The Cleveland Browns are benefiting in a big way from the feud between Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley, which ultimately resulted in the offensive coordinator being fired from his post in Pittsburgh. As you’re likely aware, Haley is now Cleveland’s offensive coordinator, which made offensive tackle Joe Thomas very happy.
On Tuesday morning, Thomas was a guest on ESPN’s First Take. He talked up his new coordinator, while at the same time taking a moment to shade Big Ben.
“He’s a great offensive mind. He’s really smart, he’s demanding, he’s creative. The only teason he got fired in Pittsburgh was his interpersonal problems with Ben Roethlisberger” – @joethomas73 on First Take on #Browns hire of Todd Haley as OC
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) January 23, 2018
Ah, you gotta love the hatred between these two AFC North rivals.
That said, it’s hard to dispute what Thomas is saying here. After all, despite some questionable decisions by Haley and Mike Tomlin in the Divisional Round, there’s no doubt the offensive coordinator is one of the league’s best. The Steelers ranked no worse than No. 7 in total offense the past four years running. While it’s true the Steelers are loaded with talent, a lot of that has to do with Haley’s abilities as a playcaller and game planner, too.
We may never know the exact reasons why Roethlisberger and Haley couldn’t get along. But it’s clear the Steelers fired Haley because of that rift, rather than anything having to do with his abilities as a coordinator.