Media Day is a circus, but it can be pretty cool for a reporter if you know where to sit. You just don’t have many other chances to speak with general managers and coordinators.
I learned plenty from Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians Tuesday, who was a lot more colorful than I imagined. One year after a false report said he was fired, Arians was soaking in the experience and looking forward to shaving his beard next week.
“That’s what makes you enjoy this week so much: All those times getting your ass kicked,” Arians said in reference to the times he was actually fired as a college coach.
Arians said he doesn’t let the criticism of his playcalling bother him, joking that Pittsburgh is only town in the league where the fans want the team to run the ball more even when they have a great passing game.
“No one sits at home and calls defense. I enjoy listening to sports talk shows myself and I think ‘We really did have a run called, Ben just threw the damn thing,” Arians joked.
Arians lauded the Rooney family, saying he’s never seen anything like them in all his years in football. Real family ownership passed down through generations is becoming rare in the NFL, which is unfortunate.
The familes that have been in the league since the beginning just care more, and that’s why Arians plans to be a Steeler for life.
“I’ll end my career as a Steelers because this is going to be my last job. I don’t have to worry about it. I can retire,” Arians said.