Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley has not yet agreed to interview for the Arizona Cardinals' head-coaching position because he wants to determine their level of interest and avoid putting his current job in jeopardy, according to sources familiar with Haley's thought process.
"He's taking it real slow," one source said. "He wants to make sure the Cardinals know what they want before he considers leaving one of the best jobs in the world."
Haley embraces the Steelers because of his father, Dick Haley, the team's long-time scouting director. Todd Haley was the Cardinals' offensive coordinator when the team went to the Super Bowl with Kurt Warner as quarterback in the 2008 season. The Cardinals requested permission to interview Haley about his interest in returning to the franchise Thursday.
Despite criticism from Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger over the team's offensive philosophy, Haley values the position he has and feels his partnership with head coach Mike Tomlin has been productive.
Although the Steelers missed the playoffs, Haley embraces the challenge and believes Pittsburgh is positioned to achieve success.
Haley left the Cardinals following the 2009 season for his first head-coaching job with the Kansas City Chiefs under GM Scott Pioli. He led the Chiefs to a 10-6 record and an AFC West title in his first year, the greatest single-season turnaround in franchise history.