Big Ben wants to play 3 more years

[ATL_Predator+ 1,196]

A year after making it clear that he’d entered the Brett Favre year-to-year phase of his career, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger apparently has decided to make a longer commitment to the game of football,

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Roethlisberger has told teammates that he wants to play at least three more years.

Roethlisberger has a contract through 2019; the Steelers presumably would want him to stick around beyond that, assuming he’s still playing at a high level. He turns 36 in early March.

So why the sudden change? There’s apparently a link to what seems to be the impending departure of offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Bouchette suggests that Roethlisberger’s retirement musings from last year following a loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship may have been sparked by “some biting words” from Haley the day after the game.

Although a concerted effort was made to ensure that Roethlisberger and Haley would get along (or at least appear to get along) after the Steelers “retired” close Roethlisberger friend Bruce Arians in early 2012 and hired Haley, the relationship between Roethlisberger and Haley by all appearances has become strained. With Haley’s contract expiring and no extension in place, Roethlisberger’s willingness to stick around indefinitely may definitely be aimed at ensuring Haley gets “retired,” too.

 

Ironic how Ben comes out and says this today... after Haley gets fired

 

[JetsFan4Life 542]

Welp I thought Ben would retire after this season. Looks like that won't be the case but we'll see if the Bell situation changes his tune.

[seanbrock 1,684]

Ben is too much of a competitor to let it end like it did against the Jags. I think he knows he has a shot at another ring with that team. It's just very unfortunate that Shazier is done (at least I hope he doesn't try to play). Guys like that don't grow on trees.

[Zack_of_Steel+ 3,014]

He should only agree to come back if Tomlin is gone too. Save your body the strain of wallowing in mediocrity with a team stacked with talent.

[Sarge+ 3,436]

Haley is out. Tomlin on the hot seat for 2018.

[Vin+ 3,121]

 

Steelers promoted QBs coach Randy Fichtner to offensive coordinator.

This was the expected move after the Steelers let Todd Haley's contract expire. Haley and Ben Roethlisberger seemed to detest each other, while Ben apparently has a strong relationship with Fichtner. A Steelers assistant since 2007, Fichtner had served as QBs coach since 2010. He knows the offense inside and out. Neither personnel nor scoring points were a problem in 2017. Although Haley remains somewhat underrated as an offensive mind, Roethlisberger and company shouldn't miss a beat under Fichtner.

Source: Jeremy Fowler on Twitter