Report: Butler retained, Haley as Possible OC

Sounds like some strange things happened in KC......

The big question is whether he is paranoid or if the environment was really that toxic.

I’ve heard him described as abrasive and he’s been known to become ‘animated’ on the sideline. How will his personality mesh with the already ticked off BB?

by Kita on Jan 30, 2012 9:12 PM EST reply actions

Haley was abrasive

as OC during his time with Arizona. I recall several games in which Haley was animated and arguing with players like Boldin on the sidelines. As head coach, Haley also lost it at times with his QB. Having a competitive fire is great, but there’s a point in which it becomes counterproductive.

Bill Cowher would shout and get emotional, but you didn’t see the back and forth arguing continuing on the sideline. Cowher would make his point to a player, then let it go, and concentrate on the field of play.

by SteelStealth on Jan 30, 2012 11:15 PM EST up reply actions

I don't ever recall a player so much as speaking back to Cowher (or Tomlin)

when he was in their face. Joey Porter got hauled in every other play by Cowher, Pouncey was on the receiving end last year on the sideline with Tomlin.. but players did argue back with Haley. Kassel was one of them.

HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."

"Oh... you're a northerner. What exactly do they call 'you people' from Pittsburgh?" "They just call us LUCKY."

by 1BlkGldFan on Jan 31, 2012 8:11 AM EST up reply actions

Not arguing with you, but times have changed and a few years can make a big difference in behavior in the same circumstance

The whole respect your elders – respect your coach thing starts early and we are currently dealing with a different generation on the sidelines. My Wife is a Social Worker for Wash, DC Public Schools and you would be amazed at the things kids not only get away with, but the things they are up to now. You have 10yo Gang bangers and 8yo females sending sex notes / invitations in class. But more than anything their is a big lack of respect across the board and that starts at home.

There is also a disconnect when guys make significantly more money than their boss, that creates derision and contempt. Then you have situations like Clinton Portis demanding from Dan Snyder that Jim Zorn apologize to him for telling him to take his hands out of his pants during practice – something that eventually led to Zorn’s dismissal. When the owners have much more invested in you than the coaches and they are more money people than football people, it can make it hard to be a coach.

So, while I am in agreement with you, I would caution that it is a different generation on the field right now and the rules of the past do not necessarily apply. In the past Coaches commanded 100% respect and obedience, sadly, not sure that applies anymore.

"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 31, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions

Zorn got fired for losing not because of Portis

Zorn was over his head from day 1. Yes the players are different today and it takes a different type of coach. Noll and Shula would have trouble with today’s players.

But Haley just does not fit into the Steelers’ style. Period

by Steeler Nation VA on Jan 31, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

Zorn most definitely was in over his head from day 1

He never should have accepted the position, but what would you do if someone is offering you your dream job and a lot more money than you planned on making? Snyder set him up for failure and then favored players over him. Make no mistake, Snyder is just as responsible for the losses while Zorn was in town as Zorn was. Zorn had the tools to be successful, but he was neutered by Snyder and put in a position that he was not yet ready for – it was a disaster before it started. Despite all of that, he did better his first year than Shanahan in his first 2 years…

What is the difference between Haley and Cowher?

"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 31, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions

Sorry, There not their...

"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 31, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

I know what you're saying

and obviously I’m in agreement with you since one merely has to turn on the local news to see criminals getting younger and younger.

There are coaches out there that still do it right… remember Mike Singletary in SF?? Man… I don’t think I’ve ever seen a coach send a player to the locker room for “behavior” before. In the presser after it, he was HOT. Can’t coach him. Can’t work with him. Don’t want him.

Are there coaches who don’t know how to handle a team and help keep discipline a priority on and off the field… sure. Detroit.

I can’t imagine, for one minute Tomlin taking any crap from any player on his team. I like that and hope it never changes.

HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."

"Oh... you're a northerner. What exactly do they call 'you people' from Pittsburgh?" "They just call us LUCKY."

by 1BlkGldFan on Jan 31, 2012 8:07 PM EST up reply actions

I know Butler was offered more money to go to the Colts and because of the fact that he stayed I now have so much more respect for the man. This only shows how much respect people have for the Steelers and how they run their organization, since they would rather take a pay-cut than work for someone else.

As for Haley… he can go eat a phallus.

"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."

by Riddlah. on Jan 30, 2012 9:14 PM EST reply actions

This

by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Jan 30, 2012 9:18 PM EST up reply actions

Double THIS!

Stay thirsty my friends.

by SteelerMessican on Jan 30, 2012 10:37 PM EST up reply actions

Tripple THIS??

"Leave the gun. Bring the Canolis."

by Paulie58 on Jan 31, 2012 8:32 AM EST up reply actions

Eff yes

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Jan 30, 2012 9:18 PM EST reply actions

To Butler

Not so much Haley. http://post-gazette.com/pg/12030/1207042-100.stm

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Jan 30, 2012 9:18 PM EST up reply actions

I like the Butler thing

Who is the source on the Haley thing though?

anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked

by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 30, 2012 11:38 PM EST up reply actions

quit talking about people's things

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Feb 1, 2012 7:14 AM EST up reply actions

Yay us!

HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."

by 1BlkGldFan on Jan 30, 2012 9:31 PM EST reply actions

well that should end the talk around here of going to 4-3

would not be surprised that dick lebeau announces that this is his last year.

by steeler_in_maryland on Jan 30, 2012 10:08 PM EST reply actions

Somehow I don’t think that’s LeBeau’s style. “When” the time comes for him to make that decision, I venture to say it’ll be after he coaches his last down and the season is over. He’s not one to make it about “him”. One only needs to look at his HOF induction ceremony to be reminded. He made it all about “them”.

One thing is for sure: Dick LeBeau loves the Pittsburgh Steelers and every player wearing the uniform.

HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."

by 1BlkGldFan on Jan 30, 2012 10:18 PM EST up reply actions

I've heard

That Butler has been eyeing that defensive coordinator position for awhile, but who can blame him. If I knew anything about defenses, I would love to coach a defense that had been in the top of the league for many years. However, you know it must be hard coaching behind a hall of famed in LeBeau who works year by year and you’re always missing an opportunity to get promoted. I wonder if the organization hinted to Butler that this might be the last year LeBeau coaches? Just speculation at this point.

by LaytheWoodson26 on Jan 30, 2012 11:35 PM EST up reply actions

I mean

Has* been at the top of the league. We were number one in total defense I might add :)

by LaytheWoodson26 on Jan 30, 2012 11:38 PM EST up reply actions

LeBeau is in his 70's

and he doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy whose ego won’t allow him to call it quits. The year-to-year contract is a pretty good indication that he’s also comfortable with a short term situation.

There’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Butler; but if he thinks strong arm tactics or ultimatums are the way to go, that light might just be a freight train instead of a promotion. I loathe “threats”.

HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."

"Oh... you're a northerner. What exactly do they call 'you people' from Pittsburgh?" "They just call us LUCKY."

by 1BlkGldFan on Jan 30, 2012 11:40 PM EST up reply actions

i doubt this was a strong arm tactic

you cant blame the guy for wanting to explore other options, especially if they’re promotions. im just glad he’s staying and it shows a lot of mutual respect between butler and the Rooneys for him to turn this promotion down.

by steel.curtain.number2 on Jan 31, 2012 1:30 AM EST up reply actions

You also have to respect a guy who really wants to follow a Hall of Famer

What if you don’t measure up? Obviously Butler has no such worries about shortcomings…

"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 31, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

I sure hope not...

cause it clearly is a better set against this modern day pass crazy qb protected nfl

by OR69faithfull on Jan 31, 2012 7:13 AM EST up reply actions

I like haley

if tomlin can control him, no point in hiring a guy that is going to piss everyone off. But if they hire him then I assume that will not occur here. I’d really hate to see that on the steelers sidelines.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Jan 30, 2012 11:17 PM EST reply actions

Of all the former HC’s now taking on either positions coaching or coordinator positions, I’m concerned that Haley is the one who would have the most trouble taking that step down. I’m not a fan of this idea of Haley coming to Pittsburgh…. at all.

HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."

"Oh... you're a northerner. What exactly do they call 'you people' from Pittsburgh?" "They just call us LUCKY."

by 1BlkGldFan on Jan 30, 2012 11:36 PM EST up reply actions

I don't care if he comes to Pittsburgh

as a visiting coach.

anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked

by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 30, 2012 11:39 PM EST up reply actions

This.

HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."

"Oh... you're a northerner. What exactly do they call 'you people' from Pittsburgh?" "They just call us LUCKY."

by 1BlkGldFan on Jan 30, 2012 11:41 PM EST up reply actions

I have reason to be uncomfortable with this...

if tomlin can control him

…given it appears Tomlin couldn’t get Arians to change, but wanted to keep him, and thus forced the Rooney’s hand. Haley could be the fire-brand we need to light this elite-status-in-waiting offense, if he can be a mature fire-brand.

But if he’s going to be a screaming, petulent, “because I want you to” type of coach, that is NOT going to go down well in the Steeler locker room.

United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.

by PaVaSteeler on Jan 31, 2012 8:07 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed

I really believe though that Tomlin didn’t want Arians to change. Tomlin gives a lot of leeway to his assistants, its a good thing because you want to attract good assistants and you don’t do that by being a micro-manager on the side of the ball that you aren’t experienced in. so I understand to a degree why Tomlin let Arians do what he wanted.

I also think the iron fist my come from the rooneys with haley. they have shown that they will act when the head coach won’t to keep their vision of this team. So I’m sure not only tomlin will be there to prevent that kind of stuff but the rooneys will also, especially with Dan coming back next year.

Haley has a great offensive mind, if he can only stop being a dick about it.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Jan 31, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions

Pesonality changes

I don’t know at what age people’s personalities stop changing but I suspect, unless Haley is a lot younger than I imagine, he is what he is going to be. He may try to change but it will not be him and it will take a lot of effort on his part to play a role he isn’t comfortable with. I don’t see him being able to change at this point in his life.

anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked

by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 31, 2012 11:16 AM EST up reply actions

While I understand everyone's concerns about Haley, he really reminds me of Cowher who was loved by all

So it confuses me a bit, everyone thought Cowher’s fiery nature was great, why is the same thing bad from Haley? I think he will be fine, and provide an added spark to an offense that is set to explode! Of course I could be dead wrong, but I do not see a lot of better candidates out there.

"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 31, 2012 9:43 AM EST up reply actions

It's not about being fiery or not....

It’s about treating the players with respect. Cowher treated his players respectfully – from the reaction of Haley’s players to him in KC, it does not appear that he did.

by Toronto Steeler Fan on Jan 31, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

That isn't what all the Chiefs fans are saying

They have the opposite to report and he was well liked by a lot of his previous players, I think we are basing it too much on TV snippets and not enough on actual information.

"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 31, 2012 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

SUSPENSION for LIFE

If Haley as new offensive coordinator it will be for 1 hour tops, Big Ben will kill him.

by GeorgeQUAD on Jan 31, 2012 2:58 PM EST up reply actions

Love the idea of Haley

I think he is very good, not ready for the HC job he had in KC, but more than adequate for the OC job, in my opinion the best OC available.

He can inject that killer instinct we really need in the off

agree with the point that he should control his emotions a little bit, but i assume tomlin and rooney will told him to control.

"Everytime NE Patriots lose, Football wins", myself

by rhino-mike on Jan 30, 2012 11:42 PM EST reply actions

maybe Haley was that the FO expect

some kind of restrain on Ben and the offensive

by Ben Balesverger on Jan 31, 2012 1:20 AM EST reply actions

I'm having a Pants party and everyone is invited....

…to the pants party

Formerly known as Steeler_

BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia

by Michael Hewitt on Jan 31, 2012 2:29 AM EST reply actions

Are you trying to invite me to a party in your pants, Brick?

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Jan 31, 2012 9:13 AM EST up reply actions

I have a feeling this means that Lebeau will retire after this year

There might be some sort of agreement between the mgmt, Lebeau and Butler on the possibility of how this will be a transition year or something.

"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there."
- Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).

by Han on Jan 31, 2012 9:44 AM EST reply actions

+1

"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 31, 2012 9:50 AM EST up reply actions

Haley

i wouldn’t like the hire…but if it happened I’m sure I could justify it somehow.

Just seems like too much drama…like Rex Ryan with the Jets…works for awhile but eventually it gets old.

i will say this for haley…I think he got a raw deal in KC…had a great first year and this year had a ton of injuries but his team still played hard. So, he got fired not simply b/c of their poor record but more of, a personality clash with FO. Which is why I wouldn’t want him in the first place.

by SteelerMike on Jan 31, 2012 10:00 AM EST reply actions

According to the article posted above about the working environment in KC, I would think almost anybody would have a personality clash with the FO. Even if you were a yes man.

by IronJake on Jan 31, 2012 10:32 AM EST up reply actions

A big no on Haley. He seems pretty unstable.

by Cols714 on Jan 31, 2012 10:01 AM EST reply actions

Article on chiefs is a must read all about it

by klompus on Jan 31, 2012 11:10 AM EST reply actions

Yes to Butler - Yes to Haley

Sure Haley is an abrasive git – but his job isn’t to be Ben’s #1 fan and BFF. His job is to get more out of this offense, and I think he could do that.

Also – it’s not like Whiz was Mr happy go lucky while he was here either. I have a feeling that Haley will be a bit more calm when surrounded by the likes of Tomlin and Lebeau. For those that don’t like the idea, you can take solace in this. If he does well, then there’s a good chance another team will try him as their HC. If it doesn’t work out, then he’s still going to be an upgrade on Arians.

by lkwdsteel on Jan 31, 2012 11:18 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

+1

"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 31, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

Rec'd

"Everytime NE Patriots lose, Football wins", myself

by rhino-mike on Jan 31, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

If Haley gets hired, it’s not to be Ben’s friend, but to improve an offense that has the ability and personnel to be at the top of the league. I feel like some of Haley’s sideline explosions also get fueled by unsuccessful franchises. With a group like Tomlin and LeBeau around him, I wouldn’t be surprised if he changes his attitude and composure.

by LaytheWoodson26 on Jan 31, 2012 4:33 PM EST up reply actions