State of the Steelers: January 28, 2012

Former Steelers Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians during happier times. 

It's only been two short weeks since the Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 season ended, but it feels like a lifetime to fans who base their entire world around the team from August-January each year.  Steelers fans have endured in these two weeks:  the "retirement" of Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians, the fallout from that move, the retirement of longtime Steeler DL Chris Hoke, the pending retirement of DE Aaron Smith, the Ben Roethlisberger - Bruce Arians saga, and the tortured wait of fans who know the other shoe is about to drop on many of their longtime heroes.

The Bruce Arians "retirement" was fishy from the start.  When Coach Mike Tomlin made the announcement on January 20th, it was a shock but not a surprise to Steeler Nation.  Although Arians offenses had been effective for the past five years, his strategy and play calling has been questioned for what seems like ages.  Arians then confirmed that he wasn't offered a contract (let go, in other words) and decided to retire in an interview with the York Daily Record.  Now that we all know the facts behind the move, it is pretty obvious that Arians was forced out of the job and had no say in the matter.  The Steelers have been playing down the "forced out" part while searching for their next Offensive Coordinator.

While the Steelers search, other teams have scooped out most of the available talent that could have been brought in from outside the organization.  Todd Haley seems to be heading to Arizona to join Pittsburgh-West, Brian Schottenheimer signed on to be the new Offensive Coordinator for Jeff Fisher in St. Louis, and Jim Caldwell seems to not have any desire to coach in 2012.  The Steelers still could look at Green Bay QB Coach Tom Clememts - who held that same job with Pittsburgh a few years back - or try to keep it in house with current QB Coach Randy Fitchner.  Offensive Line Coach Sean Kuglar has publicly stated he has no interest in the position.

Whomever the Steelers choose will have to improve on the Arians regime, which could be a tough job.  I would expect the new Coordinator to employ a power running game along with the current passing game in place.  The Steelers need to concentrate on protecting Roethlisberger, and if improving the O-Line isn't an option, using a solid running game and play-action passes should at least save Big Ben from a few hits.

More on this story as it unfolds.......

Chris Hoke and his family shortly after the former Steeler retired.

Chris Hoke retired officially on January 26, beginning what could be a long line out the door for many of the stalwarts of the Steelers defense.  Hoke was a model Steeler for 11 seasons, and will forever be remembered for the unselfish way he handled his spot while here.  He had a few chances to take money and possible starting spots elsewhere over the course of his 11 years, and always choose to stay here in Pittsburgh.  We here at Steel World Order commend Chris Hoke on a job well done, and hope that he enjoys his retirement with his beautiful family.

Bruce Arians is now the Offensive Coordinator for the Colts

The retirement of Bruce Arians lasted almost a full week.  Arians today accepted an offer to become the new Indianapolis Offensive Coordinator, adding more fuel to the speculation that he was forced out of Pittsburgh by the Rooneys.  More on this story as it unfolds this coming week.

The news was originally reported by ESPN.com in THIS ARTICLE.