Pretty much since the moment he arrived in Pittsburgh, Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley has been a lightning rod for criticism amongst Steelers fans.
Those who make a weekly habit of criticizing Haley will get to enjoy the luxury for at least two more seasons.
In a very under the radar move, Haley has had his contract extended through the 2016 season, according to reports. The Steelers are expected to make an official announcement in the upcoming days.
While under Haley’s tutelage the Steelers offense struggled for the most part during his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, finishing 21st and 20th in yards per game in each season, the Steelers offense exploded in 2014 under Haley’s guidance.
During the 2014 season, the Steelers finished second in the NFL in total offense and many of the Steelers weapons flourished and had their best season’s to date.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who clashed with Haley early on in his tenure, is coming off his best season of his 11-year career, setting a career-high in yardage (4,952) and tying his career-high for touchdown (32), while throwing only nine interceptions.
Running back Le’Veon Bell established himself as maybe the best all-purpose back in the NFL, rushing for 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns while catching a franchise-record 83 passes for 854 yards.
Then there is wide receiver Antonio Brown, who led the NFL in both receptions (129) and yardage (1,698) while catching 13 touchdowns.
With those three back in the fold for the 2015 season and other weapons like rookie wide receiver Martavis Bryant back on the Steelers offense, it only makes sense that Haley returns as well.
It may not be the popular choice among many Steelers fans, but coming off the season that they did, bringing back Haley is the right move.
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