Steelers welcome Haley’s wealth

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Throughout the 16 minutes that followed him glowingly introducing former Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley as his new offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stood proudly in the corner of the second-floor media room at the team’s facility.

Honestly.

During the press conference officially announcing Haley as the replacement for Bruce Arians, Tomlin even offered approving nods and smiles at the appropriate times.

And, yes, he also laughed when Haley was asked about his reputation as someone who has had difficulty getting along with co-workers.

“As an offensive coordinator, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience,” Tomlin said. “But he also brings intangibles I really value.”

Time will tell.

Amid reports that Steelers president Art Rooney II orchestrated the departure of Arians and pushed for Haley to be his replacement above Tomlin’s wishes, Tomlin made it a point to mention he was the one conducting the interviews for Arians’ replacement.

“When I started this process of exploring potential coordinators, I talked to a lot of people and did a lot of research, and I was really impressed by him,” Tomlin said. “Not only by his resume and his experience, but also his genuine love for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That was a unique element of it for me, one I’ve been attracted to in the past, to be quite honest.”

A 15-year NFL coaching veteran, Haley stressed his ties to the Steelers organization and his reverence for its tradition. The son of former Steelers director of player personnel Dick Haley reminisced about growing up a team ball boy.

“All of my early memories in life somehow,” Haley said, “revolved around the Steelers.

“I’m just very grateful coach Tomlin and the Rooney family thought enough of me to have me in here to help be part of continued greatness. In my mind, this is the greatest organization in the NFL and the greatest team, and that all comes from the heart.”

Haley, 44, was fired by Kansas City on Dec. 13, after going 19-26 in two-plus seasons with the Chiefs, leading them to the 2010 AFC West title. He finished third in AP coach of the year voting that season with the league’s top rushing offense.

As offensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals two years prior to that, Haley’s offense was second in the NFL in passing.