When Chiefs G.M. Scott Pioli lamented the short stay of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, Pioli avoided commenting on the widespread belief that Weis packed it in after only one year because Weis believed coach Todd Haley is too hard to work for.
Haley seems to realize that he has developed a reputation, deserved or not, of being a bit of a workplace bully, and he likewise seems to be spending as much time as he can in the offseason trying to change the way he’s perceived. The fact that he’s coming off a 10-win season also seems to make him far more willing to talk than he was after a four-victory effort in his first year as a head coach.
And he’s definitely talking.
From the podium during Friday’s media availability at the Scouting Combine, Haley provided a Shakespearean six-minute monologue in response to a simple question -- who’ll call the plays?
On Saturday, Haley has been holding court with the media, including a visit with Cardinals beat writers during which Haley wore his 2008 NFC title ring (he was Arizona’s offensive coordinator) and a “spiffy new ‘do,” which at least is a change from the tuques he perpetually has been sporting in the offseason, which may or may not have something to do with the possibility that more than a few of his hairs have decided to pull a Charlie Weis and part ways with Todd Haley.
Haley’s tactics are painfully obvious. If the media likes him, the media will be less inclined to call him out, even when he deserves it. If he focused as much effort on not deserving to be called out for, say, running off employees, he wouldn’t need to try to suck up to the media.