Chiefs Todd Haley is the "Mystery of Pittsburgh" - Page 15

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.”

Hammock Parties · 07-23-2012, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcarus

Either that, or he doesn't give a shit about being a starter or competing for a starting gig, in which case, **** Kyle Orton.

I never thought this was the case.

There are 32 of these jobs in the world. Who wouldn't want to be an NFL starting QB?

And even if it was the case, sign Orton, bench Cassel, and tell Kyle to deal with it. What's he gonna do? Throw games?

lcarus · 07-23-2012, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toad King

I never thought this was the case.

There are 32 of these jobs in the world. Who wouldn't want to be an NFL starting QB?

And even if it was the case, sign Orton, bench Cassel, and tell Kyle to deal with it. What's he gonna do? Throw games?

Beats me. I don't understand the situation. Orton is clearly better than Cassel. Something tells me Pioli made it clear that Cassel was "the man" in KC so Orton said **** you then.

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-23-2012, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcarus

It's kind of odd. Orton had to have known he could beat out Cassel for the starting job right? Unless he was led to believe Cassel would be the starter no matter what. In which case he'd rather backup a QB that actually deserved to be a starter.

Either that, or he doesn't give a shit about being a starter or competing for a starting gig, in which case, **** Kyle Orton.

Well, if you read that article, in short, Orton says he's done competing for a starting job. He likes the notion of being the backup only. The starter should be clearly defined.

It sounds to me like he was sick of competing against Tebow and didn't want to compete against Cassel. So, he took the next best thing which was to back up Romo and collect a fat paycheck.

I can't blame him for that but I'm glad he's not on the Chiefs roster.

Titty Meat · 07-23-2012, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

First off, the team competed far more under Crennel than they did under Haley. That much was evident by the naked eye.

Secondly, I don't think that any reasonable person would expect immediate miracles, especially when the roster still consisted of Jackie Battle, Barry Richardson, Kyle Orton, Sabby Piscatelli, etc. and so on.

If you want to blame someone, blame Steve Hoffman. BTW, he was fired.

So it's GREAT when Haley does it (oh, he's so daring) but when Crennel does it, it's a bad decision? Bullshit. When going for it on fourth down works, the coach is a genius. When it doesn't, he's an imbecile.

Is that what you just did?

Laughable. Just ****ing laughable.

Name ONE season in Cleveland where Crennel had a defense as talented as the Chiefs. Cleveland has NEVER had perimeter weapons like Bowe, Baldwin, Breaston, Moeaki and Boss simultaneously, along with a running back like Charles.

The Browns and Chiefs may be equal in terms of QB suckage during Crennel's tenure, but that's about the only parallel that should be drawn.

1. You just said Haley was an awful coach so that's not saying much.

2. Hoffman was a scape goat. Is it a coincidence that Clevelands special teams sucked when Crennel was the coach?

3. Find a post where I said it was great that Haley went for it on 4th downs. I believe I talked about this in another thread where I said Haley was a moron for going for it on 4th down on the 28 yard line against Denver.

4. Laughable? The QB position is the most important position. Crennel sucked in Cleveland because of bad coaching and shitty QB's how is that different here?

**mdchiefsfan** · 07-23-2012, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcarus

It's kind of odd. Orton had to have known he could beat out Cassel for the starting job right? Unless he was led to believe Cassel would be the starter no matter what. In which case he'd rather backup a QB that actually deserved to be a starter.

Either that, or he doesn't give a shit about being a starter or competing for a starting gig, in which case, **** Kyle Orton.

It sounds to me like he wanted to know his place, his role. By going to Dallas he put that decision in his own hands. He wanted stability and certainty, the fact that he found that as a backup tells me what kind of competitor he is.

lcarus · 07-23-2012, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Well, if you read that article, in short, Orton says he's done competing for a starting job. He likes the notion of being the backup only. The starter should be clearly defined.

It sounds to me like he was sick of competing against Tebow and didn't want to compete against Cassel. So, he took the next best thing which was to back up Romo and collect a fat paycheck.

I can't blame him for that but I'm glad he's not on the Chiefs roster.

I can't blame him for that either I guess. Doesn't matter though. He's not our answer anyway. I'd rather see what Stanzi can do if Cassel goes down. If that doesn't work out, then we're back to square one.

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-23-2012, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

2. Hoffman was a scape goat. Is it a coincidence that Clevelands special teams sucked when Crennel was the coach?

Hoffman was a scape goat? What? Succop was not good last year, at all and he wasn't "great" the year before. Coupled with the blocked field goals, it was time for him to go.

I said it in 2009 and I'll say it again now: It was a mistake to cut Connor Barth in favor of Succop. Succop was Pioli's 7th round draft choice and he's hardly been special.

Meanwhile, Barth just signed a 4 year, $13 million dollar deal in Tampa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

4. Laughable? The QB position is the most important position. Crennel sucked in Cleveland because of bad coaching and shitty QB's how is that different here?

So, Crennel sucks because he doesn't have a QB? What the **** kind of logic is that?

Furthermore, he fired key members of Haley's staff and replaced them with his own choices. Condemning him to failure based on the Raiders game is ridiculously premature.

Titty Meat · 07-23-2012, 12:10 AM

There's talk that Orton didn't want to compete but that doesn't make sense.

When has Pioli ever paid a backup QB (besides Cassel) 5 million dollars per year?

mcaj22 · 07-23-2012, 12:10 AM

he probably thought the odds were stacked against him in KC to even compete. If you think he would ever have a chance to legit beat out Cassel no matter how he looked in practice or what media said in training camp, he would have still been the backup opening day anyway, just like with Tebow.

So he took more money to do the same thing in Dallas behind an actual QB that is better than him, so his role looks more legitimate, because I'm sure to Kyle Orton, he knows and thinks he's better than Cassel.

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-23-2012, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcarus

I can't blame him for that either I guess. Doesn't matter though. He's not our answer anyway. I'd rather see what Stanzi can do if Cassel goes down. If that doesn't work out, then we're back to square one.

I'd prefer that Stanzi be brought along slowly. As I previously mentioned, he wasn't privy to OTA's and Mini Camps in 2011, which would have put him further along last year. This year, he's participated in both, although they've been greatly reduced over prior years due to the new CBA.

If Cassel is hurt or is absolutely abysmal, I expect to see Quinn for at least a few games, if not the rest of the season. Unless Stanzi makes an enormous jump this year, I'm betting he won't be a contender for the starting job until 2013.

Titty Meat · 07-23-2012, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Hoffman was a scape goat? What? Succop was not good last year, at all and he wasn't "great" the year before. Coupled with the blocked field goals, it was time for him to go.

I said it in 2009 and I'll say it again now: It was a mistake to cut Connor Barth in favor of Succop. Succop was Pioli's 7th round draft choice and he's hardly been special.

Meanwhile, Barth just signed a 4 year, $13 million dollar deal in Tampa.

So, Crennel sucks because he doesn't have a QB? What the **** kind of logic is that?

Furthermore, he fired key members of Haley's staff and replaced them with his own choices. Condemning him to failure based on the Raiders game is ridiculously premature.

Succop must not be that bad they extended himl.

Read what I said man. Cleveland had shit for QB AND CRENNEL WAS A SHITTY COACH.

Awesome. He fired members of Haley's staff and hired Brian Daboll who's offenses have sucked and the Rams ST coach whos special teams sucked. Like I said these aren't improvements.

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-23-2012, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

There's talk that Orton didn't want to compete but that doesn't make sense.

Talk? Orton says it plain as day in the interview I linked. There was no other way to interpret his words. He did not want to compete.

"Well I’ve kind of been in that situation the last three or four years just going into camp and competing. To be honest with you I don’t think that situation has worked for me. I don’t think it’s worked out for the club. I think you need to know who your guy is going to be going right into the season and backing that guy. I don’t think that’s been the situation that I have been in and I really didn’t want to get into that situation again. I’m fine with knowing my role as the backup on this team."

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/...llas-tony-romo

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-23-2012, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

Succop must not be that bad they extended himl.

Read what I said man. Cleveland had shit for QB AND CRENNEL WAS A SHITTY COACH.

Awesome. He fired members of Haley's staff and hired Brian Daboll who's offenses have sucked and the Rams ST coach whos special teams sucked. Like I said these aren't improvements.

Daboll's offense sucked in Miami? I guessed I missed the last half of their 2011 season.

Extending Succop was a mistake, IMO. He's nothing more than average, at best.

Titty Meat · 07-23-2012, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Talk? Orton says it plain as day in the interview I linked. There was no other way to interpret his words. He did not want to compete.

"Well I’ve kind of been in that situation the last three or four years just going into camp and competing. To be honest with you I don’t think that situation has worked for me. I don’t think it’s worked out for the club. I think you need to know who your guy is going to be going right into the season and backing that guy. I don’t think that’s been the situation that I have been in and I really didn’t want to get into that situation again. I’m fine with knowing my role as the backup on this team."

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/...llas-tony-romo

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.

Titty Meat · 07-23-2012, 12:19 AM

Peter King on the signing of Orton:

I'm amazed that the Dallas Cowboys paid Orton -- who I consider the best of the available backups, and not by a small amount -- a $5 million signing bonus for a five-year deal that will likely void to three years. I understand sleeping better at night, which the Cowboys will do now that they have maybe the best backup quarterback in football as insurance for Tony Romo instead of the iffy Stephen McGee. But I've never heard of paying a guy you hope will never play a $5 million signing bonus.

07-23-2012, 12:10 AM	#218
Titty Meat Inmem 2.0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: My house Casino cash: $2367558	There's talk that Orton didn't want to compete but that doesn't make sense. When has Pioli ever paid a backup QB (besides Cassel) 5 million dollars per year?
Posts: 75,019

07-23-2012, 12:10 AM	#219
mcaj22 MVP Join Date: Feb 2010 Casino cash: $10014454	he probably thought the odds were stacked against him in KC to even compete. If you think he would ever have a chance to legit beat out Cassel no matter how he looked in practice or what media said in training camp, he would have still been the backup opening day anyway, just like with Tebow. So he took more money to do the same thing in Dallas behind an actual QB that is better than him, so his role looks more legitimate, because I'm sure to Kyle Orton, he knows and thinks he's better than Cassel.
Posts: 11,886

07-23-2012, 12:19 AM	#225
Titty Meat Inmem 2.0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: My house Casino cash: $2367558	Peter King on the signing of Orton: I'm amazed that the Dallas Cowboys paid Orton -- who I consider the best of the available backups, and not by a small amount -- a $5 million signing bonus for a five-year deal that will likely void to three years. I understand sleeping better at night, which the Cowboys will do now that they have maybe the best backup quarterback in football as insurance for Tony Romo instead of the iffy Stephen McGee. But I've never heard of paying a guy you hope will never play a $5 million signing bonus.
Posts: 75,019