Report: Relationship between Ben Roethlisberger, Todd Haley worse than ever

Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley have enjoyed great success together since the offensive coordinator joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012, but it does not sound like they will be sitting down for a nice dinner together anytime soon.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Sunday that the relationship between Roethlisberger and Haley is “in as bad of a place as it’s been in years.” That is likely the main reason why the Steelers have not extended Haley’s contract, which is set to expire after the season.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported a few weeks back that Roethlisberger has recruited other members of the Steelers’ coaching staff to serve as a “buffer” between him and Haley during games, and Rapoport confirmed that. Quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner used to sit in a booth during games, but he now works from the sideline in part to keep the peace between Roethlisberger and Haley.

Haley is expected to be on the sideline during Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars despite injuring his hip in an incident at a bar following the regular season finale. Assuming Big Ben plans to keep playing in 2018, you have to wonder if Haley is on borrowed time in Pittsburgh.