Haley incident a ‘non-issue’ for Pitt
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley says the team told him an incident at a restaurant last weekend near Heinz Field is a “non-issue.”
Haley’s wife Christine was involved in what Pittsburgh police described as a minor altercation at Tequila Cowboy on Sunday night a few hours after the Steelers wrapped up the regular season with a victory over the Cleveland Browns. Haley himself was not involved in the incident, though he did sustain a minor injury at some point during the night.
Haley said yesterday the situation was “not of my doing,” adding the team has assured him it is not concerned about it going forward. No charges were filed.
Haley says his “sole focus” is on the AFC North champions preparing for the playoffs. Pittsburgh will play a to-be-determined opponent in the divisional round on Jan. 14 . . . .
The father of Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier says his son has made significant progress since suffering a spinal injury in Cincinnati last month.
Vernon Shazier told WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh that his is “a long ways from where he was on that Monday night when he was lying on the field.” The extent of his injury has not been disclosed, though Vernon said Ryan has some feeling in his legs.
Staying in-house
Forced to assess the 2017 season far sooner than anticipated, Ravens coach John Harbaugh acknowledged changes must be made for Baltimore to snap its three-year run missing the playoffs.
He will not, however, shuffle the coaching staff.
Harbaugh will fill the void left by the retirement of defensive coordinator Dean Pees, but said yesterday he will bring back offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and attempt to keep the rest of the staff intact unless “guys get opportunities to go somewhere and do some different things.” . . .
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin was added to the Pro Bowl roster to replace injured Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
Dolphins nab ex-Bear
A person familiar with the decision says the Miami Dolphins have hired a former Chicago Bears assistant for the second time this week, giving Jeremiah Washburn the job of offensive line coach.
The Dolphins earlier added former Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains as offensive coordinator . . . .
Alex Van Pelt was the latest assistant to exit the Packers staff after coach Mike McCarthy said his quarterbacks coach followed through on a contractual decision to pursue other opportunities . . . .
The Chicago Bears say they have interviewed Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards for their coaching job.