Bires: Busy off-season for Steelers, and it's only three weeks old

Bires: Busy off-season for Steelers, and it's only three weeks old
Posted: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 8:35 am
By Mike Bires

Twenty-two days ago when Mike Tomlin predicted change, he didn't imagine the chaos he's already encountered in the Steelers' off-season.

He needs to find a new offensive coordinator to replace Bruce Arians.

On Monday, he had to persuade linebackers coach Keith Butler to turn down the chance to become defensive coordinator in Indianapolis.

He may have to find a new running backs coach to replace Kirby Wilson.

He must also deal with disgruntled quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Last week while in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, Roethlisberger said he was so upset over the way Arians was pushed out that he demands a meeting with team president Art Rooney II.

"When I get back, I'm going to go up to Mr. Rooney's office and ask him what he wants from me, what he wants from this offense, because I think that's a viable question for him," Roethlisberger told Shawn McCullough, a reporter for the Radio Pennsylvania Network.

No doubt, Roethlisberger will soon meet with Rooney. As the highest-paid player in franchise history, he's earned the right to meet with the boss. But nothing significant will come from that meeting.

Arians is gone. He's now the new O.C. in Indianapolis. And even though he's the most important player on offense, Roethlisberger will have little to no say on who Tomlin hires to replace Arians.

In the last week or so, Rooney II has been ripped by some in the media for his role in Arians' dismissal. He's been accused of meddling. He's also been accused of wanting an offense geared more toward the run.


(Read More:) http://www.timesonline.com/columnists/sports/mike_bires/bires-busy-off-season-for-steelers-and-it-s-only/article_013242c2-4c11-11e1-9600-0019bb30f31a.html

The written word can be twisted and I have learned not to put too much stock in any reporters spin on an interview. I do not even give much credence to "edited" video interviews. I saw Ben's interview and listened to the audio twice and this is not the impression I got. Sure he said he would like to meet Rooney but nowhere in the interview did he voice any anger or display any disgruntled feelings. I do believe the media will not be happy unless this blows up.

riccosuavez wrote:

The written word can be twisted and I have learned not to put too much stock in any reporters spin on an interview. I do not even give much credence to "edited" video interviews. I saw Ben's interview and listened to the audio twice and this is not the impression I got. Sure he said he would like to meet Rooney but nowhere in the interview did he voice any anger or display any disgruntled feelings. I do believe the media will not be happy unless this blows up.

It's amazing how easily people seem to get caught up in it, too.

riccosuavez wrote:

The written word can be twisted and I have learned not to put too much stock in any reporters spin on an interview. I do not even give much credence to "edited" video interviews. I saw Ben's interview and listened to the audio twice and this is not the impression I got. Sure he said he would like to meet Rooney but nowhere in the interview did he voice any anger or display any disgruntled feelings. I do believe the media will not be happy unless this blows up.

I keep seeing articles that make it sound like Ben is going to storm into Rooney's office and tear him a new ass for getting rid of Arians. But all of Ben's quotes deal with discussing the future of the offense, which is a completely understandable conversation to have with Rooney since he's the one who wants the change.

Spin it any way you want. BA is gone and we're moving forward. The media has their own agenda especially during the down time.