Todd Haley Discusses Relationship with Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers OL on Pat McAfee Show

Joining the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley discussed his relationship with Ben Roethlisberger and the quarterback’s current play.

While Haley acknowledged that their relationship was tenuous at times, he did say they had a “good relationship.”

“I was coming in, replacing a really good friend in him with Bruce Arians, but there was a definite job that had to be done,” said Haley.

As for Roethlisberger’s current play, Haley is not sure the 39-year-old fully trusts his reshaped offensive line.

“To me right now with the Steelers, does he trust these guys in front of him? It’s a whole new group, a new offensive line coach, a new center for the first time in how many years since he had (Maurkice) Pouncey, I mean those are all big items,” said Haley. “What I’m seeing is Ben needs to trust those guys up front right now and if he can … then they have a chance to play good football.”

Roethlisberger has been under contact duress this year and last, and as a byproduct of that pressure, is having to get the ball out faster than ever.

Haley took credit for Roethlisberger’s ability to do that, saying he was hired to change his style of play in an attempt to elongate his career.

“What happened over those six years was Ben got the ball out fast and he appreciated getting the ball out fast to playmakers who then made good plays and he saved a lot of wear and tear so I think it was mission accomplished,” said Haley.

What do you think when you watch Big Ben right now??

"I always root for the Steelers.. Ben gets the ball out as fast as anyone & it just looks like he doesn't quite trust all the new pieces on the O Line right now" ~@thetoddhaley#PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/uiG3CDoLU9

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 23, 2021

Haley served as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017, overseeing the best statistical seasons of Roethlisberger’s career.

Roethlisberger passed for 24,486 yards and 164 touchdowns during their time together in Pittsburgh.