No breakthrough for talks between Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coach Todd Haley & QB Big Ben – NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers’ new offensive co-ordinator, Todd Haley, has ruled out the possibility of any problem coming in his way to building a strong relationship with the quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.
Haley’s optimism has come in line with hopes of the vice president, Art Rooney II, who said that Big Ben was ready to work with the new coach.
As the player waits for the coach to make a move first to break the deadlock in the start of talks between the two, Haley is hopeful of enjoying good working relationship with him.
Todd emphasized a point that Roethlisberger was in a transition phase and he will try to help him to workout to be a better quarterback in the future.
He said:
"Transition is always a little - I wouldn't even say difficult - but there's an uncomfortable aspect to newness."
The coach added:
"But that's not always a bad thing. I think it'll be a great thing in this case, and he's going to figure out that we're just trying to make him as good as he can possibly can be.”
Ben, a day earlier, had said that he was not contacted by the new offensive staff. A communication breakthrough is also not expected this week as Haley will most likely be present at the National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine being held in the Indianapolis
Colts.
The week-long event showcases potential draft players in front of managers, coaches and owners. It helps them in their decision making on recruitment of new players into their franchises.
It is more likely that both, Haley and Ben, talk to each other in the week following to the Combine event. An outcome of their first meeting will certainly set the tone and direction of their future relationship.
For the time being, the mood seems not so good at the Pittsburgh. It is the reported displeasure of Big Ben over controversial departure of former offensive coach, Bruce Arians, which has led to an atmosphere of stiffness at the team’s headquarters.
The player is said to be backing an extension in the deal of the former coach and was greatly surprised over refusal of his team to do so.
Bruce was reported to have been enjoying the support of head coach, Mike Tomlin. Tomlin was also in favour of renewal of Arian’s deal, and was not happy over his disputed departure.
A week following to Bruce Arians’ retirement, Steelers reported hiring of former coach of the Kansas City Chiefs as their new assistant staff for the offensive positions.
While confirming his appointment, Rooney, claimed that he had talked to Ben and the quarterback said that he was happy to work with new coach and was looking forward to meeting.
The meeting is yet to happen.
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