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One week, Ben Roethlisberger is being given a diploma after graduating from college. The next, he's being handed a new playbook from offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

"I joke and say that my final paper for Miami on Tibet was a lot easier than the Rosetta Stone we're doing now here," Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last week.

The Steelers quarterback might have been showing off with the reference to the the ancient hieroglyphic stone (and not the computer software that helped swimmer Michael Phelps learn some words in Mandarin), but you get the point of the punchline. Of what he's seen of Haley's complicated offense so far, Roethlisberger estimated it's 90 percent different than the one run by former Steelers coordinator Bruce Arians.

What should never change is the foundation of the Steelers' attack -- and that is Roethlisberger. Haley is the new playcaller, but this is still Roethlisberger's offense. As long as he's able to stand on two feet -- which has been a challenge at times after taking so many hits -- Roethlisberger should be slinging the ball 30 times per game to Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Heath Miller.

If the Steelers want a top-10 offense, they have to throw the ball. The three teams that averaged over 30 points per game last season were pass-first offenses that relied on the arms of Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady.

If the Steelers want to remain an annual playoff contender, their offense has to revolve around Roethlisberger. The top five passing teams in the NFL last season -- New Orleans, New England, Green Bay, Detroit and New York Giants -- all advanced to the postseason and two of them met in the Super Bowl.

There was talk this offseason that Pittsburgh needed to get back to Steeler football and run the ball more. Who said this -- Art Rooney II or Ray Lewis? Because taking the ball out of Roethlisberger's hands only helps the defense.

Haley has proved to be extremely adaptable in his last two NFL stops. As the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, he installed a run-heavy offense with running backs Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. As the offensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals, he put together a pass-happy attack with Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston.

It doesn't take an ESPN analyst like Trent Dilfer to realize that the Steelers' personnel resembles the Cardinals more than the Chiefs. The Steelers have one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL and a handful of young receivers who can fly all over the field. Pittsburgh is also going to be without its starting running back (Rashard Mendenhall is recovering from knee surgery) and doesn't have a Pro Bowl fullback like Vonta Leach. There really should be no mystery in how the Steelers will attack defenses this year.

"Steelers fans and coach [Mike] Tomlin and the Rooneys apparently thought [Arians] was throwing the ball too much," Roethlisberger said last week. "But yesterday in Coach Haley's office, we were talking about using the no-huddle and throwing the ball and how much we have to use our weapons."

The Steelers have yet to line up as a full team this offseason, but you can imagine what they will look like on offense when they do. It should be three wide receivers split out wide and a single back behind Roethlisberger. The idea is to spread out defenses and keep them on their heels with the no huddle.

Haley won't be afraid to put the offense on the shoulders of Roethlisberger. He did it with Warner in Arizona. In 2008, the Cardinals had the highest called-pass percentage in the league at 66.1 percent, according to ESPN Stats & Information's Allison Loucks.

The Steelers were never that one-dimensional under Arians, although it seemed like that at times. Last season, the Steelers called passes (includes sacks and scrambles) on 58.7 percent of their plays , which was 11th in the NFL but still under the league average of 59.4 percent.

The change from Arians to Haley was more than retooling the scheme. It's about getting into the end zone. There was no excuse for the Steelers to rank 12th in scoring in 2009 and 2010. And there was really no excuse for them to rank 21st this past season. Pittsburgh only averaged 20.3 points per game in 2011 and scored over 30 points three times.

Haley has to know the pieces are in place for a top-notch offense. Roethlisberger, who threw for more than 4,000 yards in two of the past three seasons, is proof of that. He can go deep to Wallace, hit Brown over the middle or find Miller down the seam. There are more options with speedy Emmanuel Sanders and veteran Jerricho Cotchery.

Perhaps one tweak is getting Roethlisberger to get rid of the ball quicker. The Steelers already took steps to reduce the hits on the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback by drafting offensive linemen in the first two rounds. The biggest loss on offense, outside of Mendenhall, was the release and eventual retirement of wide receiver Hines Ward. This should allow Roethlisberger to take on a larger leadership role.

So, Roethlisberger's first challenge is to understand the "Rosetta Stone" playbook. His ultimate one is to take a good offense and make it a great one.

Had Todd Haley remained the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, the selection of Dontari Poe may not have worked.

But the Chiefs are now Romeo Crennel’s team, and that’s why taking Poe at No. 11 in the NFL draft on Thursday might be a shrewd move for a team that has missed by taking defensive lineman high in the draft in the past decade.

Poe is a classic example of the long NFL draft process. He wasn’t considered a top pick when the massive Memphis defensive tackle entered the NFL draft. However, after he stole headlines at the NFL combine in February, he became a projected top-five pick. That happens when a 6-foot-3, 345-pound man runs a 4.98 40-yard dash and bench presses 225 pounds 44 times. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Poe is the only player over 330 pounds to run a sub-five second time since 2006.

However, after Poe put himself in the spotlight, teams closely dissected him and saw a player with immense ability that didn’t always show on the field against marginal competition. It was alarming and it still is.

“I’m still waiting for Poe to unleash the fury,” ESPN analyst Jon Gruden said moments after the Chiefs made him the pick.

This is what ESPN analyst Todd McShay had about Poe last week:

“I see the workout numbers, and I found myself wanting and waiting and wishing and hoping is what I keep saying. Every single play I watched from Memphis just hoping that he would make a big play. He will disrupt and he'll be involved in some plays, but for a guy that you're talking about potential top 10, top 12 pick, I just didn't see the production, and I just didn't see a guy who understands and has a great feel for the game, and that's not to say he won't develop, and he very well may, and one day he may be a junior Haloti Ngata. But Haloti Ngata coming out was a much better football player than Dontari Poe is right now, and that scares me, and that's why I've dropped him to where he is as the third best defensive tackle, somewhere in kind of the middle range … I've got him at 19 overall in the class.”

In the days leading up to the draft, there was talk that Poe’s lack of consistent game film would override his off-the-charts ability, and he’d be picked in the 20-25 range. However, the Chiefs took another swipe at a defensive lineman early in the draft. Bypassing a safe pick such as Stanford guard David DeCastro, the Chiefs went boom or bust with Poe.

The decision to take Poe is understandable. The Chiefs, who had an outstanding free-agency period, do not have many holes. If Poe fills the nose tackle position as the team hopes he does, the Chiefs will be one of the most talented teams in the NFL and a real playoff threat. According to ESPN Stats and Information, last season Kansas City had one sack, two batted passes and three tackles for loss by its nose tackle -- and that was from the aging Kelly Gregg, a free agent.

The Chiefs hope to get better production out of Poe than they have from other defensive linemen they've taken in the first round of recent years. The team took Ryan Sims at No. 6 in the 2002 draft and he was a terrible bust. In 2008, they took defensive end Glenn Dorsey at No. 5 and in 2009 they took Tyson Jackson at No. 3. Both Dorsey and Jackson remain in Kansas City, but they have not been impact players.

Yet, they have improved in the past two years under Crennel, who became the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator in 2010 before taking over for Haley. I think Crennel is a key to the Poe pick.

Crennel is known as one of the best defensive line coaches in NFL history and he is known for getting questionable motors to start.

Poe may have a new best friend in Crennel. He is nurturer and he believes in his players. We saw the impact Crennel had on the entire Kansas City roster. The players loved the difference between the impatient and often caustic Haley and the calm, encouraging Crennel.

If think Crennel will motivate and teach Poe. Haley would have berated him and goaded him. I have a feeling Poe may respond more positively to Crennel’s approach. Crennel will teach him to become an NFL player and use his natural ability. Remember, this kid started high school as a drummer in the band. He is still raw.

Crennel has the patience and expertise to make Poe a good player and get the most out of this pick. If not, it will go down as another swing and miss on the defensive line in Kansas City.

Breakdown: Tony Gonzalez is coming back to Kansas City in Week 1. In his first meeting against his former team, the superstar tight end will try to ruin the opening game of the permanent Romeo Crennel era.

The Chiefs have an interesting stretch after their Oct. 21 bye. They host Oakland on Oct. 28 and then play in a prime-time game at San Diego four games later on Nov. 1. After a long layoff, the Chiefs are back on prime time in their lone Monday night game -- in Pittsburgh on Nov. 12. The Chiefs will face former head coach Todd Haley, who is now the Steelers’ offensive coordinator.

Then, the Chiefs have three straight home games, against Cincinnati, Denver and Carolina before playing three of their final four on the road.

Complaint department: The Chiefs’ schedule has two trouble spots. Playing back-to-back prime-time roadies at San Diego and Pittsburgh is not ideal. Having one home game in the final quarter of the season is challenging as well. The Chiefs must enter the final stretch is good shape.

Berry-Johnson meeting: There will be some juice involved in the Chiefs’ Week 2 trip to Buffalo. Kansas City star safety Eric Berry suffered a torn ACL when he was hit by Stevie Johnson in Week 1 last season. Berry has openly questioned the hit. Johnson has denied that it was dirty. Expect emotions to be high.

Chiefs Regular-Season Schedule (All times Eastern)
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 9, Atlanta, 1:00 PM
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 16, at Buffalo, 1:00 PM
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 23, at New Orleans, 1:00 PM
Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 30, San Diego, 1:00 PM
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 7, Baltimore, 1:00 PM
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 14, at Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 28, Oakland, 4:05 PM
Week 9: Thursday, Nov. 1, at San Diego, 8:20 PM
Week 10: Monday, Nov. 12, at Pittsburgh, 8:30 PM
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 18, Cincinnati, 1:00 PM
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 25, Denver, 1:00 PM
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 2, Carolina, 1:00 PM
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 9, at Cleveland, 1:00 PM
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 16, at Oakland, 4:15 PM
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 23, Indianapolis, 1:00 PM
Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 30, at Denver, 4:15 PM

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter addressed the two most talked about issues of the Steelers' offseason so far: the future of wide receiver Mike Wallace and the relationship between quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

In his mailbag, Schefter writes that the Steelers are vulnerable to losing Wallace and it's not by choice. Pittsburgh might be forced to put the first-round tender on Wallace instead of the franchise tag because it's $11 million over the salary cap. He named the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers as teams who might sign Wallace to an offer sheet.

"That team can load up that contract with a big roster bonus that would count against the Steelers' salary cap this season," Schefter writes. "If Wallace signs an offer sheet that contains a $20 million roster bonus, the Steelers are left with two choices: they can match the offer sheet, keep Wallace and then have to cut $20 million worth of players; or they can decline to match, lose Wallace and get that cap space along with a first-round pick."

In terms of the AFC North, I see Cincinnati as being a more likely destination than Baltimore. Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome made it sound like the team wouldn't be pursuing restricted free agents.

“There’s going to be some restricted free agents that we would like, but is it going to be worth giving up a significant amount of cash and cap and a draft pick?," Newsome said at the Ravens' season-ending news conference. "When you deal with that double-whammy, even though the rules have been relaxed, you just go, ‘Nah, no, I wouldn’t do it.’ That’s just my philosophy.”

Schefter also made an interesting point on the report that says Roethlisberger and Haley have finally met. In the video, Schefter says no one should put all the blame on Haley for not calling Roethlisberger. "There have been plenty of players over time who have called coaches to welcome them," Schefter says.

Schefter added, "But this is a relationship that would be surprising if it didn't work out."

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and new offensive coordinator Todd Haley have finally met, multiple sources told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Yes, the most anticipated meeting of the NFL offseason -- I'm calling it the Steel City Summit -- reportedly did occur, although not much is known about it. The Post-Gazette reported that Roethlisberger and Haley met, sat down and talked "recently" and couldn't say definitively whether it was Tuesday or not.

But the details aren't important. The fact that the two most important people involved with the Steelers' offense spoke is important. Very important.

You can laugh about the drama and say that this issue has been overblown. What can't be overstated is that Roethlisberger and Haley need to establish a working relationship, and the sooner the better for the Steelers. This isn't to say that Haley and Roethlisberger need to be buddies and grab lunch at Primanti Brothers each week. But in order for the Steelers' offense to click, the quarterback and the offensive coordinator need to be familiar with each other.

This first step is a big one because you know it was big for Roethlisberger. He was close with former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and wasn't happy when the Steelers decided not to renew his contract. He spoke out about his apprehension about being yelled at, something that Haley is known to do. And he had been described as being "discouraged" by the lack of communication with Haley during his first two weeks as coordinator.

After Roethlisberger worked closely with Arians for five years, you could sense that he was starting to get concerned about all of the unknowns that came with the change.

"I've heard a lot of things [about Haley] and I'm looking forward to meeting him and forming my own opinion," Roethlisberger said last week.

As the Post-Gazette pointed out, coaches and players can't discuss strategy or playbooks until April 16 under the new collective bargaining agreement. Even if the rules didn't exist, no one expects Roethlisberger and Haley to break down route combinations or three-step drops in February.

Before they can get to the point of talking about the vision of the offense, Roethlisberger and Haley had to sit down face-to-face first. The drama is over, but the challenge of installing a new offense still lies ahead.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he hasn't spoken with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, and ESPN's Mark Schlereth sees no problem with that.

"You would have liked for them to touch base," Schlereth said. "In the overall scheme of things, once they get together working, it's really not going to matter."

Haley was hired by the Steelers two weeks ago, when he replaced Bruce Arians as coordinator.

To reiterate my thoughts from earlier today, the fact that a quarterback and offensive coordinator didn't speak in February will not affect what happens in the season opener in September.

What is newsworthy about this is Roethlisberger has made it public that he is eager to talk to Haley and the offensive coordinator hasn't responded with a phone call. Haley has never been known as a player-friendly coach, and this drama hasn't done much to change that perception.

The biggest challenge is developing a working relationship between a strong-willed coordinator and an established franchise quarterback.

Haley is an in-your-face type of a coach who is known for yelling at players on the sideline. “We’re not into sensitivity,” Haley said at his introductory news conference.

In his radio interview, Roethlisberger made it clear that he doesn't think coaches should yell at quarterbacks.

"The quarterback position is not one where you want to do a lot of screaming to, because he's kind of your leader and the guy that has to be clear-minded," Roethlisberger said. "So, I've been yelled at. It's not fun to be yelled at. I don't think anyone likes it."

ESPN NFL Insider John Clayton talks about Ben Roethlisberger's reaction to the Steelers' hiring of Todd Haley, franchise tags, Peyton Manning's status, Robert Griffin III's pro day and more.

Ben Roethlisberger has yet to meet new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, the Steelers quarterback told a Pittsburgh radio station Tuesday.

At the very least, it's odd that the franchise quarterback and the team's new playcaller haven't exchanged pleasantries or a text (here's a suggestion: "We shud plan 2 meet. BB") How Roethlisberger and Haley work together will be among the biggest storylines for the Steelers this season. So, this is a peculiar start.

Roethlisberger and Haley don't have to like each other for the Steelers' offense to click. But they do have to learn how to communicate with each other, which might be an issue considering the personalities involved.

Haley is an in-your-face type of a coach who is known for yelling at players on the sidelines. “We’re not into sensitivity,” Haley said at his introductory news conference.

In his radio interview, Roethlisberger made it clear that he doesn't think coaches should yell at quarterbacks.

"The quarterback position is not one where you want to do a lot of screaming to, because he's kind of your leader and the guy that has to be clear-minded," Roethlisberger said. "So, I've been yelled at. It's not fun to be yelled at. I don't think anyone likes it."

Roethlisberger added, "But you get as much if not more out of me if you just talk to me, whether I screw up or do good. Just talk to me so we can work through my reasoning instead of getting yelled at."

Roethlisberger's message to Haley: Don't raise your voice at a two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback. But, knowing Haley's track record, it's going to happen at some point, right?

Roethlisberger did address Haley's vocal coaching style. "If he's as good of a coach as we've all heard, then I think he'll learn how to coach each guy individually and get the best out of each guy," he said.

In the end, this will work out because Roethlisberger and Haley both are experienced professionals. Will Roethlisberger be as close with Haley as he was with Bruce Arians? No. But Roethlisberger and the Steelers' offense will put up better numbers because Haley is the better coordinator.

The first step is sitting down and talking.

With the offseason in full swing, let's take a look at one major question facing each AFC North team as it begins preparations for the 2012 season:

CINCINNATI BENGALS

For the Bengals, this is not just a leading question but a yearly one: Will Cincinnati spend money in free agency?

The Bengals have made several right moves to win back the city's football fans. They're coming off a successful draft and have two first-round picks this year. They didn't raise ticket prices and lowered several of them. Now, Cincinnati has to be aggressive in filling holes on last year's playoff team, which is the most convincing way to show everyone that the organization is committed to winning.

The incentive and opportunity are there for the Bengals to be proactive in free agency. Cincinnati carried more than $15 million of unused cap money from last year and has $60 million to spend. Only three teams (the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) have more cap space. With 20 players headed to free agency, the Bengals can keep the ones they want and upgrade at running back, wide receiver and guard.

If the Bengals do decide to spend, they could come away with several notable free agents such as Raiders running back Michael Bush (if he isn't given the franchise tag), Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem and Ravens guard Ben Grubbs. Cincinnati also has the cap room to re-sign kicker Mike Nugent (or put the tag on him), safety Reggie Nelson and defensive end Frostee Rucker. All signs point to the Bengals building on last season's surprising success.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Who will be the starting quarterback in 2012?

This is a leading question that's been asked before nearly every season since the Browns returned to the NFL in 1999. This represents a big offseason for team president Mike Holmgren to back up his reputation for being an astute evaluator of quarterbacks. The names that would bring the most hope to the struggling franchise are first-round prospect Robert Griffin III and intriguing free agent Matt Flynn. It would be deflating if the Browns' top choice at quarterback ended up being Colt McCoy once again.

The Browns can get RG3 if they want him, but it likely will come at a hefty price. The only way to ensure getting the consensus No. 2 quarterback in the draft is trading up from No. 4 to the St. Louis Rams' spot at No. 2. RG3 is a tantalizing talent because he's smart, fast, strong-armed and highly competitive. Another option is signing Flynn in free agency, although there will be other teams interested in him (namely the Miami Dolphins). Flynn wouldn't have much transition with the Browns, who run a similar system as the Packers. The concern is whether Flynn is this year's version of Kevin Kolb or Scott Mitchell.

Cleveland could wait to address the quarterback position with its second first-round pick (22nd overall) or in the second round, where Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill might be available. The fallback option is McCoy, who failed to win the starting job in his first full season as a starter. He will be given a chance to compete for the starting spot, but he seems pegged for the backup position. Until the Browns find a franchise quarterback, they will always be looking up at the Steelers and Ravens from the bottom of the division.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

What will the linebacker group look like next season?

Linebackers have long been the foundation of the Baltimore defense, from Ray Lewis to Peter Boulware to Adalius Thomas to Bart Scott to Terrell Suggs. Age and free agency will force some important decisions about the future of this group. Only Suggs is assured of being with the Ravens beyond the next couple of years.

Two starters -- outside linebacker Jarret Johnson and inside linebacker Jameel McClain -- are unrestricted free agents. The Ravens had hoped Sergio Kindle, their top pick in the 2010 draft, would have been ready to take over Johnson's starting spot by now. But a fractured skull during his rookie season (he fell down two flights of stairs) has made him a nonfactor. Baltimore has to decide whether Paul Kruger can hold up against the run so the team doesn't have to re-sign Johnson, who turns 31 before the start of the season. McClain might be another Scott, a former undrafted rookie who established himself as a starter and goes on to land big money elsewhere. It could be a risk to replace McClain with Dannell Ellerbe, a career underachiever.

While Lewis plans on coming back for his 17th NFL season, the Ravens have to start thinking about the eventual replacement for the soon-to-be 37-year-old linebacker. Baltimore has been heavily linked in the first round to Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict, whose intensity reminds many of Lewis, but he comes with character issues. Finding the heir apparent to Lewis is key for what should be a new-look linebackers group.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

How much of an impact will new offensive coordinator Todd Haley make?

The initial impact has been drama, and it goes beyond who actually hired Haley to replace Bruce Arians. Haley said the Steelers are going to start with "a clean slate," and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger expressed his concerns about starting over. This is before Haley and Roethlisberger even met. Ultimately, Haley will be judged in two areas: putting up points and protecting Roethlisberger.

The biggest criticism of Arians' offense was the lack of scoring. The Steelers' rankings in terms of points scored the past three seasons were 12th (2009), 12th (2010) and 21st (2011). Where Haley has to elevate the Steelers is inside the red zone. In his two seasons as the Cardinals' offensive coordinator, Arizona's red zone offense ranked third in 2007 and ninth in 2008. Too often, Arians forgot about running the ball and throwing to tight end Heath Miller when Pittsburgh got inside the 20-yard line.

The Steelers' ability to score points is reliant on the health of Roethlisberger. It was evident last season that Pittsburgh's offense slowed down when injuries slowed down Roethlisberger. Haley won't fix the Steelers' offensive line in one season, but he can tweak the timing of the passing game. His offense in Arizona relied heavily on three-step drops and getting rid of the ball quickly. This will reduce the amount of hits on Roethlisberger, who showed he can work in a quick-hitting passing game when he played New England last season. The Steelers can't make a Super Bowl run if Roethlisberger is limping again.

The Pittsburgh Steelers introduced Todd Haley as their offensive coordinator at a news conference today, but there are questions that remain since it ended.

Just as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ron Cook pointed out today, it will be interesting to get head coach Mike Tomlin's full take on the situation one day. Was Tomlin the one who actually hired Haley? Did he even want to hire Haley?

Tomlin introduced Haley at the news conference. "I was really impressed by him," Tomlin said. "Needless to say that we are extremely excited about him joining our efforts here as offensive coordinator."

Read into that what you will. There's still a perception that Tomlin wanted to keep Bruce Arians as the Steelers' offensive coordinator and it was team president Art Rooney II who wanted to make this move. Rooney was the one who called Arians to inform him that his contract wasn't going to be renewed.

So, naturally, there is a perception that the Haley hire was forced upon Tomlin.

"He clearly brings intangibles we really value," Tomlin said. "I talked to a lot of people and did a lot of research, and I was impressed by his résumé but also his love for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That was really unique to me. I always will be attracted to guys who have an appreciation for the Pittsburgh Steelers and legitimately embrace the standards that are ours."

Haley did say he spoke to Tomlin multiple times about the job before being hired. He still hasn't talked to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

“There’s an uncomfortable aspect to newness," Haley said. "But that’s not always a bad thing. It will be a great thing in this case."

Perhaps the best comment from Haley came when he addressed his coaching style, which has led to him screaming and yelling at players.

“We’re not into sensitivity,” Haley said.

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially announced the hiring of Todd Haley as their offensive coordinator.

Here are three reasons why this was the best possible move for the Steelers:

1. Familiarity. Many assumed the Steelers were going to promote from within like they've done in the past. But Haley is a part of the Steelers' family in many respects, which is why I like this addition so much.

Haley was the offensive coordinator for two seasons (2007-08) in Arizona under Ken Whisenhunt, who was Ben Roethlisberger's first offensive coordinator. So, Haley can bring a system that should lead to a seamless transition for the Pittsburgh quarterback.

2. Flexibility. Haley's track record shows he can adapt his system to the personnel, which is the best compliment you can give an offensive coordinator. In Arizona, he capitalized on Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald to produce a top-five passing attack for two years.

When he became head coach in Kansas City, Haley oversaw the NFL's top-ranked running game in 2010 with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. I'm really intrigued in seeing what Haley can do with Steelers receivers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown.

3. Attitude. Haley replaces Bruce Arians, who is considered a player's coach. Arians was really close with Roethlisberger. I believe a player's coach can get his team to play hard for him, but it doesn't always work in every situation.

When the Steelers decided to replace Arians, they should go to the other extreme. That's what they did with Haley, who has been known to yell at players and likes it when they yell back. Last year, Haley and quarterback Matt Cassel had to be separated by fullback Le'Ron McClain during a sideline argument. This is the type of edge that this Steelers offense needs.

“I am excited about the opportunity to come back home and work for a tremendous organization,” Haley said after being announced as Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator. “It is an honor to work with the Rooney family and coach [Mike] Tomlin and continue the success that has become synonymous with the Steelers. My father [former Steelers director of player personnel Dick Haley] has so many fond memories both from his playing days and his time in the personnel department with the team, and I look forward to helping bring more championships to Pittsburgh and to being a part of one of the storied franchises in the NFL.”

Todd Haley's hiring as the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator comes after the Arizona Cardinals decided against offering an equivalent role to him.

My initial thought: Haley's pull-no-punches approach to motivation worked well when he was with the Cardinals previously, but how might Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger respond? After all, Roethlisberger was reportedly upset when management forced out previous coordinator Bruce Arians.

The dynamics could be complicated going into this relationship.

We should remember, however, that Haley and former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner became very close during their years together in Arizona. Also, the well-publicized blowups between Haley and former Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin did not necessarily reflect an unhealthy relationship. They were overblown in some cases.

Haley showed no fear in confronting players when he thought it would get the most from him. Will he take that approach with Roethlisberger? The quarterback position is different from others. Back in early 2009, when the Cardinals were playing Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl, Haley had this to say about what he liked about Warner:

I think that No. 1, his preparation is second to none. I don't know who could prepare more than him. He's into it. He obviously has great ability to throw the football. I think if you had to say one thing that separates him, he’s got unbelievable vision and anticipation and he’s probably one of the better progression passers as far as getting through his complete read. That’s why a guy like Steve Breaston gets 1,000-yards out of nowhere, because of Kurt’s ability to find the open guy. He’s got a lot of great skills as a quarterback and he knows how to use them.

How Haley and Roethlisberger get along isn't a huge concern in the NFC West, obviously. The Cardinals' decision to move forward with Mike Miller as coordinator and receivers coach John McNulty as the likely quarterbacks coach carries more importance. And if that arrangement does not work out, Cardinals fans will wonder what might have been had Arizona made room for Haley in the role of coordinator.

Sans getting another head-coaching job, former Kansas City Chiefs’ coach Todd Haley couldn’t have bounced back any better than he has.

With it looking like he might sit out the 2012 season, Haley -- who was fired by Kansas City with three games left in the 2011 season -- was been hired to be the offensive coordinator by the Pittsburgh Steelers. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen confirmed the story.

Haley was a Steelers’ ball boy while growing up in Pittsburgh. His father, Dick Haley, is a legendary former Steelers’ personnel man. It has been reported that the Chiefs are not honoring the final year of Haley’s contract because they fired Haley with cause. The team has not commented on the report.

So, getting this job might not only help Haley financially, it gives him a chance to revive his career in his hometown.

The Steelers’ job was considered a prime job. Haley, who was Arizona’s offensive coordinator prior to being hired by the Chiefs in 2009, can potentially become a head-coaching candidate again if the Pittsburgh offense flourishes.

Haley is considered a strong quarterbacks coach, and he will have a good student in the form of Ben Roethlisberger. Haley has been known for yelling at players during games, so it will be interesting to see how an established quarterback like Roethlisberger will handle it if the situation arises.

The Chiefs play at Pittsburgh in 2012, which has a chance to be one of the more interesting weeks of the Chiefs’ season.

By the way, of the seven head coaches to be fired during or after the 2011 season, former Oakland coach Hue Jackson is the only one not to get a job elsewhere in the league as an assistant coach so far. NFL.com reported the Steelers talked to Jackson before offering the job to Haley.

The Steelers will hire former Chiefs coach Todd Haley as their new offensive coordinator, a source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

This is an indication the Steelers won't forget about their passing game. In fact, Haley will enhance it.

Before becoming the Chiefs head coach, Haley was the offensive coordinator in Arizona, where the Cardinals had one of the most dangerous and innovative passing games. In Haley's two seasons as Arizona's coordinator (2007 and 2008), the Cardinals passing attack ranked fifth in the NFL in 2007 and second in 2008.

Haley, a longtime wide receivers coach, had Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin in Arizona. He now can duplicate that success with the likes of Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown.

When the Steelers parted ways with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, a report said the move was made in order to shift the offense back toward its blue-collar identity of years past, in line with the desires of Steelers president Art Rooney II.

But Haley's expertise wasn't running the ball in Arizona. The Cardinals ranked in the bottom three in the NFL in rushing during his two seasons there.

Still, when he was the head coach of the Chiefs, Kansas City did lead the league in rushing in 2010.

Don’t expect any timing problems for the AFC Pro Bowl team in the kicking game.

This group will have plenty of chemistry.

The Raiders announced that long snapper Jon Condo made the AFC Pro Bowl team. The game will be played in Hawaii on Jan. 29.

Condo was added as a “need” player. Condo will be joined by Oakland punter Shane Lechler and Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski. This is Janikowski's first Pro Bowl and Condo’s second. Condo is very reliable, and Lechler’s and Janikowski’s success is in part sparked by Condo. Condo is a fitting addition to the roster, and it shows what a special group of specialists Oakland has. Congratulations to all of them. They will be joined in Hawaii by Oakland defensive lineman Richard Seymour.

In other AFC West news:

The Arizona Republic is reporting that former Kansas City coach Todd Haley likely will not join the Cardinals’ staff. He has also talked to the Jets this offseason, but he is not expected to join the New York staff, either.

An Insider piece says AFC West receiver Jonathan Baldwin and Jacoby Ford could be in for good things in 2012.

Either Ryan Mathews or Vincent Jackson will be guaranteed a Pro Bowl spot based on the results of the AFC title game.