The Pittsburgh Steelers could decide to part ways with Todd Haley this offseason amid reports that he and Ben Roethlisberger are not getting along, but one Steelers player insists there have been no noteworthy rifts with the offensive coordinator.
Offensive lineman David DeCastro told reporters on Monday that Haley has a “great” relationship with the Steelers players and gets along with everyone. However, DeCastro acknowledged that Haley may not be back in 2018.
Steelers OG David DeCastro said offense has a 'great' relationship with OC Todd Haley and everyone gets along well. Feels right nucleus in place but adds, 'the business is tough so we'll see.'
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 15, 2018
DeCastro is likely doing his best to keep in-house issues under wraps, because all indications have been that Roethlisberger and Haley genuinely dislike one another. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported a few weeks back that Roethlisberger had recruited other members of the Steelers’ coaching staff to serve as a “buffer” between him and Haley during games. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed that on Sunday, noting that quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner left his usual position in the booth toward the end of the year to work from the the sideline and keep the peace between Roethlisberger and Haley.
Haley has been with the Steelers since 2012, and Roethlisberger publicly ripped him in his first season on the job. It would appear that the relationship has only deteriorated in recent years despite the results on the field being positive.
Haley’s contract is reportedly expiring this offseason, so it will be interesting to see if the Steelers let him walk.
