ESPN Radio reporter: Steelers had 'change of heart' on Arians

[mesaSteeler]

ESPN Radio reporter: Steelers had 'change of heart' on Arians
http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sp...on-arians.html
By: Mike Bires
Beaver County Times

Thursday January 7, 2010 12:00 AM

PITTSBURGH — Ken Laird, a reporter for 1250 ESPN Radio, resorted to damage control Wednesday after learning that his report of Bruce Arians’ demise was wrong.

On Tuesday, Laird reported that the Steelers would fire Arians, the offensive coordinator. That report prompted television stations in Pittsburgh to lead their evening newscasts with Arians’ fate.

As it turns out, Arians won’t be fired.

“Well, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is still around,” Laird said Wednesday night as he opened his daily “Stillers 365” radio show. “As you may know, yesterday I reported what I heard from various sources within the organization that B.A. was going to be let go in the near future.
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“(But) head coach Mike Tomlin has decided to retain Arians … this after a long one-on-one meeting today … Why the change of heart? Because I truly believe that is what happened here.”

News of the Steelers retaining Arians first appeared Wednesday afternoon on the National Football Post Web site.

Arians, 57, has been criticized at times by fans and the media the past two years for turning the Steelers’ once run-oriented offense to a pass-first attack. Despite the criticism Arians has received, Tomlin said, “I accept responsibility for everything.”

[HometownGal]

I call on this one. Laird obviously doesn't like the taste of crow and he's trying to backpedal. Bet he doesn't get much "insider info" anymore and he shouldn't.

[zulater]

I'm certain he just didn't make it up. There was obviously some rumblings within the orginization, and ultimately his premature reporting may have been what saved Arians his job in the end? The Steelers would have come across as classless if they fired Arians after he had already learned of his demise because of an internal leak that made it all the way to the Pittsbugh airwaves.

Anyway hopefully this will serve as a wake up call to BA, and we'll see a better balance on offense, a return of the fullback, no more Spaeth, a return of the screen pass to the offense, and a qb better able to check down and avoid needless hits and sacks.

[Texasteel]

What a load of crap. Maybe he should get his stories someplace other than the Hooter restroom, slipping notes under the divider as he sits on the toilet.

[WeegiesWarriors]

Originally Posted by zulater

I'm certain he just didn't make it up. There was obviously some rumblings within the orginization, and ultimately his premature reporting may have been what saved Arians his job in the end? The Steelers would have come across as classless if they fired Arians after he had already learned of his demise because of an internal leak that made it all the way to the Pittsbugh airwaves.

Anyway hopefully this will serve as a wake up call to BA, and we'll see a better balance on offense, a return of the fullback, no more Spaeth, a return of the screen pass to the offense, and a qb better able to check down and avoid needless hits and sacks.

You won't be getting that. He is what he is.

[BlastFurnace]

Originally Posted by zulater

I'm certain he just didn't make it up. There was obviously some rumblings within the orginization, and ultimately his premature reporting may have been what saved Arians his job in the end? The Steelers would have come across as classless if they fired Arians after he had already learned of his demise because of an internal leak that made it all the way to the Pittsbugh airwaves.

Anyway hopefully this will serve as a wake up call to BA, and we'll see a better balance on offense, a return of the fullback, no more Spaeth, a return of the screen pass to the offense, and a qb better able to check down and avoid needless hits and sacks.

I agree with you. I don't think Laird made it up either. Just like I don't think that Pruisita made up his claim as well.

In either case, I don't mind that Arians is staying. I just hope they tweak the playcalling a bit in the Red Zone.

[revefsreleets]

Sorry...it was garbage, it is garbage, and it will continue to be garbage.

This was ONE guy...he decided to roll the dice and hang it out there and IF he was right, he'd have scooped everybody. THIS is why PFT is dubious as a source, and THIS is why you cannot pay too much attention to unsubstantiated rumors, especially rumors with no sources coming from very low-level know-nothings in the media.

He took his shot and failed...

[Killer]

Just more hack reporters with their "insider" scoop stories wanting their name up in lights

Get a real job

[zulater]

Originally Posted by WeegiesWarriors

You won't be getting that. He is what he is.

Actually I thought we saw a little more of that the last 3 games of the season. I think a big part of Ben's problems is that Arains is too much of an enabler when tough love is sometimes needed. I think that's why Ben disliked Whisenhunt as much as he did, because Whiz put Ben's growth before his feelings.

I'm hoping enough of a scare was delivered to BA that he'll realize he's not there to be Ben's friend and start demanding more of his qb in regards to film study and overall preparation. I really do think Ben's capable of taking the next step to being a great quarterback. i just don't know ( believe really) if BA's capable of being the one to push him to that level.

That's why I believe the retention of Arians was a mistake that will eventually have to be rectified. But probably not before another season falls short of its potential.

Oh well, people sometimes grow. hope Bruce finds it within himself to be the OC the Steelers need in 2010.

[revefsreleets]

Originally Posted by zulater

Actually I thought we saw a little more of that the last 3 games of the season. I think a big part of Ben's problems is that Arains is too much of an enabler when tough love is sometimes needed. I think that's why Ben disliked Whisenhunt as much as he did, because Whiz put Ben's growth before his feelings.

I'm hoping enough of a scare was delivered to BA that he'll realize he's not there to be Ben's friend and start demanding more of his qb in regards to film study and overall preparation. I really do think Ben's capable of taking the next step to being a great quarterback. i just don't know ( believe really) if BA's capable of being the one to push him to that level.

That's why I believe the retention of Arians was a mistake that will eventually have to be rectified. But probably not before another season falls short of its potential.

Oh well, people sometimes grow. hope Bruce finds it within himself to be the OC the Steelers need in 2010.

Is this a joke?