Todd Haley Press Conference Recap – Steelers New Offensive Coordinator

Thursday, February 9th, 2012 at 12:49 pm by Dave Bryan

The Pittsburgh Steelers introduced Todd Haley as their new offensive coordinator on Thursday and here are a few of talking points from the noon presser.

Mike Tomlin introduced Haley and said during the introduction that Haley brings some intangibles that he desires. He went on to say that he was impressed with Haley for his resume and love of the Steelers. He added that he did a lot of research and was really impressed by him.

Haley took the podium and talked about how the Steelers are a big part of who and what I is after growing up around the organization and that in his mind it's the greatest organization in the NFL.

He continued by saying that right now he is really just getting to know the guys and later added that he has not yet sat down with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but that he is excited to about working with him as well as with the young receivers. He also added that tight end Heath Miller is one of his favorite players he has studied the Steelers quite a bit as an outside coach.

Haley was asked about the system and if the terminology would change much and he said there will be lot of carry over as far as terminology goes but let it be known that they will be starting from a clean slate when asked about the playbook. He was asked if there will be an emphasis on running game and he answered that the emphasis will be on winning. He added that transition can have have an uncomfortable newness to it. Haley emphasized that he was not a system guy and he would utilize the strength of the team.

When asked about his confrontations in the past, Haley brushed it off and referenced why his father, Dick Haley, would never read the Pittsburgh sports pages when he was with the Steelers. Haley did say that if a player is sensitive, this no place for him to be. Haley said people will have to ask former players like Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and Keyshawn Johnson about him. Haley said that this is a passionate and emotional game.

Haley said that Tomlin told him up front he was going to go through the coaching search process. He also mentioned that he has had several opportunities and referenced being offered the wide receivers coaching position by former head coach Bill Cowher years ago but instead took the job with the Dallas Cowboys.

I will have more notes shortly and will also add the audio of the presser.

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