While head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, to say Todd Haley came off as abrasive with some of his players would be an understatement. Despite leading the Chiefs to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth two years ago, it was that relationship with the players (and with GM Scott Pioli) that led the Chiefs to go in a different direction. Haley landed in Pittsburgh as the offensive coordinator, with a Super Bowl winning quarterback and a perennial powerhouse team in the NFL.

As the season winds down, it appears the relationship between Haley and Ben Roethlisberger is on shaky ground. Following their loss to Dallas, Big Ben was critical of the play calling of Haley. Yesterday, Roethlisberger came out and apologized.

”I let my frustrations jump out after a game, I don’t usually do that,” Roethlisberger said. ”Usually, I keep it under control. I was just frustrated with myself and I’ll be better at that.”

Roethlisberger threw an interception on the second play of overtime that set up the game-winning field goal for the Cowboys last Sunday. Afterward he expressed disappointment in Haley’s decision to stay away from the ‘no-huddle’ offense and questions aloud why Haley didn’t feature tight end Heath Miller, who had six receptions for 85 yards in the first half and just one catch for seven yards in the second.

Roethlisberger figures he should have kept his mouth quiet.

”We do have a lot of talks behind closed doors about things, about plays, play calling,” he said. ”If I’m doing something that’s not right on the field, we have talks about everything.”