphoria after signing a five-year contract extension worth nearly $42 million last week. It's also worth noting that Brown hasn't run the wrong route or otherwise done something to draw Haley's wrath in the middle of the game. But it's also possible that Haley could have come to the realization that if he wants to be an NFL head coach again, he has to start playing nice with his players and his boss.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...st-class-coach

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-22-2012, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsandO'sfan

Antonio Brown: Todd Haley is a 'first class' coach
21

By Brian McIntyre
Around the League writer
Published: Aug. 2, 2012 at 08:15 a.m.
Updated: Aug. 2, 2012 at 02:08 p.m.

In his stints as offensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals and head coach with the Kansas City Chiefs, Todd Haley earned a reputation for clashing with his superiors and subordinates. He had a sideline argument with Anquan Boldin in Arizona, and there was reportedly a major rift between Haley and Chiefs' general manager Scott Pioli that contributed to him being fired during the 2011 season.
Click on team name for full report; click here for a complete archive.

Haley's abrasive reputation led to questions about how he would get along with Ben Roethlisberger after the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Haley to replace Bruce Arians as offensive coordinator.

Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown had the scouting report on Haley, but says it couldn't have been more wrong.

"Todd's really a cool guy -- shaking guy's hands, communicating with guys, putting in that extra time for guys, visiting with guys. (Bruce) wasn't really that type of guy -- he just went about his business," Brown said, according to Dan Gigler of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"You can't go off of what you hear about a person until you really get to meet him, and, since I met this guy, he's been first class."

It's possible that Brown still might be experiencing some euphoria after signing a five-year contract extension worth nearly $42 million last week. It's also worth noting that Brown hasn't run the wrong route or otherwise done something to draw Haley's wrath in the middle of the game. But it's also possible that Haley could have come to the realization that if he wants to be an NFL head coach again, he has to start playing nice with his players and his boss.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...st-class-coach

Last time I checked, Brown was the QB

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-22-2012, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

I actually do...and he feels the same way about Haley as Larry Fitzgerald does.

Little tidbit about Haley and Fitzgerald...Fitz lost his mom to cancer some time back and after Larry caught his last TD in the superbowl (that should have been the game winner) he came to the sideline and after getting the celebrations from his teammates, he started walking to an empty part of the bench where nobody would be close to him.

Ken Wisenhunt started walking towards him to sit next to him and talk when Haley sprinted over and stopped Ken.

He grabbed Ken and told him to give Larry some time to himself because he knew what was going on.

Larry was talking to his mom and thanking her for everything.

Todd Haley was handcuffed to a losing situation in KC and once Ben realizes what Haley is trying to do with his career (resurrect it and get him back to the level of where he used to be) in Pittsburgh, he is gonna start playing lights out football again.

I really don't give a shit about these ****ing "feel good" stories about Todd ****ing Haley.

Could you post some feel good stories about Herm Edwards? Or maybe Frank Gansz?

And clearly, you don't know about DJ.

ShowtimeSBMVP · 10-22-2012, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Last time I checked, Brown was the QB

He wasn't hired to make BIG BEN HAPPY.

**BossChief** · 10-22-2012, 11:07 PM

ShowtimeSBMVP · 10-22-2012, 11:08 PM

That brings us to Haley.

No one really knew what Haley would bring to the Steelers’ offense, but it has become clear now—Pittsburgh will be committed to the run.

6316340_crop_exact

Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

Haley has sent a message in training camp that the Steelers will be physical on offense, and they will be able to run the ball more effectively.

This is an obvious difference from training camp under Arians, where he had the offense focused primarily on throwing the ball.

It has been a complete turnaround under Haley.

Haley has a new offensive line to work with, including rookies David DeCastro and Mike Adams, and the line will definitely develop a nasty streak as camp progresses.

But even more than the personnel on the field, the team is developing a mindset on running the ball effectively.

Nearly every offensive play called during team drills has been a running play.

All of the running backs are getting involved. They are running inside and outside, and each day they are improving. It is the return of a physical brand of football.

Do not expect the Steelers to return to the days of a ground-and-pound offense, but they will be much better at it this year thanks to Haley.

More importantly, the Steelers now have their offensive identity back, and if things go as planned, it will indeed get them to where they want to go—a Super Bowl championship.
http://steelersmobile.com/wp/28336

What QB in the NFL wouldn't be pissed? Haley was hired to keep Ben on his feet not Hurt.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-22-2012, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsandO'sfan

Stop making up facts, IDK if you know this but the OC JOB is to run the whole O not just the QB.

2008 w Haley 4th in the NFL
2009 wo Haley 14th in the NFL

Hey dumbshit, the Cardinals won the division in 2009. That is NOT a step backwards.

The 2004 Chiefs finished with higher offensive yardage ranking than the 2003 Chiefs, yet they only won 7 games.

Stats only tell part of the story.

**BossChief** · 10-22-2012, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I really don't give a shit about these ****ing "feel good" stories about Todd ****ing Haley.

Could you post some feel good stories about Herm Edwards? Or maybe Frank Gansz?

And clearly, you don't know about DJ.

yeah, actually..I do.

I know a whole lot about his personal situation, doesn't mean I am gonna post that information.

Let me tell you this much...there was a correlation between that story I posted and DJ.

That's all I'm gonna say.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-22-2012, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsandO'sfan

http://steelersmobile.com/wp/28336

What QB in the NFL wouldn't be pissed? Haley was hired to keep Ben on his feet not Hurt.

How does a commitment to the running game affect the passing philosophy?

JFC, you talk out of your ass more than Roy III.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-22-2012, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsandO'sfan

He wasn't hired to make BIG BEN HAPPY.

Gee, thanks.

ShowtimeSBMVP · 10-22-2012, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

How does a commitment to the running game affect the passing philosophy?

JFC, you talk out of your ass more than RoyIII.

Someone is just Bitter time to get over your Hate.

10-22-2012, 11:00 PM	#635
ShowtimeSBMVP Chiefs Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $3656009	Antonio Brown: Todd Haley is a 'first class' coach 21 By Brian McIntyre Around the League writer Published: Aug. 2, 2012 at 08:15 a.m. Updated: Aug. 2, 2012 at 02:08 p.m. In his stints as offensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals and head coach with the Kansas City Chiefs, Todd Haley earned a reputation for clashing with his superiors and subordinates. He had a sideline argument with Anquan Boldin in Arizona, and there was reportedly a major rift between Haley and Chiefs' general manager Scott Pioli that contributed to him being fired during the 2011 season. Click on team name for full report; click here for a complete archive. Haley's abrasive reputation led to questions about how he would get along with Ben Roethlisberger after the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Haley to replace Bruce Arians as offensive coordinator. Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown had the scouting report on Haley, but says it couldn't have been more wrong. "Todd's really a cool guy -- shaking guy's hands, communicating with guys, putting in that extra time for guys, visiting with guys. (Bruce) wasn't really that type of guy -- he just went about his business," Brown said, according to Dan Gigler of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "You can't go off of what you hear about a person until you really get to meet him, and, since I met this guy, he's been first class." It's possible that Brown still might be experiencing some euphoria after signing a five-year contract extension worth nearly $42 million last week. It's also worth noting that Brown hasn't run the wrong route or otherwise done something to draw Haley's wrath in the middle of the game. But it's also possible that Haley could have come to the realization that if he wants to be an NFL head coach again, he has to start playing nice with his players and his boss. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...st-class-coach
Posts: 23,753

10-22-2012, 11:07 PM	#639
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1874088	love Attached Thumbnails __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,127

10-22-2012, 11:08 PM	#640
ShowtimeSBMVP Chiefs Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $3656009	That brings us to Haley. No one really knew what Haley would bring to the Steelers’ offense, but it has become clear now—Pittsburgh will be committed to the run. 6316340_crop_exact Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE Haley has sent a message in training camp that the Steelers will be physical on offense, and they will be able to run the ball more effectively. This is an obvious difference from training camp under Arians, where he had the offense focused primarily on throwing the ball. It has been a complete turnaround under Haley. Haley has a new offensive line to work with, including rookies David DeCastro and Mike Adams, and the line will definitely develop a nasty streak as camp progresses. But even more than the personnel on the field, the team is developing a mindset on running the ball effectively. Nearly every offensive play called during team drills has been a running play. All of the running backs are getting involved. They are running inside and outside, and each day they are improving. It is the return of a physical brand of football. Do not expect the Steelers to return to the days of a ground-and-pound offense, but they will be much better at it this year thanks to Haley. More importantly, the Steelers now have their offensive identity back, and if things go as planned, it will indeed get them to where they want to go—a Super Bowl championship. http://steelersmobile.com/wp/28336 What QB in the NFL wouldn't be pissed? Haley was hired to keep Ben on his feet not Hurt.
Posts: 23,753