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Steelers Fans: Please Stop Complaining About Todd Haley

By Josh Fitzer

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley against the Denver Broncos during the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley against the Denver Broncos during the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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I don’t think I’ve seen a fan base rip someone on the coaching staff (other than the head coach) more than Steelers fans.

Okay.

I understand everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I get it. I certainly like to voice my opinion on things I like and don’t like, especially on things that I don’t like. But I don’t think I’ve seen a fan base rip someone on the coaching staff (other than the head coach) more than Steelers fans.

Steelers OC Todd Haley came to the Steelers in 2012 after being fired as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. Haley posted a 19-26 regular season record, and a 0-1 post-season record in Kansas City.

Shortly after Haley’s arrival, a rift seemed to develop between Haley and Ben Roethlisberger. A lot of people, including myself, thought Haley would be out the door in no-time. But thankfully, that didn’t happen. Haley and Ben went through some growing pains, and now they’re pretty n’sync with each other. The Steelers finished the 2015 season 3rd in total offense, and finished the 2014 season 2nd in total offense. But even with the Steelers offensive success, fans still find a way to rip the play calling.

Listen, all coaches make mistakes. It’s sports, it happens. But I don’t think Todd Haley deserves to by lynched every time a play doesn’t work. In an article that I linked up above, it says that “Haley has given Roethlisbeger freedom with calling the two-minute and no-huddle offenses, effectively assuaging the duo’s rocky start.” After their rocky start, I think it speaks volumes that Haley let Ben taking over play-calling duties in those areas. I can see how an OC wouldn’t forfeit such duties because of ego.

Aug 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley (L) and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) smile on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley (L) and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) smile on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Last week I posted an article (from my fellow Still Curtain staff writer Matt Krivanek) on a Steelers fans group page on Facebook. Of course, a member of ‘Haley’s Lynch Mob’ showed up saying he wanted a new offensive coordinator.

Why?!

This could all be avoided if people would just take the time and look at the stats. If you’re a member of ‘Haley’s Lynch Mob’, please pay attention. Please pay attention to what’s actually going on. Has Haley made mistakes? Yes. Has Haley called plays that left us shaking our heads? Yes. But that doesn’t mean he should be fired.

The Steelers have had great offensive success the past two seasons. We nearly beat a Broncos defense that was ranked #1 in total defense last (regular) season. Have we forgotten that the likes of Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams didn’t play in that game? I think the Steelers would be taking a few steps back if they fired Haley now. I don’t think we’re far away from winning our 7th Lombardi.

Next time Haley does something that you don’t like, take a deep breath and remember the big picture.

Here we go, Steelers! Here we go!

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