Steelers: Todd Haley Deserves More Time

Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley reacts on the sidelines against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Tennessee Titans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers extended Todd Haley’s tenure as their offensive coordinator. Even with the somewhat deserved criticism, he has earned more time.

I know the “Haley Haters” are out in force. I admit having said some harsh things about Todd Haley in the past. I can remember most of them. Let’s look back:

• “Todd Haley is forcing his system on the offense.” His first year was rough. Very Rough. Like sandpaper rough.

When Art Rooney II hired Todd Haley, I had a bad taste in my mouth.  It did not seem like “the Steeler way” when Arians was fired and Haley was hired while Tomlin attended to family issues.  I was sure there would be a wedge between Tomlin and Haley.

Roethlisberger also had a problem with the way the firing and hiring was handled and it showed in the dysfunction during Haley’s first year.  Haley seemed to have a “it’s my way or the highway” attitude with the terminology for the plays and with asserting his authority and Roethlisberger openly questioned why everything had to change.

The first-year chaos left Steelers fans unimpressed and nearly violent towards Haley.  Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl rings and is as tough as they come, so Haley must be the problem, right?

Post-2014, that’s all in the past and while it hasn’t been perfect, there has been offensive success.  I think Haley backed off a bit and Roethlisberger gave the system a chance and they met somewhere in the middle.  It has been a transition and transitions don’t happen overnight.

Next: Todd Haley is trying to change Ben