The Facts: Following up on an ongoing story. ... Former OC Bruce Arians has confirmed that the “retirement” the team announced last week was actually a departure forced by the team. And he says Ben Roethlisberger is not pleased.
Diehards Line:Arians says Steelers owner Art Rooney II didn’t offer him a contract for the 2012 season and wouldn’t tell him why. ... Meanwhile, Arians and Roethlisberger have always had a strong coach-player relationship, and they’re friends and neighbors. Arians said Roethlisberger is upset that someone new will be coming in to run the offense. “He’s not happy, but that’s part of the business,” Arians said. “He is happy for me. He lives around the corner and we’ll still see each other a lot. The phone is always there when he needs me. ..." Roethlisberger made it clear earlier this month that he wanted Arians to remain this season. Ownership clearly didn't, reportedly due to their desire to get back to a more run-oriented attack. We'll see how that sits with Big Ben when Arian's successor is hired.